I’ve done a fair amount of traveling over the last two years. It’s been a mix of solo time as well as time visiting both friends and family. Some of the people I have reconnected with are folks I have not seen and/or talked to in decades. And I’ve noticed a common theme with many of the people that I’ve seen.
PEOPLE ARE STRUGGLING
When their mask came off and they dropped the pretenses, the truth came out.
People began to share what’s really going on in their heart, mind and life- the struggles poured out like an overflowing dam.
Relationship challenges, work frustration, fragmented families, floppy faith, chaotic households. All the things that are wearing you down are wearing down the people around you, too. And most people are trying to pretend everything is ok even when it feels like their world is crumbling around them..
I saw the exhaustion that comes from trying to hide the hurt, pain and struggle.
I saw people starving for support, guidance, direction, and HELP. It broke my heart every time I saw it, and I saw it A LOT.
When asked, “Why didn’t you tell anyone you needed help?” the answer was usually an iteration of one of these responses:
- “I thought I should have been able to figure it out on my own.”
- I don’t want people to think I’m failing as a ________ (fill in the blank).
Even worse, I heard a lot of:
“If people knew what was happening (choose one or more:)
- at home
- at work
- in my relationship
- with my kids
- with my family
- in my head
They won’t (choose one or more):
- like me.
- respect me.
- think I am professional.
- want to work with me.
- want to hire me.
- promote me.
- trust my judgment in other areas.”
The same theme kept emerging– People believing that if they show any signs of struggling, weakness, or fear, they will look like a failure.
And that is simply NOT true. All of us (including me) are struggling in some form or fashion. You are not alone.
As I traveled, I found that the support, structure, guidance and help I was providing was working wonders in people’s lives- in their physical space as well as in their mental and emotional space. And those who were open to a Splanka session found that some elements of their world started moving and changing on an exponential level.
So I rolled up my sleeves and got to work, making myself available to those in need and guiding them to positive changes. And in doing so, I found a new career doing what I love- traveling around the country to love, serve and guide people with life-changing optimism, support and change. I love seeing people become happier and healthier after working with me, and knowing that I was leaving people better than I found them fills my heart with joy.
And that, my friends, is how it all began. My coaching is a reflection of how I live my life– lots of love and lots of high expectations with a “skip the excuses and let’s get it handled” mindset and motivation.
Along the way, I discovered that when people really want change and are willing to do the work, they’ve found me to be an invaluable resource, coach, guide, mentor and friend.
When I show up and help people engage with their inner critics and outer battlefields, the needle starts moving in a positive direction. After all, a helping hand from a friend can go a long way.
If you are already that friend to others, remind your friends and family that you’re there for them. Most importantly, SHOW UP when you know they need you, because at one time or another, we all balk at asking for help even when we desperately need it.
If you need a coach who will be that kind of friend to you, let’s talk.
