05/02/2024
I had a session with a client yesterday who retired in December.
I asked how retirement's working for her, and she responded "What retirement?"
Turns out she took on an unpaid role working 70 hours a week for her church.
This was far from what she envisioned for her retirement.
The church was on the brink of failing a project, and they desperately needed her expertise.
I asked her if this pattern of taking on others' burdens was a recurring theme in her life.
How does she keep finding herself in such situations?
Turns out she believes deeply in sacrifice, thinking it's her purpose in life, to put others before herself.
Very noble. And I admire her. But---
I also wondered whether she truly believes it's her divine purpose to bear everyone else's burdens alone.
Is she really the only one chosen for this?
She mentioned Mother Theresa as an example of sacrifice.
I pointed out an often overlooked part of her story: Mother Theresa died a bitter woman.
Was it worth it?
Perhaps, but that is not for me to know.
We landed on an inquiry for my client to contemplate - what is her specific calling, when it comes to sacrifice?
Maybe it's not so much to sacrifice her own self, but to teach others how to support their communities healthily, without bitterness.
Why am I sharing this story with you?
As a coach, I can't dictate my clients' path but I can partner with them so they can find it.
Are you on the right path?
How do you know?
If you're exhausted, resentful, feeling like a victim, or generally unhappy, these are all signs you're off track.
The right next step might look like something you've tried before, but slightly differently.
In our "Calling in 'The One'" book study group, we offer a proven process that helps participants create a customized list of actions and mindsets.
This process guides you to identify exactly what you need to change to achieve your goals.
It's incredibly freeing, and hopeful.
This was the product of last night's meeting, Week Four of the book study.
We actually got to experience what it is like to be deeply seen and feel loved, the kind of love that embodies safety and well-being.
And today, we are all walking lighter.
Happier.
Healthier.
We're showing up differently, and getting different results.
It's an almost imperceptible shift.
The work we've done to get to this place was not easy.
But feeling really good, now, is.
Easy, that is.
And if you're like my other client from yesterday, and you repeatedly find yourself hoodwinked into situations that leave you feeling obligated, overburdened, suffering and alone, this book study is probably for you.
The best part is not having to go at this alone.
My next "Calling in 'The One'" book study begins in about a month.
We'll meet weekly for 9 weeks, starting June 3, Mondays, 7 pm - 8:30 pm PST.
If you want to become a magnet for happy healthy love, if you are ready to make your life easier, just let me know.
I'm assembling a group of phenomenal humans who want to feel like I do today, and this might be the right place for you.
Enjoy the journey,
SalliAnne "life is easy, love just flows" Maliguine