“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”
If you want to create anything new, be it a new chapter in your life, a new business, product, service, or result…
You must step out of the follower’s shoes and embrace the mindset of a leader.
This shift in perspective can transform your life in an instant.
Embrace the Path, Not the Plan
Understanding that life is not a plan you manage and control, but an ongoing path you surf through, is crucial for personal growth.
When you let go of rigid expectations, you free yourself from the constant cycle of disappointment that often comes from unrealistic goals.
Research has shown that unrealistic expectations can lead to chronic disappointment and stress, impacting mental health and overall well being .
Control vs. Acceptance
Living life by focusing on what you can control versus what you cannot significantly impacts your self efficacy and confidence.
According to psychological studies, individuals who concentrate on controllable factors tend to have higher self efficacy and better coping mechanisms.
This shift not only enhances your sense of empowerment but also increases your ability to navigate challenges effectively.
3 Practical Steps to Shift Your Perspective from Victim to Creator:
1. Recognize Your Mode: Victim or Creator?
When encountering a hurdle, ask yourself:
“Am I in victim or creator mode?”
The victim mindset focuses on blame and helplessness, while the creator mindset emphasizes responsibility and solution finding.
This shift in questioning helps you move from feeling stuck to taking proactive steps.
Another way to recognize your mode is by recognizing the way you approach life:
Is EVERYTHING happening to you?
Or are YOU happening to everything?
The first one is a self victimhood mindset, the second one is the self empowerment mindset.
There are few things you can do to shift your mode:
Identify Your Thoughts: Pay attention to your inner dialogue when you face a challenge. Are you blaming others or feeling helpless? These are signs of the victim mindset.
Reframe the Situation: Shift your perspective by asking what a creator would do. For example, instead of thinking, “This always happens to me,” think, “How can I solve this problem?”
Take Responsibility: Focus on what you can control. Acknowledge your part in the situation and identify actionable steps you can take to improve it.
Practice Gratitude: Shift your focus from what’s going wrong to what you can appreciate about the situation. Gratitude helps to reinforce a positive and proactive mindset.
2. Define Your Purpose, Values, and Vision
Becoming crystal clear about your purpose, values, and vision is essential to maintain your direction as a creator.
This clarity acts as a compass, guiding you through life’s uncertainties and keeping you aligned with your true goals.
Engaging in self reflection and writing down your core values and vision can solidify this foundation.
Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you.
Consider your passions, interests, and the activities that make you feel fulfilled.
Then, document your purpose, values, and vision.
This can be in the form of a personal mission statement or a vision board.
Break down your vision into short term and long term goals.
Ensure these goals align with your core values.
Periodically revisit your purpose, values, and vision to ensure you are still on the right path.
Adjust as needed to stay aligned with your true self.
3. Cleanse Limiting Beliefs
Limiting beliefs are the invisible chains that hold you back from achieving your full potential and put you back into the victimhood mindset.
Identifying and challenging these beliefs is a critical step towards stepping into your creator state.
Techniques such as cognitive restructuring, mindfulness, and positive affirmations can help cleanse these limiting beliefs.
Here is how to recognize and restructure a negative belief by yourself:
1. Identify Limiting Beliefs: Pay attention to negative thoughts that surface when you think about your goals. Common limiting beliefs include thoughts like, “I’m not good enough,” or “I don’t deserve success.”
2. Challenge These Beliefs: Question the validity of your limiting beliefs. Ask yourself if there is evidence to support these thoughts or if they are based on past experiences or fears.
3. Replace with Positive Affirmations: Create positive affirmations to counteract your limiting beliefs. For example, replace “I’m not good enough” with “I am capable and deserving of success.”
4. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness exercises can help you become more aware of your thoughts and prevent negative beliefs from taking over. Practices such as meditation and journaling can be very effective.
Andrew Cheffings is one of the coaches that we found this month and we did a little interview with him. He impressed us with his honesty and wisdom.
He is a multifaceted professional whose journey into the realm of coaching is as diverse as it is inspiring. With a background in Community Music and Visual Art Education, his career took a transformative turn during the pandemic when a personal health revelation led him to discover the impact of psychophysiologic disorders.
He, armed with a wealth of knowledge as a clinical hypnotherapist and mindfulness teacher, embarked on a mission to not only heal himself but also help others struggling with chronic pain, anxiety, and compulsive behaviors.
His innovative coaching style is a unique blend of clinical hypnosis, mindfulness, and Pain Reprocessing Therapy, offering a holistic approach that mirrors his own experiences. By using these techniques daily, he provides clients with insights and tools to manage their high alert states, recalibrate their mind and body connection, and achieve lasting relief from physical and emotional discomfort. This empathetic and practical approach sets him apart, empowering clients to continue their healing journey independently. Here is what he said.
Meet Life Coach Andrew Cheffings:
Name: Andrew Cheffings
Pillar: The Spirit, The Mind, The Heart
Who is this coach for: Anyone who wants to recalibrate their mind and body connection, and reduce and eliminate the physical and emotional discomfort.
How they can help: By using various tools and techniques like psycho education, inner child healing, exercises from Pain Reprocessing Therapy, hypnotherapy, and mindfulness, just to name a few.
First of all, how are you and your family doing after these Pandemic times?
The Pandemic changed a lot.
I had to leave my part time job and the choir I used to run was unable to continue.
But this was minor compared to what many went through, I think.
How did the coronavirus pandemic affect your clients? Did it affect you at all?
I started seeing clients during the pandemic so that was the background to who I was seeing at that time.
Generally, the pandemic intensified client’s symptoms as it intensified their high alert states.
One chronic pain symptom I developed during the pandemic was chronic shoulder pain, which made sleep difficult.
I was researching psychophysiologic conditions at the time and the ‘Curable’ App worked wonders on my shoulder!
What are the biggest lessons that you learned in this pandemic?
Mainly that there are all sorts of possibilities in the world that I wouldn’t usually even think of, and that things I wouldn’t have thought of doing before can be just as fulfilling as my usual activities, which have often functioned more as a comfort blanket, really.
The pandemic moved me out of my comfort zone, opening me to new activities and possibilities.
The Origin:
Tell us about you, your career, how you started with your coaching career?
I have had a very varied career.
I started with Community Music work and Community Music Education work.
Following further training, I added Community Visual Art and Education work.
At the same time, adverse childhood experiences had left me with lots of unexplained symptoms which caused many difficulties for me at work.
Finally, during the Pandemic, I had some investigations in the local hospital and found that I had psychophysiologic disorders.
I was already trained as a clinical hypnotherapist and mindfulness teacher, so I did further research and training, and worked on my own symptoms as I developed a practice working with others effected by psychophysiologic disorders (such as chronic pain, chronic anxiety, phobic and compulsive behaviours…).
