If you are reading this issue of WAM, you are very likely a woman who is interested in learning about other women -- who they are, what they do, how they do what they do, and how they got where they are today. These articles inform, inspire, and stimulate you. From them, you may get new ideas about what you want your own life to look like.

We are fortunate that in 1999 we have so many possibilities open to us, both professionally and personally. With these possibilities come choices and decisions that may cause us to feel overwhelmed, that our lives are out of balance, that we know what we want to do, but can't seem to move forward.

Or, maybe you'd like to enhance a particular area of your life. Maybe you'd like to take up tennis, write a story, set up a financial plan, get out and meet a mate, open a flower shop, or take that vacation you've been planning in your head for the last two years.

As you nod your head in recognition of some of these scenarios, you may also be thinking, "How can I accomplish these things?," or "I don't have time," or "I know I should do that, but.. (fill in the blank)." That's where a coach can help you.

A coach can be your greatest advocate as you follow your dreams. She will work with you as far along in your journey as you would like her to. A coach listens carefully to what you have to say and to what you want from your life. A coach is nonjudgmental, motivational, and supportive. She will help you brainstorm ideas, offer new ways to look at things, and hold you accountable for actions you commit to.

You may wonder why a spouse or friend can't be your coach. Why would you hire a coach when you already have insightful, concerned people in your life that are happy to listen to you? As concerned about you as your partner and friends are, they may also be too close to you and your situation to be objective. They are likely to have their own ideas and opinions about what you should do, about what's 'best' for you.

A coach is able to be objective. And, rather than tell you what to do or offer specific-advice, she asks questions, finds out from you what you want, and helps you create a plan of action that supports your goals.

Coaching is not therapy. While therapy tends to look at why you're the way you are and how you became who you are today, coaching helps you identify where you are today and where you want to 'go' and provides the support you need to 'get there.'

Imagine having a 1/2 hour or hour each week where the focus is you and what you want in your life. In a world in which women still are very busy nurturing others in every area of our lives, coaching provides a wonderful opportunity for you to focus on yourself. It is an indescribable feeling of empowerment.

Typically, coaches meet weekly with their clients, either by phone, email, or in person, and require an initial time commitment of a number of months. Coaches come from a wide variety of backgrounds and have varying degrees of training. Some coaches specialize in working with specific types of people: artists, small business owners, women, and mothers.

Life is a journey, and you may want to have a coach with you as you explore different routes and take detours on your way to your destination.

Exercises:

Take a few minutes to sit quietly in a comfortable position with your eyes shut. Envision yourself as an old woman. Notice what you look like, what you're wearing and your physical surroundings. What word or phrase would you use to summarize your life? What advice would you give to your current self? When you're done, write, draw or make a collage of the most significant things you experienced while envisioning your future self.