I believe that it is important to review and close out each year as it ends to ensure we learn all that we can from it. Doing so also lays the foundation for our dreams and plans in the coming year. This simple year end process will guide you as you reflect, learn and discover what you want to create in the year to come.
While most of my coaching happens with clients over a period of time, there are some things that can be handled more quickly. You may have specific questions, be unable to afford ongoing coaching, or just want an hour of compassionate support.
I want to be able to serve you, too.
As we enter the month of September, I am anticipating the transition from summer to fall. When I lived in California there was little evidence of seasons changing and I was not tuned into these cycles of nature. Now that I have moved to Missouri, I live by them.
There is still a lot of confusion about what life coaches do. Even coaches have trouble explaining it. And, everyone seems to be a coach these days. How confusing is that?
In general, a professionally qualified life coach will listen carefully and provide support, perspective, guidance, tools, motivation, accountability, and champion you in creating what you want in life.
Most clients work with a life coach because they: Continue reading
When clients first start working with me they are often feeling overwhelmed, upset, or out of balance. Many of them have forgotten who they really are, judging themselves on the basis of:
Recently, I was having dinner with my family when something said triggered a memory and I started crying. Everyone was surprised, especially me. The last time my family saw me cry was 6 years ago when I thought I lost my cat while moving. These tears seemed out of the blue.
I like to believe that I have resolved and healed the experiences from my past, and mostly I have. The time and energy I have put into healing and evolving has paid off, but I doubt anyone ever does it perfectly. There are different angles, remnants and nuances that can still be triggered and set off our emotions. Not as many, but there are usually some.
I’ve been at this life coaching thing for awhile. Twenty years to be exact. And, in that time I have experienced many amazing moments, witnessed miracles and felt sure I was doing what I am meant to do.
My life has been blessed by this career choice in many ways. My work is flexible and supports me well. It transitioned easily when I moved cross country and because most of my sessions are by phone, I can work from anywhere, wearing whatever I want.
Being a Life Coach has allowed me to study a variety of interesting subjects each year and call it working. It doesn’t hurt that they can be claimed as tax deductions too. My studies have taken me from emotional healing, brain hacks, fearless living, quieting the mind, shifting limiting beliefs, and more. The high point was a master’s program in spiritual psychology. Along the way I met many amazing people traveling a similar path as mine who continue to be my friends today.
A few years back I moved to another state to be close to my family, but I remember how isolated I felt before then with no family near by. That is why my mind keeps going to the seniors, shut ins, and people alone during these trying times of Covid 19.
Over the years I have talked to a lot of people who were feeling upset or experiencing emotional pain. While their stories may be different, there seems to be a common thread.
I’m beginning to think that human beings are hard wired to focus on what is wrong. We have high expectations of ourselves, others, and the world in general and these expectations set us up to feel disappointed when they don’t come true.
Our minds are programmed to always look for what is wrong or what is missing and this keeps us grounded in the negative. When we think negative thoughts we feel bad and are not as effective as we could be.
There are a lot of disappointed and unhappy people out there. Are you one of them?
As most of you know, I recently adopted a little Beagle mix dog named Daisy. In many ways she is the perfect little girl. She adapted to crate training quickly, hasn’t chewed anything to death, got over her fear of cats, and seldom barks. She loves to cuddle, too.
But, Daisy has a couple little quirks that have caused me to spend my evenings watching Cesar Millan (The Dog Whisperer) on TV at night. Continue reading
We are happiest when our lives are in alignment with our core values. Living this way nurtures what is most meaningful to us and allows us to feel more peaceful, grounded, and fulfilled. Anything that conflicts with our values will create more stress and dissonance in our lives. Continue reading
I’ve spent some time on Quora answering questions about life for readers and thought it might be fun to share some of the answers here. Maybe you have some of the same questions.
I may start doing this as a regular feature and welcome your questions for future posts. You can email me or contact me through my website to ask what is on your mind. In the meantime, here are some of my answers: Continue reading
My clients will tell you that I like lists. I use them for organization and to bring forward information in a simple and clear manner. My clients don’t do them all the time, but when they do it is usually to support them in an area they are working on. There are however, some lists that I believe everyone should have:
Your Turn: What lists do you think we all should have?
Email me if you would like a free exercise on how to identify your core values: linda@lifecoachlinda.com
Photo courtesy of S. Allen
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I started my business as a life coach in 2003, which is a long time ago. A lot can happen in 14 years and it is really interesting how my business has expanded and evolved. It’s also really fun!
You most likely know me as Life Coach Linda and think of me that way.
In the last 14 years I have coached just about everything, working with courageous new coaches, cancer patients, students, mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, truck drivers, photographers, doctors, dentists, adventurers, psychologists, and more.
And, I still love this work.
Over time a new layer to my work began to evolve. Many of my clients had businesses and it was becoming clear that my intuition worked for business as well. I also had a lot of experience starting businesses, helping them grow, and working through the challenges that come up along the way. People began to hire me as their Business Coach.
I get really exited about what my clients want to create and love supporting them as they bring their visions to life. Some of my clients are new to business and still in the startup phase. Others have been around for years and are either facing challenges or ready to refresh or simplify what they already have. On April Fool’s Day in 2012 I made it official by launching my business coaching website and blog: Simple Smart Business
But, there was more. My clients continued to guide my journey by asking for what they wanted.
When I was recommending a dentist client consider getting a blog and Facebook page he told me he didn’t have the time and asked if I would do it for him. And, this is how the third branch of my business was born.
I began to offer Online Marketing Services, at first just for my dentist clients, but now for most types of businesses. I was surprised how much I enjoyed this work and found it was a great counterbalance to coaching, allowing me to shift back and forth from working with people to playing on the computer.
My marketing clients are mostly small businesses or solo-entrepreneurs who want affordable marketing options or to learn how to market online themselves. So, in my spare time between coaching clients you might find me:
I know it sounds like a lot, but I protect my time and have found a balance between these offerings that works for me. I love my work. I love my clients. And, I only take on as many clients as I can serve well. My business right sized for me and there is plenty of space for quiet time and fun.
I learned that work doesn’t have to be just one thing. It took 14 years for my business to evolve to this point and I am grateful that I listened to my clients when they told me what they wanted. It feels good to be able to offer a variety of services and customize what will work best for each client. My clients agree.
Now that I am feeling settled into my new home after a recent move cross country, I am ready to open the door to a few more clients. If you would like to receive professional support in your life or business, please feel free to Contact Me. Who knows, you might be my next client, and I can’t wait to meet you.