So as I launched my consulting agency, one of the things I get asked most often is how I became a coach. From side commentary, it appears that some people are really unhappy with what they do or the work situation they are in. There are others who aspire to be their own boss....and for most, it's somewhere in between. I hear exasperated sighs of, ”I wish that I could that.” What I hear when I have these conversations is, ”if I could rule the world for one day or just be my own boss then I would be so much happier.” So, I was all prepared to tell people all about my exciting adventure into #BeingMyOwnBoss, #LadyEntrepreneurs, #WomenInBusiness...but the conversation inevitably ends up with me sharing my story. I actually don't mind sharing because it's part of why I became a coach. I have this innate sense of commitment to wanting to help create better spaces for people who aren't happy. I remember one Saturday, a few years back, I made a list of dream jobs that had absolutely nothing to do with what I was trained to do. On that list were wedding planner, photographer, elementary school teacher and food truck chef - with a focus on bananas. I kid you not, I have a whole Pinterest board dedicated to banana food recipes. I think my husband thought I lost my mind (because I am not really that great of a cook) but I was dead serious. I also convinced him once that I wanted to move to St. Croix and ”teach from the beach.” He is always up for the conversation, but always asks too many logical and logistical questions to which I respond...details, details! So in a nutshell, life presented me with an opportunity that I couldn't pass up. I was at the perfect time in my life, with circumstances that allowed me to make decisions...something I have never had the opportunity to do. Now, I completely get it. Not everybody gets this opportunity. Not everybody is positioned in a place in their life where they can take advantage of this kind of opportunity. I was tripping into the unknown and it was very uncomfortable. It's a space somewhere between courage and crazy with a dash of adventure. It's definitely not for the weak of heart. I had spent my entire 30-year career working in a trajectory that led me to a leadership position that I always aspired to be in. I was happy and stressed out, but happy. Yet what I found was what most people seek and can't find and that was work-life balance. It's terribly discombobulating when you can't have it all. I was torn between a career that I loved and a life that I was missing. I was putting work over family and in my heart that was not OK. But, I also wasn't willing to throw it all away and retire to the island just yet. So what to do? I had a chat with the mister and his response was not full of the logical questions this time. He simply said, ”I just want you to be happy.” What?! Really?! Well, ok then. I told him that I wanted to be a full-time Leadership Consultant with an emphasis on becoming a Certified Gallup Strengths Coach. He had no idea what that really was and after I answered a few questions, he was all on board. Then, I dropped the bomb... I wanted to take a coaching course in London. He chuckled and said, ”of course you do!” Could I have taken the course in the US? Yes, but where is the fun and adventure in that? So, just remember, it's never too late to reinvent yourself. You are a bucket full of talent, skills, and unrealized potential. There is no right time. There is no rule book for your life. You get to create the life you want. Follow your heart and passion... happiness is probably not that far behind. Do you hear that? It's London calling!
