Joseph Catalyst Coaching

I am currently reading A Tale of Two Cities. Truth be told, I haven’t discovered it’s charm yet; but, like most people, I am moved by the powerful beginning. I find this quote to be incredibly apropos given our current state: global/national pandemic, racial tension, and a presidential election. To simplify Dickens’ words, this season is hard. I know we don’t need a quote to validate our reality, but words often provide clarity for me. I don’t know about you, but everywh...Continue reading

Vulnerable Post Alert! I recently sustained a back injury--the type of injury that makes you wonder how people can live with chronic debilitating pain. As I was crying, screaming and moaning (let’s be realI’m a terrible patient!), I asked myself, Lord, what are you trying to teach me? My mind was spinning with ideas, like the need to slow down. However, I recently created more margin in my life, so I knew that wasn’t it. Then, the image of this beautiful tea cup came ...to mind. I’ve been collecting tea cups for almost 25 years and this was one of the first in my collection. As I was preparing for a little tea party with my family, I noticed that the tea seeped from the tea cup. I initially thought it was a spill, so I cleaned it up and re-poured some tea. Once again, I noticed more seeping. I discovered that the tea cup had a crack in it, but the strange part was that it was invisible to the naked eye. This image came to mind as I was contemplating what I can learn from my back injury. My heart, like this tea cup, had little fissures of resentment, frustration and pride. I internalized it as micro-moments. It wasn’t anything blaring or obvious, but little moments of an eye roll, a passive word under my tongue, an angry heart for pervasive division and ignorance, and the list (sadly) goes on. Over the course of this week, I have asked for forgiveness, knowing that this is not who I want be. These little fissures not only reflect the fractures in my back, but more importantly, the cracks in my heart. Every experience has the opportunity to teach us something, if we are willing to ask and willing to listen. I find myself looking at this week and feeling grateful for the life lesson, one that I will surely learn repeatedly throughout my life. I echo the sentiments of the Psalmist David when he said, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? (Psalm 8:4). Dear friend, whatever you are going through, I encourage you to search your heart. One of the most life-giving questions for my own life is what can I learn from this experience? Asha Joseph, MA, BCC Board Certified Life Coach www.josephcatalystcoaching.com

It’s hard to believe that it’s the 12 year anniversary of Isaiah being admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Sutter Memorial. On July 24, 2008, at 8am, Isaiah was admitted into the NICU for severe feeding issues and remained in the hospital for 30 days. Even though it’s been over a decade, I remember those days vividly. I remember feeling exhausted, overwhelmed by the uncertainty, and grieving that our second child had the same issues as Lilly (which is a whole othe...r story!) Not all prayers are answered in the way we want. Isaiah’s story is a testimony of healing and grace. But, we had to wait 3 1/2 years to see improvement. 3 1/2 years of waiting. 3 1/2 years of force feeding. 3 1/2 years of feeding specialists. 3 1/2 years of doctor’s appointments. 3 1/2 years of uncertainty. On this side, it’s remarkable to see the miracle. But, I have to admit that the waiting was not pretty. However, the waiting has allowed me to experience God in a much deeper way, to learn to praise to choose to praiseeven in the storm. We often don’t get to see the big picture. To use the common phrase, we can’t see the forest for the trees. When you are in the valley, it’s hard to see the other side. We are typically overtaken by the present moment of struggle. But, let me tell you, dear friend, there’s a remarkable beauty in the waiting. In the gray. In the unknown. If you choose to see it. I praise God that Isaiah was healed. But, I also praise God for the growth that happened in the 3 1/2 years of waiting. Friend, if you are currently in the valley, in the waiting, I would love to whisper in your earthere can be beauty. Something is being birthed in you that couldn’t be birthed otherwise. There’s not only beauty in the ashes, but beauty in the fire as well.

Exactly 5 years ago today, I passed my exam for my Board Certified Coach Credential. I can hardly believe all that has happened in the past 5 years. I am honored and humbled that my purpose aligns with my career and that I can be an advocatea catalystfor change. In order to maintain my credential, I am required to complete 70 CE units. While this can be challenging while working and raising a family, it has been life-giving to study and become a more nuanced life coach. My ...favorite courses were Life Mapping, The Ennegaram, Brain Based Coaching and Cognitive Behavioral Coaching. Many individuals have reached out with questions over the years. If you are interested in finding a life coach, here are some helpful tips: 1. Make sure you understand the difference between coaching, consulting and therapy. 2. When searching for a coach, make sure his/her certification is Nationally recognized and from an Accredited Institution (this is critical as coaching is not as established as industries such as therapy or law). 3. Here is a helpful infographic: https://www.huffpost.com//how-to-find-a-life-coach_b_11992 4. Interview your coach and make sure he/she is a good fit for you. 5. Contact me for a complimentary consultation: 916.813.9129

My heart is breaking and continues to break. What is happening in our world and nation is devastating, but what makes the wound infinitely worse is that truths have been politicized. George Floyd’s death was tragic, inhumane, and epitomizes the reality of evil. Racism is real. How this has become a debate rather than a dialogue is mind-boggling. The current crisis has left me speechless. I have struggled to find the right words for a very wrong situation. We often deal with... trauma, problems, and confusion with silence. In my own life, in my darkest hours, silence was the loudest from those I held most dear. I’ve learned this is not from a lack of care, but rather the inability to know what to say. Almost everything doesn’t seem like enough. BUT, I’ve also learned that being understood is what most people desire. Many clients and friends have expressed the desire to do something. For some, it’s a peaceful protest; for others, it’s educating oneself on systemic racism. There are numerous ways to take action; but, one thing is critical we must listen. Start the dialogue, pick up the phone, go to your neighbor, have the hard conversation. If you struggle to find the words, simply say, I know you are hurting, I’m so sorry. And, then, simply listen. David Augsburger stated, Being listened to is so close to being loved, that most people can’t tell the difference.