Marketplace Rebuttal

An investigation into the business of life coaching by CBC's Marketplace was released for public viewing last week. Their finding painted a negative picture of the life coaching industry, discrediting what could be such a valuable, helpful and life-changing resource for many people.

Marketplace reported “some coaches are doing more than just helping people meet goals — they're offering advice about mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression, even though they are not qualified to do so. They're also using what experts call manipulative sales tactics to pressure people to spend hundreds — sometimes thousands — of dollars for their services on the spot.” You can view the whole story here.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/marketplace-life-coach-1.6364745

The Marketplace investigation had some great and valid points, but like the majority of the news reports out there, it focussed on the worst case scenarios. As humans, we eat this negative shit up. The news is filled with corruption, disaster and incompetence. Why? Negative news is more likely to be perceived as truthful. It draws greater attention, and holds greater validity. We tend to remember traumatic experiences better than positive ones and we think about negative things more frequently than positive ones. We are hardwired to make decisions based on negative information rather than positive data. As a viewer we need to give the positive details of the story fair and equal weight. This doesn’t mean ignoring potential dangers or wearing rose-colored glasses—it simply means we must do our own research before believing everything that is presented on the news reel.

I became life coach certified for two reasons; to help myself, and to help others. The 40 hour course was written by Master Life Coach Marianne DuPont, and facilitated by Kelly Spencer, certified advanced life coach. It was an intense course, giving me the knowledge, skills, and hands on experience to become a life coach. I learned a lot during the training. It set me on the right path to becoming my true, authentic self, and provided me with the tools to help others do the same. No, I do not have the credentials to be a therapist, but that is not the role a life coach takes on. As a coach, I work with clients on their future vision by setting goals and developing an action plan to achieve those goals. A baseline level of emotional wellness is required for someone seeking the help of a Life Coach. Therapy on the other hand, helps you move toward a baseline mental health and wellness by processing events and influences from the past, and determining how those experiences may be shaping your behavior in the present. Think of the two on a number scale. Therapy takes you from negative to zero, where as coaching takes you from zero to positive. There is a place in this world for both. Where you are on that number scale should determine with whom you seek assistance.

Hiring a life coach is the best way to help you create a life that excites you. If you want to better understand yourself, gain clarity, talk through important decisions, or create a strategy that helps you overcome challenges and reach your goals, a Life Coach is exactly what you need. If you are feeling hopeless or depressed, your symptoms are interfering with your every day life or you are experiencing thoughts of self harm, talking to a therapist is a must.

Whether your personal situation requires a therapist or life coach, it is important to that you find someone you connect with, someone you feel comfortable opening up to. Ask yourself, “Is this professional someone that can help me with A, B, or C?” To obtain successful results the answer should be yes. Trust your gut when you feel like you've found the right person and give them a try.

Like any industry there are good cops and bad cops, and it is up to you as an individual to do your homework. Yes, there are life coaches out there whose intentions are not genuine, who just want to make a quick buck, and cross that line between therapy and coaching, but there are many more who are in it for the right reasons, and maintain that ethical responsibility in their role. The Marketplace report placed fear and scepticism into the Life Coaching industry. As reporters, they did their job. The negative focussed report gained viewers and readership as intended. Be cognizant of the implications made, but also be aware that the negative angled story is never the whole story.

Thanks for reading the Weekly Seed.

Laura

50 Shades of Blue

I started off the New Year with lofty goals and what I thought was an unbreakable plan for the months ahead; but as I flipped the calendar to February something happened. Those 28 days of endless winter suddenly became the longest, hardest, and most unbearable days of the year. My motivation was lacking, my mood melancholy, and my inspiration to move forward had disappeared. The 10 pounds I had lost in January were slowly creeping back on. The business plan I had was at a stand still, and I found myself on the couch with a bag of caramel corn watching “Love is Blind.” Yes, I admit, I lost the luster in the month that is supposed to be a celebration of love.

Every year I struggle with the “winter blues”, and I am not alone. It is very common to feel tired, unmotivated, isolated, sad and alone during the winter months, and this year those blues seem to be of a much darker shade. Not only are the days long and cold, but COVID is keeping us indoors more than ever, and the world around us is in turmoil.

There are 50 shades of winter blues, and it is our choice as to which shade we dip our brush in. As I head into this last stretch of winter, here are a few ways that I am going to lighten things up. Try them with me and let’s paint winter white.

Eat smart.

Maintain a healthy, nutrient dense diet. Omega-3 enriched foods such as leafy greens, salmon and plant based proteins are key mood boosters. Kick carbs to the curb and avoid filling the grocery cart with tempting snacks and sweets. On-line grocery shopping, menu planning, and meal prepping, is helping me stay on course.

Exercise.

