Anton's Story

If someone had told me 2 months ago that I’d be seeing a life coach, taking flower remedies and reading heavy books on NLP I’d have laughed! And what made this momentous change in my life? A chance encounter with my ex-girlfriend that’s what! And we never even spoke…she was in her car and I was in mine and she never even saw me.

It had a profound effect on my life. I’d blanked out the terrible mistake I’d made when we split up 2 years previously. Assumptions and thoughts that I’d had suddenly made no sense any longer. I’d lied to myself about why we’d separated. And now I was carrying guilt and regret around with me.

The irony about the whole situation was that months prior I had bought Fiona’s book “Be Your Own Life Coach”, started reading it, put it down and never picked it up again, thinking that it was irrelevant. How wrong was I? At my lowest point I started reading it again. It made sense the second time around and made me face up to some home truths. I was deeply unhappy, lonely, confused, disinterested, and unsure on how to turn things around. I’d ended up in my own comfort zone and if you’re reading this then the truth has probably dawned that we all have to come out of our safe house eventually.

Despite reading the book, I was unsure as to whether I had the courage and discipline to follow it through. So I hit the net and looked at Fiona’s site. I came across the personal coaching section, started running down the list of coaches and stopped at a certain lady, Susan Smith. My intuition was certainly switched on that day and working for me, because she sounded like the ideal person and she lived a few miles from where I work.

I attend weekly face-to-face sessions during work hours (I have a very understanding boss!) and this gives me the motivation and routine I need. Life coaching isn’t always an easy process and it involves work. You do have to be honest with your coach and more importantly honest with yourself.

My coach gets me writing a journal every night. And when she said this I thought “oh dear” or words to that effect! What would I write about? However, it’s surprising when you start writing how much you find to talk about. Even the “mundane” can prove to be significant. And it’s reminded me of things I’d forgotten (like smiling and confidence), of people I am intrigued by and want to know better (a certain person with a fondness for watering plants with sparkling water springs to mind!) and barriers I want to conquer (like reluctance to take chances).

A voyage of discovery is how I can best sum up my experience so far. My life coach says I’m making great progress, although I’m not always aware of it myself and need reminding of it. There’s a long way to go and although I’ll have ups and downs, I know that I’ll succeed.

I’m more curious about people and things around me. I even want to meet Fiona at some point!

So, thank you to my life coach, Fiona and my ex-girlfriend and good luck and have fun on your own voyage of discovery!

Anton