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I left the house a few minutes early to meet the kids at the bus stop. On the
way up I stopped at the mail box. I had just returned from the International
Coach Federation's annual conference in Long Beach, California and I had not had
a chance to check the mail for a few days. Given this and the quickly
approaching holiday season, the mail box was stuffed with mail and a bundle of
retail catalogs. Looking in, I noticed a Federal Express envelope, which is
almost always exciting. So I reached for it, leaving the rest of the mail in the
box. I opened the envelope as I walked up the street.
To my surprise, the envelope was from a past client and felt like it contained a
book. As I opened the package, I was thinking to myself, "Oh, what a gift! My
past client found a book she thought I’d enjoy, bought it, and mailed it to my
home!!" I pulled out the book as well as a smaller envelope containing a card. I
immediately noticed the book’s author on the top of the front cover -- my former
coaching client!!!
Tears came to my eyes as I recalled our many conversations over a period of
years about her love for writing. I flipped to the back cover and there was her
photo with a short bio! She’d done it! She'd written a fabulous fiction novel
and in January she received the good news that it would be published. For 11
months she kept this a secret from me.
I turned the book back over to the front cover and began to open it. I was full
of emotion as I saw the 2007 publishing date on the inside cover and my client’s
name on the first page with the title of the book. I turned to the second page
where only two typed words appeared: "For Christina." I thought to myself, "Do I
share a name with my client’s mother or was her sister’s name Christina? Maybe
Christina was one of her good friends."
Below the typed words "For Christina," I found a special note to me in my
client’s handwriting that reads:
"Christina, I can’t thank you enough for turning on the light bulb inside me,
the passion for writing I’d given up. This book exists because of you and your
coaching talents! I’m not sure that I will ever be able to adequately repay /
thank you for your help, but know that I will always be grateful and feel
blessed to know such an incredible lady!"
My mind raced as I thought, "Oh my goodness, she dedicated her first published
fiction novel to me! I’m the "For Christina." Seeing those two words "For
Christina" on the second page of a book created such a powerful and emotional
experience for me. More tears began streaming down my face. I arrived at the bus
stop so proud of my client, recalling the life challenges she courageously
conquered, but also feeling very undeserving of such a gracious gift.
My former client is an amazing lady and never gave up on her dream despite
setbacks. She is a brilliant, creative, and talented author. I immediately
called her to congratulate and thank her for touching my life in such a special
way. She shared with me that she’s in the process of writing her next fiction
book by request of the publisher.
I feel so blessed. As a coach, I have the very best job in the world. I’m
honored to be along for the ride as clients charge through obstacles and make
their dreams come true. This book lived inside of my client and she brought it
to life when she pursued her love for writing, allowed her creative spirit to
flow, didn’t let setbacks destroy her vision, and shared her gift with the
world.
Coaching Inquiries: What is the love that you are not currently pursuing? What
setbacks can empower you to continue your pursuit? What gifts do you want to
begin to share with the world?.
 To reply to this
Pathway, use our Feedback Form. If you are
interested in learning more about how you can partner with a LifeTrek coach to
enhance your resilience, please
Email Christina or
use the Contact Form to arrange for a
complimentary coaching session.
May you be filled with goodness, peace, and joy.
Christina Lombardo Ray, PCC, CPCC (Christina@LifeTrekCoaching.com)
LifeTrek Coaching International
Columbus, OH
U.S.A.
Telephone: 614-332-9747
Fax: 415-634-2301
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