Just me, George Costanza and our never colliding worlds

I’ve been thinking a lot about where I receive encouragement lately.  I tend to turn to a small group of close friends when it comes to my “solve the problems of the world” conversations – also known as my life – or for sharing my personal wins and achievements.  But for a number of different reasons, my usual group of confidants weren’t available recently when I was seeking to reach out.

Now, I have to admit that I am fortunate to have circles of many good friends.  Some I see at coaching groups, others in my church, in my spiritual groups, in my workplace and I’m sure in a few more circles that aren’t coming to mind right at the moment.  But one thing is common, rarely do these circles interconnect.  My coaching friends are my coaching friends.  My church friends are my church friends.  Like George Costanza on the TV show, “Seinfeld”, apparently I don’t like my “worlds” colliding!

I had been in a powerful group coaching call about beliefs (check out www.vickimcleod.com if you are ever interested in any kind of group, personal or professional coaching – she is simply AMAZING in this work!) and was having one “aha” moment after another.  But when it came time to actually talk to someone to verbally process some of my thoughts I went through my “solve the problems of the world” group and mentally checked them off one by one.  No one was available.  So, uncharacteristically of me, I reached out into another circle and had a conversation that was insightful, warm and supportive.  Oh wow, I felt so supported!

Later that same week when I was celebrating a win, I again reached out into a different circle and once again, I was amazed at how many people took the time to respond to my post and celebrate my win with me.  But it wasn’t just the typical ‘way to go Kath” comments, it went on in the form of encouragement to continue on my path and a deepening in our relating to each other in our sharing. 

I’m now looking at how I can bring my circles a little closer together and maybe even overlap them a little – like the Olympic rings – and wonder what powerful relating, support and encouragement will emerge for all of us.  I can’t wait to find out!

With warmth and encouragement,

Kathy

If my pants can stretch, why can’t I?

I was at a workshop yesterday that really stretched my way of thinking about my soul purpose; what I am here to offer this world.

Well, let’s be honest, first of all I had to come in for a landing on what my purpose is but with a little bit of help from some friends I came up with a first draft: my purpose is to encourage and empower others.  I say “first draft” because it wasn’t good enough.  “Encourage and empower others? Oh come on, give me something that I can sink my teeth into; something important”, I thought.  “I empower and encourage people every day without even thinking about it.”  Those who know me well are also very familiar with my relationship with resistance and believe me, Resistance and I were going toe-to-toe on this one.

But that is when Vicki McLeod, one of our workshop facilitators stepped in and asked me three questions: “What is the impact when you encourage and empower others, Kathy?  “They share their gifts with the world”, I answered.  “What is the impact when people share their gifts with the world?”  “It makes the world a better place.”  “So you encouraging and empowering others helps make the world a better place?”  Busted!

Up until now I had always associated “purpose” with “career” and it finally occurred to me that my purpose isn’t necessarily my career (it may be for others).  It also “clicked” in my mind that to disregard my purpose as unimportant is really to be disrespectful of our divine creation.  Good thing that today is Sunday; I’ve had some explaining to do.

So if my jeans can stretch to encompass all that I am, perhaps my mind can also stretch to encompass the knowledge that my purpose is indeed more than “good enough”.

What is your purpose?

The First Step

A deep breath and the first post in a new adventure in the world of online communication.  All done with the help and encouragement of some very dear friends; both of the human and four-pawed variety.

More to follow but for now, hello and welcome to this space where mutual encouragement and respect is as comfortable as ... well, as comfortable as a snooze in your favourite chair.