Joan’s story reveals that joy doesn’t automatically come from success or exciting life events—it comes from something deeper.

Joan has recently received a promotion. It’s an executive position she has long waited for. Finally, she got it! Within a few weeks, Joan will be planning a big party for her daughter, who is turning 5 and is entering kindergarten. An exciting time for the family, indeed! Joan’s husband loves travelling and Joan is lucky enough to go on family vacations every three months. Her work gives her the freedom to work from anywhere in the world. With all this excitement in her life, Joan is unable to experience joy. Everything she does with every moment that passes, it feels, to her, like a chore. Nothing feels joyful. No matter the event -- whether they are family dinners or family celebrations – she does not experience joy. Still, doing more and accomplishing more has not given her the joy she truly wants to experience.

Can you relate? 

Stability isn’t about managing every detail—it’s about creating a foundation of trust and open communication. Fred’s journey is a perfect example of how a small shift can bring lasting stability to your life.

Fred is the Director of Operations at his workplace. He came to me for coaching wanting to be able to motivate his team and to work on his communication.

I asked Fred why he wants this… “Do you feel that your team is not motivated?”

Fred’s answer, “No, they’re not. They’re not motivated!”

“Why do you think that?”

Fred went on to tell me more… ‘Every time I asked how they are doing that week, their response is always the same. They answer “good” or “okay”. They never say much. And I want to grow the team, but I can’t… I haven’t been able to let them take on some of the tasks I’m doing… I want to be able to rely on some of the current team members to teach the junior members.”

He also further explained that there had been some restructuring in the company and there is a lot of uncertainty amongst the staff.

My next question was, “Fred, have you ever asked your team members where they see themselves in the future with this company?”

Fred’s response, “No.”

“No? Why haven’t you asked that question”

“I never thought to ask them that. Plus, I don’t think they want to tell me much of anything. I can see that would be a great question.”

As we coached, we discovered an emotional holdback that was the real reason why Fred didn’t want to ask his team questions. He was afraid that he might be imposing on others if he asked too many questions.

This may have been Fred’s A-ha moment.

The truth is, this has been happening at home as well… Fred didn’t always check in with his wife to see what she was interested in doing, nor have they sat down together to have a conversation to compare dreams of their future. All along, they have been coasting through life together.

Can you relate?

Real freedom is about releasing the emotional weight that stops you from asking for the help you need.

Chelsea’s story shows how a simple shift—learning to ask for help—can unlock a new level of freedom in your work and home life.

Do you ever feel like you’re the only one picking up the slack for everyone else? Maybe you’re someone at work who pulls late nights to finish up. Or, maybe at home, you’re the one who always has to pick up the mess.

Sometimes – if you find this happening to you – you may have a pattern that goes deeper than the cleaning.

This is the case with my client, Chelsea. She came to me for coaching wanting to have more time in her life – more time for herself and more time with her family.

When I asked why she doesn’t think she has time for anything, Chelsea’s surprising response was laundry.

Chelsea admitted, “Folding laundry is a lot! It’s never-ending… and it’s like I don’t have time for anything else when I do the laundry. My husband just goes to bed shortly after dinner… and I get upset that I’m left with the mess at home. Then, I find myself being mad at him the next day -- all day long!” Let’s be honest—who wants to be doing laundry after a long day at work?

As I listened to Chelsea, I realise that it isn’t just about the laundry. This may be a pattern that shows up in all areas of her life.

“Chelsea, do you ever ask for help?”

Chelsea’s reply, “I think he would help… but I’m not comfortable with it.”

As we coached, we discovered an emotional holdback that was the real reason why Chelsea would pick up unpleasant jobs without ever asking for help.

The truth is, this has been happening at work as well… with emails piling up or even returning phone calls. Whenever she needs things done, she would spend hours doing the work that other people are also responsible for.

Can you relate?