What was your biggest obstacle that you had to overcome in your life that made you who you are today?
I wouldn’t say ‘overcome’, more learned to ‘manage’, and find different ways around my psychophysiologic disorders.
The most difficult of these was a wide range of different chronic OCD symptoms relating to my childhood experiences.
Learning to calm down my brain has made a huge difference to my life, allowing me to be more fully involved involved in a wide range of different social activities.
The Coaching Style:
How do you innovate with coaching your clients?
Basically, I use a blend of clinical hypnosis, mindfulness and techniques from Pain Reprocessing Therapy.
Because I use the techniques on myself on a daily basis, I am able to work in a mirroring sort of way with clients, and insights emerge as a result.
What’s unique about your coaching approach?
My unique life experience, which gives me understanding and tools for working with clients who feel stuck in high alert states leading to all sorts of chronic pain, anxiety, and compulsive and phobic behaviours.
What benefits do your clients get after working with you?
I aim to help clients get their high alert state down, to recalibrate their mind and body connection, and reduce and eliminate the physical and emotional discomfort they feel.
They should also have the tools they need to continue the healing process more independently.
Do you use any specific tools to be efficient with your clients?
If you had a super megaphone that, when you speak into, the whole world will hear your message, what would you say?
Now you can give yourself the love and support you maybe didn’t always receive, so you can calm, value, support, and heal your own mind and body.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned in your life?
That I am with the whole universe all the time.
And I can breathe with the whole universe, or any part of it that I want to, and feel the support of that.
Your final thoughts?
The Buddhist concept of ‘Emptiness’ is really useful.
Once you take away the web of stories we tell ourselves, all that is left is a great well of flow and endless possibilities…
Where Can You Find Andrew Cheffings?
If you liked this interview and if you would love to get your high alert state down, to recalibrate your mind and body connection, and to relieve from pain, go to https://relaxandflowhypnotherapy.co.uk and see how coach Andrew can help you do that.
And if you’d like to connect more personally with him, you can do that through LinkedIn, Facebook, or by sending him a direct message on his Email [email protected]. It was an honor having this interview with him.
Ioannis Kyritsis is one of the coaches that we found this month and we did a little interview with him. He impressed us with his experience and intelligence.
He has over 20 years of experience in Psychotherapy, NLP, Counseling, Life and Business Coaching, and Occupational Guidance. His journey is one of constant learning and adaptation. This dedication to personal and professional growth is evident not only in his ongoing education but also in his innovative, human centered approach to coaching.
His unique ability to tailor strategies to each client’s individual needs is what sets him apart. By fostering a trustful and collaborative environment, he ensures that every client receives personalized guidance, whether through mindfulness techniques, cognitive flexibility exercises, or transformative workshops. This tailored approach, combined with a profound commitment to helping others, has made him a beacon of support for those seeking to overcome personal barriers and achieve self actualization.
He is completely dedicated to learning and improving. His mission is deeply rooted in his own life experiences, having battled and overcome personal demons to reinvent himself. This personal journey fuels his passion for aiding others, providing clients with the tools and support necessary to navigate their own challenges. As clients emerge from these coaching experiences, they find themselves equipped to break through obstacles, harness their inner strength, and continually evolve, both personally and professionally. Here is what he said.
Meet Life Coach Ioannis Kyritsis:
Name: Ioannis Kyritsis
Pillar: The Spirit, The Mind
Who is this coach for: Anyone who wants to unleash their inner divinity and achieve their goals in life.
How they can help: By using various tools and techniques varying from the GROW and SMART model, to thinking and behavioral exercises, just to name a few.
First of all, how are you and your family doing after these Pandemic times?
I have to say that I feel blessed.
Μy family and I are doing fine, considering the hard times we passed during the pandemic period.
It was very challenging and we had to re compass ourselves into the new data which were on a constant transformation, creating an environment of insecurity.
How did the coronavirus pandemic affect your clients? Did it affect you at all?
The coronavirus pandemic had a huge impact in almost every human being in one way or the other.
Our clients have been affected as well and they started showing signs of insecurity and fear for the present state and the future.
Anxiety and distractions derived from the pandemic had a significant effect on people’s personal and professional lives.
There was an increased demand for support and guidance to deal with health challenges and career changes, while most of the sessions were transferred in a virtual environment.
The clients sought for ways to increase their adaptability and psychological resilience so as to cope with the everyday changes and stress.
It was quite hard for most people since new strategies had to be found in order to create new opportunities in a constantly changing environment.
The need for support in the fields of well being and mental health was increased and it was of primary priority to find the ways to realign themselves in an effective way.
The pandemic affected me professionally in the most challenging way, due to the fact that new approaches had to be discovered or practiced, so as to be in a position to help my clients in the best way possible.
New action plans had to be designed, different goals had to be set in a large scale and differentiated coaching sessions had to be put into motion to support and accommodate the clients’ new situation.
It was a period of personal alignment for me through study, new approaches and practices.
What are the biggest lessons that you learned in this pandemic?
The biggest lessons I’ve learnt during the pandemic are associated with the human element and more specifically the complexity, resiliency, awareness, potential and dynamic of the human nature.
I have been trained a lot more into the factors that are linked with phases of intense stress and anxiety, while realizing the numerous ways that a human mind can be addressed and aided.
The power of adaptation and flexibility is not only present but of a high level and everlasting.
As a result, many people succeeded in finding the ways to thrive under these difficult circumstances, by highlighting the importance of mental health in their lives.
By seeking guidance and support, they managed to bring balance to their personal connections and relationships.
We were all taught the necessity and importance of boundaries so as to achieve productivity and preserve our mental health.
We have been trained a lot more to emphasize on our health, to understand the importance of it and to express our everyday gratitude, for everything that seemed to be taken for granted up to that point.
The Origin:
Tell us about you, your career, how you started with your coaching career?
I am involved in Psychotherapy, NLP as a Master Practitioner, Counseling, Life and Business Coaching and Occupational Guidance.
My course of study extends for more than 20 years and I am happy to share that I am still evolving, participating in courses and acquiring new knowledge.
Apart from learning and keeping myself up to date with the latest innovations in the field, I realize that everything is changing around and inside of me, in the most positive way!
My career is following the same path, constantly advancing with new collaborations and wonderful people entering my life, for both professional and academic reasons.
I like to see it and I am grateful to acknowledge that this is a phase of my long and challenging journey towards my self actualization.
I have surely covered some distance but a lot more remains to be discovered and I am eager to find out what lies ahead.
The drive that activated me towards the direction of coaching and the other fields, was my deep desire to help other human beings and contribute positively to their lives.
