Live with No Regrets
An inevitable transition
When I set my mind to something, I go for it with determination and focus. That being said, I ignored a story that was unfolding right in front of me: the aging of my parents. I kick myself now to think of all the things I could have done to prepare for this change, not only logistically--legal, financial, medical--but also emotionally. When my parents needed help, I did the best I could, but felt buried under the weight of being overwhelmed. One of the goals now of my coaching is to help others navigate this inevitable transition of live successfully. And I am currently memorializing my journey with my parents in a book that will hopefully be released in 2023.
An opportunity that changed my life
Because I am a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, I was given the opportunity to work at the University of Delaware with the Mandela Washington Fellowship, a partnership between the United States government and Sub-Saharan Africa focused on Young African Leaders. This led to an opportunity to apply for a Reciprocal Exchange project in Benin, Africa, with my good friend, Sènou Francis DEGBEGNI, whom I had met at University of Delaware. I had not traveled out of the U.S. many times, so was nervous to go to Benin but excited to be a part of a project teaching university students about their strengths and how to use their strengths as they think about their futures.
Some life lessons
Little did I know as my husband and I boarded the plane to Cotonou, Benin how out of my comfort zone I would be and the impact that this trip would have on my life. I learned some life lessons on this trip.
1) At our core, we are all the same. We have dreams, we love, we laugh, we learn, we cry.
2) Sometimes you have to push through challenges even when you don't think you have what it takes.
3) At the end of my life, I want to look back and know that I made a difference; that people's lives were positively impacted, directly or indirectly, because of me.
Since the project in Benin (early 2020, pre-pandemic lockdown), I have had opportunities to participate in virtual projects in Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi. The power of looking at yourself through the lens of what is right with you, not what is wrong with you, is a message so valuable to so many. My goal now, with Sènou and our Tanzanian colleague, Samwel Maphie, is to implement a "teach the teacher" program, where NGO leaders will be equipped to do workshops and coach their constituents on developing a strengths-based growth mindset. What a privilege it is for me to work with like-minded African leaders!
Acknowledging my need to change
I tend to try to make things happen--what do I want and then take the steps to achieve my goal. For me, the year 2022 was about allowing opportunities to emerge, rather than trying to force them. A chance encounter with a fellow William & Mary alumna brought with it an awareness of a change that I wanted to make in my life, or rather, to my lifestyle. I want to be healthier and I want to do it in a way that works for me and is sustainable. I want to make better choices about what I eat. I want to make better choices about self-care.
As a result of this chance encounter, I am a Co-Founder and Board Director of the Macrobiotic Global Institute, a non-profit whose mission is to restore personal and planetary health through educational and experiential programs. And I am excited to participate in MGI's courses as the Success Coach, helping others on their journey toward better decisions about their health. az
Thank you for reading my story
What does "living with no regrets" mean to me? It means being intentional. It means being brave. It means being resilient. It means rising above the change so you can see the opportunities. What does it mean to you? If you aren't sure, I would love to help you explore what really matters to you and help you create the change you want to make.
Lorraine
P.S. For those who started following me when my business focused on quiet professionals who were struggling to be heard, no worries: I am still passionate about helping people discover and maximize the unique value they bring to every situation!
