Greetings All —
A recent article about life coaching in The New York Times focused on coaches whose clients are in the entertainment industry. The actors/writers/directors discussed the value they were getting from being coached: the weekly setting of priorities; keeping goals in sight; learning how to delegate and manage egos; being pushed (in a good way) and being organized and strategic in planning.
Now what profession couldn’t use a little more of that? Contact me for a meaningful consultation and let’s get you moving on the next phase of your life.
Please scroll down for this month’s message.
This one is about your life partner. The one you have or the one you might attract sometime in the near future. The thing is, I have noticed something interesting about relationships lately: They often contribute heavily to making or breaking a dream. After all, if you’re in a committed relationship, you’re not the only one on the ride.
I think this is one of the key reasons I was a little bit obsessed with the Chefography series on the Food Network recently. Take Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa. Her husband believed in her fully through several reinventions, from writing energy policy in the White House to buying a gourmet food store in The Hamptons to suggesting she write a cookbook (which turned out to be the first of several best-sellers, incidentally). Then there is Paula Deen, a divorced mother of two sons who scrapped and scraped her way to a popular restaurant and a successful television show, only to attract a fabulous man when she came into her own. Two different scenarios, ideal in their respective ways.
Then there is the not-so-ideal. I keep meeting people whose spouses or partners are supportive of their passions and goals in theory, as long as no sacrifice or bending is required of them. Sure, honey, I think you’d make a great actor. Just get to the place where you’re making a lot of money by next week, OK?
I have had clients who hide the fact that they’re being coached, lest their partner think they’re taking their dreams too “seriously.” Oh my. The toughest part of this may be that these are very often well-meaning loved ones, so we take their opinions to heart.
I watched Walk The Line recently and so enjoyed seeing the inner workings of the Johnny Cash/June Carter relationship. He really believed in his own talent. His first wife wanted him to succeed, as long as her life could still fit into the cookie cutter suburban dream mold. June Carter fell in love with the man in his music, addictions and all. What a story.
This bears looking at in our lives, don’t you think? Where does your spouse or partner fit into your dreams? And on the flip side, what kind of support are you as a significant other (or even as a friend or parent)? Are you encouraging, but with conditions? Or are you unwaveringly supportive? Somewhere in between?
It might be a little scary to look at this closely, but if you’re with someone who placates and controls or if you fit that description yourself, it’s likely time for reflective change. Everyone deserves to be loved and supported for who they are, dreams and all. Everyone deserves a lived life.
Have you been wanting to improve your eating habits, feel confident in choosing and preparing better food for yourself, experience a lasting increase in your energy and vitality, stop your cravings and binges, and feel better in your body? Take some action! Contact holistic health counselor Mary Tafuri for a free consultation — marytaf@justhabits.com.