It is a life’s mission for me and I am utterly dedicated to the goal, the process and the responsibility that derives from my involvement in people’s lives.
I am of the opinion that in order to help as much as possible, one must assemble most of the available tools from every background, since dealing with people is very demanding and always challenging in a number of ways.
What was your biggest obstacle that you had to overcome in your life that made you who you are today?
I would have to say that the biggest obstacle for me in life was to battle my demons and surpass personal barriers that were holding me back.
These were either training me for a long time and after a while they were part of my personality, thus making it very difficult to realize and accept.
I had to re invent myself, leaving aside my prior training and draw a new journey towards forgiveness, re evaluation and self actualization.
At some point I received a great amount of help and support from a professional in the field and a long time ago I made a promise to myself to give back as much as I could to humanity.
It’s been my life’s mission ever since and I try to stay on this path through constant, personal and professional development.
The Coaching Style:
How do you innovate with coaching your clients?
I am in favor of the human centered approach and in that manner it is very important to adopt certain strategies that will ensure a meaningful and impactful coaching experience.
This would lead to the desired changes and the growth of the cognitive flexibility that a client wishes to implement to his life.
It is extremely beneficial, to create and personalize growing paths through which the client will fully realize his unique goals and needs.
We come across his strong and weak sides and we work in a trustful and collaborative way in order to approach them effectively.
Once this step is achieved we introduce practices and tools that are tailored to his personality traits.
We incorporate mindfulness strategies and techniques, that not only help with management and approach but also ensure the untroubled advance and development.
All these are supported through continuous feedback, which is of the utmost importance to keep us in the right track and help us address any issues that may arise.
What’s unique about your coaching approach?
I would define my approach to every client I work with, as unique.
To me the highest priority relies upon every human being with whom we form a team.
It is a powerful and meaningful bond based on trust, sincerity and genuine desire to help.
Apart from reflection and dialogue, I try to make coaching sessions as interactive as possible through tangible actions and useful workshops.
These help a great deal in fostering observation, adaptation and flexibility.
Owing to that fact, personal growth and change is achieved with the aid of experiences and transformative tools.
My expertise in the fields of NLP, Psychology, Psychotherapy and Counseling has proven to be extremely beneficial, since I may use different approaches and techniques according to the unique needs and personality traits of every client.
What benefits do your clients get after working with you?
My clients feel that their lives have been positively reframed after working together as a team and that they have been aided to achieve their personal and professional goals, come closer to their self actualization and taste their inner greatness.
They give a very positive feedback and acknowledge that they possess the tools to handle the issues which are standing in the way of their self development and care.
They believe and manage to break through the obstacles that seem to be holding them back in life, realizing and finding their inner strength and keep on evolving on a daily basis.
Do you use any specific tools to be efficient with your clients?
I use a variety of tools in order to help my clients achieve their goals, derived from different fields of my knowledge and applied accordingly.
They specify the situation to be addressed and set some requirements so as to have the greatest positive impact.
Varying from the GROW and SMART model regarding the approach of goals, to thinking and behavioral exercises to strengthen the cognitive and emotional state, I feel totally prepared and capable to provide my help and support in numerous situations.
The Impact:
If you had a super megaphone that, when you speak into, the whole world will hear your message, what would you say?
If I had the chance to communicate to the whole world, I would spread the message of constant change and greatness.
Each and every one of us holds a part of divinity, just waiting to be released under the proper circumstances and with the right tools.
In order to achieve greatness, something which we are all programmed to pursuit, we should first identify everything that is holding us back.
Afterwards we ought to be the miracle of our life, by introducing constant and meaningful changes to our everyday routine.
Starting from discomforting ourselves, taking us out of the box and our comfort zone, we create challenges that trigger our brain.
The alteration of our thoughts, the enhancement of our positive emotions and the purification process of our actions, lead to our increased cognitive and emotional flexibility.
Becoming the best version of ourselves and progressing towards our life’s destination is elevated to the first priority, along with spreading positive energy and determination in every step of the way.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned in your life?
The greatest lesson I’ve learnt so far is never to lose self control, hope and faith in myself.
There have been difficult times and others may follow, so it is crucial to be aware and cherish the powerful weapons at hand.
To be able to use them on a daily basis and rely on your strength and health for every challenge.
To feel and express gratitude daily, to take nothing for granted and always be on a constant move, so as to keep you healthy and winning.
It is very important to invite changes in our life in order to avoid being rigid and immovable.
The more we keep training ourselves in that aspect, the better we are going to face every difficulty that comes in our way.
Your final thoughts?
Our world and personal reality can be immensely improved, should we possess the right tools and be willing to use them effectively.
It takes some time to unleash our inner strength and energy, however with the proper guidance and necessary effort we are going to be in a position to alter our lives and fulfill our destiny.
We define the course of our actions, our emotions and thoughts.
By taking care of ourselves and asking for help whenever we are in need, we will achieve greatness and serenity.
A balanced and meaningful life can be accomplished by anyone who is willing to try, by leaving behind everything that feels as a burden and pursuing the best version of what he was made to be!
Where Can You Find Ioannis Kyritsis?
If you liked this interview and if you would love to see how coach Ioannis can support you in achieving your goals and unleashing your inner divinity, you can find him on the WellnessCoach app.
If you’d like to peak a glimpse of his coaching, follow his Facebook page and Instagram account.
And if you’d like to connect with him more personally, you can do that through LinkedIn or by sending him a direct message on his Email [email protected]. It was an honor having this interview with him.
“Your body language shapes who you are.” — Amy Cuddy
Success often boils down to a simple equation:
A mental state of “YES, I CAN” leads to achievement, while “NO” or “MAYBE” results in weaker outcomes or no results at all.
This concept is rooted in the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and actions.
Thoughts Equal Emotions
Emotions Equal Actions (or Inaction)
Actions Equal Results
When our thoughts are positive and empowering, they generate emotions that drive proactive actions, leading to successful outcomes.
The Mechanism Behind Our Thoughts and Our Actions:
Understanding how thoughts influence emotions, which in turn affect actions and results, is essential for harnessing the power of positive thinking and self empowerment techniques like power posing.
This relationship is often conceptualized in cognitive behavioral theories and is supported by psychological and neurological research.
1. Thoughts and Emotions
Thoughts are the internal dialogue or the narrative we tell ourselves.
These thoughts can be conscious or subconscious and are shaped by our beliefs, past experiences, and perceptions.
Cognitive behavioral theory posits that our thoughts significantly influence our emotional state.
For instance, if you think, “I am capable and prepared for this presentation,” you are likely to feel confident and calm.
Conversely, if your thoughts are, “I am not good enough, and I will fail,” you will likely feel anxious and stressed.
