Ready for Change

The sun broke through just before 10am as I set up my coaching booth with my wonderful helper (who brought along homemade ginger snaps, coaching testimonials, and mad skillz in public outreach).

Planet Palmerston was a great success – the final tally is still being totalled, but organizers think they easily exceeded their goal of raising $1000 for Habitat for Humanity.

At the coaching booth, passersby were puzzled, curious, and some a little intimidated at our offers to try a ten minute sample of life coaching. The brave souls who did try it were a real joy to work with: they were willing to be honest and open about things they wanted to change in their life. It was a wonderful experience to coach outside in the sunshine on patio chairs, sitting under the trees, with neighbours walking by. The person at the next house, once he realized we were having coaching conversations, cranked some mood music (jazz – apparently jazz is good coaching music?) out of his window to provide some ambience for the coaching.

My favourite quote during the day came when someone finished a coaching session, stood up, and exclaimed, “That was waaaaayy better than therapy!!”

(Not that I recommend coaching for people who would be better served with therapy – the two practices are definitely different. In fact, I’m training as a psychotherapist too, because I realize it enables a whole other kind of growth).

I’ll definitely be interested to bring coaching out into the public arena more often so that people can get a taste of it and learn about what coaching can do. In that spirit, there’s an upcoming event (June 12) in Toronto where you can try out a 25-minute coaching session for just a $5 donation. Check here for more info.

On a final note, I want to confess that if it wasn’t for the fact that I work with a coach myself, I would never have had the nerve to set up a coaching booth on my own street as part of a community event. Going through coaching training, watching coaching, and being coached have all increased my ability to be visible, put myself out there, and own and share my skills. It’s been an exceptional gift. 

Like what you’re reading? There’s more where that came from!
I’d love to have you join me by signing up for Ready for Change news. 
Sign up here.

The good folks on the prettiest street in Toronto are hosting Planet Palmerston, a street-wide yard sale with a portion of the proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity.

You’ll find me there, doing some laser coaching sessions with anyone interested in trying it out! Drop by for a by-donation 15-20 minute sample of coaching, anytime between 10am-12pm on Saturday, just north of the Planet Palmerston headquarters (351 Palmerston Blvd, north of College).

Who knows what richness you might discover in 20 minutes? You’ve got nothing to lose by trying.

There might even be cookies …

Hope to see you there!

Like what you’re reading? There’s more where that came from!
I’d love to have you join me by signing up for Ready for Change news. 
Sign up here.

Have you ever thought about trying life coaching or professional coaching? Interested in knowing how it works and what it can do for you? On Monday, Feb.23, you can take a half hour to try it out, for free! I’m a Co-Active Coach who works with clients to bring their goals and values alive, and to support them as they work toward a fulfilling, conscious, rewarding life. In some cases, this means focusing on professional goals; in some cases, personal goals; in many cases, both. You might have friends or colleagues who have worked with a coach before, and if you’ve been interested to learn more about it, now is your chance.

On Monday, February 23rd, I’m offering free sample coaching calls on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Here’s what a few of my clients have said about coaching with me:

“I have been seeing the benefits of the coaching conversation ever since . . . Laura definitely helped me focus on the goals and people that are important to me.” – Ian Froude

“Laura gave me the chance to stop and take a look at the full reach of my life and consider what I most want to improve upon. Her coaching allowed me to get over my indecisiveness and finally take the plunge in making some serious decisions about my career. Her professionalism and coaching approach set into motion an important and challenging chapter in my life – and I am better equipped to overcome the hurdles having received her support.” – James Haga

To schedule a free 30 minute session next Monday, contact me at laura.j.mcgrath /at/gmail /dot/com. You don’t need to have a specific issue or problem in mind – you can just bring yourself to the conversation, and we’ll work from there.

I look forward to sampling coaching with you! 

Like what you’re reading? There’s more where that came from!
I’d love to have you join me by signing up for Ready for Change news. 
Sign up here.