Your Body is Your Guide Now
Navigating life in the 21st century is difficult enough for healthy people. Add a chronic or acute health problem to the mix and it can feel like it’s just too much. However, embedded in the challenge is a gift if you listen to the voice within.
The information age, while exciting and fun on many levels, has us living “in our heads” most of the time. If you’re always plugged in you are likely to stop paying attention – or even noticing – your body. However, it is your body that contains the real wisdom about what is right for you. If you are ill your capacity to be always on and always productive is limited. Maybe that’s not such a bad thing.
My Story
Until I was 36 years old I enjoyed good health, when I was suddenly and quite unexpectedly derailed from a career I loved due to the onset of a chronic, often debilitating illness, Crohn’s Disease. At the time I was a bookstore manager of a small high-end bookstore chain, and a regional training manager, too. Within 8 months I found myself demoted because I couldn’t keep up with the full load of my responsibilities, and eventually I left the company.
For the next 7 years I struggled to find a way to be happy and productive at work while continuing to find a new normal with my health. During this time I was raising my son, went through a divorce and later remarried. My journey eventually led me to start my coaching business.
Since starting my business in 2001, I have become increasingly aware of the number of people who, like me, are seeking a way to create a business life that allows them to “BE” themselves and do work that matters in a way that honors their specific personal priorities.
The Conundrum
I know that the drive to do work that matters does not diminish just because your body is in a weakened state, though severe pain can dampen that drive at times. I also know that the opportunities in the corporate world to do so are limited by a business culture that pays you for the time at the office rather than the results produced.
Fortunately, with today’s technology we are seeing a shift even in the business world, but it is slow. You may not be able to wait until companies change their policies to allow for the flexibility that you need in order to be comfortable enough to do your work. You are more likely to have to find alternatives to “9-5.”
The World Needs Your Wisdom
With all the noise in the world today it can be more difficult to know who you are and what YOU have to say. I want to help you find that place in yourself – and the room in your life – to embrace your unique perspective and experience the satisfaction that comes with the living a life that matters.
Forging New Pathways
If you are in a place with your illness where it is possible to work – even for just a few hours a day – let’s figure out what you can do and how you can do it. Even if you have to stay in bed in order to be comfortable, you can most certainly do something that engages your mind and creates a revenue stream.
Business from Bed: 6-Step Comeback Plan After a Health Crisis
- Beyond Survival – Rising from the Ashes
- Embrace the New Normal
- Ask for Help, Acknowledge Your Limitations
- Explore Alternate Business Models
- Slow Down, Don’t Move too Fast
- Build Capacity, Organize for Success
If you’d like to find out how Joan can help you rebuild (or start) your business as you continue to regain your health and strength visit the coaching page, or just click here to schedule a no-obligation 45-minute coaching consultation.
