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August 2003
This month, I will
celebrate one of those "Big Birthdays". All birthdays cause us to
pause and reflect a bit on our lives, but turning 50 seems an
especially appropriate time for reflection. Recently, I've been
thinking a lot about Ralph Waldo Emerson's observation that "the
years teach much which the days never knew."
When I consider what the years have taught and brought me, several
things stand out in my mind. First is perspective. The years enable
us to see problems, challenges, and opportunities in new ways.
Nothing seems quite as daunting as before, which is paradoxical as
life does bring more changes, as we grow older. Second is patience;
I am in far less of a hurry than I was as a younger woman. I have
more patience with others, and also with myself. I'm kinder to
myself; I give myself time to be still, to be silent, to wait and
see how things unfold. I push less, worry less, and stress less.
Another teaching of the years is compassion. My childhood and early
adult years were joyful, uncomplicated, and without much awareness
of the challenges that life brings us. The past couple of decades
have not only deepened my understanding of what we face in life, and
how every individual has their own unique challenges, but also
strengthened a sense of oneness with others. It is both the
understanding (sometimes only a glimmer, as we can never know fully
what another feels, dreams, or endures) and the connection that
enables me to feel compassion for others..and myself.
Finally, the years have taught me courage. The courage to take
risks, to push outside my comfort zone, to say what I think and
believe and care about. Sometimes I have had just enough courage to
get through a day (or even just an hour), but over the years I have
seen my courage grow.
Each of these teachings I bring to my work as a coach. I help my
clients to see situations with new perspective, and have patience as
they, their employees, and their work changes and evolves.
Compassion, which at first blush may seem out of place in the
workplace, helps me to remember how uniquely and exquisitely made we
each are, and to approach each client with respect and gentleness.
Finally, courage enables me to take the challenging or complex
client, and to relish the stretch. Thank you for the opportunity to
bring each of these teachings into our coaching relationship.
Sharon
Sharon Keys Seal