Coaching: My Second Career

Six years ago, on impulse, I attended a full-day workshop on coaching. I didn't know what coaching was about but I decided after hearing the presenter, Dr. Ben Dean of MentorCoach, to sign on.

What about coaching drew me to it?

I had reached the stage in my life when I could look beyond the walls of my home and office for satisfaction. My vision had suddenly expanded and I wanted to contribute to the world-at-large.

Midlife presents a challenge and an opportunity, depending on our attitude and actions. I was experiencing a sense of emptiness as my children were leaving home and I didn't know what to do. What did this feeling mean? What need of mine was not being met? I decided that this feeling might signal a new opportunity.

I got this idea from a picture book.

Emma tells the story of an elderly woman whose children visit her periodically and generously bring her the gift of a painting of her home town. But the picture is not the way Emma remembers her home. So she resolves to fix it. She purchases paints, painting supplies and an easel and begins to paint. She loves it so much that she keeps painting; not only pictures of her home town but other domestic scenes as well. The book has a lovely, ironic ending and is most likely based on the life of Grandma Moses.

I am not as old as Emma/Grandma Moses but the transition this woman experiences is one with which I identify. I knew six years ago that I had a calling I had yet to realize. I wanted to translate my life experience into a useful endeavor. Coaching has enabled me to do that.

When I coach a client I use my intuitive knowledge in addition to my coaching skills. On the one hand, without the extensive training that I've acquired, I know I could misuse my intuition; I'd be giving advice and following my agenda but my clients would not benefit. They have plenty of people who can advise them. Instead, by funneling my intuition through the lens of coaching, I'm able to help my clients access their own strengths and intuition. I leave the sessions feeling thrilled to be part of this process.

I have now completed all the requirements, including classwork and intense supervision, as well as passed the extensive oral and written exams mandated by the International Coaching Federation. I am a Certified Life Coach.

My adoption of a new career has helped me appreciate rather than lament the passage of time. I've learned that each stage in life brings gifts, if we choose to open them. It means taking a chance and stepping out of our comfort zone.

I'm glad I did.