Cara Zuraski

I hit rock bottom, decided to take ownership of my own happiness by working on my health (physically, spiritually, emotionally, mentally). I revamped my life and I wanted more satisfying work. One year apart, I was coached by two different Lumia alumni and that seemed like more than a coincidence to me, so I took the plunge!

When I was at my rock bottom, I crossed paths with a new coach who offered to coach me for free since he was working on his certification. He helped me make a decision at a difficult crossroads in my life. He also expressed his belief that I would be a good coach. When I asked, he told me about the program he was in. A year later, after a lot of healing, a friend recommended that I speak with a trauma-informed coach that she knows so I could ask her about her experience as a coach. We had a great conversation and she told me about her experience with Lumia. Then I looked back and realized both these coaches were talking about the same program. I knew it was meant to be.

I love this question! I would probably be working out more and maybe have started a YouTube channel. Or worse... right in the same place. What I had going in my favor was that my momentum was building, so I know I would've done something. I'm glad I landed on coaching. It's been such a natural and satisfying fit for me.

Wasting time, money, & energy. That I'd struggle with what to do since I had no idea how to coach and I didn't personally know any coaches in my personal life. That maybe I would get tired of it. Fear of rejection and judgment from those around me. The stigma of the words "life coach" and misunderstandings around what it actually is. The disappointment I'd feel if I "failed" I considered all these things.

I was afraid of making a financial commitment I wasn't sure I could follow through on. I also feared being bad at school since I struggled a lot in high school and dropped out of college. But it was a long time ago and I had a lot of unprocessed trauma. Another fear I had was not getting the tools I'd need to coach well.

I'm a better listener and more aware of how my communication impacts others. Now, I veer away from "why" questions, in general, not just during sessions. I found a great community of coaches who have enriched my life, as peers, clients and friends. Falling into this place where I automatically have so much in common with so many people feels really comfortable. As a friend and family member, I'm less pushy and refrain from offering unsolicited advice as much as I used to. This makes it more enjoyable for everyone. 

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From a business perspective, I would not have had a business at all if it wasn't for Lumia. The business workshops have been very helpful to me as I lean into entrepreneurship. Lumia has convinced me of the power of coaching, which has leveled up my life so much. I hired my own business coach and later joined a Mastermind run by a business mentor. This guidance has helped me build on the foundation Lumia has laid and elevated my business.