Cognitive Appraisal Theory:
This theory, proposed by Lazarus and Folkman, suggests that individuals evaluate and interpret events through their cognitive processes, which then determine their emotional responses.
This appraisal influences whether an event is perceived as threatening or manageable, thus shaping the resulting emotional experience.
Ok, so our thoughts create emotions…
2. Emotions and Actions
Emotions are complex psychological states that arise as a response to our thoughts and interpretations of events.
These emotions drive our actions.
Positive emotions like joy, confidence, and enthusiasm generally lead to proactive and constructive actions.
Negative emotions such as fear, anger, and sadness often result in avoidance or defensive behaviors.
BroadenandBuild Theory:
Proposed by Barbara Fredrickson, this theory suggests that positive emotions broaden our awareness and encourage novel, varied, and exploratory thoughts and actions.
Over time, this broadened behavioral repertoire builds skills and resources that contribute to overall well being and success.
In other words, our emotions determine the palette of options that we can choose from…
3. Actions and Results
Our actions, influenced by our emotions, lead to tangible results.
Consistent positive actions usually lead to favorable outcomes, while negative or inaction can lead to missed opportunities or adverse outcomes.
For example, a confident and well prepared presentation (a positive action) is likely to result in a successful meeting or speech (a positive result).
SelfEfficacy Theory:
Albert Bandura’s theory emphasizes the role of belief in one’s capabilities to organize and execute the courses of action required to manage prospective situations.
High self efficacy can lead to greater effort and persistence, enhancing the likelihood of successful outcomes.
So we come to the conclusion: the thoughts we think create the emotions we feel, and those emotions determine our possible options we can choose from.
But, everything sound great in theory.
Maintaining a positive mindset can be challenging, especially when our minds behave like relentless roller coasters.
This constant mental activity can undermine our confidence and performance.
So, what to do? Is there any magical button we can push that will make us more confident when we need to?
Only if there was a special technique we can do that will help us maintain a positive mindset and instantly improve our confidence…
Use This Exercise to Get an Instant Power Boost: The Power Pose
The Science of Power Posing
Enter the Power Posing technique, popularized by Harvard researcher Amy Cuddy in her famous TED Talk.
This technique leverages body language to influence our psychological state.
According to Cuddy’s research, adopting expansive poses (like a superhero stance) can increase testosterone (a confidence hormone) and decrease cortisol (a stress hormone), resulting in enhanced performance and confidence.
Studies have shown that power posing for just two minutes can significantly alter hormone levels, making individuals feel more powerful and less stressed.
These findings are supported by research published in the journal Psychological Science.
Practical Applications of Power Posing
There are many practical applications of this technique because first of all, it’s super effective, and second, it’s super easy to use.
For example, before a presentation, set a timer for two minutes, adopt a power pose, stand tall, and breathe deeply.
With each breath, expand your stance further, embodying the posture of a confident, powerful individual.
Power posing is particularly useful in high stress situations, such as:
Job Interviews: Use power posing before an interview to enhance your confidence and present yourself more assertively.
Sports Competitions: Athletes can use power posing to boost their mental state and performance before a game or match.
Exams and Tests: Students can reduce anxiety and improve focus by power posing before an exam.
Social Gatherings or dates: If you feel nervous about social events or a romantic date, power posing can help you feel more at ease and engaged.
Negotiations: Whether in business or personal situations, power posing can give you the assertiveness needed to negotiate effectively.
Public Speaking: Use power posing to overcome stage fright and enhance your delivery.
Creative Projects: Artists, writers, and creators can use power posing to break through creative blocks and enhance their creative output.
Daily Stress Management: Incorporate power posing into your daily routine to maintain a steady level of confidence and reduce overall stress.
During exhausting caregiving routines: Reinvigorates energy and resolve.
Step by Step Guide to Power Posing:
Set Your Timer: Allocate two minutes for the exercise.
Pick a Power Pose: Choose an expansive, superhero pose.
Stand Tall: Ensure your posture is upright and confident.
Breathe Deeply: Inhale deeply, allowing your body to expand with each breath.
Visualize Success: Imagine yourself succeeding in the upcoming task.
Conclusion
Power posing is a quick, scientifically backed method to boost your confidence and reduce stress.
By incorporating it into your routine, you can enhance your performance in various aspects of life, from job interviews to public speaking and daily challenges.
“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” — Lewis B. Smedes
Inner peace is more than just a state of relaxation, it’s a profound sense of safety, calm, and alignment with oneself and the world.
Achieving this state is the main goal of many religions, and they have a different name for it…
Zen, Nirvana, Enlightenment…
But inner peace is not something reserved only for those who are religious.
It is a natural state of being that you reach once you get rid of everything that is creating your inner turmoil.
When you achieve inner peace, your nervous system is regulated, your breath is calm, and external threats and judgments lose their power over you.
This state of being allows you to make strong decisions, set boundaries, and find solutions more effectively.
In today’s high stress environment, it’s almost impossible to picture someone living in a state of inner peace.
But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible, it just means that people are not educated enough on the intricate workings of their inner world.
And especially today, we need inner peace more than ever.
Inner Peace and Forgiveness: A Guide to Emotional Freedom
Starting Within
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi
True inner peace begins within ourselves.
Instead of waiting for external circumstances to change, we need to focus on our inner state.
This means letting go of internal conflicts and past traumas that create friction.
Often, we mistakenly believe that changing our environment or the people around us is necessary for peace.
However, the real change must come from within.
By working on ourselves and our reactions, we can transform our surroundings from a place of empowerment.
And everything starts with forgiveness…
The Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a powerful tool for releasing old pain and emotional baggage.
It frees us from the negative energy that keeps us stuck in the past, enabling us to live more fully in the present.
Holding onto grudges and past hurts is like carrying a heavy burden that weighs us down.
Forgiveness allows us to put down that burden, making space for positive energy and growth.
As Denice Frohman wisely notes,
“Your wound is probably not your fault, but your healing is your responsibility.”
When we forgive, we release the blame, grudge, fear, or grief that resides within us.
This act of self love not only improves our relationship with ourselves but also enhances our relationships with others.
Forgiveness breaks the cycle of replaying negative experiences in our minds, liberating us from being victims of our circumstances.
One effective method for practicing forgiveness is the Ho’oponopono ritual from Hawaii.
Ho’oponopono: A Ritual for Forgiveness
This simple, yet profound, practice involves repeating four sentences:
“I’m sorry”
“Please forgive me”
“I thank you”
“I love you”
These sentences help acknowledge and release pain, replacing it with higher vibrations of gratitude and love.
