Heart's Adventure

I was driving along the highway in my beautiful State of Vermont last week when suddenly an issue I was struggling with became clearer in my mind and I thought to myself, “why did it take me so long to get this clarity?” How could I have learned this lesson sooner and avoided the pain and frustration that finally led me to a solution?

I thought of my years of school and work experience that gave me the skills to be where I am today – and boy that certainly took some time! However, I know that I’ve been able to shorten my learning curve when I am focused on something that holds real interest for me, when I seek direction from experts, and when I allowed myself to make mistakes as part of the learning process.

Fortunately or unfortunately this isn’t always the case. For me, college was one of the best learning experiences of my life. Not because I was totally focused on my studies, but because I was open to the broader experiences of college life and willing to explore life’s possibilities on a variety of levels. This spirit of adventure was key in forming a perspective and focus on learning that supported my own happiness and satisfaction. There may have been shorter path to an answer, but none so rich and rewarding.

So again, why did it take me so long to gain clarity about that issue as I drove down the highway? Would it have been quicker to focus on strategies and seeking expert advice on how to resolve the issue? Perhaps, but maybe some solutions, and even better solutions, develop through a process that is more unconscious. Maybe the first step is to not get caught in the frustration of not knowing but approaching life with an open heart and mind, enjoying the journey, and allowing the best answers to simmer gently until their most palatable.  Perhaps another lesson in letting go.

The Irish playwright & essayist, George Bernard Shaw, said “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” This quote really supports the concept of coaching – that each individual has the power to move forward in a positive way to create the life they want. The idea of “finding” oneself implies that one is lost and certainly we can feel lost at times in our lives, but it is our actions that ultimately lead us to a better place. This can include trying more effective ways to deal with those feelings of being lost, choosing to look at thinks from a different perspective, and taking a different path. Other people may influence us, but the choice is ours. Coaching can help provide direction by helping to identify choices and asking important questions – How do you create a life you are proud of? What next steps can be taken to create the life you want?

Make a shift, set your course, and take action on what’s next…

On Tuesday June 30th at 4:00 PM, Heart’s Adventure and the Coaching Center of Vermont, Inc. invite you to set sail for an afternoon cruise aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen III that includes the beauty of Lake Champlain, the wisdom of our professional coaches, networking and light fare.

You will enjoy a Laser Coaching experience on everything from parenting to business to work-life balance and come away with a fresh perspective to move forward in your life and business.

Great food, great fun, great networking and great for your budget! Hour and a half cruise $49.95 per ticket including hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

Please contact Kitty Martin at 802-654-8787 for more information.

It’s been three weeks since Barack Obama was elected President of the United States and like many, I was caught up in the anticipation and excitement of the inauguration. The election of America’s first African-American President was a historical moment and as I sat at home watching on TV, I was struck by the words of his speech,

“Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions – who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.”

Now that the glow of the inauguration is fading, President Obama’s words continue to ring in my ears. Imagination and purpose may give our nation courage to face the challenges that lie ahead, but they can also help us shape our daily lives. On our life’s journey, do we dare to imagine a truly fulfilling life? Have we taken the time to identify our life’s purpose? With imagination and purpose our needs become clearer and courage comes naturally. This is the heart’s adventure.