Without a Magic 8-Ball
The roads through life are rarely a straight shot from point A to B and onward. If they were, imagine all the stops and detours that have led you to where you are today. The ones that would have been missed. Choosing not to follow your now estranged "steady" to their college. Your top choice university, not your steady’s, paired you with a roommate who became your lifelong bestie. The Job Fair you nearly blew off scored your dream position that paid for your first car and home. The almost rejected dating site on which you met your partner, the co-parent of your children. The unforeseen twisty turns got you here through all the good, bad, and everywhere in between.
When I tentatively took the initial steps toward this Practical Sort career so very late in life, I had absolutely no clue where the navigation systems would take me. Often, I knuckled the steering wheel. I alternated between tepidly tapping the accelerator and maniacally plunging it down. My inner Banshee screeched when things got hairy. No Magic 8-Ball to preview the surprising number and sheer magnitude of the joyful, tearful, and every emotional gradient twist and turn from the moment the foundation was poured. I forged on through it all as I'm certain you do each day regardless of what or how stuff is hurled at you. No shame in the bedridden days here and there to hide away when things get too rough. You'll get through them once your reserves are replenished. Nor is there shame bobbing up and down unabashed in celebration of the slightest wins. You deserve to acknowledge any triumphs.
"Empty Nester", NO WAY!
Back in 2016, I faced the realities of a looming layoff. After 20+ years raising children, my youngest prepared for high school graduation before heading to an out-of-state university. Weighing my options between wallowing over the loss of my purpose vs indulging in next phase liberation, I chose the latter. If you read my first blogs, you heard my vehement rebellion against what I perceive as a dour idiom, "Empty Nester". I searched for and eventually embraced my identity as a "Free Bird". What did that look like? How would my world evolve? It was unsettling and exciting. I don't do well with disorganized uncertainty.
The Free Bird Flight Plan
Free Bird flight paths connected me with people like you. No way did I predict that my writing would be featured in over 2 dozen publications. That opportunities would arise to share my passions on TV, stages, and Zooms attended by global audiences. My spirits relished celebrating various degrees of client triumphs. Heart strings tugged while supporting tear-filled, frustrated, about-to-give-up clients crashing into yet another challenge or striving to conquer obstructing chronic hurdles. All that's icing on a deliciously satisfying cake. The initial ingredients that built my organizing business and transitioned through the covid online pivots led me to where I am today. In fact, it's remarkable that 2020 could be a blessing deeply disguised.
Covid Blessings and Other Curious Developments
The Practical Sort's 2nd evolution was born during those horrifically dark, lockdown directives. Now, 4 years later, I've completed 100+ hours of accredited coaching courses. 115+ classes delving into chronic disorganization challenges. 16 classes on various aspects of home organizing and productivity. Hundreds of hours of client work along with consuming 1000s of hours of educational and wellness podcasts, conferences, books, and other academic media. The sum has led me to my latest and most proud professional accomplishment. Desk drum roll...
I'm joyfully pleased to announce that I officially earned the following designation...
CNC
Certified Neurodiversity Coach
I was certified by the Institute for Applied Coaching accredited by the International Coaching Federation (IFC). Groovy, what does this mean for you? I'll get to that in a sec. First I mustn't overlook those who played an integral role en route. This was no solo voyage.
My Heart Overflows
My heart and soul-filled gratitude goes out to all my instructors, clients, workshop attendees, and followers who have enriched my life in innumerable ways. Simply know that my life is richer because of you.
A special thanks to my clients who generously offered to share their confidential challenges during a recorded coaching session for certification evaluation. My gratitude is unfathomably profound to my client whose selected recording rendered an excellent rating.
And then there's my husband who encouragingly tolerated the $10000s spent. He's my enduring rock amid moments of painful insecurity, and high-fived the milestones including a dessert run to celebrate the certification. I love and thank you! Your support means the world to me even when I'm terrible at expressing it. The cake was yummy!
Where to Next?
I have no idea where my professional destination will wind to next. I hope that you'll be part of it. Transitions are already afoot as I dig deeper into various aspects of chronic conditions. There's incalculable need out there for support to get through the day to day each and every day. We're all works in progress. Thank you for being part of my work. Thank you for letting me into your world to serve whatever purpose I may have.
What Does CNC Mean for You?
All this learning, each tool that I've gained access to, and much more means greater understanding, compassion, and roadways forward for those with brain-based conditions when stuck. If you or someone in your circles is struggling with chronic disorganization or mind-set challenges, please reach out at ThePracticalSort.com to schedule a free consultation. Let's see if we're a roadmapping fit.
Sherri Curley, The Practical Sort, CNC
