Follow YOUR path...trust YOUR direction.

Follow your path...trust your direction.

When you say it, it seems like this is just like the Wizard of Oz, and it's laid right out in front of you, like the yellow brick road. Just follow it and if you stay on it everything's going to be fine...and if you dare to veer off it...well, you know what happens.

I don't know about you, but that's never been my experience. In fact, it's often not until I'm back on my path that I realize I've even been off of it...that I've taken a detour.

And the more I think about it...

I think the thing is that it's all a part of your path...the straying from what you think is the way you should be going. Sometimes to what looks bright and shiny, sometimes to things that look like really good options, and sometimes...you've lost your GPS signal.

That realization...that's where the path becomes visible again.

More strongly...even if you don't have the long-range forecast or the GPS locked in. The destination almost feels secondary. Secondary to the fact you've gone through a reset...lost your way...taken a detour... And now you're back online...the GPS has been recalibrated.

How about you?

How do you know when you're veering in a direction that probably isn't right?

Often it starts with a niggling inside that tells you something's off. At first, you probably can't put your finger on it...but it's there in the background. Gradually it gets louder and louder until you can't ignore it anymore you have to investigate it.

We're heading in to a New Year. Maybe it's a good time to examine that path you're on?


Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

We're on the cusp of a New Year which is a natural opportunity to reflect and make some decisions. Checking in on where you're heading. Maybe it's one particular area of your life where you need to make some sort of an adjustment. Pick just one thing now, one situation, and reflect on these questions:

• Are you headed where you want to go?
  

  • Or does something "feel off"?

• If you stay on this trajectory, what will December 2026 look like for you?

  • It seems a long way out and yet fast forwarding can provide you with some clarity.

• What little thing could you change about this situation?

  • A little thing implemented consistently will reap transformative results over time.

Consider this...

It's the zigs and zags that make your path worthwhile. It's understanding that there's not one way, one path, for you...that's the beauty of it. The fact that your path can go many directions, not always good, not always where you're meant to be, but always in places and spaces where...if you're open to it...you can learn a lot.

Follow your path. Trust your direction.

Ready to shift your mindset in 2026? Contact me and let's set up your FREE chemistry call.

Cheers,

Ann

Follow YOUR path…trust YOUR direction.

Feeling overwhelmed and stressed?

Feeling overwhelmed and stressed?

Of course you are! This is probably one of the most stressful times of the year. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza or nothing at all…the end of the year can create a tremendous amount of pressure. Finishing up last minute preparations or, perhaps, completion of those end of year work goals...and let's not even talk about 2026 goal setting...

Wrapping things up, literally and figuratively.

Remember "Goldilocks"? She knew when the porridge, the bed, and the chair were just right. Not too hot, too soft, not too...you get the picture…

Stress can be like that: Too much and your circuits get overwhelmed...too little and you have no oomph to get things done.  What do you need? Just the right amount to give you the energy to show up to the things you want to show up to...feeling your best. No matter what this busy time of year throws at you.

It's possible. 

There's definitely something about a little bit of healthy stress - that boost of adrenaline - that can make you feel motivated and energetic and ready to get that thing done.

But...how do you put in place some healthy boundaries to ensure that your circuits aren't getting overloaded? 

Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

Here are some suggestions for managing your resources over the next couple of weeks. Resources can be many things: Tangible things like money, or things like your time and energy.

• Tangible things:

  • Before you tap your card again...ask yourself: When January comes and it's time to "pay up" will I regret this decision to spend my money on this?

• Time:  

  • Before you take on one more thing…ask yourself : Do I have the time to do this thing? Time is finite. We only get so much of it. If you're taking on something "extra", maybe ask yourself: What do I need to say no to in order to do this?

• Energy:

  • This is a tiring time of year. Extra requests are being made of you on top of your already busy schedule. In addition to time, your energy can take a hit. When you get asked to do that thing, ask yourself: Is this really what I want to spend my energy on?

