Last week was international coaching week, I’m sure you had it marked on your calendar 🙂

The other day I had a conversation with my mentor coach, who asked me to think about what I’ve learned, since I started out.  I thought back to my younger self fresh off the coaching certification block and I came up with quite a list.  A key aspect of cultivating a growth mindset is to take a moment to reflect on everything you’ve accomplished, and congratulate your successes.  To sit and take stock of how far you’ve come is one of the most rewarding things a person can do.  It’s a shame most of the time we find ourselves just too busy to lean in.  I wanted to share my list with all of you, so here goes…

I have learned what real friendship looks like.  I have learned that balance is a key component in any relationship worth having.

I have learned there is no such thing as perfect.  Practice makes better.

I have learned to question my motivation for why I do things.  Is it to grow and develop?  Or is it to look good?

I have learned not to rely on male attention for a feeling of self-worth.

I have learned that true assertiveness is not falling back into old reactive patterns but choosing how I want to respond.

I have learned to rely on the power of God.  She is real.  She is always with me, especially at my darkest moments.

I have learned to recognize my strategies for numbing my emotions.  And that to heal, I have to feel.

I have learned that by doing this work, I am a better coach for my clients, and I can really show up for them.

I have learned that sometimes I need to take space for myself, and that is okay.

I have learned that transformation and change is possible.

I have learned to ask myself what is it that I really want.

I have learned to surrender and let God take control.

I have learned that there will be darkness at times, and without darkness there can be no light.

I have learned I can be motivated by new and exciting things that have nothing to do with money, power or prestige.

I have learned to embrace my softness.

I have learned what makes a good husband and a good wife.

I have learned how to make my own choices.

I have learned I don’t need flattery.  I’ll take it, but I don’t need it.

I have learned to love my height, every bit of being a six foot one woman.

I have learned to live more fully in my body.  I understand the importance of grounding in one’s body as a response to fear and trauma.

I have learned the healing power of yoga.

I have learned to stop name dropping.  Nobody ever cared except for me anyway.

I learned I like the piano.

I have learned that I am wise.

I have learned I am creative.

I learned to keep asking questions and never give up on my healing.

I learned how to travel the world with one suitcase.

I have learned my value is not determined by how much I make or what I charge.

I’ve learned to heed the feeling of being comprised and that boundaries are important.  And before I didn’t have healthy ones.

I have learned that true vulnerability is a great strength.

I’ve learned that everything I need lies already in me and to beware of false prophets.  There are many out there ready to take your money.

I have learned the only person worth competing with is myself.

I have learned that if I do the important work on myself, I will attract the exact right clients I need at exactly the right time.

I have learned I can write.

I have learned that I learn by making mistakes.  And I will make many more.

I have learned I have the power to heal my wounds.

I have learned I am strong.

I have learned that it’s okay to do what you have to do to survive, as long as you learn from it.

I have learned that it’s okay to do things just for fun.

I have learned that busyness was just a flimsy tool to avoid doing the real work on myself.

I have learned to forgive myself.  And with that, all things are possible in this world.