The glory of God is man fully alive. (Irenaeus of Lyons) Have you ever met someone whose peace, humility, generosity, or wisdom seemed effortless? And yet, upon observing their life, you realize they have no lack of challenges or crises. Their admirable qualities seem to shine through the sorrow of life because those characteristics have become part of who they are. That is the goal of transformation: To not simply change what we do - how we think or act or react - but to pee

Misalignment = The desired direction doesn't match the steering direction Thank you for all the feedback re: my Transformation Model and this series: Turning Tricky Transitions into Transformation! Over the past 4 posts, (Go here to read Parts 1-4.) I explored how difficult transitions can become opportunities for transformation. We examined the disruption that often initiates change, the uncertainty of the in-between space, and the growth that becomes possible when we cooper

How we move through transitions shapes the experience Welcome back to my blog series on Turning Tricky Transitions into Transformation. In the last post, (Go here to read Parts 1-3), I shared my Transformation Model, which I conversationally refer to as the arrow. It is a simple illustration of the repeatably predictable pattern that occurs in the lives of all who endeavor to be engaged with personal growth ongoing. And for Christians, we embrace the notion that scripture co

Welcome to Part 3 of a series on Turning Tricky Transitions into Transformation. In the last post, (Go here to read Parts 1 & 2) I shared the difference between the process of transitions versus the outcome of transformation. Transition refers to the process of crossing from one state to another, while transformation refers to the deeper change of form or identity that results from that crossing. For if we misunderstand where we are in the process, we often misinterpret what

What's the difference, and why does it matter? Welcome back to my 5-part series re: Turning Tricky Transitions into Transformation. We are exploring the notion of reframing disruption as growth. In Part 1 I set-up an analogy for understanding transitions, relating a personal story about me coaxing my husband into trying stand-up paddle-boarding during a vacation in Maui. It is a humorous and telling anecdote with a happy ending. Spoiler alert: Jim conquered and we added SUP b

Turning Tricky Transitions into Transformation Welcome to a series of blog posts re: the topic of Turning Tricky Transitions into Transformation. In a recent article I wrote for the American Institute of Stress (AIS), I explored the notion of reframing disruption as growth. In this first of five parts, enjoy the set-up: the story of Geri pulling Jim (not my husband’s real name) into yet another boundary-stretching adventure! We are all familiar with the aphorism: The only con

. ..[I]t is always right to step in the direction of obedience as best you can discern it and trust Jesus for the results. This is true even when some things do not make sense. Often, we only connect the dots and see what God is doing, when we look in the rear-view mirror... Our calling is to step in the direction of obedience as best you can discern it and trust Jesus for the results… even when obedience does not make sense. I have shared from Michael Sprague’s wisdom before

No, not the magazine! In leadership development, GQ refers to Growth Quotient — the ability to adapt, persevere, and grow through challenge. Whole-person leaders engage the mind (IQ), heart (EQ), spirit (SQ), and the courage to keep growing (GQ). Many leadership models focus on IQ and EQ; but truly effective leaders draw from 4 capacities, not just 2. This is the concept of Whole-person Leadership. Effective leaders don't just lead with their heads.They lead with their hea

Change is inevitable, but growth is optional. In my last post, I set out to share the Transformation Model that has evolved for me over the span of my life coaching career. But I decided to share a personal illustration of the stages of the change process before I gave you the framework. Part 1 left you with my description of the peculiar discomfort of liminal space - the in-between - where you are no longer who you were, but you cannot yet articulate who you are becoming. It

Change is inevitable, but growth is optional. We are all familiar with the aphorism: The only constant in life is change. And it is a true-ism that change is inevitable, but growth is optional. Or said differently: No growth without change. But how we navigate the transitions inherent to the change process will determine whether the result is lasting transformation. Transition is the inner process of letting go of the old reality and integrating a new identity; and transform

In these days before the celebration of Christ’s birth, I wanted to share a gift with you. I have recently found myself drawn to the writings of a minister and author whose unassuming humility and graciousness belie the depth of his scholarship and insight. Michael Sprague’s LinkedIn posts are consistently thoughtful, edifying and bring a new perspective to a scripture or topic that may not be new, or possibly even so familiar as to seem cliché in meaning. Here, with his per

You can change your relationship with your thoughts This is my final writing in a series of posts re: fear loops. Together, these 5 short pieces build a cohesive journey: Recognizing the loop → Understanding your biology → Clarifying the emotions → Reframing your thoughts → Practicing strategies This last post will get to the strategies, that when practiced, can guide you from stepping out of the fear loop to nurturing resilience and reframing the pain into purpose. (*Go h

You can change your relationship w/ thoughts This is Part 4 of a series on thought loops that can be formed from fear, worry and anxiety - how we can get trapped in them and how to break free from them. (If you want to read the first three in this blog series go here .) In the previous post (Part 3), I covered the distinctions between the three distress emotions - fear, worry, and anxiety - how each contributes to a fear loop. I also defined ‘feedback loops’ and differentiate

This spooky web can be sticky to get out of! I have been sharing my exploration into fear - its webs and loops, and generally speaking, its power to throw our emotions into dysregulation and our body systems out of the homeostasis for which we were made. My first two posts on the topic can be found here , if you would like to read them. I used the personal story of our family handling the acute crisis of my husband resigning suddenly, to introduce the idea of fear loops as we

You were built for balance In my last post, I started a series on the topic of fear loops: How life brings situations that can set us up...

It was the 1990s on a typical weekday, with the usual sounds – me clanking kitchenware as I prepared dinner, and our two kids in their...

A Story of Hard Work, Perseverance & Resilience I just finished a series of posts on the topic of resilience. ( Click here if you would...

Building a Life That Bends, Not Breaks This is the final installment of considering the concept of resilience. ( Go here if you would...

A Story of Improvisation Let's take a look at another aspect of resilience. (The topic I have been exploring in the last several blog...

What Type of Thinker Are You? This is my third post on the topic of resilience.(Go here if you want to read Part 2.) We have established...