• Selfcare:

  • Probably the most important element in managing over the next few weeks. Taking time each day to do something for yourself. A quick walk, a few minutes of breathing, throwing on a song you like and dancing. Having a chat with someone you love. Whatever works for you. And, a friendly reminder that, NO is a complete sentence.  You don't have to make excuses for taking care of yourself.

Ready to shift your mindset in 2026? Contact me and let's set up your FREE chemistry call.

Cheers,

Ann

Feeling overwhelmed and stressed?

Here's the thing about things...it's rarely about the thing...

That's the superficial top layer.

It can go so much deeper.

Picture an iceberg...the tip of the iceberg. It's the only thing that you can see and we know there's so much more below the surface.

It could be the symptom or maybe it's the final straw.

How do you know?

There are several perspectives to consider when you're looking for answers.

First and most obvious is your own perspective. You know what's underneath it all, you can tell that story. It's your experience. Reviewing the situation through your own eyes.

That's one perspective.

Another perspective?

From the perspective of others who are or were close to that situation who could describe it from how they saw it...how they experienced it. You may not necessarily agree with them...because of course, they're also  telling it from their particular lens. Look at it as information. And if no one was actually involved? Imagine how someone else might have experienced the situation.

And finally, consider the situation from a spectator's viewpoint. What?

Picture being at a sporting event or maybe a concert where you're in the mid level seats. You can get a pretty good idea of what's going on but not necessarily hear the words that are being said...but you can see the behaviours and inevitably draw some conclusions...rightly or not... you get another layer to the story.

So why do we think we know what's going on over there when we only have the one perspective. Ours. How are you supposed to know what the thing is when it's embedded in so many other things?

I think a good place to start might be:

• Get curious.

• Ask questions.

• Don't make assumptions.

Back to that iceberg picture that we often see where you can only see the top...the thing that finally came to the surface. In that visual you can see that there's so much more going on beneath it.

Where are you making an assumption right now, thinking that the thing that you see is the actual thing?



Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

Think of a situation where you're scratching your head, trying to figure it out. Wondering what's going on when you only have the top of the iceberg as your reference point?

What if you take a moment now to explore the three potential perspectives?

• Your perspective, how do you see this?

  • What are you assuming from your perspective?

• Theirs.

  • What if you imagined stepping into their experience?

• A spectator’s.

  • What would an uninvolved party see that you can't? What wisdom could they add to this particular situation?

What new information do you gain after looking at this situation from all these perspectives? What's different now?

It's getting close to the time of year where the pressure can be high and patience low. Remember...be curious and kind and don't make assumptions.

Ready to shift your mindset in 2026? Contact me and let's set up your FREE chemistry call.

Cheers,

Ann
*Confidence *Mindset *Performance Coach *Author 
www.steppingstonecoaching.ca

Here’s the thing about things…it’s rarely about the thing…

Are you missing the top of the puzzle box?

Have you ever tried to solve a puzzle without the top of the box?

Yikes!

You're not always going to get the top of the puzzle box.

How the heck are you supposed to solve a puzzle when you don't know what it's supposed to look like?

When you're in the "in between" maybe feeling uncertain or in a space that feels foreign for you...that can be exactly what it feels like...you're missing the top of the puzzle box. The clues for what's next...or at least some sort of framework.

That doesn't mean you can't solve it, or that you can't get started. It just means you have to be willing to take a chance. Try a piece...see if it fits...be willing to fail.

It also offers a lot more flexibility in how that puzzle's gonna turn out.

You get to determine how many pieces are in the puzzle, which piece you start with, when the puzzle is complete - the final result.

In life, you're gonna find yourself in foreign territory from time to time...experiences that you've never had before...where there's no "top of the box" to guide you through it. Where you truly have to navigate it one puzzle piece at a time.

The cool thing about solving puzzles is that you don't have to do it alone. Every now and then someone else is holding the puzzle piece that you need for your puzzle.

Where right now do you have a puzzle with no box top?


Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

Maybe you're navigating a job loss, or a family member is unwell, and you're navigating through the system. Perhaps for you, there's been a relationship change. There are so many situations that can come up where there's no puzzle box with the clues that you might need.

• Life doesn't always come with the picture on top of the box. 
  

  • Even if you think you have a “plan” sometimes you're looking at the wrong puzzle box. It happens.

• We need others to complete our puzzle.
  

  • Sometimes, we just don’t have all of the puzzle pieces we need to complete the puzzle. 

• Likewise, sharing some of our puzzle pieces is the right thing to do.

  • Everyone needs assistance from time to time. Look around...who could use one of your puzzle pieces?

While doing things on your own may be fine for you most times, we all need assistance from time to time and getting someone else’s puzzle piece may be the exact thing you need right now.  

Check in. Do you need to take a puzzle piece...or offer one?

Looking for the top of the puzzle box? Contact me and let's set up your FREE chemistry call.

Cheers,

Ann

Are you missing the top of the puzzle box?

Curveballs are going to happen...

Curveballs are going to happen...

Things don't always go as planned, that's for sure. Life's going to throw you some curveballs...

• Something unexpected.
  

  • You had something planned and didn't get the reaction you were anticipating.

• Something surprising.
  

  • This can also include good things!

• Or perhaps it's something disruptive.
  

  • An accident that temporarily changes your life or that delayed flight that inconvenienced you.

No matter what it is...it's what you do next that counts. 

It's really not about the curveball...it's more about your response to it...which for most people is probably going to be reactive. Totally normal. It's what happens next...how you eventually choose to respond...that ultimately matters...and that response may take you some time.

Let's face it, some curveballs are going to require an immediate reaction - or action. So react if the situation requires it. Take the necessary action.

Or...if the situation warrants it, take some time so that you can actually respond. Easier said than done, especially depending on the associated emotions...because let's face it, not all curveballs have the same magnitude. In a moment of emotion, we can respond without thinking it through. If you have the luxury of time, the 24 hour rule is usually a good idea...taking some time to shift your emotions, be in a better state of mind, before you respond...because when you do this, you're actually responding versus reacting. It's different.

If you've been thrown a curveball here are some things to consider:

• Curveballs are there to knock you off your feet, sometimes literally, and they're a way to redirect you.

• They aren't permanent but the lessons you learn can be.

• In time, when you reflect on your situation, you may connect some dots and possibly, appreciate why it happened.

Curveballs can leave you feeling off balance...not yourself. So remember...if you're feeling shitty, take some time to regain your balance...which may include some moping, anger and perhaps some bitterness...BUT don't unpack your bags and live there! Feel the feels and gradually pick yourself up, take the next best step and keep going.

Things to accept:

• You  may need help (yikes). Ask for it.  Not something many of you may be used to. Receive it with gratitude.

• Letting go of control and the way it's supposed to be, because, at least for now, it's not.  

• Everything truly is temporary.

Life's most valuable lessons aren't going to be in a video or podcast. Nope, they're often presented as unexpected curveballs. 

Curveballs are gonna happen. Life's going to throw one at you every now and then.

Then what?


Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

If you're dealing with the aftermath of a curveball ponder these questions:

• What can you accept about it?

• Where's the lesson for you moving forward?

• What if you look forward six months or so...what might you be seeing then?

As you recover, remember: No matter what you're working on, it's not going to happen overnight, it's going to happen over time. Maybe read that again.

Been thrown a curveball? Contact me and let's set up your FREE chemistry call.

Cheers,

Ann

Curveballs are going to happen…

Things don't always work out...thank goodness!

Things don't always work out...thank goodness!

Can you imagine if every single thing that you planned came to be? How many other things would you have missed out on because of that?

It's been a month now since that thing that I planned didn't work out...and really "didn't work out" isn't my opinion of it at all…and others looking in might think that.

I'm feeling so grateful right now to be exactly where I am...knowing that everything happens for a reason and when something doesn't work out...it isn't the end of the world...in fact, it can be the beginning of an amazing new chapter.

