12/03/2025
Reflections and Gratitude 2025
Well, it has been a very interesting year. Lots to complain about if I let my head go there, AND also a lot of new reflections and things to be grateful for.
Like many coaches in the DMV and affected areas, I lost about 75% of my income at the beginning of 2025 due to government contract and related reductions. It was very difficult to see other coaches suffer through this and try to find new types of income and work, and it was also challenging to work with clients who were going through similar losses.
Here are some things that contributed to my resilience this year.
Luck/Strategy – I am in the second half of my career and have - with the advice of some savvy financial advisors – saved enough to survive these types of losses. Had I been 23 and living paycheck to paycheck this would be a very different story.
Good Practices and Mindset – I am learning Tai Chi and practice regularly, meditate regularly, take virtual walks with my clients to keep moving, and make sure to monitor my level of stress as I work. I offered pro and low-bono coaching to people affected by job loss or who are stressed in their current positions. I limited the number of slots offered at any given time to make sure that I would be able to support leaders and continue to be healthy.
Wisdom/Experience – I have experienced government shut-downs and layoffs/reorganizations as a government employee and as a consultant in the past and learned to survive and even thrive in those situations. I knew that I was going to be fine and I have the ability and tools to support others for whom this is new and scary.
Creativity and Curiosity – Leaning in on my artistic side as a professional musician is always fulfilling. Curiosity and creativity in coaching partnerships brings a lot of fulfillment.
Positioned to Help and Doing Good – I took on the role of President of the West Springfield Rotary Club this year. While it is a leadership challenge to “herd a bunch of Eagles”, it is also rewarding to work with people who care about their local and global community and do a lot to make it better. Supporting three Title I schools in our area, launching a Meals for Hope food packing project for people in our local area, and supporting international water alliance and hunger projects have been highlights for us this year. The Rotary International theme for this year is “Unite for Good”. (Can’t wait to see the movie and be changed For Good!)
Support – Being a solo-preneur can be lonely, so I have to get out of my chair and go visit with people to get recharged. I am in several coach networks, a member of two Chambers of Commerce, a member of a local church choir, and a mentor in the Health Information Management Systems Society Mentor program. This gets me out and about and giving and receiving new ideas and information.
I am hoping that next year will not require so much resilience but will allow me to continue to practice what works so that I am able to be helpful to others. I am working toward my Master Coach Certification, so if you have a dream and would like a partner to work toward making it a reality please let me know.
