Bettina Pickering, IAPC&M Accredited Master Coach & Master Mentor, Finds Steady Ground After a Life Changing Event

Undoubtedly, life has a way of shifting beneath our feet. Careers change direction; health can falter; home or office moves can be unsettling, and personal losses or big decisions can shake our confidence in the path we’re treading. Even when things on the outside look fine, there can be a sense of not quite recognising yourself or not feeling as purposeful as you once were.

For many, the aftermath of a life changing event is characterised by a “quiet chaos”, a period where your old compass no longer points north and your usual coping mechanisms feel insufficient. It is during these pivotal moments of transition that the gap between who you were and who you are becoming feels the widest. Acknowledging this shift isn’t a sign of weakness; rather, it is the first step in honouring the evolution of your own story and seeking the external perspective needed to navigate the fog.

Rebuilding after life changing events does not mean starting from scratch, even though it might seem like that. Rebuilding means rediscovering your inner strength, reconnecting to your purpose and your creativity. At times like these, an experienced coach can be a valuable ally in supporting you to transition through these changes.

What Coaching Offers When You Are Rebuilding Your Foundations

The hardest part of rebuilding is believing that you can rebuild. Coaching helps you to restore your sense of self. It brings back a sense of being able to trust your own judgement. It helps you reconnect with your strengths, your priorities and the things that support your energy rather than drain it.

Resilience Is Not About Pushing Through

We are told to push through. To fake it until we make it. No pain, no gain. To get on with it. To stay strong. That’s not what resilience is about. Resilience is about rebalancing, gathering your strength to start again and rebuild your foundations. It is about the ability to stop, rest, reflect and take small steps towards your goals instead of rushing things, pushing through, and potentially burning out.

A coaching relationship creates that safe and empowering space where you can reset, regain your equilibrium, rebuild your confidence, and create a clear path through whatever chaos life throws at you.

Choosing the Right Coach /Mentor Matters can be Life Changing

Coaching (and mentoring) is a personal and trusting relationship. You should have the opportunity to work with a professional who is well-trained, follows ethical industry standards, and has experience creating an environment that supports genuine personal growth.  The coaching world is broad, with hundreds of niche areas, and thousands of people calling themselves coaches, so it can be hard to know where to start.

The International Authority for Professional Coaching & Mentoring (IAPC&M) offers its accredited members (coaches, mentors and training providers) a profile in its international directory to showcase themselves. This directory of accredited coaches, all of whom meet recognised industry standards of training, is a useful place to explore and find the right coach for you.

Bettina Pickering 
Accredited Master Coach