I’m Sorry: This acknowledges the pain and the fact that it has been ignored or unaddressed. It’s an apology for any wrongdoing or misunderstanding, recognizing the imperfection of the situation.
Please Forgive Me: This seeks forgiveness for not addressing the issue sooner or for any harm caused, whether intentional or not. It’s a plea for release from the negative energy.
I Thank You: This expresses gratitude for the lessons learned and the opportunity to grow. It’s a way to show appreciation for the experience and the insight gained.
I Love You: This sends out love, the highest vibration, to heal and transform the negative energy. It’s an affirmation of unconditional love and acceptance.
4 Practical Steps for Forgiveness:
Step 1. Find a Quiet Space
Choose a place where you can be alone and undisturbed.
This could be a dedicated meditation space, a quiet room, or even a peaceful outdoor setting like a garden or park.
The key is to find a setting where you feel safe and comfortable, free from distractions.
This space should be somewhere you can fully relax and focus on the forgiveness process.
Bringing in elements that promote calmness, such as soft lighting, soothing music, or comforting scents, can also enhance the experience.
Step 2. Decide Whom to Forgive
Focus on one person at a time, including yourself if needed.
Identify the individual who holds significant emotional charge for you.
This might be someone from your past or present who has caused you pain or discomfort.
It’s important to recognize that forgiveness can be extended to oneself for past mistakes or regrets.
Start with a person or situation that feels manageable, working your way up to more challenging cases as you become more comfortable with the process.
Reflect on how this person or situation has impacted you and why it’s essential to release the associated negative emotions.
Step 3. Repeat the Mantra
Visualize the person and repeat the four sentences, “I’m sorry,” “Please forgive me,” “I thank you,” and “I love you”
Repeat either out loud or in your mind.
Picture the person in your mind’s eye and speak directly to them through the mantra.
It might help to imagine a conversation with them, where you express these sentiments sincerely.
This visualization can make the forgiveness process more tangible and impactful.
As you repeat the mantra, focus on the feelings each sentence evokes, allowing the emotions to surface and be acknowledged.
Step 4. Acknowledge Emotions
Allow yourself to feel and release any emotions that arise.
Embrace any tears, anger, or relief that comes up, as these are signs of emotional release and healing.
This step is crucial because it’s about processing and letting go of the negative energy that has been stored within you.
Journaling about your feelings after the process can also be helpful in understanding and releasing them.
Remember, it’s okay to revisit this process multiple times for the same person or situation until you feel a sense of peace.
The goal is to clear out old emotions to make space for new, positive experiences.
Embracing Emotional Freedom
By incorporating forgiveness into your life, you break the cycle of holding onto negative energy.
This not only heals your past wounds but also opens the door to greater inner peace and emotional freedom.
Forgiveness is a journey that requires patience and practice, but the rewards are profound.
Forgiveness is not about excusing others’ actions but about freeing yourself from the burden of past hurts.
Embrace this practice to transform your life and achieve lasting inner peace.
As you practice forgiveness, you will find yourself lighter, more at peace, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges with grace and resilience.
Stephen Barham is one of the coaches that we found this month and we did a little interview with him. He impressed us with his passion and innovativeness.
He is not really a life coach. He stands out with a unique journey and approach. Starting as a Martial Arts Instructor, he faced significant personal challenges, including illness and PTSD in the early 2000s. Through resilience and self discovery, he independently developed a transformative technique to manage negative emotions.
His innovative method, refined over years of research, offers individuals the power to control their emotional responses effectively. Unlike conventional life coaching, he empowers clients through his books, providing a self help approach where readers learn and apply the technique themselves. The focus is on emotional independence, allowing individuals to address challenges, including difficult relationships, with newfound clarity and confidence.
He will not leave you on your own though. After you learn and try his technique from his book, feel free to contact him and he will guide you for free. He is completely dedicated to promoting and refining his technique to perfection. Ultimately, his approach fosters a deep understanding of emotions, promoting emotional control and a sense of happiness. By teaching rather than coaching, he has redefined the path to emotional well being, making a lasting impact on those who seek empowerment and personal growth. Here is what he said.
Meet Coach Stephen Barham:
Name: Stephen Barham
Pillar: The Heart
Who is this coach for: Anyone who wants to master and regulate their emotions.
How they can help: By teaching the technique through his book and guiding people on how to use it.
First of all, how are you and your family doing after these Pandemic times?
I live alone… I did well during the pandemic and after.
How did the coronavirus pandemic affect your clients? Did it affect you at all?
For myself, I tested positive once.
But it was much later.
Early in 2019, February, I started to Worry.
But I did the technique on it. Stopped worrying. Wore mask, distanced, etc, got vaxxed as needed, and didn’t have trouble with it.
Most people, I didn’t work with over the pandemic, but a Hindi teen, he was depressed during their quarantines, so he was isolated.
He got technique, used it on his depression emotions, and others… he did well… when the restrictions lifted, he was even bantering with the school bully… like it was nothing.
What are the biggest lessons that you learned in this pandemic?
Process the Emotions in, of, and behind it… the worry, fear, panic and hysteria of it.
Then just do the common sense things.
The Origin:
Tell us about you, your career, how you started with your coaching career?
I was a Martial Arts Instructor.
In the 2000s, I got sick.
In 2007, I ended up with PTSD.
In 2009, I independently discovered a technique that stops negative emotions.
It helped stop episodes quickly.
It kept working.
After about 6 months, I realized I had a good thing and began researching the technique.. I also had a background in Talking Therapy from the 70s.
That’s what led to my realization of the technique.
So that began my research.
What was your biggest obstacle that you had to overcome in your life that made you who you are today?
Tough question to answer.
The Coaching Style:
How do you innovate with coaching your clients?
I don’t “work” with clients per se… I teach the technique in books.
If they have a problem, they can email or message me.. I don’t charge for the help.
Technically, I am not a “Life Coach”, not my job description.
What’s unique about your coaching approach?
I don’t coach people’s lives… they get a book and learn the technique.
They stop emotional episodes bothering them.
The uniqueness, is THEY do it.. lololol.. not that I don’t help here and there.
What benefits do your clients get after working with you?
From working with me they get guidance on emotions.
After using TECHNIQUE, they gain an understanding of emotions, how to apply the technique to ANYTHING… including people.. like narcissists, and other toxic people.
They gain some level of emotional control, and a level of Happiness can also arise.
And it usually doesn’t have to take long.
Do you use any specific tools to be efficient with your clients?
No special tools are required for this technique.
The Impact:
If you had a super megaphone that, when you speak into, the whole world will hear your message, what would you say?
THERE IS HOPE. THERE IS HELP. THERE IS A PERSONAL TECHNIQUE YOU CAN USE ON YOUR EMOTIONS… STARTING TODAY.
