In 2000 I walked off my 6-figure job. I had no idea what my next ‘professional’ step was to be. I only knew I had to take care of my health – worn thin from a toxic boss and a culture lost in ’significance’. Everything was life and death, one long emergency to use a Springsteen lyric. I was certain if I didn’t leave immediately they would take me out feet first.
After a period of recuperation, I examined the various aspects of my many careers looking for a common thread – the thread that jazzed me, impassioned me inspired and enthused me. And I hired a life coach to give structure and shape to this exploration. Six months into it I realized I was meant to help others in this very same way.
I set up shop coaching others who wanted to leave or win the rat race or explore running their very own race. I got my Professional Coach Certification from a great training institute The International Coach Academy where I teach coaching skills to others from around the world.
So what does all this have to do with coffee? Well, from the first days of my coaching practice I have been meeting people over coffee. You can usually find me at an area coffee stop drinking the holy brew, black and strong (but not burnt!).
There is something so inviting, safe and comfortable about sipping coffee… holding a hot cup, mulling over the taste along with new thoughts, ideas and perspectives. It is instant intimacy and when you are supporting someone in their challenge to stretch and reach for a bold new goal for themselves that coziness can make all difference.
I imagined a time when I would write these musings in a book entitled, Coffee with the Coach…caffeine inspired wisdom for everyday living.
and it would be found on the shelves of coffee hangouts through out the world. I am still imaging such a time however a blog is a great way to get started. So welcome to my blog, to my coaching support and to the mysterious effects of an ordinary cup of coffee.
5 responses so far ↓
Patricia Butkus // October 17, 2007 at 11:43 pm
The only other thing I find more energizing and stimulating than a cup of Java is a good dose of Merci. I envy your enthusiasm for life and have finally figured out where you get all your energy from….it’s caffeine!
I’ve been enjoying my glass of red wine for years. Wines great for relaxing, especially if you are sitting home alone with nothing to do. But COFFEE is what I’ve been lacking. Starting tomorrow, I’m increasing my dosage to two cups a day. Maybe I’ll finally get of my bored bottom and bust a move!
Miss you Merci.
Pat
mercime1 // October 18, 2007 at 2:27 am
Thanks Pat – Miss you too!!!
coachjudith // October 30, 2007 at 9:38 pm
Hi Merci, just blog browsing for inspiration (cup of coffee in hand) and wanted to say how much your words resonate with me right now. I have worked hard to become a good therapist (no six figure salary sadly) but end each day exhausted and disilusioned not by the clients but all the “significance” of the business surrounding them. Thankfully I have a supportive boss, but my heart is increasingly with coaching and I would just like to express my thanks and good fortune of finding the ICA community to partner me on my coaching journey. Heres to coffee and coaching!
Judith
Open4LifeCoach // December 15, 2007 at 3:01 am
Merci–
I was just a few years behind you in leaving the 6-figure job, toxic boss and suffocating work environment. It took me a little longer to wind my way around to coaching. Within 2 weeks, I started training to be a life coach myself. I’m so glad I climbed down the proverbial ladder of success and started on a new path. Life feels so much better these days. Thanks Coach!
Robyn Logan // March 19, 2008 at 1:27 am
Well done Merci, nice blog!
I am having serious withdrawals from Portuguese coffee now that I am back in Oz. In fact I am so desperate for a “good coffee” and so frustrated in my attempts to find one that I am actually thinking of giving it up in favour of peppermint tea.
If I can’t have the best, I’d rather have nothing!
cheers
Robyn