Finally, Autumn has arrived! Here in the desert, we are not quite into the cooler weather, but we are getting some glimpses of it! I always laugh when I hear myself saying, “we will only be in the 90’s this week.” I know the 90’s may seem hot to most folks, but after 4-5 months of temperatures well over 105 degrees, the 90’s seem like a cold spell!
As we transition from the long, hot days of summer to the shorter, darker days of winter, there is a sense of slowing down and going inward. Watching the trees lose their leaves, we might feel inspired to take a look at what needs pruning in our own lives. What can you let go of in order to create space for something new? Embracing change and following the flow of nature is a healthy way to align yourself and stay in harmony.
Recently, I have been feeling the need to go inward. As many of you know, I received my health coaching certification 4 years ago. This was going to be my “transition” career as I headed into retirement. However, I struggled with finding direction. Because I am so passionate about health and nutrition, I wanted to do it all. One on one coaching, webinars, workshops, online summits….I was like a kid in a candy shop! I had the vision yet I lacked the clarity on how to get there.
Hoping to gain some direction, I recently attended a business conference in California. Although this was a bit out of my comfort zone, I was determined to stay open and take it all in. It can be so easy to feel a sense of overwhelm at events like this. Right off the bat, I noticed that I had brought all the wrong clothes! Seriously, what was I thinking?? I swear everyone there looked like they just stepped out of a fashion magazine! If that wasn’t bad enough, they all seemed to be doing so well in their businesses!! Talk about overwhelm…I was knee deep in it! All I wanted to do was pack my bag, head to Tucson and get back into my comfort zone! Have you ever had that feeling? Running away instead of facing your fears? It is not easy to just sit and be present with uncomfortable feelings.
Well, I am happy to say I did not leave. I put the blinders on and stopped comparing myself to others. I chose to face my fear. I know that when I dare to open up and be vulnerable, amazing things start to happen. This simple act creates the momentum for opportunities to present themselves in ways that we may never have thought possible.
And, that is exactly what happened. On the last day, I connected with Jennifer, a health coach whose online summits I adore. We chatted and I started to get clarity on what my future looked like. My mind was buzzing with new ideas. I felt a sense of confidence (despite my ugly clothes!). Yet, I still didn’t know how to get from point A to point B. After another lengthy conversation with Jennifer, I realized she had the knowledge and experience to help me make the leap. I decided to hire her as my business coach. This was a tough decision because there was a part of me that felt a sense of failure because I had not been able to do this on my own. I had built a successful massage practice so why would this be any different? As I sat with my thoughts, I realized that asking for help is not a sign of weakness or failure. It is quite the opposite. It is having the confidence to know what you want and enlisting the help of others to accomplish that goal.
We all have a unique purpose in life. If you are struggling with something, know that the answers will come when you are ready to receive them. Get comfortable with the unknowing. Go inward and embrace your feelings. Perhaps this is where the answers have been all along!
P.S.
I met with a stylist last week….looks like I need a wardrobe coach as well 😉
