A little over a week ago, I got sick.
The first day hit hard: fever, aches, fatigue, eyes too sore to keep open. I spent four days flat on my back, curtains drawn, curled up with a German murder mystery (thanks to a timely delivery from my bookstore!).
And for a few days, I let the world go quiet. I cancelled nearly everything on my calendar. My own Italian and French conversation classes? Cancelled. Social commitments? Cancelled. Just me, my furry family, my feverish naps, and my detective novel.
But when Monday rolled around, even though I was still shaky, I made one exception: I kept my coaching calls.
Why?
Because even when I’m low on energy, I love helping people move forward.
Why This Matters
If you’re learning English (or any new skill), you’ve probably noticed that there are times when motivation dips. Life just gets in the way. You may feel you are not improving, that you are stagnating.
But here’s what I’ve learned, and what last week reminded me:
- You don’t always need to be pushing hard.
- You don’t always need to be “on.”
- Sometimes, you just need to hold onto the core things that matter to you.
For me, that’s helping my clients build confidence, fluency, and clarity in their English — not just so they “know more words,” but so they can lead, connect, and grow across cultures.
A Little Ancient Wisdom
While I was recovering, a line from the Tao Te Ching floated into my mind:
If you overcome others you are powerful.
If you overcome yourself you have strength.
– Lao Tzu
True strength, it reminds us, isn’t about pushing through every obstacle or defeating every challenge.
It’s about self-mastery — knowing when to rest, when to persevere, when to adjust.
This is as true for me as a coach as it is for my clients.
And, it’s true for you, too.
Why I’m Sharing This with You
We live in a world that tells us to do more: to hustle, put in long hours, and chase constant improvement. But I have found that balance is important.
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is pause, reflect, and reconnect with your deeper “why.”
That’s why I coach.
That’s why I believe in helping my clients not just improve their English, but transform how they show up in their work and lives.
Because language learning isn’t just about words.
It’s about connection, confidence, and growth.
Looking Ahead
Next week, I’ll share a deeper dive into an important question: do you need an English teacher, a coach, or something else entirely?
We’ll explore the differences, when to shift from one to the other, and how to make sure you’re getting the right kind of support for where you are right now.
Until then, take care — and remember, strength doesn’t always mean pushing through.
Sometimes it means knowing when to rest and when to restart.
If you want to explore how coaching might help you, feel free to reach out.
I’d love to hear where you are on your journey.
___________________________________________________________
Ready to declutter?
Pick up your FREE LEARN Blueprint – Your Guide to Mastering English, to help you simplify and focus your English practice.
Don’t do everything. Do what works.