We had our second coaching session – it felt very light and mindful. The coach guided me through different exercises, which were captured in many words and impressions. I couldn’t remember exactly what I said – some of it was positive, some neutral, some not so positive – but now, looking back at these words, I’m seeing them differently.

“Work in the forest, green color, nature, listening to forest sounds, few people, little interaction, reading a book, a lot of energy dedicated to work, getting things done, quick, fast, no distraction, be myself, not worry too much, calm, slow, do nothing, reflection, positive thinking, feeling guilty, ruining the energy, forcing beyond the limit, taking care of the stakeholders, balance, fighting with my own empathy and compassion, appreciation of having time for ‘living’, you are on the right track, trust the process, don’t give up, pyjama mood, very comfortable clothes, relax, cold weather, didn’t say goodbye to Future You – rushing?, enjoy life, don’t need to try harder, more time for myself, no pressure on others, a lot of appreciation from others.”

I asked ChatGPT to help illustrate these words into a picture – and the result was a set of beautiful, meaningful images.

The best part of the second session was imagining myself in a story set five years from now:

“I am walking into a wooden cottage house with a red roof, covered in snow. I see my future self sitting next to my son at a round wooden table. I am crocheting with red wine-colored yarn, and my son is doing his homework. Sometimes we look at each other and smile. I’m wearing pajamas. The house feels so cozy – like a fairy tale or a Christmas story – with warm yellow lights. I walk toward the window and watch the snow falling outside. There’s a happy, calm energy around the house.”

But the most interesting part? When the coach brought me back to the present, I realized… I hadn’t said goodbye to myself or my son in the future.

Haha, it was a little rude not to say goodbye to my future self and my son! But I know that version of me today – always rushing when someone calls – and I want to change that. I want to practice slowing down. For now, at least, the way I eat and wash dishes has slowed down to half the speed. 😂

This moment helped me see a pattern: I need to slow down and give more time to myself. And when I dedicate myself to work, I want to be sure it’s because I love what I do – not because I’m trying to prove my worth or seek appreciation.

Maybe, sometimes, people don’t show appreciation – but that doesn’t mean I’m not good enough. If appreciation is my only reason to work hard, then maybe that energy could be better spent on myself.

If I value quiet, calmness, and a slower pace… then why do I always rush? I want to use my time wisely – balancing responsibility with presence. No one is chasing me. I can take my time. If I’m tired, I can nap or sleep early. If I’m too busy, I can ask for more time. It’s a goodbye to the future I wished for — and a return to the present, where I begin again, step by step, so that one day, I’ll see myself in that picture for real

These reflections in my second session also connect well with what I recently discovered from my leadership assessment: I’m a relationship builder and an executor. I like to get things done, but I also care deeply about how others feel – including my stakeholders.

These are my strengths. And I want to use them in a healthy way – not let them become weapons I turn against myself. I don’t want to suddenly break down from overwork.

Last reminder to myself:
Do extra work because you love it and it gives you energy – not because you’re missing appreciation from someone you hoped would notice.

No one is responsible for your happiness or sadness, other than YOU.

Thank you.