What my clients taught me lately

By now you know, that I am a life and business coach. If you aren't familiar with coaching, go here to find out what it is about: www.softskillscoaching.com

I love coaching for various reasons. It is a great feeling to help my clients and notice how their lives get so much better. How they break out of their fears and limitations and dare to live the life they want.

Another reason I love it, is because I get a lot out of it myself. Each session with a client teaches me something. 

Here are 3 of the lessons I was reminded of lately:

1. PARANOIA SUCKS

Being paranoid doesn't get you anywhere. It paralyzes you and drives you crazy. You are spend a lot of time imagining things. The antidote to paranoia is connection. First breathe, then remember that it is most likely all made up. Then establish connectedness. Paranoia will vanish and there will be room for 'you'.

2. SMALL CHANGES IN YOUR ROUTINE CAN BE HUGE

Start to exercise more often, change your diet or cut out nicotine or alcohol. It can be life changing. My client is so enthused and she tells me she can focus better, has great energy and doesn't wake up in the morning with a '1000 pound elephant' on her chest, full of anxiety. She is more balanced and enthused about life and all the possibilities.

3. AUTHENTICITY IS A SUPER POWER

Be yourself and things will be easier. People appreciate authenticity. It's what most of us yearn for. It's not always easy and it might be scary. But if you dare to be yourself, you might be surprised about the welcoming reception. For me, being authentic is about being true to yourself and to your own values. It takes out the guess work. It gives me courage.

People don't need to be taught, but they need to be reminded. Thanks, clients, for reminding me. 

4.      

When I heard the Learn'd Astronomer - Walt Whitman

My sweet boyfriend Lenny showed me this poem after he read my last blog entry. I am honored that it reminded him of Walt Whitman:

When I heard the learn'd astronomer,
When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me,
When I was shown the charts and diagrams, to add, divide,
      and measure them,
when I sitting heard the astronomer where he lectured with
      much applause in the lecture-room,
How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick,
Till rising and gliding out I wander'd off by myself,
In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time,
Look'd up in perfect silence at the stars.

                                      --- Walt Whitman 1865

How the sky looks today

Der Himmel ueber Berlin (literally: The sky over Berlin') is one of my favorite movies. It's called 'Wings of desire' in english. Highly philosophical and thought provoking.

Angels overhear our thoughts. So much noise. The constant chatter of our heads. I am trying to be more aware of it.

Der Himmel ueber San Francisco is nothing but blue today. I call it California-Blue. Being from Germany, this sky is special to me. Back home we might only get this color on the nicest summer days. we call it 'Kaiserwetter' - weather for a Kaiser. The sky also looks bigger in the US than in Europe. I am sure that there is a scientific explanation for it - I don't really want to know... I just love the sky as it is.... It's a sky you can get lost in and that seems to turn more blue the longer you look at it. And sometimes it quiets down the chatter in my head ;)