Listen to this post as a podcast.
Have you ever had something so startling, so unwanted and unplanned, show up in your life that it left you unable to continue your life as usual, as it was? Perhaps it was something that left you at a loss as to how to navigate this territory. Maybe it left you speechless, not yet able to share this story of yours even as it became the only meaningful story alive in you at that time. And maybe you’re still living in a situation that continues to rock your world.
In 2019 I knew something was seriously amiss with my smart, strong, capable beloved husband.
I had to push, beg, demand he see a neurologist. When he finally did it didn’t take long before he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). That’s the “once upon a time” beginning of my world rocking story. Good news: My honey is stable now, as stable as one can be with a degenerative neurological disease, and we are navigating this now familiar territory with love and support. I continue to be in awe of and gratitude for the gift of being alive in this moment and able to have even the tiniest glimpse of this magnificent universe – and to share this gift with my loved ones and my extended circles.
I tell you this because I haven’t sent out any blog posts or messages to you since PD moved into our lives. It’s taken me years to find my way to engaging in our collective conversation space. It was all too much and too hard to put into words as I was in the middle of chaos and uncertainty of this new territory. I needed to go deep into myself to find my way, to live through more of the unfolding story, to distill the meaning of it, the grace, the joy, the strength, the hope and the heartbreak, the bone deep sorrow and the irreverent humor, the awkwardness and embarrassing failures, and the soul soothing successes that have shape me in these few years.
If you’re living through unimaginable chaos or loss, may you be able to take the time you need to go deep into your sweet self. May you be able to get all the love and space and resources you need, free from messages of judgement or that you’re not doing enough, being enough, showing up as you are expected to. Take good care of yourself now, even if means stepping back from other commitments. No matter how much more needs to be done, there are times when it all needs to wait. You’ll sort through the other, less critical demands later, when you are more resourced. It may seem counter intuitive, but sometimes we need to stop and do what looks like nothing. We need to retreat, to not share, to be ok with not being ok, to check out and check within. When you’re ready, if you want to, you can get back to your wider range of connection and action, perhaps with even more clarity and vibrancy.
I’m resourced now, and ready to step back in. The shocking chaos that all of us, that you, wise women of my circle, are experiencing collectively, as well as individually, the destabilizing world chaos has called me to come out of my personal cave, to share what I have learned through over 20 years of coaching brilliant ones and what I have personally experienced. I have been a stand for women’s empowerment and thriving for entire my adult life. I will continue to be this till my last breath. Like you, I have worked my way through both having privilege and not having any, through outer obstacles and the inner ones of the imposter syndrome and not enough-ness. And like you, I know I have gifts and resources and the strength to stand up to the greedy, global bullies.
So, I’m giving away my coaching tips, tools, perspectives, and practices to you and your circle of friends, in short podcasts (because we’re all busy) and along with the transcript (because some of us would rather read than listen). I’m also offering a super sliding scale for individual coaching as needed, and for you brave ones who continue to work for justice, equality, and the planet. My DEI love won’t be denied!
As a reminder, coaching with me is collaborative and co-active, meaning it’s not about me telling you what to do. You are smart and capable and able to find your own way. I have experience, training, tools and solid grounding in a wise woman tradition that reminds, encourages, and knows how to prompt you to use your inner compass and map to navigate your life, even in shocking times.
We can explore other options for getting you what you need to meet the chaos and challenges you have right now. I am also offering free zoom group gatherings to bring our collective presence and wisdom to each other. If you’re a former client of mine, I’d be delighted to hear from you, to hear what you’re up to now. If you want more than a catch-up conversation, it would be honored to offer you a free coaching session.
Some of my podcasts are already on my blog page. You’ll get them emailed to you like this one if you’ve signed up to get my blog posts. If you don’t remember me or don’t remember signing up to get messages from me, or someone forwarded this to you, I’m Christine Thomas, certified personal life coach for women. Email me: christine@hawkview.net or check out my website www.hawkview.net. I’d love to hear from you.