The Technique usually starts working on day one.
We stop TODAY’S episode… and then the next… lolol.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned in your life?
“The Meaning of Life”… which is.. learning from your experiences.
Experience is the teacher. NOT US…
Your final thoughts?
I want to help 8 billion people feel better, because they haven’t lately.
I am not so concerned about helping a person “be the best version of themselves”, as much as I am about helping them feeling better about themselves and life.
The Technique can help with that.
Where Can You Find Stephen Barham?
If you liked this interview and you would love to learn the technique so you can regulate your emotions, get his book. Then, if you need any extra help you can contact him on his Email [email protected].
If you’d like to peak a glimpse of his work, follow his Facebook, go to https://hnc-today.weebly.com/ or follow his YouTube channel. You can also check his video about what is Emotional Charge:
And if you’d like to connect more personally with him, you can do that through LinkedIn by sending him a message. It was an honor having this interview with him.
Prakash Rao is one of the coaches that we found this month and we did a little interview with him. He impressed us with his dedication and expertise.
He is truly an inspiring executive and leadership coach who not only took this bold leap but also transformed his passion for adventure and behavioral science into a successful coaching career. As the founder of Born In Flight, He combines his expertise in Neuro Linguistic Programming and his love for sports to create unique training experiences that challenge conventional methods.
His journey was not without obstacles, a significant career transition tested his resolve. Leaving the stability of a corporate job, he ventured into the realm of coaching, facing uncertainty and skepticism. This decision, however, proved pivotal, solidifying his belief in the transformative power of coaching. Over the past seven years, he has guided over 300 clients across 18 countries, empowering them to reach peak performance and personal excellence.
He is exceptionally innovative. What sets his approach apart is his use of cutting edge behavioral science and technology. Drawing parallels between physical and mental endurance, he encourages clients to push their limits, achieving long lasting transformation. His dedication to delivering tangible results and peak performance makes him a standout in the crowded field of coaching, ensuring his clients achieve remarkable personal and professional growth. Here is what he said.
Meet Life Coach Prakash Rao:
Name: Prakash Rao, MCC, ICF.
Pillar: The Mind, The Body, The Heart
Who is this coach for: Anyone who wants to gain clarity, adopt a mindset of growth and resilience, cultivate meaningful relationships, get rid of emotional blockages, achieve health, personal and business goals.
How they can help: By using various tools and techniques like NLP, SMART goals, assesments like Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), DISC Assessment, and 360 degree feedback surveys to gather comprehensive insights, just to name a few.
The Origin:
Tell us about you, your career, how you started with your coaching career?
I am an Executive and Leadership Coach, International NLP Trainer, and Founder of Born In Flight, a company specializing in coaching, consulting, and talent transformation.
With a passion for sports and adventure, I am also an avid marathon runner and certified mountaineer.
My journey in coaching began with a deep seated interest in behavioral science, which I’ve combined with my love for adventure to create unique and impactful training experiences.
I often challenge conventional methods, empowering my clients to take innovative and untested routes to achieve personal and professional excellence.
Over the past seven years, I have had the privilege of coaching over 300 clients, focusing on personal and professional transformation as well as peak performance.
My sessions, both live and online, have reached more than 50,000 people across 18 countries.
Through these experiences, I have honed my skills in delivering high impact, transformative coaching that drives lasting change.
What was your biggest obstacle that you had to overcome in your life that made you who you are today?
The biggest obstacle I had to overcome was a significant career transition that involved leaving a stable corporate job to pursue my passion for coaching and personal development.
This decision was fraught with uncertainty and risk, as it meant stepping away from a well defined career path and financial security.
During this challenging period, I faced self doubt and external skepticism.
However, it was through this adversity that I discovered my true calling.
I immersed myself in extensive learning and training, becoming an MCC ICF coach and an International NLP Trainer.
This journey not only honed my skills but also solidified my belief in the transformative power of coaching.
Overcoming this obstacle taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of following one’s passion.
It has deeply influenced my coaching practice, as I can empathize with my clients’ struggles and guide them through their own journeys of transformation and growth.
This experience has been instrumental in shaping me into the coach I am today, committed to helping others achieve their fullest potential.
The Coaching Style:
How do you innovate with coaching your clients?
In my coaching practice, innovation is rooted in a combination of personalized strategies and evidence based methodologies.
I continually integrate cutting edge behavioral science and Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques to design bespoke coaching interventions.
This approach ensures that each client’s unique needs and goals are met with precision.
I also leverage technology to enhance the coaching experience, using tools for virtual collaboration, real time feedback and progress tracking.
By incorporating these innovative elements, I create dynamic and interactive coaching sessions that engage clients deeply and drive substantial results.
Moreover, my background as a marathon runner and certified mountaineer allows me to draw parallels between physical and mental endurance, encouraging clients to push beyond their limits.
This unique blend of adventure and behavioral science helps clients achieve peak performance and long lasting transformation.
What’s unique about your coaching approach?
In a market saturated with coaching and consulting firms, distinguishing oneself is essential.
What sets us apart is our unwavering focus on delivering tangible results and peak performance.
Every coaching or learning intervention we undertake is meticulously tailored to meet the specific results our clients seek.
We understand that your investment of money, time, and resources is geared towards achieving these outcomes.
As Behavioral Architects, we personalize and customize each intervention to empower your team, enabling them to achieve remarkable results both individually and collectively within the organization.
Our approach involves designing and implementing effective interventions that produce measurable results.
We continuously track progress and remain actively engaged with teams to ensure they reach and sustain peak performance levels.
What benefits do your clients get after working with you?
Our clients experience a multitude of benefits after working with us, including:
Designing purposeful outcomes and creating massive action plans.
Achieving clarity in purpose, vision, and strategy.
Improving alignment and increasing engagement within their teams.
Engaging, mobilizing, and empowering their people.
Igniting passion in their professional and personal relationships.
Discovering and understanding behavioral patterns.
Enhancing leadership agility and capability.
Achieving health, fitness, and well being goals.
Effectively dealing with emotional barriers and triggers.
Do you use any specific tools to be efficient with your clients?
Yes, I use a variety of specific tools to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in my coaching practice:
Assessment Tools: I utilize various personality and behavioral assessments, such as the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), DISC Assessment, and Emotional Intelligence (EQ) assessments. These tools help in gaining a deeper understanding of my clients’ strengths, weaknesses, and areas for development.
Goal Setting Frameworks: Tools like SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time bound) goals and OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) are essential for setting clear, actionable objectives and tracking progress effectively.
Technology Platforms: I leverage platforms like Zoom for virtual coaching sessions.
