A coaching conversation to share in the time of a pandemic…

Coach: What is the topic that you want to start with in our session today? Something that feels important and a good way to use your time?

Client: I’m worried. I’m obsessing over losing my job and what will happen to me and my family. I’m losing sleep. I’m so anxious and my family is being seriously impacted by this. My attitude is contagious. One of my kids emptied his piggybank on the table and told me I could have the money if it helped. I was both so grateful for his thoughtfulness and at the same time realizing, I’m cultivating panic in my household!

I’m not sure what to do?

Coach: That’s a lot – it sounds like you are carrying a heavy burden. Is that what it feels like to you?

Client: Yes and it feels like I’m sinking my own ship. I’m at the helm and I’m steering us into the iceberg. 

Coach: What do you believe will help you most to steer the ship in a healthier direction? 

Client: I wish I knew. I’m so anxious, I can’t think straight. 

Coach: What are some potential ways of getting your thinking straight? What could help you?

Client: Stepping away from the news…

Coach: What else?

Client: Taking stock of what I have versus what I don’t have.

Coach: That feels worthwhile spending time on right now. Do you agree?

Client: Why not…

Coach: Okay – what are you grateful for right now?

Client: My family is healthy. My husband is still working. My parents are safe. My health is good. I’ve been able to spend time with my kids, albeit, I don't believe I've been too much fun to be around.

Coach: What do you want to do about that?

Client: Stop passing along my fear. I want them to learn about resilience. I want them to spend their time at home in pursuit of important things like learning. 

Coach: What’s top of mind for how you could help them with that?

Client: I need to show them what resilience looks like! I need to model actions that move us forward rather than paralyze us in fear. 

Coach: So what is a first small step you can take to make that happen?

Client: I want to let my family know about what I’m grateful for and ask them to share what they are grateful for too. 

Coach: That sounds uplifting to me and resilient. 

Client: Yes. It could even be fun. 

Coach: Yes. And what else?

Client: Just thinking about what I’m grateful for makes me feel differently. 

Coach: How so?

Client: I’m reminded that we are in a much better situation than so many other families. It's creating space for clearer thinking and perspective. I can see that I have the ability to change my thinking, and I can take action rather than sit passively by and watch the bad news take me and my family down.

Coach: You are the captain at the helm of your ship, where are you going?

Client: Moving towards the open sea, realizing I don’t know what might be out there, what obstacle we will have to overcome,  but I know I can check in on my attitude and keep perspective through gratitude. I’ve a lot to be grateful for.