Let's imagine together that as part of your transition into spring, you have made the decision to begin life coaching with a Circle of Life Coach. You have decided to enter into the sacred world of self exploration, discovery and celebration. It is unlike any class you have taken, any book you have read, any certificate, degree, plan or purchase. You are choosing you, maybe for the very first time in your life. How do you prepare?

First, Breathe. Yes, you heard correctly, breathe. The breath is the simplest way to interrupt the primitive fight or flight response to stress. An easy breath has the capacity to not only provide our cells with oxygen but to also ground our awareness much like lightening rod grounds electricity.

Then, create and commit the time in each day to devote to your coaching homework, self reflection and the development of your coaching plan; 5-10-15-60 minutes is all you need to consider. It depends on your style of reflection, your time constraints, and your life situation. You are in control of how much time you choose to devote to life coaching. Before you begin actually working with your coach, practice setting time aside for yourself. Let yourself get into the habit of holding a space for yourself. For some of us it does take practice and may feel uncomfortable at first. Be brave!

Here are 4 other simple ways to begin to get ready for your exploration of your authentic self with graciousness and deep consideration.
o Find a journal and a favorite pen, pencil, or crayon. It doesn't need to be fancy. Or you might choose a leather bound journal in honor of your courage to begin coaching. I use spiral notebooks bought at the grocery store. This is your chance to choose.
o Develop a close relationship with effective ways for you to release stress. Stress release can also be simple. (Remember the breath. Natural breathing is the first step in any stress release process.) You may meditate, walk, read, stretch, dance, and sing....whatever helps YOU to relax. The change you will experience as you embark on your coaching journey may naturally induce a bit of stress simply because it is change. Nutrition, exercise, and water.
o Ensure you have the support of those close to you: companions, pets, bosses, employees. Support yourself with those who love you. Let those close to you know that you are in this process. And not everyone in you life needs to know. Honor your own sense of privacy. Learn how to create.
o Carve out a space. Some call this de-cluttering. I call it creating spaciousness. In a room, part of a room, one side of your desk, in the bathroom, choose a chair in the living room - wherever it is declare it as your personal space for the time you are in the coaching cocoon.

I have no doubt you will gain tremendous benefit from working with a Circle of Life Coach or any other life coach you choose to collaborate with. I wish you well on your journey around the Circle of Life. Remember to breathe and enjoy.

Martha is passionate about the mystery of life and loves to engage conversations that share ideas, possibility, skills and tools to empower personal responsibility. Martha values a light hearted attitude towards personal growth and brings her subtle humor to all her interactions. With 30 years of experience as a health care practitioner, Family Nurse practitioner and Health Care entrepreneur, Martha knows well the power of self love and delights in supporting others to learn the value of self love and forgiveness as they venture towrds radiant health. She is masterful at creating and holding sacred space for people to engage in the self exploration and self discovery that frees them to fully express their gifts and move forward into the world with love, health and purposeful action. Those who work with Martha report personal renewal, revitalization and connection to their dreams goals and desires. With Circle of Life Coaching the foundation is firmly placed and the way to step into action is clear. Martha Pasternack is a Certified Fearless Living Coach IV, Mentor Coach and Director of the Fearless Living Institute's International Coaching Program. Martha is also CEO of her own coaching business, The Circle of Life Coaching Foundation and the Four Rivers Renewal Center. Martha coaches clients from around the world and all areas of the United States. She also shares the principles of Circle of Life Coaching at professional conferences.