Shelter in Place Reflections
Each moment of thought is like brush strokes on a canvas. With awareness, know what you are creating.
Photo: © J. Gregory Raymond
Things that once seemed secure reveal the uncomfortable truth that life is neither secure nor fair. It’s a one-two punch that will inevitably invite a great deal of self-reflection to evaluate relationships, lifestyle, career, and perhaps even a philosophical reckoning as to how to make our brief stint on the planet meaningful.
Dear Friends,
Over the past several weeks of sheltering in place I’ve been reflecting quite a bit on so many things as I’m sure most of you have as well. Here are some thoughts, as well as an invitation to share some support.
There’s nothing like a global pandemic to bring us all a little closer to a personal brush with death, and to viscerally experience how vulnerable we are to the whims of the world. Young and old people touch an awareness of mortality that ordinary daily life disguises behind the curtain of busy-ness, a sense of being exempt due to status or wealth, or even just the pedal to the metal approach to life that is a joyful privilege of youth. Adding to the grief of lives lost while this virus swirls invisibly around us is the loss of jobs and businesses, and reduction or elimination of income and resources. Things that once seemed secure reveal the uncomfortable truth that life is neither secure nor fair. It’s a one-two punch that will inevitably invite a great deal of self-reflection to evaluate relationships, lifestyle, career, and perhaps even a philosophical reckoning as to how to make our brief stint on the planet meaningful.
As a coach, I see this as the perfect time to shine the light on what is, to take stock, and clarify what it is that makes life meaningful. This is an ideal time to awaken and engage the creative aspect that is alive and well within every thinking person to conjure what we want our world and our lives to look and feel like once this virus dwindles down. In other words, this is an opportunity to set the stage for how we want our next scene to be.
Because my most vibrant coaching experiences have come through personal referrals I would like to extend an invitation to anyone whom you think might benefit from working with me to receive one introductory coaching call at no charge. During this call we will identify some key challenges and desires, discuss what coaching is about, and evaluate if working together would be an appropriate fit to support them as they design and navigate their unique version of fulfillment. Please feel free to forward this email along with my email address: janetettele@gmail.com to anyone you have in mind and ask them to include your name when they contact me.
These are times when we all need each other, and I want you to know that I am here for you.
With all my best wishes,
Janet
Click here for more information about my coaching. Here’s what some people have said about their coaching experience with me:
“Janet is the real deal. She offers a very honest and pragmatic approach to coaching that is geared to your goals, aspirations and needs. I highly recommend her for both personal and corporate coaching work.” – G.C. VP Quality Systems, Cambridge, MA
“Shortly after I became self-employed, Janet gave me some important tools to help me determine my next steps. This guidance proved crucial as I defined what I wanted to do, and gave me confidence as I established my new business. More importantly she helped me identify what I did not want, so that I could clearly focus on my goals, and avoid distracting opportunities that would have proven to be time-consuming and potentially derailing. I can’t thank her enough for her sage advice!” – J.C. Senior User Experience Researcher – Independent Consultant, NY, NY
“Janet Ettele is a wonderful Life Coach! I found her through a mutual friend. I was looking for someone to help my adult son. I called Janet and after a few minutes of speaking with her, I knew she could help my son. Her patience, her understanding and her ability helped my son to realize HE had the power to change the direction of his life. Janet was very patient with my son and ultimately he found his OWN way!”
—L.C. Fairfield, CT
“Janet encouraged me to take a good look at myself and realize that my happiness and success were fully in my hands. Wonderfully intuitive, kind, thoughtful, compassionate, and positive, she worked alongside me as a guide and cheerleader as I grappled with obstacles and learned how to overcome them. Janet is like a Sherpa, who walks with you as you endeavor to summit whatever your mountain is: she is skilled, experienced, willing to share her expertise, and prepared to stick with you every step of your journey.”
— T.R. Redding, CT
“Your guidance through my self-discovery process contributed to enabling me to self-heal. Our time together, even if over the phone, was effective by introducing an analytical thought process that allowed me to discover myself again. Self- awareness has been crucial in the process of making myself whole again. There had been a hole, or something missing inside that I couldn’t quite manage to describe. That feeling is gone. I thank you for your kindness.”
—F.C. Denver, CO
“Your wisdom and understanding has already helped me tremendously. I have been desperately searching for something to hang on to, some mantra or game plan so I don’t destroy my health and wellbeing. You have given me some great tools to help ease my mind and steer MY behavior in a direction that will help me to avoid the same pitfalls. I am grateful for your kindness, tremendous intellect and your on-going support and guidance.”
—C.G. Atlanta, GA
“Your coaching and the artful aspect of your Buddhist influence helped me to uncover an internal authenticity. Our work together helped me to sift away what wasn’t my own and to hone in on my aptitudes and preferences rather than the “shoulds” I’ve allowed to run my choices in the past. This allowed me to envision what I most deeply want in my life and gave me a tangible process for creating it. Pushing through what has been uncomfortable, and taking steps in new directions proves what is possible. Thank you.”
— E.B. Fort Collins, CO
“What a gift this life coaching experience has been for me. Thank you for encouraging me to take a risk and reach a much deeper place where I found myself.”
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D.D. New York City