Mom Needs a Coach

The realization came to me as I was staring down yet another pile of papers festooned across the furniture of my living room. I needed to straighten up, but I also needed a bit of a boost. I was in urgent need of a life coach.

            A life coach is not a therapist or a spiritual director—worthy vocations though they be. I do not look to the life coach for answers; rather, through a series of probing questions, my coach helps me to discover for myself the solutions I seek. In the best scenario, the Holy Spirit takes the lead in the coaching call. Within the course of an hour, on Zoom or by phone, I develop a better understanding of my personal dilemma and devise practical action steps to accomplish my goals.

            You can go back to the original definition of “coach” to find the benefits of this service. In the 1800s, a stage coach would transport travelers from one place to another. In modern times, a coach helps to transport individuals to new destinations—whether it be in organizing one’s home, managing time, launching a business, writing a book, or achieving health goals.

            In fact, I grew so enthralled with the concept of coaching that I decided to take courses at the Professional Christian Coaching Institute to learn the craft myself. I also became certified as an accompaniment coach through the Human Formation Coalition and now assist people to achieve personal and professional milestones based on their unique set of strengths.

            But it all began with that pesky stack of papers.

What Coaching Has Meant for Me

            I find I have a great sense of optimism and feeling of accomplishment when I am being coached. It has been such a positive experience for me, learning about my inherent strengths (Who knew I was an achiever?) and ways to use them to my best advantage.

            Coaching has assisted me in numerous ways—everything from organizing my apartment to planning a fundraising banquet to establishing an exercise routine. I have established goals and have surpassed them with the wise guidance of my coach and the assistance of the Holy Spirit. I have made a great deal of progress in my professional, personal, and even spiritual lives as a result of coaching.

What Coaching Has Meant for Others

            And I have seen coaching yield good fruit in the lives of other people. I have witnessed priests avoid burnout…mom-preneurs get their businesses off the ground…and young people find their callings all through effective coaching.

            I have seen people triumph over adversity, find hope in difficult situations, and discover a  peace which surpasses all understanding. I have been privileged to witness people grow, blossom, and mature, thanks to a caring, compassionate, empathetic coach.

What Coaching Can Mean for the Church

            We are all part of Christ’s Mystical Body in the Church. When we are living our best lives, we can have tremendous influence on the lives of others. Coaching is a kind of evangelization, where a listening ear and an attentive heart help an individual to achieve his or her dreams. It is a gateway to goodness and a pathway to progress and it is a means of sharing God’s love with other people.

            I am just a better Mom, a better worker, and a better friend as a result of coaching. It has transformed my life, and I am so grateful for it.

            To learn more about Catholic coaching, you can visit the Communion of Catholic Coaches website at https://communionofcatholiccoaches.com/ .