Feedback Mechanisms: Regular feedback is crucial for growth. I use tools such as 360 degree feedback surveys to gather comprehensive insights from peers, subordinates, and superiors, which helps clients gain a well rounded perspective of their performance and areas for improvement.
Behavioral Science Techniques: Incorporating techniques from Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), I help clients reframe their thinking patterns, develop new habits, and overcome mental barriers.
Progress Tracking: Tools like Sheets or specialized coaching software are used to track clients’ progress, set milestones, and adjust action plans as needed. This ensures accountability and continuous improvement.
These tools, combined with personalized coaching strategies, enable me to provide high quality, efficient, and impactful coaching experiences for my clients.
The Impact:
If you had a super megaphone that, when you speak into, the whole world will hear your message, what would you say?
If I had a super megaphone that could reach the entire world, I would say:
Embrace the power of self awareness and continuous learning.
In a world that is constantly changing, your ability to understand yourself, adapt, and grow is your greatest asset.
Seek to discover your true purpose, foster meaningful connections, and never stop striving for personal and professional excellence.
Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to become a better version of yourself.
Together, we can create a world where everyone thrives by being authentically themselves and supporting one another.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned in your life?
The greatest lesson I have learned in my life is the power of resilience and the importance of embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.
Life has a way of presenting us with obstacles that test our limits and push us out of our comfort zones.
Through my personal and professional experiences, I have come to understand that it is not the challenges themselves that define us, but our responses to them.
Resilience has taught me to view setbacks as valuable learning experiences rather than insurmountable barriers.
It has instilled in me the belief that every difficulty carries the potential for growth, innovation, and transformation.
This mindset has been pivotal in my journey, from making a significant career shift to building a successful coaching practice.
Moreover, this lesson has profoundly impacted my coaching philosophy.
I strive to instill resilience in my clients, encouraging them to face their challenges head on and use them as stepping stones to achieve their goals.
By fostering a resilient mindset, they can navigate uncertainties, overcome obstacles, and emerge stronger and more capable.
Ultimately, resilience is about perseverance, adaptability, and maintaining a positive outlook even in the face of adversity.
It is a lesson that continues to guide me in both my personal and professional life, shaping me into a coach who empowers others to transform their challenges into triumphs.
Your final thoughts?
As I reflect on my journey and the experiences that have shaped my career, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and purpose.
The path of an Executive and Leadership Coach has allowed me to impact the lives of many individuals and organizations, guiding them toward their highest potential.
Each of us has the potential to achieve greatness, and it is through self awareness, resilience, and a commitment to learning that we unlock this potential.
My mission is to help others navigate this journey, providing the tools, insights and support needed to overcome obstacles and achieve lasting success.
I believe in the transformative power of coaching and the profound changes it can bring to individuals and organizations.
By fostering a mindset of growth and resilience, we can all learn to embrace challenges as opportunities, cultivate meaningful relationships, and strive for excellence in every aspect of our lives.
And I encourage everyone to seek out their true purpose, remain open to new experiences and never underestimate their capacity for change and improvement.
Together, we can create a world where everyone is empowered to live authentically and achieve their fullest potential.
Where Can You Find Prakash Rao?
If you liked this interview and you would love to see how coach Prakash can help you install a mindset of growth and resilience, remove emotional blockages, cultivate meaningful relationships, and achieve your goals, go to www.borninflight.com and find out.
If you’d like to connect with him omre personally, you can do that through LinkedIn or by sending him a message on his Email [email protected]. It was an honor having this interview with him.
Geetika Goyal is one of the coaches that we found this month and we did a little interview with her. She impressed us with her passion, dedication, and creativity.
Her path from physics postgraduate to celebrated life coach exemplifies the power of following one’s true calling. With a foundation in analytical thinking and a flair for creativity inherited from her mother, she embarked on a mentoring journey that naturally evolved into a thriving coaching career. Her customized approach, which blends traditional coaching with art and theatre based techniques, resonates deeply with her diverse clientele, including individuals, groups, and corporate teams.
Her personal battle with clinical depression in 2009 marked a pivotal turning point, leading to the creation of her studio, Magic Creations. This transformative experience taught her the importance of embracing vulnerability and self acceptance. Today, she holds prestigious awards such as the “Women Coach of the Year” and “International Woman Life Coach Award for 2024”. It’s a testament to her impact and dedication.
Her coaching is pretty unique. Specializing in helping Empty Nester moms, she offers a unique woman to woman connection, guiding them through their life transitions with empathy and creativity. Her sessions not only help clients rediscover their inner child but also empower them to envision a fulfilling future. Through her innovative blend of therapeutic art and theatre, she facilitates profound personal growth, proving that it’s never too late to embark on a journey of self discovery. Here is what she said.
Meet Life Coach Geetika Goyal:
Name: Geetika Goyal, (ACC) ICF, Therapeutic art Life Coach, Empty Nesters Coach
Pillar: The Spirit, The Mind, The Heart
Who is this coach for: Empty nester moms who want to learn how to navigate their feelings, reconnect with their inner child, and rediscover their path in life.
How they can help: By using various coaching tools and techniques as well as art and theatre based tools.
First of all, how are you and your family doing after these Pandemic times?
Back to normal.
There were setbacks, losses, but the life moved on.
How did the coronavirus pandemic affect your clients? Did it affect you at all?
It was a challenging period for everyone, myself included.
In person sessions had to stop abruptly, but technology brought about a significant revolution.
All coaching sessions transitioned to an online platform.
Coaching services thrived during the pandemic for two reasons:
First, people were at home and could manage time for such sessions.
Second, it was a time of distress, and everyone needed emotional and resilience support.
What are the biggest lessons that you learned in this pandemic?
Life is unpredictable, live it fully each day.
Prioritize your health.
Remember to show yourself some love too.
The Origin:
Tell us about you, your career, how you started with your coaching career?
I hold a postgraduate degree in Physics from IIT Roorkee, one of India’s premier institutions.
My studies in Physics fostered a strong analytical and experimental mindset.
However, I realized in my final year that my true calling lay elsewhere, and I decided to follow my heart.
Creativity comes naturally to me, a trait I inherited from my mother, who always sought unique approaches in everything she did, from our birthday party outfits to adding quotes to our essays.
Inspired by her, I embraced a creative approach in my mentoring journey.
When I began mentoring, I recognized that each individual is unique and cannot be fitted into a single mould.
This realization led me to design customized modules for my mentees and coachees.
Seven years ago, during my coach training, I discovered that my methods closely aligned with coaching methodologies, making the transition from mentoring to coaching seamless.
I earned my first coaching certification from Regal Unlimited Bangalore in 2016, and after rigorous training and practice, I received my ACC accreditation from the International Coaching Federation in 2021.