Typically when things don't work out we look at that as a bad thing. You had a plan or an idea and now it's not going to be fulfilled.

What if you chose to look at it differently? 

When something doesn't work out the way you think it might have or "should have" get curious. Me? I'm digging immediately for the lesson, for the learning, and for how I can move forward to my next thing. It's actually a little bit exciting.

How about you?

How do you behave when things don't work out the way you think they should have? Do you look at it as a failure or do you look at it as information? I wouldn't have necessarily reacted this way in the past, and...I've done a ton of work. Maybe that's why I roll with things much differently now... and it's possible for you too.

As always...there's no right or wrong answer. It's about exploring your natural response to something and deciding whether you want to look at it from a different perspective.

One of the first things to look at is the idea that we have control over our plans. It's kind of delusional, because life is going to throw you a curveball every now and then that's going to knock you off your feet and change your plans with or without your consent.

• The relationship breakup you didn't see coming.

• The ice storm that cancelled your trip.

• The technology that made you redundant.

Anything can interrupt your plans and that's kind of life. It's what you do afterwards, how you move forward, that matters.

Is there somewhere right now where you've been left scratching your head, thinking "this isn't how I planned for it to go?" 

Maybe you've been blindsided by something or you surprised yourself by making a decision that was out of character for you. Whatever the case may be...things did not work out as planned.

Now what?


Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

Think of a situation where things didn't work out. Maybe you didn't get that job, the relationship ended…whatever comes to mind for you. 

Ask yourself these questions:

• How did my life change because of this?

  • When it first happened and now, upon reflection.

• What new thing came my way because of this?

  • When plans don't go the way you hoped, typically something else shows up.

• What did I avoid because this thing didn’t work out?

  • Hmmmm…you may not necessarily look at this perspective.

What else did I learn because of this? There's always a lesson when you're open to receiving it.


Things not working out? Contact me and let's set up your FREE chemistry call.

Cheers,

Ann

Things don’t always work out…thank goodness!

Is it time to make a path...or take a path?

Is it time to make a path...or take a path?

This is a question that I've asked myself from time to time...mostly when it comes to a point where I'm making a decision and I'm not quite sure where to go next.

Situations like these can be a good time to stop and see what's out there...see what's been done, and decide if that's where you want to go...on a well trodden path.

Or...if what's "out there" doesn't seem to resonate for you, maybe it's time to forge your own path.

When I look back at my life and my decisions, there have been some pivotal moments where I've decided that it's time to forge my own path. Risky? Yep. Worth it? Almost always.

Choices.

Tradition. Let's face it, historically, there's a traditional path that we were encouraged to follow. For example, when it came to education in particular...finish high school, go to college or university immediately, graduate, secure a job and off you go... right out of the gate.

That was never me. I was one of the first to take the year off between high school and what's next.

And then from there... my steps were always a little bit off the beaten path...and for that, I'm truly grateful.

At the same time, let's not knock tradition. There's a reason something's a tradition, isn't there? It's tested, tried and true.

And like a lot of traditions, it's celebrated. There's a level of approval attached to it...it's what you're supposed to do.

How about you?

Taking a path that no one else, or very few have taken, in and of itself is an act of courage. Recognizing that although this isn't the way most people go, this is going to be your way...and some may say...the rewards can be so much bigger as well. The successes and failures that come from your decisions. To truly listen to what resonates in your heart for you. There's more risk involved, but there's risk involved with anything worthwhile.

Are you a traditional path follower or do you tend to get the information you need and then forge your own direction?

There's no "right" way to be. This is an opportunity to consider shifting gears if you always lean in one particular way.


Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

Are you at a crossroads right now...a decision making point? Not sure of your next step?

"Sometimes someone else has already done the legwork and it makes sense to walk in their footsteps and soak up their experience. Then there are going to be the times when no one else has quite done the thing you want to do and you may need to create your own path. Check in and notice what may apply right now." *

I'm making the assumption that you already know how to follow a path, so let's explore forging your own path which maybe is a foreign concept for you.

