Knock, knock. Are you still there?!
Whoa, whoa, whoa… yes, I’m here! What a whirlwind of a month it has been!
Between travel for LGW retreats and CURO work, local LGW support group, regular life things and everything in between, I am still trying to find my footing and routine with this here newsletter and overall finding my voice within Little Way Living.
With all that said, thank you for sticking around. Your support, prayers and presence mean the world. Keep scrolling for a fun freebie!
As we usually do when milestones come around, we ponder. We reflect. We think back to see what really has changed, how far we’ve come, etc. And I’ve been doing just that.
This time last year I was wrapping up my coaching certification program and LWL had been out in the world for a month or so. As I was reflecting with my coaching community this week, I wanted to share some of those reflections with you.
I cannot believe a year has gone by already! 🤯 I was feeling ALL THE THINGS- sad to be leaving my bubble of amazing nurses, excited and hopeful to DO this thing, fear and doubt about COULD I do it… and everything in between. Can you relate?!
As I reflect on this year the one word that keeps coming to me is: journey. It’s ALL a journey; we are all on different journeys toward living out everything we learned in certification; each step (forward and back) of the journey matters.
Some of my classmates are killing it with their own practices, others I’ve lost touch with (😭), some are still figuring things out and some are utilizing their skills in various ways within their jobs/roles.
Then there is me. So often on this journey I’ve dismissed the work that I’ve done and got stuck with comparison and paralyzed with fear and doubt. All because I’m not where I thought I’d be. All because I wanted to have a thriving private practice with all the clients and making all the money
It’s true, I’m not there… yet. HOWEVER. This is where I actually am:
working part-time as a Catholic Wellness Coach for an amazing Catholic health and wellness ministry, essentially doing exactly what I want to be doing coaching wise (praise!)
Getting clearer and gaining confidence on the importance of a whole person, Christ-centered approach to health, wellness and healing
Using my skills with a healing ministry I’ve been part of for years
Working on building my own practice
Wow! I’m not where I thought I’d be, but I’m exactly where I need to be. This is where the Lord has me right now. Learning and growing and stretching so that I can serve Him in the ways He is asking me AND creating a life that is abundant. It’s a GIFT. All of it.
Now, you may not be an entrepreneur and starting your own business, but you are on a journey, right? A journey to live a life where you are thriving and living well. A journey of healing. A journey to tackle that goal. A journey of growth, of self-awareness, of virtue… of holiness. A journey toward Heaven.
These journeys take time, intention, steps forward AND backward, vulnerability and finding the right people to have in your corner.
"Each small task of everyday life is part of the total harmony of the universe.” (attributed to) Saint Therese of Lisieux
It’s in these small steps, little ways of routines, rituals and habits that will overtime help us on our journeys. Help us to perfect harmony. Help us to Heaven.
I love this aspect of wellness coaching. It’s the deep transformation that pushes us toward sustainable change. We are more than just our bodies; we are body AND mind AND soul. We must confront our beliefs, thoughts and relationships we have in all areas of our life; see how intricately and uniquely connected they are so that we can live the life we desire and God wills. More to come on the wellness coaching vs health coaching vs therapy vs spiritual direction. I’ve had some pretty amazing conversations about all this lately and I cannot wait to share with you.
With allll that said, I know that it can be overwhelming to know where to start! How to know what you should be working on. To quiet the noise so that you can focus on what God wants you to focus on. OR maybe you are already clear on what needs to be changed, but you’re getting stuck on figuring out those first steps.
I hear you.
To celebrate a year of doing this thing, I am so excited to share with you a tool that I use with my clients!!! 🎉🎉
The very first step we need to do: get clear on how we actually see our lives right now. When we do this, when we bring the Lord in, when we can get curious1 the clearer the picture becomes and the more confidence we have to actually take a step forward. We have to acknowledge the things that need to change simply and clearly.
Print it out2, spend some time intentional time with the Lord and get curious!
I cannot WAIT to see how the Lord moves as you become more aware of your life, your desires, your hopes and your dreams.
Curiosity is the key here. We are gathering information; we are on a mission to learn. This information will help us to know what we love/don’t love about our current life. With a posture of curiosity, we leave very little room for judgement. When we judge ourselves with the “shoulds” or condemning thoughts about why we do/don’t do things, we are less inclined to follow-through with change. So, give yourself permission to be curious!
I have been using this tool for a while now with my clients, but I am excited to create something everyone can use. I would love your feedback! So, be sure to email me jen@littlewayliving.com or comment below with what you loved or think could be better! THANK YOU!