I work with individuals, mixed groups, and corporate teams.
What was your biggest obstacle that you had to overcome in your life that made you who you are today?
In 2009, I was diagnosed with clinical depression, marking a very challenging period in my life.
I often felt confused about my purpose and direction.
Days were lethargic, and nights were sleepless.
One day, my physician informed me that I was clinically healthy and that the mental struggle was something only I could overcome.
He said, “Only you can break this vicious cycle.”
That moment, I decided to take control of my life.
The next morning, I chanted the Buddhist mantra I follow, and with a determined mindset, I sat down with my laptop to make something meaningful of my life.
That was the day I conceived the idea for my studio, Magic Creations, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.
That experience was a turning point for me.
It taught me an invaluable lesson: it’s okay not to be okay sometimes.
I learned that I don’t have to be smiling and strong all the time and that having a negative outlook on some things is perfectly fine.
After that episode, I promised myself never to fall into that pit again.
Today:
Women Coach of the year award, 2024 International Woman Life Coach Award, 2024 Ratan Sharma Bal Sahitya Puraskar Yuva sahityakar puraskar Rajasthan Sahitya Academy Award
The Coaching Style:
How do you innovate with coaching your clients?
As an exhibiting painter, published author, and performing theatre artist, creativity is inherently woven into my sessions.
My coaching integrates both traditional coaching techniques and art and theatre based tools.
This combination provides a hands on learning experience for my clients, ensuring a lasting impact.
What’s unique about your coaching approach?
In addition to being an ICF credentialed coach, I am a certified Therapeutic Art Life Coach and an Empty Nester coach.
I uniquely blend fundamental coaching techniques with art and theatre based tools.
I offer custom designed modules and sessions tailored to each client’s needs.
My approach encompasses both life coaching and facilitation.
What benefits do your clients get after working with you?
My clients discover their highest potential after working with me, particularly within the niche of Empty Nesters.
Having personally navigated this journey, I establish a deep connection with my clients.
I mainly work with empty nester moms, fostering a unique woman to woman bond and comfort.
Through my artistic approach, clients reconnect with their inner child, gain a deeper understanding of their present self, and create a meaningful action plan for a fulfilling future.
Do you use any specific tools to be efficient with your clients?
Yes, as mentioned earlier, I use art and theatre based tools.
The Niche:
What inspired you to specialize in coaching Empty Nester moms, and what unique challenges do they face during this life transition?
When your children leave home, it’s natural to experience a whirlwind of emotions.
The empty nest phase is a significant life transition, and with it comes a complex blend of feelings, sadness, relief, loneliness, and even excitement.
It’s important to acknowledge and accept these emotions as part of the process.
Having been through that journey, I know how tough that phase can be, if not dealt with self empathy.
As a life coach, I often meet mothers who are going through this transitional phase.
And being a woman, I can hear them very clearly.
Coaching an empty nester mom not only brings immense satisfaction, but also marks my contribution towards the life transformation of a mother, leading to a transformed household.
Can you share a success story from your work with an Empty Nester mom that highlights the impact of your coaching?
Confidentiality and coaching ethics do not allow me to share the story of a client.
All I can say is that when these women find their own voices in a way that they themselves were not aware of, the rewards are phenomenal.
How do you incorporate art and theatrebased tools specifically to address the needs of Empty Nester moms in your coaching sessions?
I am a certified therapeutic art life coach and an exhibiting painter myself for the last 23 years.
Colour, lines, shapes and forms speak to me naturally.
I take my clients through a process of self awareness using paints with a disclaimer that we are not looking for artistic skills.
When it comes to expression, there is nothing right or wrong.
My clients are encouraged to just be themselves and express their emotions on canvas without any self judgement.
Once that acceptance is achieved, the process becomes easier.
Next comes their analysis and interpretation of the colours they chose.
And then, they are taken through a journey of creating a vision for the future.
All this happens using colours, lines, theatre based expressions and journaling.
The purpose of these sessions is to coach and facilitate their journey from being ‘mom to me’ once again.
What are some common misconceptions about Empty Nest Syndrome, and how do you help your clients navigate these misunderstandings?
Empty Nest Syndrome is often misunderstood, with several common misconceptions surrounding it.
Many believe that all parents will experience this syndrome, yet not everyone does.
Some may rather feel a sense of relief or excitement about new opportunities.
Another misconception is that it is solely negative, when, in fact, many parents discover positive aspects like renewed focus on personal interests and relationships.
It is also wrongly assumed that only mothers are affected, while fathers can experience it too, albeit in different ways.
The idea that feeling sadness or loss signifies over dependence on children is a misconception.
Such emotions are natural responses to a significant life transition.
Moreover, Empty Nest Syndrome is not a permanent state, its intensity often diminishes as parents adapt to their new circumstances.
Helping clients navigate these misunderstandings involves normalizing their feelings, encouraging them to explore new hobbies, and fostering their personal growth and independence.
What advice would you give to Empty Nester moms who are just beginning their journey and seeking to rediscover their purpose and passions?
Whether you’re a working mom or a homemaker, this is a unique opportunity for self discovery and growth.
Reflect on interests and hobbies you may have set aside and explore new activities that spark your curiosity.
Reconnect with friends or build new social networks for support.
Engage in activities like taking a class, volunteering, or pursuing a new hobby.
Set personal goals related to fitness, travel, or learning new skills to find a renewed sense of purpose.
Focus on your own needs and desires, rediscovering who you are beyond your role as a parent.
Lastly, consider seeking support from a life coach or counsellor to help navigate this journey and uncover new paths to fulfilment and joy.
The Impact:
If you had a super megaphone that, when you speak into, the whole world will hear your message, what would you say?
Stop pretending.. Be yourself!
What is the greatest lesson you have learned in your life?
Be yourself, and everything else will fall into place.
There’s no need to pretend to be someone you’re not.
While we often gain this wisdom later in life, it’s better late than never
Your final thoughts?
I am passionate about working closely with empty nester moms, a group that holds a special place in my heart.
I want to raise awareness that empty nest syndrome, although not clinically recognized, is a real experience.
It can affect anyone, regardless of how prepared they feel, often catching them by surprise.
Therefore, it’s wise to start preparing for this transition well in advance.
Where Can You Find Geetika Goyal?
If you liked this interview and you are an empty nester mom who wants to rediscover her path and learn how to navigate her feelings, go to https://www.geetikagoyal.com/ and see how coach Geetika can help you.
If you’d like to peak a glimpse of her coaching, follow her Instagram account and YouTube channel.
And if you’d like to connect with her more personally, you can do that through LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, or by sending her a message on her Email [email protected]. It was an honor having this interview with her.