I find it very difficult to motivate myself in the cold winter months. Actually, I’m not one to exercise period, but I know that when I do partake in physical exercise I feel better. Exercise releases feel good chemicals which help to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. It’s time for me to take the clothes off the stationary bike, go for a walk on my lunch, and make time for that yoga class I signed up for.

Drink lots of water.

I have always found it difficult to drink cold water in the winter. To Stay away from that 2nd or 3rd cup of coffee, I fill my contigo with hot water, lemon, and a dash of cayenne pepper; which has an added benefit of speeding up your metabolism. Not only does this drink warm me from head to toe, it fulfills my water intake for the day!

Get Outside

I know, I know, putting on those layers is a lot of work, but getting outside is good for the body, mind, and soul. There is nothing I would rather do than cocoon my self under a warm blanket on the couch, but a daily dose of vitamin D can have a huge impact on your mood. Make a snow angel, build a snowman, go tobogganing or skating, give skiing a try. Breath in that fresh, cold air and appreciate what winter has to offer.

Be Social

Instead of hibernating, make plans with friends and family. Social connection is an important factor in over-all well being and mood. Say yes to that coffee with a friend, hop on that zoom call with your old high school pals, plan a date night with your partner, make an effort, you’ll be glad you did. I took part in “The Art Of Chill” for women at Indigo Lounge Friday evening. It was an evening to let go of stress and focus on me. The feminine energy and conversation was just what I needed to reset, realign, and help me choose a lighter shade of blue.

Find an Outlet

Put down your phone and find an outlet that challenges you. Sign up for that course you always wanted to take, try something new, break out that 1000 piece puzzle that has been sitting there since Christmas. Find something that motivates you physically, mentally, or simply gets you off the couch. I have taken on quite the project this month. I am turning our storage shed into the new home and office for Little Acorn Life Coaching. Hats off to all you drywall professionals. Taping and mudding is an artful process, to put it nicely. I have a vision, and am so proud of the progress so far. Come Spring my little “Nut Hut” will be ready to welcome life coaching clients, and provide me with a private space just to be. This little project is taking me through that last stretch of winter quite nicely.

Hire a life coach

It’s good to talk. Talking your problems through with someone else will help. A life coach is a confidential, unbiased ear that will help you gain some clarity, give you the ability to cope, and help guide you out of your blue state. Contact me for a free introductory session. You don’t have to go through it alone.

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression that you suspect are more than the winter blues, seek professional help. It is ok to not be ok.

Thank you for reading “The Weekly Seed.”

Laura

8. Finding your Tribe

The feeling of wanting to fit in, or to be part of a tribe, is something we all can all relate to. It gives us a sense of purpose, acceptance and fills that void of loneliness. As humans we are hardwired for connection. But finding your tribe is a lifelong endeavour and isn’t as easy as just finding people to hang out with.

Growing up I struggled with “fitting in.” I wasn’t pretty enough to be with the popular girls, nor smart enough to be with the scholars. I wasn’t bass-ass enough to be with the dopers yet not goodie-two-shoes enough for the church kids. And I certainly couldn’t admit that I liked girls so the LGBT group was out. Every time I tried to fit in, I felt like a square peg trying to fit in the round hole. For too long I tried to please others; trying to become pretty, bad-ass or cool just to fit in. It wasn’t until fairly recently that I realized my tribal members were right there for the taking. It wasn’t until I started to be my true, authentic self that I started to find my tribe.

Your tribe members are people who accept you just as you are. They support you through the difficult times, provide you with a sense of belonging and encourage you to pursue your dreams. Have you found your tribe? These 5 tips will help you on your way to discovering yours.

1. Know who you are. Before you find your tribe you must first find yourself. You probably have a good idea of who you want to be, but that may not be who you were designed to be. Be yourself and you’ll attract authentic friendships into your life.

2. Know what you need. What are you looking for? A brutally honest confidant? A mentor? A friend that allows you to be a hot mess and still loves you? Be fully confident in seeking out ideal partnerships and know that there is a tribe of people out there no matter what your needs are.

3. Get out there and be open. Take the time to try different things and figure out what you enjoy. Go to that event solo. Join that yoga class. Take part in that workshop. Go for that Friday night drink with your co-workers. You may discover an activity and a group of people that were never on your radar by just putting yourself out there.

4. Be the tribe member you are seeking. Be available to others. Be authentic and vulnerable. Be observant and vigilant. Be prepared to give as much if not more than you receive.

5. A reason, a season or a lifetime. Everyone we meet holds a special place in our lives. Are they there for a reason? A season? Or a lifetime? It’s up to you to decide where they fit. Be ok with being dissappointed if they don’t turn out to be the best friend there ever was but also be grateful for the role they played.

“If you want to know who your tribe is, speak your truth. Then see who sticks around. Those are the people who get a spot in your blanket fort.” Nanea Hoffman

Thanks for reading The Weekly Seed. Find your tribe and love them hard.

Laura