Tag: coaching

Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone

by Mershon Niesner

Coming out of your comfort zone is tough in the beginning, chaotic in the middle, and awesome in the end…because in the end, it shows you a whole new world !! Make an attempt. Manoj Arora, author of From the Rat Race to Financial Freedom

I recently experienced the tough beginning, chaotic middle, and awesome end Arora writes about. Coming out of my comfort zone to create my web site www.mershonniesner.com was all of the above. It seems the more I failed at a certain element, the more determined I became. The whole process felt “uncomfortable” and out of my zone but so worth it in the end.

I’m definitely not a web designer. I worked from a template, made it my own, then I hired a consultant to clean up the rough edges. Still, as Arora suggests, getting out of my zone opened up a “whole new world” and I feel empowered. 

Affirmation: From time to time, I will step out of my comfort zone.

Coaching questions: What do you want to accomplish that is outside of your comfort zone? What’s holding you back? It’s ok to accept a helping hand as you step outside of your zone. You got this!

 

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Photo by June O on Unsplash

A Dragonfly’s Magic

by Mershon Niesner

Dragonflies are reminders that we are light and we can reflect light in powerful ways if we choose to do so. Robyn Nola, Artist and believer in the power of affirmation

In almost every part of the world, the Dragonfly symbolizes change, transformation, adaptability, and self-realization. The Dragonfly is iridescent both on its wings and body. The magical property of iridescence is associated with the discovery of one’s ability by unmasking the real self and removing the doubts cast on his/her sense of identity. 

Discovering and embracing who we truly are is an integral part of our maturity. A friend of mine who faces the challenge of addiction recovery has a Dragonfly tattoo on her arm as a symbol of her transformation. To her the Dragonfly stands for hope, change, and love. A powerful daily reminder that she has embraced change and remains true to herself.

Affirmation: I am true to myself. 

Coaching questions: In what ways have you changed and become more of your true self? What symbol would you use to prompt you to reflect light and embrace self-realization? 

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Three Coaching Insights

by Mershon Niesner

Coaching helps people get unstuck, move forward, and live a healthier, happier, more productive personal/professional life. Mershon Niesner, CPPC

Ever wonder why there are coaching questions or requests at the end of each blog? I’m a retired, Certified Life Coach and I want to share my expertise. Here are three things I’ve learned while coaching people.

  1. People generally know what they need to do to move forward. Solutions may need to be “teased” out with good questions.
  2. Big changes may start with small steps. Simple requests like, “make your bed everyday” or “buy yourself flowers” have been the beginning of major change.
  3. Most people thrive with accountability. Paying a coach and knowing that they are going to ask how you did during the week, often helps folks stay on target and make progress toward their goals.

Affirmation: I want to grow. personally/professionally.

Coaching questions: What is one thing you want to achieve this week? What step can you take today to move forward? How will your life be different if you reach your goal?

 

Most Honorable Peonies

by Mershon Niesner

Mother stands by the peony bed, reaches for one bloom, opens its petals and looks for a long time into peony lands where one short instant equals a whole year. Exerted from Czeslaw Milosz’s By the Peonies

On my morning walk yesterday, I took time to admire the last of the spring peonies. These beautiful plants can thrive for generations and have their origins in the Asian culture, particularly China where it represents good fortune and wealth. A traditional flower to include in a bridal bouquet, peonies also represent a happy marriage that overflows with peace.

My “Uncle” Paul (not my real uncle but my grandfather’s old friend) grew beautiful peonies and I have a fond memory of picking peonies in late May and putting them on the family graves. This gesture of honoring of our dead ancestors was an important lesson for a young girl. Ah, the many meanings of this lovely flower.

Affirmation: I take time to enjoy nature.

Coaching questions: What flower means something special to you? Will you take a moment today to appreciate nature?

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Mom and Me

by Mershon Niesner

Life began with waking up and loving my mother’s face. George Eliot, pen name for Mary Anne Evans, English novelist, poet, leading writer of the Victorian era.

Sadness usually comes upon motherless daughters as Mother’s Day approaches. The day has always been a little sad for me too…even after all these years. These days, I’m doubly sad because I don’t get to spend time with my children or grandchildren on Mother’s Day.

However, one thing I’ve learned is that when I focus on what my mother meant to my life in the short time she was with me and how fortunate I was to have a wonderful father, my heart becomes lighter. When it’s less about what I lost and more about what I gained…yes, gained…by losing a mother at an early age my heart is lighter.

When I was growing up, our church had a Mother/Daughter Banquet. An elderly lady, Mrs. Pierce, always invited me to attend with her. What a loving thing to do. This week, I will remember her too.

The photo is my mom and me taken on vacation a few years before she died, circa 1950.

Affirmation: I am because we were.

Coaching question: What will help you feel less sad this week? How can you help a motherless daughter have a better day?

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