The thing about making your own path is you get to pick which detours you take, and ...you don't tend to look at them as detours, they're simply another option on your path. Another opportunity.

That's the beauty...your map isn't carved out too far ahead. And if you decide to change direction...you're always taking whatever experience you gained with you. It adds a new layer to your life experience, and it creates the uniqueness of who you are and what you bring to the table.

Think of that situation again...is it time to make a path...or take a path? Trust your instincts.


Is it time to explore your path? Contact me and let's set up your FREE chemistry call.

Cheers,

Ann

*Excerpt from my second book “You’re Stuck…Now What?”

Is it time to make a path…or take a path?

Are you done...or are you tired?

Are you done or are you just tired?

This is a question I've been putting to myself a lot lately because truth be told, I'm tired, and I have to recognize that that doesn't mean I'm done. It just means that at this moment in time, I don't have the energy or bandwidth for some things.

It's super useful because being done is a big deal. When you're tired? You have more options...first of all, get some rest. No, seriously, get some rest.

How often are you running from meeting to meeting to meeting? Burning the candle at both ends. Finding yourself exhausted at the end of the day...and probably not even knowing what you actually got done. Sound familiar?

Up until recently, that was me. Now I'm at that point where I'm really starting to ask myself some deeper questions...some more meaningful questions. I'm not going to get all philosophical on you here, but it's about  stepping back and taking some inventory.

Maybe you can relate?

Nothing you go through is particularly unique to you. How you respond to it will be unique. But really, nothing is necessarily unique. It's part of  being a normal human and being "normal" is comforting, it connects us.

Where are you hanging out now? What space are you in?

Is there a space where you're questioning whether you're done or tired? Maybe it's time to explore.


Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

Are you just tired? The only way to find out if you're just tired is to get some rest. 

• Saying no when the pressure is on to say yes.

• Prioritizing choices for you that open up space for downtime.

• Disconnecting from whatever it is that you feel is draining your battery.

Or...are you done, ready to close a door? This decision will feel heavier. It can seem like there's a lot riding on something when you are ready to be done and...there is.

• Before you decide that you're done. Try resting!

• When you come back rested...
  

  • Notice if this changes your perspective…

  • Or reinforces your decision.

Ask yourself the questions. Go for a walk. Let the answers find you. Give it a whirl.

What I'm discovering right now is I'm feeling done in some spaces but I want to get some rest first so I can answer that question: Am I done or am I just tired? 

How about you? Done? Or tired?

Could you use some perspective? Contact me and let's set up your FREE chemistry call.

Cheers,

Ann

Are you done…or are you tired?

What are you hanging on to?

What are you hanging on to? Maybe it's time to purge...declutter.

I've been in a purging mode lately.

I'm in the "in between" right now...in between the lull and the next thing and for some reason, I feel really compelled to declutter. As I do, I can't help but notice the things that I've hung on to for many years.

Evidence of who I used to be. The person I'm not anymore. 

The rediscovery of the previous versions of me who have culminated in the current version of me. I say current version because I fully intend on evolving and growing as long as I have breath in my body.

I open one drawer and find a handful of running medals from my half marathons and I smile. I think, wow, that's not who I am anymore. They went into the pile.

It made me stop and think...

Why do we hang on to things that no longer represent "us"? Nostalgia perhaps. Seeing those running medals brought me back, that's for sure...but do I miss that time or wish I could go back? Nope. Not even for a second.

And of course, you know me, it's never about the "things" is it? It's much more than that. It's about your mindset, or the ideas you have about yourself or, the identities you put on other people that might have been true at one time...or at least you thought they were. But now, they're not. You've outgrown them, you've changed and maybe...quite possibly...so have they? Yet, for some reason, you hang on.

I get it. Letting go is hard...purging is hard...and  the funny thing about purging is...it feels so cathartic. It feels good to let go of those things that no longer represent who you are anymore.

