Thank you, Thomas

Yesterday, February 11, 2009, marked the 6th anniversary of the passing of Thomas Leonard.  For you non-coaches, Thomas Leonard is often referred to as “the Father of coaching.”  Those who knew him were greatly moved by his work and his presence.  When you meet someone who actually knew and worked with him, you can still feel the tremendous sense of loss that they feel.   It’s quite moving.

The aftermath of Thomas’ death was quite dramatic.  The players involved all have their own healing journeys to tell, but I can tell you, for a while it was ugly.  People were choosing sides and you definitely weren’t “feeling the love”.  Thankfully, that’s all changed and the industry has come together in new, empowering ways.  It’s a PERFECT time to be a coach!

I didn’t know Thomas.  His death occurred a year before I would begin coach training.  In February 2003, I was experiencing my own pain, trying to resolve the conflict of finally doing work that I LOVED with that fact that the company I worked for wasn’t really serious about implementing anything I was pouring my heart and soul into.  A few short months later, I would make the decision to leave in 18-24 months.

But February 11 does hold great significance for me.  In 1999, it was the day I would see Paul for the 1st and (so far) only time since graduation.  The emotional impact of that meeting sent me into a tailspin and would bring me face-to-face with Spirit.

Later that day, God/dess would speak so clearly, it would change the course of my life.  I saw a version of myself I never knew:  confident, trusting, open and accepting. She was beautiful.  And I knew I had to get to know her.

As they say..be careful what you ask for.

That version of me has gone thru quite a process to emerge.  In a sense, the old me died on February 11, 1999.  Everything I thought I was, my entire belief system was gone.  POOF.  The moment I decided to step into a grander version of myself, death was instaneous.

As I marked 10 years since that day, I can say that every stage of the journey has been a gift.  Not easy..but truly a gift.  As I choose more and more moments to walk in step with Spirit, I can embrace the path I have traveled.  I know each choice was perfect. Not only my own choices, but also the choices of each and every person who shared some part of that journey with me.  I am able to release judgment and regret and feel gratitude and peace for my life and every part of it.

I believe that wherever Thomas Leonard is, he knows peace as well.  His life and his work made it possible for me to have the tools to live my life with peace and help others do the same.  What a legacy to leave.

Thank you, Thomas.