TGC Newsletter: Proud & Authentic Issue
- Tamar Gaffin-Cahn
- Jun 30
- 2 min read
What I'm Reading
Life has struggles; we all know this. We’re constantly asked (and asking ourselves), “What will make me happy?” A challenging question to say the least. We also know we can’t have “happiness” without the difficult moments. Mark Manson, the author of The Art of Not Giving A F*ck, wrote an article about reframing the “what will make me happy” question and switched it on its head.
He asks, “What pain do you want in your life? What are you willing to struggle for?” I’d edit this slightly: “What are you willing to struggle with and for?
What is the good struggle, what pushes us into our growth zone? Are you willing to suffer through the administrative tasks in your job to have other rewarding responsibilities? Where is the compromise, the acceptance of struggle, for the experience of joy?
Maybe if we asked ourselves what we’re willing to endure, we'd be more accepting of the process.
What I'm Listening To
Often, the best creative flow comes from our intrinsic motivation to create what we want. Write what you know, as the saying goes. In coaching, we often focus on our inner allies and our inner leader; today, we’ll focus on our inner creative. What’s the version of you that craves playfulness, newness, and creativity? Who is this version of yourself? What do they like and don’t like? What motivates them?
Don’t answer these questions now. Let your unconscious mind noodle. Maybe listen to Hidden Brain’s Unleashing Your Creativity to help.
What I'm Doing
I was recently gushing about my love of the reality show, Below Deck Mediterranean. Not only do I love the drama of the cast’s relationship status, but I also love seeing them come together and develop their leadership abilities, despite the crew’s drama, for a shared purpose: to deliver seven-star service to guests. Plus, I can’t wait to learn about how the boat works.
When I told a new friend about this multi-faceted experience of watching Below Deck Med, she laughed and said, “I think this is the definition of a lifelong learner.” We shared a good chuckle.
But they’re right. And this is my way of announcing a new certification! I am officially Life Design Coaching Certified!
What's Moved Me
At the beginning of the month, I attended the International Coaching Federation’s New England Chapter Conference where I sat next to a fellow coach who opened my mind. She coaches individuals and groups in the social impact world. We later connected after the conference, and she taught me about politicized coaching.
As coaches, we support our clients in setting and reaching their goals within the systems and structures of our environment, but what if those systems and structures harm us or need change?
How can we support the activists, visionaries, community organizers, and victims working tirelessly (and often burnt out) to make our communities, cities, and country a better home for all who inhabit it?
I was inspired, moved, and excited to connect with fellow coaches at the frontline of social impact and social justice work.
What I'm Wiggling To
In honor of Pride month, I’m wiggling to MUNA’s latest album and song, Dancing On The Wall.
Stay Playful,
Tamar
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