We recently connected with Shermeline Kleinmoedig and have shared our conversation below.
Shermeline, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience is deeply rooted in my faith, which serves as a cornerstone of my strength and perseverance. This unwavering belief provides me with a sense of hope and purpose, guiding me through life’s challenges with a steady hand. Coupled with this spiritual foundation is my innate love for learning and growth, a passion that illuminates my path and fuels my journey forward. This love is not just a trait but a driving force, propelling me to embrace change, seek new opportunities, and continuously evolve both personally and professionally.
One of my most cherished hobbies, growing orchids, perfectly exemplifies the patience and dedication inherent in my growth mindset. Orchids, with their exquisite beauty and notorious complexity, require a meticulous level of care and attention. They teach me the virtue of patience and the reward of persistence, mirroring the very essence of resilience. Each bloom is a testament to the belief that with the right conditions and steadfast care, even the most delicate entities can thrive.
In my role as a teacher, coach, and mentor, I find profound joy and fulfillment in guiding others on their own paths to resilience. I celebrate each step forward, each obstacle overcome, with the same patience and dedication I apply to my orchids. It’s a delight to witness the most vulnerable among us fight and thrive, embodying the transformative power of resilience.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Growing up amidst the challenges of my parents’ separation and being raised primarily by one parent, I faced the shadows of fear and uncertainty from a young age. These experiences, though fraught with difficulty, planted the seeds of resilience and faith within me. My faith, in particular, became a beacon of hope and a testament to the strength one can find in adversity. It was through these trials that I discovered my passion for coaching and empowering others.
Before embarking on my coaching journey, I was a teacher, where I naturally found myself coaching not just students and parents but colleagues as well. This experience laid the groundwork for my coaching philosophy today.
As a Certified Personal and Executive Coach, I’ve dedicated myself to guiding individuals through their own journeys of change and growth. My coaching sessions, named Wings of Change for one-on-one coaching, Harmony Wings for group coaching, and Hovering Heights for leadership coaching, are designed to uplift and inspire. They are available both virtually and in person, ensuring accessibility for all who seek transformation.
What sets my coaching apart is my ability to connect with people of all ages and genders, integrating the combination of spirituality and science. This unique approach resonates deeply with those I work with, fostering an environment of trust and profound change.
The hummingbird, my chosen logo, symbolizes the essence of my coaching philosophy—agility, resilience, and the joy of life. Just as the hummingbird thrives by adapting to its environment, I encourage my clients to embrace their challenges, using them as stepping stones to achieve their full potential.
In my journey from a teacher to a coach, I’ve learned that every individual has an untapped reservoir of strength and capability. My mission is to help unlock that potential, guiding my clients to not just envision their dreams but to live them.
In rewriting my story, I also want to share a more personal glimpse into my life. As someone who has experienced the trials of family separation and the journey of self-discovery, I bring not only professional expertise but personal empathy to my coaching. I am a family person at heart, deeply connected to my roots and those I hold dear. This personal journey underscores my commitment to helping others, from all walks of life, find their path to success and fulfillment.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, the three qualities that stand out as most impactful are resilience, empathy, and the integration of spirituality and science.
My resilience, forged in the fires of personal challenges, has been a cornerstone of my ability to navigate and overcome obstacles.
Empathy, nurtured through my experiences as a teacher and coach, has enabled me to connect deeply with people of all ages and backgrounds, making my coaching uniquely effective.
Lastly, my ability to blend spirituality and science offers a holistic approach that resonates with a wide audience, providing both comfort and evidence-based strategies.
For those early in their journey, my advice would be to focus on developing these three areas. Cultivate resilience by embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Practice empathy by actively listening and seeking to understand the perspectives of others. And explore the intersection of spirituality and science, as this combination can offer a balanced and comprehensive approach to personal development.
Remember, your unique path and the lessons you learn along the way can become your greatest strengths.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
“I firmly believe in the significance of concentrating on our inherent strengths, a conviction deeply rooted in both my personal experiences and my professional ethos as a coach. My top character strengths—love for learning, appreciation for beauty and excellence, kindness, spirituality, and social intelligence—are not just personal traits but the pillars upon which I build my coaching practice. These strengths guide me in fostering an environment where clients can thrive by leveraging their unique abilities.
In my coaching, I emphasize the importance of these strengths, drawing upon the principles of positive psychology. This approach is grounded in the science of well-being and happiness, advocating for a focus on positive attributes and potentials. It aligns with my belief in the transformative power of recognizing and cultivating one’s strengths.
To underscore this, I often reflect on the scripture, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ (Philippians 4:13). This verse not only reinforces my faith-based approach to coaching but also serves as a powerful reminder of the limitless potential within us when we lean on our spiritual strengths and trust in a higher power.
By integrating these elements—my character strengths, the foundation of positive psychology, and the guiding light of scripture—I aim to empower my clients to harness their strengths, navigate life’s challenges with resilience, and embark on a path of personal growth and spiritual fulfillment.
A memorable example from my coaching experience involves a professional woman who approached me feeling miserable in her job, on the brink of quitting without a permanent appointment, and lacking the courage to pursue her dream of starting her own business. Recognizing her strengths became our focus. After just one free session highlighting her treasures and strengths, followed by three months of coaching, she underwent a remarkable transformation. Initially shy and hesitant to speak in public, she has now become a successful business owner. Not only does she sell her products confidently, but she also regularly gives interviews on national TV and presents her services and profession with poise and authority.
Another profound experience that underscores the essence of my coaching philosophy involved a client who had endured a lifetime of low self-esteem and a tendency to prioritize others’ needs above her own. The aftermath of her parents’ divorce led her to seek validation and love from male friends, which unfortunately resulted in abusive relationships. She lived in the shadows of others, allowing even the simplest decisions to be dictated by her husband, who was also abusive. Her journey to self-discovery began when a friend recommended my coaching services.
Through our sessions, she embarked on a path of self-love and empowerment, learning to recognize and celebrate her strengths. She transformed into a person who could confidently make decisions, practice self-care, and assertively say ‘no’ when necessary. This newfound confidence extended to her financial management, social interactions, and her ability to face challenges head-on. She discovered her beauty, both internally and externally, and began making healthier choices in all aspects of her life. Today, she not only stands up for herself but also leads with confidence.
This story is a powerful reminder of the impact that focusing on one’s strengths can have. It’s not just about achieving professional success; it’s about fostering a deep sense of self-worth and empowerment that permeates every facet of life. My client’s transformation is a beacon of hope and a clear demonstration of how understanding and leveraging personal strengths can lead to profound and lasting change.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.littlecouragecoaching.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlecouragecoaching/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littlecouragecoaching/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shermeline-kleinmoedig-287370b6/
Image Credits
Gianaro Jennie from Glossy and Art Photo Production
German Isidora jr
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