“But…what does that mean– ‘ephemeral’?”- asked the Little Prince.

 “It means, ‘which is in danger of speedy disappearance.’’- comes the answer.

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Not too long ago, we had all become so cosy that we almost thought that certainty, continuity and eternity are just some more cards in our wallet. We could flash them whenever we wish and they would be honoured without any question! Come 2020 and just like the innocent, ignorant Little Prince, we got to see life for what it is, truly, ephemeral. 2021 made us repeat the lesson lest we forget it…

While we coaches experience the same shock, disappointment, despair and grief as our clients, I firmly believe that our training and practice in coaching prepares us to observe, absorb, adapt and change the way we think, work and live. Last couple of years have made us even more responsible for our relationships with self, family, clients and community.

You, my friends, have done incredibly well in supporting all these relationships by being a coach. You have held the space for dilemmas, hard decisions and most importantly for finding ‘purpose, through paid and pro-bono initiatives. Take a bow!

In my conversations with coaches in Pune and around the world, few things have stood out

Self-care: At the risk of using a cliché, wear your oxygen mask before helping others. Take a break, paint that canvas, treat yourself to a big ice-cream sundae- whatever it is that helps you unwind. (Or you could just write a blog

Renewed belief: Now, more than ever, the world needs more coaches and more coaching

Love: Surrounded by ephemeral reality, love lives on, for eternity.

May the new year bring possibilities, joy and peace to all of us.

Goodbye 2021!

We await your arrival, 2022!