Finding my peace

I am so amazed at how completely untethered and out in the wilderness I feel these days, as it relates to career or job security, as I once knew it.  I say that somewhat "tongue-in-cheek," realizing that "Life Coach" is slowly becoming a readily accepted, mainstream "job" these days, and yet it feels nothing like a job or a career to me. What I do have, and treasure, is my freedom and the peace that comes with surrendering to a Higher calling - to a life of service.  My life, as my dear friend Bill once predicted it would be, is all about "asking questions and telling stories."  God has given me certain gifts - a big heart that feels things deeply, a great capacity for caring and compassion, an ability to empathize with and relate to people, an ability to articulate and communicate love powerfully, courage to share myself openly and honestly with others, the ability to sit in the middle of emotionally charged, complex situations and "see what's really going on," and some amazing energy and stamina.  I am immensely grateful, and yet I understand the responsibilities that come with these things.  In exchange for these gifts He has requested that I serve the people He brings to me by reminding them of their own unlimited capacity to celebrate their lives, to discover and express their own unique gifts, and to richly serve others and the world.

This is my life choice - to serve this calling based purely on faith, and to accept whatever challenges show up in the face of my own fears.  Those fears can be daunting and some are common to so many of us - like the fear of not being able to meet significant financial obligations and responsibilities in the midst of a difficult economy.  For me, it can feel especially challenging when I don't "charge fees," but instead leave my "compensation" in the hands of those served, to the extent they feel served.  This feels like lunacy at those times when I'm most scared, like when a college tuition payment is due, or when I talk with Anne about us having another child.  One of my biggest fears is that by openly communicating this calling I will show up to others as arrogant, condescending, delusional, self-righteous, or just seriously weird.  That is exactly why I am deliberately communicating it to you - to overcome my fear of my own power and responsibility in the world.  In our coaching relationships I invite so many of you out there to own your power and responsibility, whether in your marriage, your family, your community, or your work.  I invite you to take risks and to "show up" in your lives, following your heart.  What kind of coach would I be if I didn't walk my talk on this subject and put myself out there to you?