☕️ Coaching, ❤️ Parenting, and Learning to Let Go 🙏
Sorry I haven't been publishing everyday. 🤭🤭🤭
Hi all,
I can’t say I’m surprised that I haven’t been publishing this newsletter regularly. What does surprise me, though, is that I’ve actually been keeping up with voice memos—recording daily thoughts and little happenings along the way.
This edition is based on those memos. Since it’s been a week since the last one, it turned out a bit longer than usual—apologies in advance!
Here we go.
☕ September 3 – Coffee Chat
I’d had one of the toughest coaching calls I can remember. The client wasn’t sure what she wanted to talk about, and many of her struggles were difficult to articulate. Since I didn’t know her well, navigating the session was challenging. She had also just come out of a therapy session that hadn’t gone well, which left her feeling unsettled and confused.
She carried big dreams and ideals but no clear steps toward them. That gap between dream and reality seemed to be causing her frustration and even burnout. Instead of pushing advice, I shared some of my own stories about resilience and how it’s been built through setbacks, recovery, and training over time.
What struck me was how conflicted she felt about balancing parenting and career. She had read things like, “parenting should never be an excuse not to do something”—and while partly true, it doesn’t mean parenting should consume your entire life either. Balance is elusive but necessary. We don’t have just one purpose in life; we can carry multiple roles—parent, professional, partner—yet each needs boundaries.
It was a reminder that coaching is often less about solving problems and more about listening, holding space, and sharing humanity.
🚶♂️ September 3 – Independence (and Friction)
On the same day, something else weighed on me. My kid just started walking to and from school alone. It’s a short five-minute walk, but there’s a two-way street without a crosswalk. I asked my kid to use the safer crossing one block over, which meant some extra walking. They weren’t thrilled, but I needed that peace of mind.
I thought I’d surprise them after school by picking them up—but they were not happy. They would’ve preferred to walk home, even on a hot day. A new mom offered us a ride, and my kid looked miserable in the car. Later, they told me, “You were trying too hard to be cool.” That stung. I didn’t think I’d said anything unusual.
When pressed, they couldn’t explain and emotions boiled over. Later, my partner told me our kid wasn’t sure why they reacted that way and was deeply sorry. Of course, I forgive them—but the whole incident left me wondering if this was the start of early puberty. It made me sad.
💇 September 4 – Haircut Day
After many months, I finally got a haircut. My longtime hairdresser retired, and now the salon is a barber shop. My gray roots have grown out enough to show a salt-and-pepper look.
Many people around me think I should cover the gray, but at 49, I’m leaning toward embracing it. I’ll give it a few months before deciding. Honestly, I’m fine looking 49—because I am 49.
🎥 September 5 – An Unexpected Interview
A friend reached out with urgent news: after more than a decade at her company, she had decided to leave. It was shocking but also an opening for something new.
She suggested we record an interview together to share her story. It was my first time editing such a session, and though we stumbled through the process, we got it done. The video will go up on my channel.
It felt meaningful that after so many years of loose but steady friendship, we’re now collaborating in this way.
🏫 September 8–9 – School Transitions
My kid officially entered Grade 4. Their school has grown from under 100 students when it opened to about 350 now, and it’s still expanding.
All summer, my kid worried about class assignments. Their best-case scenario was to land in a specific teacher’s class with two close friends. To their delight, that’s exactly where they ended up.
Seeing their relief reminded me how much kids carry with them, even worries we think small. Parents, of course, were buzzing about placements, with some even considering asking the principal for swaps. I advised one parent against it—nothing good comes from setting that kind of precedent.
🌱 Life Lately
Weekends are noisy with family, housework, and dogs. Productivity is low, but I remind myself these moments—when my kid still wants to hang out with me—are precious.
Meanwhile, I’ve been experimenting with YouTube—thumbnails, inserts, and editing. I see my limits (I’m not a designer), but I’m enjoying the learning curve. It feels like I’m slowly peeling away old inhibitions, trying new things, and stepping more fully into who I am.
✅ That’s this week’s update: a mix of coaching, parenting, and trying new creative paths—messy at times, but moving forward.
I’ll check in again soon.
Wishing you a gentle day wherever you are.
The challenges are real, but so is the resilience.
Sincerely,
Kay
Enjoy parenting 😊