When Jan first appeared on my screen for our initial coaching session she was physically unwell and emotionally drained. After a decade in Learning and Development, burnout had forced her onto extended sick leave, leaving her at a crossroads. Like many clients, she arrived with predetermined options: pursue a Masters in Social Work, become a psychotherapist, or return to her previous role.
What unfolded over our sessions reveals the transformative power of coaching when someone is truly ready for change – and how the creative soul sometimes needs space and patience to reveal itself.
Beyond Decision-Making
As coaches, we’re often tempted to rush toward decisions and action plans. Instead, our initial sessions focused on creating space for Jan to reflect deeply on what she genuinely wanted to create in her life.
This approach opened a more meaningful exploration. Rather than weighing her three career options, we delved into her core values and what brought her true fulfillment. Our conversations gradually uncovered recurring themes around self-expression and creativity.
The Turning Point
A pivotal moment came when I suggested Jan write a letter to herself from the future, describing her life in vivid detail. This exercise wasn’t designed to showcase writing talent – it was meant to help her articulate and visualise what truly mattered.
When she shared this letter with me, I was stunned. From the very first sentence, her words transported me completely into her world. The richness of her expression, the depth of her observations, and the flow of her narrative revealed something neither of us had explicitly acknowledged: Jan possessed extraordinary writing talent.
Embracing the Creative Self
What followed was a beautiful unfolding. As Jan recognised this dormant creative voice within herself, something shifted. The career options she’d been considering – all respectable and aligned with her skills – suddenly felt like compromises.
Writing wasn’t initially on her list of possibilities. Yet once this creative wellspring was tapped, it became clear that this was the path calling to her most authentically.
The Healing Power of Creative Expression
The most remarkable aspect of Jan’s journey wasn’t just finding a new career direction – it was witnessing how embracing her creative nature began healing her physically and emotionally. With each writing session, her energy returned. The exhaustion that had defined her existence for months began lifting.
Jan has since enrolled in a writing program and decided against returning to her previous job or pursuing the other options she initially considered. She’s giving herself permission to slow down, to nurture this newfound passion, and to let creativity flow through her veins – healing her mind, renewing her body, and restoring her spirit.
Lessons for Creatives in Transition
Jan’s story illuminates several important truths for creative souls in transition:
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Sometimes our true calling isn’t on our initial list of options
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Creative expression can be profoundly healing for mind and body
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Slowing down can paradoxically accelerate authentic transformation
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The path forward often emerges from reflection rather than analysis
I’ve told Jan that I’d love to be the first person to buy her first book. I can’t wait to read it!
For coaches working with creatives, Jan’s journey reminds us to create space for possibilities beyond the logical options. Sometimes the most powerful question isn’t “Which option should you choose?” but rather “What wants to emerge if you give it space?”
When we trust this process, transformation unfolds naturally – not as a forced decision, but as a recognition of what has perhaps been waiting patiently to be discovered all along.
The name Jan has been used to maintain privacy. It is not my clients name.
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Monica O’Brien is a professionally trained and accredited Coach and founder of Creative Edge Coaching www.creativeedgecoaching.com.au. She blogs on issues about creativity and small business development for conscious artists and business entrepreneurs. Book your free discovery call here.
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