A LITTLE LISTENING + CREATIVITY AND FAITH
Like many people, my husband Donald experienced great sadness while going through an occupational transition. Although he had a wonderful career as a dancer, he bemoaned some of the decisions he made regarding his career, the “woulda shouda, coulda” syndrome. Negative thoughts took over and he was depressed and overwhelmed.
I listened to his pain, doubts and fears that were part of a downward spiral. And as career transition coach that specializes in working with people 50+ years, I was very familiar with Donald’s inability to move forward, feeling stuck and forgotten by life, and feeling victimized by the consequences of “ageism” promoted in our society.
As I listened to Donald’s depressed thoughts, I began to remember my own experience years ago, when for three years, I studied acting at the HB Studios in New York City. In many ways the experience was a revelation.
I began planting a seed and suggested to my husband that he study acting and redirect his creativity from one art form to another. His initial response was “no” followed by some “maybes” – and finally “I’ll look into it!”
Fast forward: In January 2023, in the role of Ms. Guided, Donald made his theatrical debut as a showcase cast member in the dramady Somewhere Between Mars and Venus, written and directed by Otto Sanchez, and performed at The Tank theater in Manhattan. Another showcase will take place on March 7 and 8.
MOVING FORWARD DURING A TIME OF CRISIS
I close my eyes and the clipping begins. I feel myself relaxing I am mesmerized by the speed of the scissor and the sounds of all the buzzing machines. To me it is amazing that anyone would risk starting a new business during the pandemic, but here is Boris opening a new barbershop. How brave and gutsy. He’s “moving forward. “ “Moving forward “ is a phrase that is frequently used during coaching sessions. But how does anyone take steps to move forward in times of turmoil, radical change , and fear? I ask myself, what does the phrase mean to different people ? How does a client process the phrase ? How do you begin to open a discussion on this topic? And how do you take clients on a journey — in a new and fresh way — to help them discover how to move forward? During the coaching process, it is my hope that clients will feel like I felt when Boris’ gave me a haircut. I left the barbershop refreshed, energized and eager to take the next step to gain more freedom and clarity– and not try to fix everything.