Happy New Year!

IHappy New Year from Gretchen! know the subject is a little cliché, however, I’m really embracing this new year. At the end of 2015 I had a tarot card reading and the gal shared with me that 2016 was going to be a year of learning. Honestly, I just took it for what it’s worth but boy was she right! This past  year turned out to be A LOT of learning, and growing for me.

I started a year-long journey to become a certified Equus coach and I’ll complete that goal this February when I head off to Arizona to earn my certification!

This past year, I also started to transition the work I do from not only helping people manage their businesses to now adding Equus and life coaching to my offerings. Equus coaching will be in-person with horses while life coaching will be available by phone or video call. With my practice coaching sessions going so well, I’ll officially begin offering those in the first half this year!

I even have a new office in the works which will make it easier for my clients to get the most out of their coaching experience. It’ll be in my barn, close to the horses and the coaching arena. I’m so excited to have a space like this for learning and growing!

I’ve gained so much wisdom and knowledge that I can’t wait to begin sharing it with my clients.

I hope your holidays were blissful and that you’re feeling ready to take 2017 on by storm, to create the life YOU want to live. I know I’m excited to get this year going!

With much gratitude,
Gretchen

P.S. Tell me what’s on your mind for the New Year by leaving a comment below.

Being Vulnerable….

Do you know what it means to be vulnerable? I thought I did, but boy oh boy was my perception wrong. After having recently read Daring Greatly by Brené Brown, I have a new understanding of what it means to be vulnerable. Brené defines vulnerability as uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure. Not at all what I thought.

Vulnerability is not about weakness. It's about showing up and being seen. -Dr. Brene BrownBefore, I thought of vulnerability as a weakness (and I’m sure many others do, too.) It was something we never really talked about in my family.  I didn’t want to admit that I ever felt vulnerable, because I didn’t want to seem weak. From Brené I learned that actually being vulnerable is to FEEL. It’s learning how to own our vulnerability and engage with the emotions that come along with it. Deep, but so true!

Being vulnerable allows for many great things to happen to us in life. It’s a gift. My greatest vulnerability awareness right now is trust. Trust is a product for vulnerability. You have to be vulnerable to feel in order to trust.

I had a life-altering conversation yesterday with a woman who’s only been in my life for about 3 months. By being vulnerable and trusting her, she held the space for me to be raw and open. In a conversation that lasted a mere 60 minutes, she helped me in a way that will change my life forever for the greater good. I’m grateful I was vulnerable with her because the outcome was so rewarding.

I invite you to be vulnerable. As Brené says “The courage to be vulnerable transforms the way we live, love, parent and lead.”

With love and gratitude,

Gretchen

Reaching Out

As you’ve heard me say before, I tend to put others before me. My kiddos, my husband, friends, family, clients; everyone. It truly matters that all have what they need and if I can be a part of making that happen, then I will and it feels good. I’m a natural humanitarian….and that can be both a good and bad thing.

One thing I’ve really noticed lately is that I need to honor my own feelings and desires as much as I do those of others. There have been some things going on in my personal life and it’s been affecting me in different ways. I’ve found by not dealing with these feelings, I’m letting my emotions of anger and hurt build up inside. Then what happens? I become the snappy wife and mom who ends up taking my emotions out on those who matter most. This feels horrible, after the fact, of course.

To end this, I’ve committed to myself going forward that I’m going surround myself with those I love most, who are a positive inspiration and make me smile. I have to remember that they don’t know I need their support unless I ask and share with them what’s going on.

Bottling my emotions up inside serves no one and brings me down and leaves me feeling raw. I’m tired of feeling this way, so I’m going to stick to my own word and reach out to my soulmates when necessary. I encourage you to take a look inside, and if you are holding on to unhealthy emotions, make a commitment to yourself to reach out to those who care about you. Let them help you help yourself.

It FEELS GOOD just writing this! Thank you as always for listening.

With love and gratitude,

gretchen-sig

Truth

SunflowerHave you ever heard the saying “The truth will set you free”?

I know firsthand that being in difficult situations can be tough; especially when there’s confrontation involved. But the number one thing I’ve learned, and a very important life lesson is that no matter the circumstance, stating the facts or the truth will always set you free.

At times, you don’t want to hurt others’ feelings and are willing to compromise yours; or maybe it’s true that you’ve hurt someone and the truth needs to be told. The bottom line is that once what needs to be said is said, a huge sigh of relief will come over you and you’ll know you did the right thing.

Don’t be afraid to speak the truth, regardless of fear. The truth will ALWAYS set you free.

With love and gratitude,

Gretchen

Saying Yes When You Really Should Have Said No

Have you ever been guilty of this? I know I have, and I just had an experience that really reminded me to seriously think about my answer before I jump the gun and dive in with a Yes.

A great friend and colleague of mine approached me with a new business venture. I was stoked! We met up several times (she’s local; YAY!), mapped things out, started focusing deeper and deeper. Then, I realized that while I was stoked about this, I was more stoked for her and this awesome idea she had. It was her heart’s passion work, not mine.

It didn’t take long for me to realize that with the work I’m currently doing for my business and for my clients (that I love doing), I didn’t have the extra time to give to a new venture. But I wanted to help! I knew I could help! I wanted to make her vision become a reality! But the true reality was, this wasn’t for me to do. I should have thought this through and said no from the beginning.

So the next conversation was hard. I procrastinated, but in the end, it was fine. We’re still the greatest of friends and she completely understands. It’s life and sometimes we make mistakes, and that’s okay.

Looking back at the situation now, I know I should have said no for many reasons, but I chose not to follow my heart or listen to my intuition. I wanted to be the natural nurturer that I am.

Another great reminder and lesson learned.

With love and gratitude,
Gretchen