Journey of a Dreamer

by Stephanie Lyas
Past OTO Client

Since I was a child, The Wizard of Oz has been one of my favorite movies. The story of the girl from humble beginnings trying to “find her way” is much like my own. Like Dorothy, I was desperately searching for things outside myself that I thought would make my life complete- only to discover that I possessed those things all along. All I needed to be happy and successful were already inside of me. It wasn’t until I experienced life coaching that that truth was revealed to me in a profound way. And I can earnestly say that my life has changed for the better. Great things are happening all the time! Probably the accomplishment of which I’m proudest is the recent publication of my book, Dwelling Places: a Poetic Journey through the Heart.

I compare my journey toward completing the book to Dorothy’s quest to reach The Emerald City. Though she faced great obstacles along the way, she got there. Perhaps the most important part is that she didn’t do it alone. She had help from her loyal friends, The Scarecrow, The Tin Man and The Lion. Although encumbered by their own personal weaknesses, their common focus was to help Dorothy reach her goal. And in the end, they discovered incredible things about themselves, too.

That, in essence, is what coaching has done for me. There are few words that can describe the “ripple effect” of blessings that have come from my coaching experience. My greatest joy, however, is sharing my testimony with others with the hope of encouraging them to overcome obstacles and do extraordinary things.


Looking back on my journey, it is difficult to pick which of the three companions best
describes my coach, because like any good companion, she possesses the attributes of all
three- wisdom, courage and heart. To witness those forces at work in my own life is another blessing for which I will always be thankful.


Whether or not Dorothy would have made it to Oz without her friends remains to be seen. But one thing is certain- the trip would have been much harder, and not nearly as exciting! True friends are invaluable. Coaches who really care are priceless. Like Dorothy, I have discovered on this amazing journey that “the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.”


© Stephanie Lyas. 2009

POWERFUL Questions

The Coaching Corner

By

Mary Mantei

One of the tools life coaches seek to use effectively is powerful questioning. A powerful question invites an individual to move to a deeper level of discovery or learning. A well-placed question can create greater possibility or perhaps a clearer vision for whoever we are in conversation with. A truly powerful question will not elicit a yes or no answer; rather it is open-ended to encourage reflection and creativity.

A hope I have for clients is that during and after the coaching relationship, they will learn to ask themselves powerful questions. I want them to be able to “self-coach” to extend the value of the coaching experience. As we step into 2010, into the next decade, we will have many opportunities to consider, many problems to solve or manage, and many decisions to make, which may have a simple or profound affect on our lives and the lives of others. Following are a few powerful questions which might assist you in exploring your options in a thoughtful, appreciative manner this coming Year.

If I say yes to this, what am I saying no to?

Examples of when you might want to ask yourself this question are;

Spending a large sum of money on an item or an experience

Saying yes to a request to voluntarily commit your time

Staying in a relationship which is not serving you well

What does _________________________ cost me? (Fill in the blank)

Examples:

What does my constant lateness cost me?

What does denial of my health issues cost me?

What does my desire to be honest with those I love cost me?

What options can I create?

When faced with a problem or dilemma, we often act on the first answer we land on. This question encourages us to spend time generating beyond the first solution or option and give ourselves potentially a better option or a backup plan. We feel less resigned with more options to select from and Plan B’s to turn to.

I encourage you to ask yourself one of these questions when the time is right and see where your mind and imagination take you. Eugene Ionesco, Romanian-born playright, was onto something when he said, “It’s not the answer that enlightens, but the question”.