The web design is a really amazing interface, and the stories, photos and videos that have already been posted are very beautiful. If you or someone you know has been a grateful receipient of a blood donation, Matt would love for you to participate in this great cause. If you are interested in donating blood, visit the Canadian Blood Services or the American Red Cross.

 

The card drive was designed to benefit the Chapman family children who recently moved to Liberia (see my previous post to learn more). The move has been challenging for the kids, and this act of kindness is Jennifer's special project to bring some sunshine to their lives.

 

I joined in the campaign by doing one card for the kids and one card for the parents, which you can see below. The deadline for submitting cards is August 15, 2008 if you'd like to participate as well. 

• Young people who are involved with a variety of positive activities and opportunities will be more productive and avoid risky behavior.
• Young people thrive when they have positive relationships with caring, responsible adults.
• Young people who are intentionally involved in decision making to shape their own development attain sustained positive growth.
• Communities need to maintain a safe, clean, vibrant, nurturing and supportive environment in order for young people to be productive.

 

The Heart is Hot movement was started by a woman named Sahara.  Her inspiration for the campaign came to her after a chance encounter with a distraught stranger in San Franciso. She wanted to give him a gift of encouragement, and thought of a glass heart she had at home. She then thought, "I wish I had a bag of hearts to carry around San Francisco and pass out to people when I felt impacted by them in any moment". With that the giving program was born.

 

Kristin has a BA in Psychology, is an ICF Master Certified Coach, and is the resident Life & Career Coach for iVillage. She has been featured in numerous magazines such as Entrepreneur, Women's Day and Family Circle.

 

In the spirit of the Serendipity Factory's mission of seeking out people in the world who are doing positive things while being true to themselves and living their dreams -- we are happy to feature Kristin as our first interview.

 

You have said that your career is your "true calling." Did you have an "Ah-ha!" moment when you realized what your dream was or was it a gradual realization through your career?
I had an "ah-ha" moment AFTER a period of gradual realizations! I started my career working for a recruiting firm then quickly (within a year) decided I wanted to work for myself...so I ventured out and started my own recruiting firm at the ripe old age of 24. The majority of my day was spent interviewing people for various jobs in the healthcare field. After 5 years and literally hundreds if not thousands of interviews later, I started to notice a pattern. MOST people weren't very happy in their careers, yet they seemed stuck or unable to make a transition. So, I started "coaching" them without realizing what I was doing exactly! Shortly thereafter, I heard about a coaching conference and attended.  That's where the "aha" moment happened for me.  I couldn't believe coaching was an actual profession.  It was the perfect fit for me, so I closed down my recruiting business and forged ahead as a coach...which was a big risk at the time. But, I knew it was the right direction for me.

If you were to give advice to someone who essentially knew what they wanted, but allowed fears/doubts/nay-sayers to hold them back, what would you say?
Everyone has fears. Most people don't realize how many successful people were once nearly crippled by fear. There are countless stories I could share with them. I think many people wait for the fear to pass or feel hesitant to take risks if they feel TOO scared.  The truth is that most successful people feel fear and take risks anyway. So, don't wait for your fear to subside.  Sometimes, the only way to tame a fear is to move past it by taking one significant step forward. If you can simply break the inertia and build momentum toward your goals, you'll start seeing fear in your rearview mirror. So, identify one step you can take in the next 24 hours related to your goal and then DO it.

I love that you have your values so clearly defined and publicly posted. Can you tell us the process you went through to reach them, and how it impacts your daily life being clearly in tune with them?
Thank you.  Honestly, I just sat down one day and wrote them out.  It wasn't hard for me to do at all. I'm always curious to know what people stand for so I thought my clients might appreciate seeing a list of what I stand for as well. It helps people quickly sense if they resonate with my style. As a result, the clients that approach me for coaching are 99% of the time IDEAL for me. Being clear about your values at work and in your personal life can help sort and sift through people and opportunities so you mainly attract what's right for you.

What have you learned in your life, that you wished you would have known 10 years ago?
Good one... How important it is to be compassionate and loving to everyone you meet because you never know what someone's dealing with or going through. I've always been a kind person, but I wasn't as understanding of people's "faults" or shortcomings 10 years ago. Or, I may've been taken someone's rude behavior personally, for example.  After coaching lots of people and living life a bit more, I understand now that everyone has their own path and it's important to try to understand and respect that about them. Plus, taking anyone personally just isn't worth it since it usually doesn't have anything to do with me anyway. It's a more peaceful approach than I had 10 years ago.

Who has been the greatest inspiration in your life and why?
From a very young age: My parents and sisters. My mom models integrity and introspection. My dad is a constant reminder to have fun and be loyal. My sister, Kathleen, is the greatest friend anyone could ever have. She models "putting people" first and inspires me that way. And, my little sister Tricia, models strength and bravery. I was born into the perfect family for me and have learned so many lessons from each family member.
 
Professionally: Thomas Leonard, coaching founder, inspired (and still inspires me even though he passed) for obvious reasons. He was a genius and I was so fortunate to work directly with him for a period of time.

What is the most rewarding part of your business?
Realizing I made a significant impact one someone's life. I write "client stories" on my website to give potential clients a glimpse into my work. Sometimes, late at night, I'll sit in front of my computer and reread the stories or flip through client files to see other stories that aren't online. I always love doing that since it helps put the entire coaching relationship into perspective and shows someone's progression. It's a great reminder of where the client started and how we both journeyed together toward their end-goal. I love the sense of completion when a client reaches their objective!

How do you maintain a sunny disposition when you hit those speed bumps and challenges in your life?
I am human and I do hit speed bumps from time to time. Whenever it happens, I try to look at the challenge from a spiritual perspective. "Why am I attracting this problem? What do I need to learn?" etc. That usually helps. Excellent self-care ALWAYS helps me, too. So, if times are tough for me, I'll get a massage...spend more time relaxing....eat exceptionally well...sleep more...whatever it takes!

When you have one whole day to yourself without obligations, what is your favorite thing to do?
Depends on the day. I frequently have entire days without obligations, actually. I *need* at least one of those days a week.  A typical free day might include spending time relaxing in bed, watching movies or reading....and I mean ALL day. A long, lazy day is very fun for me. Or,  more of an active day such as exercising, riding my bike,  being outside, playing with my nieces,  cooking etc.  I've been known to LOVE a good spa day, too.

If you could have only one book in the whole world, what would it be and why?
A book of pictures of everyone I love. No words, just images. Plus, images of things that inspire me. Just one big picturebook! Images are more powerful than words these days.  I'm not sure why....

 

 

"We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves; otherwise we harden." - Goethe
 
Many years ago, I had this quote framed by my bathroom sink and looked at it each day as I brushed my pearly whites. I still love the quote today!  I frequently select a quote that's meaningful to me and frame it in my bathroom.  I think that's a great way to soak in the words as you soak in the tub or get ready for the day.  I don't really have a favorite quote but the Goethe one is one of my faves.

 

To learn more about Kristin's coaching and online programs, visit her websites: Kristin Coach Courses or KristinCoach.com. She also has a daily inspiration eNewsletter called the Morning Mantra.
 

 

This I Believe is is a national media project engaging people in writing, sharing, and discussing the core values and beliefs that guide their daily lives. NPR airs these three-minute essays on All Things Considered, Tell Me More and Weekend Edition Sunday. It is based on the 1950's radio program created by Edward R. Murrow.