176. Coaching Through Change: Why Support Matters in Midlife with Jackie Swainson

Navigating change is the only constant in life! Yet, as human beings with a human brain… we often resist. It doesn't have to be this way.  In fact, with the right coach (who understands about how the brain and body work), we can move toward change in a powerful way. Often when women hit midlife, their world can slow down a bit. The biggest change we’re faced with is the question of “Who am I?” and “What is my purpose?”

In this episode, Master midlife coach, Jackie Sawinson, offers her insights here on what midlife means for women and how to prepare to navigate the changes and unknowns we face during that time. Whether you're in midlife, you feel you're past it, or you feel you're not yet there, you’ll love Jackie tips and ideas for enriching your life and your coaching practice. 

Why is it so hard to face change?

Change is inevitable and essential for growth, but it can still be so difficult to go through. 

Our brains love patterns. The way we think, feel, and react are patterns that are ingrained in us. Because of this, when we start to think that we might need to change, there's resistance. It’s normal to resist change mentally, physically, and emotionally because the disruption of routines and habits comes with the fear of who we are without them. 

The support of a coach makes a difference in midlife

When you are navigating both mental and physical changes in midlife, the support of a skilled coach when figuring out what is next for you is a big deal.

As coaches, we know clients sometimes have to justify hiring someone to help us. But the support coaches offer is so beneficial, especially during a transitional time. With the right approach (holistic in nature), coaches create safe and accepting environments to have deep conversations and work through the challenges of change. It is so liberating to have someone to talk to someone whose job is to provide guidance and encouragement. This is why the Master Coach Training program is so focused on creating the right environment for each of your clients. 

Change is an amazing opportunity for growth

Change doesn't negate our lives, it takes us to where we want to be. We need to change for ourselves, which then changes a lot of other things. Change is all around us every day. It's the one constant. When you remove the “weeds” of fear and anxiety that are preventing change, you make room for flowers and plants to grow in the garden that is your life. 

About Jackie Swainson

When I turned 50, everything that could happen did! And life suddenly was not what I had expected or planned. My youngest twin boys left on their missions, my husband started an addiction treatment program away from home and my son and his wife lost a new baby. I felt so alone. My family needed me, so I soldiered on, like I was “supposed” to do. But I didn’t have anyone present to minister to what I needed. I turned to my faith and my mom and dad and trusted friends. I journaled everything, and did come back to the surface. But along the way I experienced all the hard emotions, had to let go of some long held beliefs about myself, and step into change. It was a long, hard, but very rewarding process. And it is not over! I took this experience and used what I learned and became a Master Certified Life Coach so that I could help smooth the transition into this phase of life.I believe every midlife woman deserves a great life filled with joy, regardless of her circumstances. My experiences have fueled my mission to help you create the changes you desire. Let’s quiet the voices telling you you’re too old or forgotten. Instead, we’ll focus on creating