So this is about you (and me!) touching base with the "things" that we're hanging on to. The things that need to be released. The clutter.

Maybe for you it's that drawer of old socks that you need to go through. Were those socks really lucky?

Or, is it something more significant? The way you're holding on to an idea, a story you've created in your head about something...possibly a mindset that's holding you back?

Is it time to declutter?

Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

Are you ready to declutter? Remember it doesn't have to be a "big thing".

It could be literal purging, going through drawers and cupboards and closets...we're in between seasons after all. Getting rid of those things that you no longer use or the things you've kept for years, because you thought, "one day I might wear this again"...even though the last time you wore it was 10 years ago.

If it's not time to do the physical purge, maybe for you it's a way of thinking where you could use a "decluttering" exercise.

Assessing a current situation where your mindset doesn't seem to be useful anymore and asking these two questions:

• Does this way of thinking still represent who I am?

  • Checking in because sometimes the mindset you have has been influenced by someone else.

• Does this way of thinking represent how I want to move forward?

  • Once you identify whose mindset you've been carrying around, making the decision to keep it or "bin" it.

Let those questions guide you because the answers that pop-up for you aren't random. They're clues for you to let you know what you're next best step is. Even if it's tossing something in the bin. It's symbolic. It's cathartic.

And if it's your mindset that could use a shift...reach out...I'm really good at what I do.

Need some help figuring it out? Contact me and let's set up your FREE chemistry call.

Cheers,

Ann

What are you hanging on to?

You really liked this one too!

You really liked this one too...so here it is with some updates.

Don't take things so seriously...no one gets out of here alive!

It's easy to get caught up in the day to day "stuff" especially when you have responsibilities, jobs, families, pets...things that feel really important.

The thing that you can lose track of is that there are a lot of other things outside of "the stuff" that aren't just equally important, but maybe more important? The things that you tuck away to the side, because they don't seem as pressing and so you don't prioritize them...your family, friends, your interests, heck yourself! And...like it or not, the fact that none of us can avoid is...none of us is getting out of here alive.

It was just last year when I was slapped in the face with this reality. Losing a dear friend. Nothing puts things into perspective more instantly than an experience like that.

As time moves forward, I challenge myself to keep this perspective and... it's so easy to fall back into old behaviours.

What can you do to balance things?

Take the things you need to take seriously, seriously, and then draw a line somewhere, set some boundaries.

Remember - Unless you're a paramedic, nurse, or some sort of physician... you most likely aren't actually saving lives...and at the end of the day...paramedics, nurses and physicians also need to draw a line...have boundaries.


What can this look like?

• Incorporating more of what's important to you that's not work into your daily life.

• Finding space for your hobbies, quiet time, spending time with people you love.

• Doing more things that energize you...things that fulfill you.

It can be a tall order. Especially when it feels like what you're doing is important...you can get caught up in the "doing". Pulling away from that can feel difficult.  I want to remind you...there's so much more out there for you.

So now, what?

How about you do a check in with your boundaries?


Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

Not sure you have boundaries?

Start here by answering the following questions... 

• What are my boundaries?

  • At work? At home? Elsewhere?

• Why do they feel important for me?

  • You may find there's a theme across all areas of your life.

• How do I put myself first without being concerned about letting others down?

  • Maybe this resonates for you, maybe not.

Are you in need of some sort of reality check? 

• Take stock, now.

  • Maybe for you, everything is aligned. You're doing all the things you want to do, including the things you love and all is well...bravo! 

  • Maybe you're in a position where things aren't where you want them to be, you're wishing you had more time for the things that recharge and energize you...this is a chance for you to check-in. Perhaps to set some much needed boundaries.

• Knowing it is key.

It's never too late to learn to set boundaries. Having boundaries ensures that you leave space for recharging and participating in activities that energize you...you know, living.

Need some help figuring it out? Contact me and let's set up your FREE chemistry call.

Cheers,

Ann

You really liked this one too!