The more time I spend outdoors, the deeper I fall in love with trees. Trees are the wisest teachers a human can have. Trees are everything I aspire to become. Trees are patient. Trees are generous. Trees don't question their worthiness or mine. Trees grow underground networks to help other trees thrive.

Is there something magical about Transformational Coaching? At first, it can feel that way. You start in a place that seems almost impossible to change—and somehow, you end up somewhere entirely different. Even when your external circumstances remain the same, everything has changed. But those of us who've experienced this kind of magic know it's anything but.

In last week's article, I shared two core pillars of Transformational Coaching: Radical Acceptance and Radical Responsibility. I've capitalized these concepts intentionally because I want them to stand apart from your everyday run-of-the-mill experiences of acceptance and responsibility. Radical means always, not sometimes. It means doing it when it's difficult, uncomfortable, and exactly what we don't want to do.

Some people have vision. I love those people so much! I seek them out. I want them as friends and clients. I’m drawn to them like a hopelessly hypnotized moth to flame. They like me too. They think I’m one of them. But I never had vision. Still don’t. What I have is balls!

If I've learned one thing in my career as a Professional Coach, it's this: all change begins with Radical Acceptance. Think back on your life and identify one meaningful change you made that stayed with you. I promise you—it started with fully (and often painfully) accepting your current reality. Radical Acceptance is necessary, but not sufficient, to create the changes so many of us long for.

One of the foundational practices of Life Coaching is helping our clients understand the distinction between being a victim and having a victim mindset. So many of us navigate through life with a victim mindset, convinced that external circumstances control our fate instead of realizing our own power to shape it.

Why are old people slow? Because the fast ones are dead! — Anonymous wisdom. I won’t get a tattoo. I have nothing against tattoos or people who have them, it’s just not my thing. But if it was, I know exactly what tattoo I would carry on my wrist. Slow Down!

The fear of uncertainty is one of the most paralyzing obstacles for young adults. By cultivating the right mindset, clarifying identity, and using practical strategies, we can navigate change, take responsibility, and confidently thrive even when life feels unpredictable.

I cry on this ordinary fall morning. Not because something sad happened, but because I see my dog eating breakfast, the sunrise over mountains, my children healthy, my perfect morning coffee. I realize that one day, these everyday joys will no longer be available. So I cry. Not from sadness, but because tears slow me down to the blessings of the present moment. Crying is my body's forcing function for accessing true gratitude.

Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.” I’ve realized that fear has held me—and many young adults I coach—paralyzed. Some fears we can conquer; others take time. When we pair understanding with action, fear loses its power, and we can finally step into life fully.

This week, Jews all around the world are observing Passover, a recollection of our ancestors’ time as slaves and a grateful honoring of their journey to freedom. In looking at the rituals, I’m struck by the ways our modern “shackles”—fame, pleasure, money, and power—quietly limit our freedom today.

My niece, Hannah, just released an album of her heartfelt and deeply vulnerable (and in my opinion, brilliant) work. To put one’s work and self out there in the world takes courage at any age, but at 17, it takes something more. Hannah was walking through fear, not because she was comfortable with opening her heart, soul and talent for the world to experience, but because she was ready.

Culturally and socially, we’ve got a problem with aging. We desperately want to stay alive for as long as possible, as evidenced by the boom in all things longevity, and yet we really, really don’t want to age!

“Should” is a dictator dressed as The Buddha. It presents itself as a word, thought and belief that feels right—one that appears to be useful and helpful. We think it wants the best for us. We think that telling ourselves and others that we should do, think or be something will lead to necessary and positive action. So we go through life using this word generously, throwing it around like confetti.

“Why should I work with a Professional Coach?” It’s a question many of us silently ask. While our default future unfolds without effort, it may not be the one we want. Coaching helps us uncover what we truly desire, why it matters, when to act, and who can guide us—transforming hesitation into deliberate progress.

We are all extraordinary in our uniqueness. There's no such thing as ordinary. Yet we limit and diminish ourselves with frightening ease. My clients who create real transformation aren't born extraordinary—they're created by choice. They show up when they don't want to. They work hard, focus on what matters, and deliberately put themselves on the edge of "have to." Extraordinariness is not a personality trait. It's a practice.

I just spent five days at a Coaching Retreat with five extraordinary women. Left to my default, I’m a lone wolf, but this experience stretched me beyond my comfort zone. Through honesty, vulnerability, and shared reflection, we created profound connection, insight, and transformation that will shape the next chapter of our lives.

Good coaching gives you courage, not clarity. Clarity comes in the rear view mirror—after you've already done the hard things. Vision is harvested through practice, specifically through one core discipline: deep, skillful conversation. For over three decades in luxury retail, I mastered seeing deeply and hearing forensically. Now, as a coach, I understand: whole-hearted conversations create profound connection and miraculous results. It's about being truly seen, heard, and held.

"How can I support you?" is one of my favorite questions to ask. Most people want support but don't know how to ask for it. We also don't know that there are many "languages" in which we can offer and receive support—similar to Love Languages, but different. Deep listening, embracing silence, creating context, being vulnerable, doing something, problem solving, innovating, cheerleading, showing up. These are the 9 Support Languages that transform relationships.

The unending vulnerability of existence—pain, illness, loss, and grief—are not bugs in the system. They're features. Optimism is not optional for the awakened soul. It's the only choice. Acceptance is the start line for growth. Connection comes before creation. And the world is not changed by your words or declarations—it's changed by your example and actions. Here are 10 principles for living with authenticity, purpose, and power.