I recently heard a woman mentioning a new phase in her life, a move, as “daunting,” “worrisome,” “nerve-wracking,” and “difficult.”

I heard her statements that reflected her truths.

I heard her comments that predicted her future.I heard her expression of sadness.

I heard all her words. But I’m not sure she heard them.

What about reuniting with old friends gives us an insight into personal growth?

Reunions inform us about how we currently perceive ourselves.  

I find it remarkable how just when we think we have everything under control, life throws us a setback.

The word “setback,” feels as though you are moving backward from your goal, vs. forwards. You might interpret a setback as the world saying, “don’t get too comfortable, stay on alert!”

Ever look at the irony of how the pain in practicing a new skill or behavior compares to the bliss in seeing its beautiful outcome? Most people I know don’t love spending an inordinate amount of time and energy working at becoming comfortable and proficient with something new. In our world today, everyone seems to be in a hurry to attain mastery.

The other evening, I was spending time working on a project. After a while, I felt I had hit a wall. My mind was crowded with many thoughts that inhibited my ability to freely think and create. I acknowledged at this point that I needed to stop. So, I closed my laptop and decided to wait until the next day to resume.

When children are asked to try a new activity, they often dive in headfirst. While they may experience some trepidation, they feel more excitement, anticipation, and glee. Adults on the other hand are significantly more skeptical when it comes to trying something new.

Working towards a goal is not always a simple process. Let’s face it, there are times when people feel impatient or frustrated if the journey becomes challenging. So, what to do at those moments?

There is a difference between planting a seed and moving the needle during a time of transition: one is the formation of an idea, and the other is the action that carries it forward. Both are beneficial for growth.

Some people go through life without finding meaning in their actions. Whatever “is” just is, and that is accepted. Others live with intention and connect their efforts to a sense of purpose. Usually this leads to greater overall life satisfaction. This sense of purpose and meaning affects all facets of life: professional and personal.

Safety, security, and a sense of calm. We all want these things. When our sense of order is turned upside down, it’s not easy, and yet we cannot control all life events. My family experienced our own unforeseen event last week when my 88-year-old mother took a very bad fall and broke her hip. Of course, I feel the gamut of emotions over this event: sorrow, fear, and compassion.

I like to think of my sixth sense as my second voice — my intuition. This voice knows me better than anyone. It is familiar with my experiences, interests, thoughts, fears, and goals. I know it is always there, and I’m aware when it is quiet, and when it is loud. In progressing through life, we can access our intuition to help guide and support us. It can help with the big and small life decisions we make. It truly is our trusted ally.

Have you ever noticed that when one thing breaks, it seems like so many other things start breaking, too? It is almost amusing (although at first annoying!) how I suddenly seem to have many appliances that need repair in our home. We are currently dealing with a misbehaving dishwasher, a faulty refrigerator, spotty WIFI connection, and uneven air conditioning. Granted, repairing appliances are small obstacles compared to the greater challenges facing the world today.

The other day I read a message from a colleague who wants to figure out a new mission for her business that in her words would “make me cry.” Even though she has accomplished a great deal with her career already, this is something more that she is seeking at this stage in her business. Her thoughts inspired and impressed me, as I had never heard someone say before that they want their work to bring them to tears! I began wondering about my own mission and what it would look like if brought to an even deeper level.

For Mother’s Day I received a beautiful gift from my family. For the next year I will be receiving a weekly email from a company with a surprise question for me to respond to. Each inspiring question asks me to reflect on some aspect of my life, my past experience, and my future ideas. At the end of the year, all of my responses will be compiled in a book for me to pass down to loved ones in years to come.

It is difficult celebrating happy events when things around us are sad and in flux. This past week, there were birthdays, Easter and Passover traditions, anniversaries, pregnancies, births, and opportunities, at the same time as there has been sickness, fear, and death. Life always brings a mixed bag of good times and bad, but the present pandemic has magnified this reality.

One of the questions I ask in coaching is “who has inspired you in your life?” My clients’ answers uncover their own values and life philosophies. It is helpful to tune into the people you admire as they serve as reminders of the path you want to set forth for yourself. Today I am reflecting on my late sister who inspired me to embrace a mindset of facing life with joy and courage.