I’ve been mopping floors, cleaning bathrooms, and having quiet times again. I know it sounds gross…how could you not do those things? But when you’re in the weeds of taking care of a newborn, everything besides nursing and diaper changes feels like a luxury.
A few months ago, my friend, whose kid is a year older than mine, talked about all her rhythms of life and I thought, there’s no way I will ever be able to do those things! But if I just waited a few more months, I would realize that sleeping through the night really is a game-changer for capacity.
Sometimes all we need to make significant changes in our lives is to wait for the next season to come. But sometimes we also benefit from having someone who believes in us to coach us towards meeting our goals. I have a coach, Jen Lowe, who helps me make positive changes in my life on a regular basis. I sensed my capacity was growing because of the change in parenting responsibilities, but I was still getting stuck in knowing how to make those changes. Jen helped me talk through my internal and external barriers to getting some of those healthy rhythms back in my life. She helped me turn theoretical values into tangible plans.
But mopping floors and having quiet times is not the only thing my coach has helped me grow in. There are other things I never thought I could do that I am now finding myself doing. For many months I’ve been talking to Jen about my desire to grow in assertiveness. I’ve been working on a couple ministry teams with men who have CEO-like personalities. Instead of just doing whatever they tell me to do — as has been my life-long tendency — I’ve been stating my opinions, saying no to things I disagree with, and contributing as a real partner. These things may sound as simple as mopping floors, but if you know me, this is a BIG deal! Growing in my confidence and ability to be assertive is helping me offer the best version of myself in spaces where it really matters.
Being coached by Jen has been a big reason why I’ve started my own coaching business, and why I coach regularly in my ministry context in InterVarsity. Sometimes we can sense the seasons shifting, and we need help knowing how to grow into new capacities. Or we know we can offer more to others, but we aren’t sure where to start or how to change deeply-rooted habits. A great coach can help you get unstuck and see your deepest values turn into consistent practices.
Is this a shameless plug for coaching? Absolutely. AND I also want to celebrate the big and small things I see God doing in me. Because, my floors really do need mopping. And my voice really does need to be heard. And those things don't just happen on their own.
If you’re interested in being coached, check out my “coaching” tab on my website or let me know, and I can connect you to a network of coaches to find the right fit.
What little and big wins are you celebrating right now? What things are you telling yourself that you could never do, but you wish that you could?
I love this Kelly! And I love coaching too!
Keep at it Kelly! You are doing amazing! You have a great coach in Jenn!