Smart & stuck. How does that happen? I hear some version of this frustration weekly from my clients and from myself. Sometimes I notice that I feel more than frustration. There’s confusion and sadness with a heavy dose of self-criticism. What I’ve come to realize recently is the distinction between confidence and self-worth. I earned a certification in confidence coaching …
I love my Fridays because I’ve cultivated them to be a day of purpose, joy, and trailblazing, Dr. Michelle style. 6:03 am – Hop on the Metra and sit in the quiet car. 6:45 am – Arrive in Chicago. Walk around the corner to Cupitol, my favorite café, where I recognize the folks behind the counter, take in the warm colors, smell the freshly baking bread, and watch them make a proper …
I blurted out those words during my Monday morning mastermind session a couple of weeks ago. As a group of trailblazing coaches (if I do say so myself!), we were deep in discussion about our goals, motivations, and the barriers holding us back as we planned for 2024. Reflecting on those moments when my mind is crystal …
Why do I continue to do the thing I don’t want to do? What is wrong with me? I’m the only one in my way. Why do I procrastinate, snooze the alarm, eat the food, binge Netflix, say “yes” when I committed to saying “no?” Sometimes my clients express intense frustration with themselves, believing they are engaging in self-sabotage. I can relate—I experience this daily. …
I used to live a well-behaved life, a narrative ingrained in me from a very age. Though I broke free at times, the dominant narrative always lured me back into the fold. Today, I can say that I’m proud of my journey because it is a testament to individual power and potential, both for myself and my clients. What I’ll …
I have big news in my personal world of wellbeing. I’ve finally discovered the true name of my inner critic! After years of coaching both others and myself to identify and name our inner critics, I finally found it. While I’ve assigned a name to mine in the past, it never felt entirely accurate. It was like wearing a pair …
Yesterday, I embraced the winter chill by taking my morning ice bath outdoors in a brisk -2°C/27°F temperature, marking my coldest plunge to date. And just a few moments ago, I took the plunge again, this time in snow—another first. By the way, I LOVED it! Engaging in this daily ritual brings me a sense of pride for facing a challenge …
The other night, I attended an event sponsored by my friend Kristin Crockett. She asked her audience repeatedly, “what do you want?” As a courage coach, she loves this question. I do too. It is a life changing one and it’s a question that I ask my clients (and myself) often. It can be difficult to answer when …
Audrey Holst is one of my Covid era friends and each one of our conversations is a gift that reminds me of the wildly magical ways that humans connect in even the most challenging of times. I’ve admired Audrey’s work for a long time and I know that you will too. I feel grateful to share this …
Beauty was the sign. Today’s blog is more of a reflection than an analysis, so I’ll make it short. Beauty was the sign that I’d moved out of survival mode. It wasn’t so much the beauty itself as it was my ability to experience the beauty, to notice it so that I could lean into …
