G = Grace

The Coach’s Alphabet: E = Energy
By Stacey Zackin (PhD, MSW, PCC), Life/Executive Coach & Founder of theCoach4you

We have gotten to the letter ‘G’ in the Coach’s Alphabet. There were many topics I could have written about: goals, gratitude, gregariousness, but the value of GRACE resonated with me most. Probably because it is the one that on the surface seems least familiar to my day-to-day existence. As a noun, GRACE means simple elegance or refinement of movement. As a verb it is to do honor or credit to (someone or something) by one’s presence. What a lovely concept, that just by being in each other’s company you honor them and they you.

I have never thought about it in those terms, but I feel that way with my close friends, especially the six women from 7^th grade that I remain close to after 20+ years. Our relationships have waxed and waned over the decades since high school, each of us going off to different colleges, being in different stages of marriage and family, and dealing with various milestones—from remarkable achievements to tragic disappointments. Yet we’ve always stayed connected, and five years ago started the annual tradition of spending one weekend every summer together. When we come together there is a lot of silly playfulness, gossipy chatter about other members of our class, which only half of us remember, and often tears as we redistribute some emotional baggage.

It seems that I might have moved away from the topic at hand… that of GRACE. But allow me bring it back by saying that there is a fluidity to grace, a quality of approachable beauty, an inviting comfort, and a sense of charm that both stimulates and puts one at ease. I find this GRACE in the company of friends that know me deeply and pro-actively appreciate my best qualities and passively tolerate my lesser ones. I find GRACE in some of the fabulous people I have met throughout my education and career who have shared their time, stories, and guidance, as well as the ones who permitted me to share mine.

I also find GRACE when I allow myself the time, space, and solitude to be present to a beautiful landscape. Nature is inherently graceful. It offers us a reprieve from our hectic lives where we are often too busy for the simple elegance that enables us to experience our own inherent GRACE. This week – where will you go and what will you do to honor someone or something with your presence. Make time to find the GRACE within, otherwise you might have to go without.

Gracefully yours,

~ Stacey, aka- theCoach4you! 

Ps- If you would like some support in honoring and experiencing your GRACE, please contact me for a coaching session over the phone – it is complimentary, convenient, and fun. (Stacey@theCoach4you.com; 818.590.5372)

Stacey Zackin

Founder, President at The Coach 4 You

Stacey Zackin (PhD, MSW, PCC) is Founder and President of theCoach4you, a Personal Coaching and Executive Training practice. She merges her background in psychology, organizational behavior, and the entertainment industry to creatively drive positive change. Partnering with individuals and organizations, Stacey creates a structure for success that shifts perspectives, increases productivity, expands possibilities, and maximizes potential. Stacey also serves as adjunct faculty at UConn and host of The Work & Playlist on WESU 88.1fm Middletown, CT. Stacey@theCoach4you.com