What a difference a year makes

A year ago, I said goodbye to an organization I’d poured myself into for almost two decades. I’d had a side hustle coaching practice for half that time and dreamed of moving it to center stage. I chose a day I’d leave to do that and stayed on months longer. It was difficult letting go of something I’d known for so long.  

As I was leaving, I'd had a few conversations about opportunities but wasn't sure where those would lead or if I even wanted to spend my time doing them. I decided to do them all! I had the opportunity to lead a board retreat, a staff retreat, and a national training for nonprofit leaders. I started building an executive coaching group, and, six months ago, I started working on a project with the United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF). I hadn’t heard of WPHF before a former colleague asked me to join him on this work shortly after I left my job. We’d sat on several calls before beginning, and the more I learned the more I wanted to be a part of it.

At the end of October, I found myself interviewing two courageous women from Afghanistan and Haiti during a special gathering alongside the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security in New York City. They each shared the work they are doing to protect women and girls in their countries, work that puts both of their lives at risk. We were invited to sit in on a larger meeting that included more women peacebuilders from around the world. I sat in awe as I listened to their stories and took in the collective power of these brave women. They are relentless, resilient, hopeful and full of love even in the midst of the most devastating tragedies. They keep going. They aren’t giving up on a better future for the people in the countries some had to leave but still love.

When I left my job, I thought I’d be coaching full-time. I am coaching, and I am leaving space to walk where my heart is leading. What I've learned and why I'm sharing this is that sometimes things don't go exactly as we’ve planned. Many times, over the past year, I thought I was taking steps towards one thing and then realized it was helping me see another road that was more aligned. I hope you’ll keep showing up for yourself and walking toward what fills your life with purpose. Our world needs you.

With heart,

Holly