I gave myself a few months of readjustment and settling in to a new routine. But never one to stay static, I found myself seeking for what would occupy me once this season concluded – whenever that might be. A ‘chance’ conversation with a good friend sparked my curiosity as she asked me if I’d ever thought about Life Coaching. It was something I knew little about, so I investigated. My inquiries led me to The Coaching Academy’s Free 2-Day Foundation in Life Coaching Course, which was being held locally in Leeds a couple of weeks later. I was able to rearrange my caring duties, got on the course, was completely blown away … and the rest, as they say, is history.
Sitting soaking in the content, enthusiasm, skill, confidence and passion oozing from those delivering the sessions over those 2 days – it was like discovering the missing jigsaw piece, completing the picture that made sense of my life’s purpose and life experience to date. Since then it has been continual affirmation that I have found what I was looking for. I signed up for the NLP Practitioner and Life Coaching Diploma (PPD) and the course materials then arrived in December 2015. Excitedly, I got cracking with studying and set myself the goal of completing both courses in 9 months - a not unrealistic proposition. I attended my first Accelerator Day in January 2016 in Crewe meeting some amazing, similarly inspired and passionate individuals, with contact details readily shared and that continued with each day I attended.
I chose to focus on the NLP Practitioner course first, purely as the course structure meant I could get it completed within 3 months. I was fascinated by the information, knowledge and experience I was gaining. I must say that TCA’s study materials and reassurance of their experienced trainers delivering the training was excellent. I was supported, encouraged and managed to complete the NLP practitioner course despite the sudden unexpected short illness and loss of my father-in-law whilst studying.
The design of the courses offered by TCA means they can be completed at your own pace to fit in with your individual lifestyle. This worked well for me, as I would never have anticipated the challenges the next 12 months following the sudden passing of my father-in-law would bring.
The way the course was organised meant that I could plan out the modules and Accelerator Days I could attend, fitting in mentor sessions, live webinars and practical assessments in around my current lifestyle commitments and start coaching with willing volunteers all within my desired timescale of 9 months, completing everything by September/October 2016. That was the plan, but I then found out not everything went as I planned it!
Soon, we were faced with the horrific news of our 28-year-old son in law’s unexpected and untimely death. Life was put into, well I cannot quite fathom the words to express but I suppose we went into survival mode – grieving, holding/supporting our daughter, realising what’s important in life, people, family, love, togetherness, community. We’re so grateful of the love and support we gained from people near and far. Life as we knew it was on hold, for a time and rightly so.
A little way into the new year of 2017 and massively inspired by the legacy of an amazing young man - our son in law, I felt able to take stock of where I was with my studies and coaching progress, determined not to let what I believe to be my purpose in life pass me by. The beauty of training with TCA and the resources being available online meant I could review all my study materials and once again familiarise myself with all I covered to cement my learning and give me the confidence to get back on track. There’s even the ‘Getting back on track’ webinar, for those, like me who have to or choose to take a break from studying. I got support and coaching from a qualified coach I’d met on the Coaching in Education course and really got back into it. Then came the next set back – my Mum suddenly and unexpectedly passed away in March 2017.
Once again, after a couple of months I felt able to re-commence in earnest. The break and revisiting everything I’d learnt and the support I gained from my coach, my passion that had been suspended but had never waned, re-awakened. I got through my Practical Assessments, written paper, got all my Coaching Records up to date, completed my Personal Development Journal and submitted all my evidence. My determination and hard work paid off and I was delighted to receive my final grading: Distinction!
So here I am, through the support, learning, opportunities, people I have met through The Coaching Academy, I have the confidence and wherewithal to develop my own coaching business Free2BU, offering NLP and Life Coaching. Free2BU will soon be offering Harmonizing – life alignment and balance coaching, eventually aiming to develop women’s retreats and workshops to help others connect with their unique selves, their potential and become all that they dream they can be, do and make a difference in their world.
Exciting times and I am extremely grateful for discovering life coaching, The Coaching Academy and their Free 2-Day Foundation in Life Coaching Course!
Start 2018 Doing Something You’ll Love
If Sue’s words have inspired you, why not start 2018 by coming to our Free 2-Day Foundation in Life Coaching Event where you can find out if Life Coaching could be a potential full or part-time opportunity for you.
Our Free 2-Day course has been designed specifically for those, who wish to train to be a professional coach, acquire coaching skills to enhance the job they currently do or those who simply want to find out what coaching is and how it can benefit their and other people’s lives.
For more information, please contact our Specialist Course Advisor, Jamil on 0208 996 4830 or email: Jamil@the-coaching-academy.com or Click Here To Find Out More
The Coaching Academy was established in 1999, and is now the world's largest coaching school.
In that time we have trained over 14,000 people to become life coaches.
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