I’ve noticed something really helpful lately.

You know I’m a coach, right? And so by assumption or extension or deduction or convection or whatever means you’ve got at your disposal, you have probably figured out that I spend a fair amount of time actually coaching people. You’re right, I do!

I tend to notice patterns. I don’t believe they’re coincidences. Most of the time, anyway. Sometimes I think the patterns are messages. Sometimes, I think they’re groups of people tapping into the collective consciousness. Sometimes I think that there’s a bug going around that has thoughts and emotions as symptoms instead of coughs and sneezes. Yeah, I really believe that last one.

Anyway, when I notice these patterns, I often discover that there is one question that is quite useful with my most of my clients, so I fall in love with it.

Right now, that question is: “So what did you learn about yourself?”

It works in trying times. It works when we behave in a way we wish we hadn’t. It works when we rise to a challenge. It works when we persevere. I love to ask it after finishing something big (oh, like a triathlon…yes I did!)

It works when we love, grieve, are sad, freak out, get overwhelmed. It’s really a useful question when we take it seriously, because whatever we learn about ourselves is good to know.

Good to know: that I am strong. That I have my limits. That I can be pushed too far. What it feels like leading up to burn out. That I love with my whole heart. That I’m afraid of failing and need extra support. That I’m not ready for such a big commitment. That I am ready for commitment and a change. That I work well under pressure. That I’m at my best when I don’t have a lot of time to second guess myself…

See what I mean? It’s a great question. Isn’t that good to know?

In the meantime, remember these things: You are loved. We are all loved. Let’s all be kind. And in all things – progress, not perfection!

Love, and light in the shadows,

Maggie