Integrative Life . Leadership . Wellbeing
Coach | Consultant | Facilitator | Artist | Author | Speaker
Hello Friends...
Since last we connected, I've been healing a stage two ankle sprain after tripping over roots on a New Year's Day hike. Nine weeks later, I'm just starting to drive and am able to go for aided flat ground walks with the help of my husband. It's been a doozie in more ways than one. Photo is from Feb 2024. Sun-bow created by sun shining through tiny ice crystals. Luck shows when we're looking for goodness.
Some positives: I managed to host a booth at a health fair at the YMCA, spoke on a podcast on Creating a Blueprint for Wellness, invited to speak on two more podcasts next month on Resilience During Uncertainty, asked to be guest speaker at my alma mater on Creativity in Coaching, developed a Creative Approaches for Life Enrichment program for seniors, re-discovered the awe of cold-calling as I reached out to pitch this program, registered my business to take HSA/FSA credit cards (yes, please use your health savings account for health and wellness coaching with me), got to stage four in an interview process for a company I'd like to executive coach with, got further along in certification for an expressive arts leader training I've been working on for four years, was blessed by many friends and family who stayed with me and brought food while I couldn't stand or cook, helped new and current coaching clients navigate personal and professional change, enjoyed a few days of snow from the comfort of our living room and cozy fireplace, and felt blessed every day by the support of my sweetheart even though so many of these days were unbearably hard.
Resilience is a process of adjustment and acceptance.
What are you focusing on?
Besides healing... I've been quiet. Even skipped writing the winter Inspiring Nuggets newsletter, for now. I'm still processing the whiplash of change we are all witnessing. To be honest, we also lost a dear friend. So, it's been a lot. Perhaps I've been too quiet on sharing what I feel about what is going on. I hope what I say can be helpful for most.
History repeats itself. Elders know. Those who are still with us remind us. There are plenty of wise elders sharing important data. Read their posts, listen to their conversations. Do your research. Ask good questions.
The pace of dismantling and the unnecessary suffering is honestly a lot to process, disseminate and regurgitate into useful concepts. So... I've been quiet. Although, I knew this dismantling would happen. It's in my book published in 2018. (free resources to cope in times of change below)
In the meantime... I observe and do what I can within my wheelhouse of wisdom and ability. I urge you to do the same and self-care. Do your best. Please.
What's your role when change shifts your role(s)?
Do your best to reduce additional suffering at a time when it feels hopeless for so many. Stay off media and social, delete it if you must. Reclaim your life. Stand up for what matters most.
The truth is everything has a lifespan. A beginning, middle and end. If you are old enough... you've seen the middle and now, the end or what's next-ism. I'm not saying anything earth shattering or new. Perhaps it's direct and honest.
Focusing on "what's next" is more valuable than "told ya so." I'm an independent. I take the path of compassion. Not denial, not procrastination, not blame, not emu-head-in-sand. I choose to focus on what is valuable and good to focus on. What's now, what's next. Standing up for what makes sense to stand up for.
In your speaking and doing... how are you being? Is it useful?
Evolution relies on sharing of ideas and making new changes. We'll need new ways to do things, make livings and thrive after such a hatchet of change.
Nature does nature. It's the same cycle of destruction, creation, destruction, creation. Something good will come... eventually. How long it will take is unknown. But nature prevails. It finds a way to adapt. We will too. Opportunities will arise. Hope is in all ways, always.
What brings you hope?
One of my most cherished mentors Dianne Connelly once told me, "Life is life-ing. Isn't it fascinating?" I do my best to stay curious in light and in darkness. This is resilience.
- Here's a free online course on the From Chaos to Calm Stress Scale to help get through hard times.
- If you need to talk and want a co-muse to manage in times of change, schedule a coaching session with me.
Hugs for those who are hurting and prayers for all. 🙏🕊❤
Many blessings, Annelies
Coaching is a powerful thoughtful creative conversation designed to support curiosity so that you can better explore your present and future, improving wellbeing, overall outlook, perspective and a plan forward.
Coaching is beneficial for your life, mindset, career, wellness and is life-changing. Great news-- coaching is not therapy but it can have therapeutic healing benefits!
Recently a client said, "You’ve changed my life in remarkable ways I didn't realize I needed.” I told her... I didn't change your life, you did. I'm simply a conduit, a mirror to help you see what you can't see, say what couldn't say, and do what you needed to do. That's the power of coaching! Beautiful, transformative, supportive and life-affirming.
Whether you are navigating personal or professional transitions, from mid-life to end-of-life... I'll help you through various shapes of change from beginnings to endings and all in between. We'll address stress, overwhelm, and grief associated with change and spark ideation to breath life back into life again.
I help you slow the busy brain, so you can focus, and accept where you are, so you can think clearly to take next steps forward. Learn more about coaching with Annelies here.
Leaders, budding leaders, reluctant leaders, soloprenuers and people "on their way to something else" -- love coaching with me to embrace change, and lead with courage, creativity, wellbeing and grace.
Yes- your HSA and FSA can cover coaching with me.
Yes- most HR has funding for professional development. Just ask.
Yes- I offer a sliding scale for those in a compromised financial situation.
No, it's not expensive. The value of your personal freedom, sanity and wellbeing is worth it! Here's a special to get you started!
Explore with a guide you trust. Will you join me?
From Chaos to Calm :: Leading Change From the Inside Out is a quiet call to wake up to our individual and collective role and responsibility in solving our most pressing 21st century problems by cultivating resiliency at the personal level first. This "blueprint for resilience" is part personal story, part philosophy and part guidebook, you'll learn useful nuggets for life, leadership and well-being. To regain a sense of peace with what is, even in chaotic times, we need to begin within.
Conduit for Change, LLC
Email: annelies@conduitforchange.com
Website: www.conduitforchange.com
Phone: 919-345-8396