The Pen
It happened at the office one morning, years ago. And I knew at that moment, something had to change.
I remember what happened too clearly. A pen had dropped to the floor, and I reached over to pick it up. I struggled in that movement, and gathering up a bit more momentum, I grabbed it on the second try.
In the spring of 2007, I was in my mid-30s and I weighed 260 pounds. I had a bike, but barely used it. Cookware gathered dust, as trips to the grocery store meant buying prepackaged stuff I could easily microwave. Fast food was nearby, and too convenient. In other words, maybe without knowing it, I was slowly giving up.
But I came across a nutrition coach who was just starting her business. I happened to become one of her first clients. Some of the things she had me do made sense, like keeping a diary of what I ate. Some of the things seemed odd, like reading “The Alchemist.” That was weird, but I was game for it. Yet, the program I went through with her for 12 weeks changed the course of my life.
Now, it did take a bit of time for the changes to root in. After all, McDonald’s French fries remained a temptation. Yet, a new foundation had been laid down. I paid more attention to the food I was throwing in the grocery store basket. I bought a crockpot and a rice steamer. I tried to walk more. I drank weird green liquids before they became a thing.
While I said I was slowly giving up, there was a part of me, under that 260 pounds, that knew I could be more, and show up better. And rather than succumb to slowly withering away, I got curious. Curiosity changed everything.
This is what coaching can do. This is the magic of the work to, as George Sheehan said, re-enter my life by re-entering my body.
That moment of dropping the pen will forever be with me. Motivation? Inspiration? I don’t know. But a tool for us scribes became a touchstone for an altered way of being.
Yes, I do aim a part of my coaching practice to journalists. And if this resonates with you, journalist or not, reach out to me, and let’s talk about it.
I’m Richard Taliaferro, a career and health coach helping people gain clarity on their career and health paths. Interested in how I can help you? I invite you to click on the link, and let’s talk about how I can support you.