Re-Connect with Your Nancy
Who or what inspired you to step onto your career path? Was it a person, a moment, or a cause that lit that first spark in your heart? For me, it was Nancy.
Nancy wasn’t a colleague or a mentor; she was an older woman in a residential home where I worked in the early 1990s. She had a way of driving everyone bonkers but made me laugh every day. In the morning I would help her get ready for the day and ask her how she was, ‘I am alright so far thank-you!. She had an inner strength and was unapologetically herself, and she had no family or visitors. Nancy embodied why I showed up—to make a difference, to care deeply, to share a bit of light during someone’s most vulnerable moments. She reminded me that even in challenging environments, you can bring kindness, humour, and heart. Working with Nancy wasn’t just a job; it was an honour. Being a part of her life, even for a brief period, reminded me of the privilege we have to walk alongside people when they need us most.
But here’s the thing: over time, the demands of our work—systems, targets, and sheer burnout—can push and pull us so hard that we lose sight of that inspiration. We forget who our “Nancy” is, and we falter.
If you’re chugging along, it might be time to step back and reflect :
- Reignite your passion. Who or what inspired you to start this journey? Pause and reconnect with that spark. For me, Nancy still reminds me why I care so deeply.
- Redefine your purpose. Are you still aligned with the values and goals that set you on this path? Or do they need reimagining? Purpose evolves—let yours grow with you.
- Reframe your boundaries. Sometimes, our inspiration gets lost in the noise of overwork and overwhelm. Is it time to set healthier limits to protect what matters most?
- Restore balance. Passion without balance is unsustainable. When you restore your well-being, you’re better able to serve others—and reconnect with why you started in the first place.
For those of you who have worked with me over the years, you know I’ve always fought to amplify voices and advocate for my people, sometimes driving you up the wall! But with Nancy in my heart, I was never afraid to stand up and fight for what mattered.
If you’ve lost sight of that inspiration, isn’t it time to find it again? When you’re secure, clear, and balanced, you can honour yourself and the work that matters most. Maybe now is the time to refocus, to rediscover your ‘why’ and time to consider Life Coaching as a way to set your sights on the future!
