A Coach is not [quite] a Friend

Go ahead. Vent. Complain. 

Your frustration won’t bother me. I won’t judge you, even on the inside. I’ve been there - you probably can’t surprise me with your darkest thoughts or the roughest things that have happened.

And here’s the thing: you can STILL be healthy and fit. Almost no matter what. You can acknowledge the impact of people and events, and choose next steps.

I know from my own life and the ladies I coach - With everything you want to do and be for your family, friends, community, you don’t have the time or brain space to make yourself and your physical care a big project.

My clients aren’t entering bikini contests. They want to play tag for 10 minutes without being winded, or take their kids to museums and not end the day feeling cranky. They want to have the energy to feel excited about time with their husband, an upcoming trip, or connecting with a friend, not the dread of planning One More Thing.

I know you feel responsible for people most of the day. I also know your health will improve when you find a framework that suits your family and priorities. That’s why we take the time, over many conversations, trial and errors, revising systems, to find a sustainable path that WON'T take more brain space.

You’ll have an A,B, and C plan for every sticky situation, whether it’s long mealtimes when you’re tempted to overeat, missing your exercise window, or recharging during a nonstop day. We do the thinking together, in advance, and you test out the options and confirm that they work for you.

A coach is different from a friend because my job is to listen. You don’t have to listen to me. It doesn’t need to be “fair”. You’re not in any way responsible for me. And if you’re having a rotten day, I can’t come to your house and help you out (much as I might like to!). You’re still the one who needs to do it, boots on the ground. 

So then you see that you ARE doing it - you’re figuring it out, getting one step ahead of the crazy. Your confidence changes the dynamic for the whole family. You feel comfortable asking for what you need, holding the line, and changing your part even if no one else is willing.You say no. You do less, not more. You get back to things you used to love.

Meanwhile, your cycles are getting smoother. Time goes back a few years and it’s like you’re in your early 30s again. You no longer want to torch your husband the week before your period - it’s just a thought here and there. 

The teens don’t push your buttons the same way. You eat a nutritious meal in peace and don’t feel guilty that it costs far more than what your children eat. You remember your supplements. You read something for fun. You get that package into the mail and organize that corner that’s been bothering you. You call that friend you’ve been meaning to.

Grace builds on nature. You’re already trying everything you know how to do. With better nutrition, quality sleep, and the right amount of movement, you’ll have the foundation to feel really good most days. And when you have the strategies for all the human stuff, your feelings aren’t derailed by drama. 

A coach is a strategy friend, not a social friend. I share your world and your frustrations. I can say “yes, that’s rough, been there - now let’s help you figure this out”. 

I celebrate your progress, especially the parts you might not notice. It's my gift and privilege to see the full picture of where you're succeeding even if every day doesn't feel great.

If you're curious about what you could do with several months of coaching, email me at brightfamiliesnutrition@gmail.com and we'll find a good time to talk. No pressure, seriously. I'll give you my best estimate of how long you might want coaching to develop your personal framework, and you can take it one month at a time.

My coaching rates have been an incredible value at $150 per month; starting August 15th, I'll be charging $250 per month to more closely reflect the resources I'm investing in my clients.

If it's not the right time, I hope you'll be encouraged by the podcast and resources here, and join us in Zoom at 8 am on Mondays throughout the summer.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5057184387

Best wishes,

Jen