Taking Space, and Making Room for Others Too: A Personal Reflection

Hey Everyone! I just got back from a university meet-up with a really cool workshop on coaching. It wasn't just about being a coach for others, but also how we can coach ourselves. Flor, the facilitator, surprised me with some new personal insights about how I see myself - it was a great learning moment!

The thing that struck me was the idea of taking space in relationships. Now, me, I'm not a big fan of taking space for myself at all! Remember that time my coach made me park in two spots at the supermarket to express my presence? Awkward!

But this workshop exercise changed things. We had to talk about our passions for four minutes, with one person we knew well and another we just met. The coolest part? As you talked without interruption, more and more layers came out.

The person I knew better revealed hidden depths I never noticed, and the new person gave me a whole new world of connections to explore. Seeing the passion sparkle in someone's eyes is truly amazing!

Then it was my turn. Four minutes to talk about my passion? Yikes! My mind went blank while they were talking, caught up in their stories. So, I fumbled through my love for helping people, visualizing, and being creative. By minute three, I was scrambling to fill the last minute. My head just wouldn't let me take that space!

Here's the kicker: the feedback? They said they would've loved to hear the "chaos" in my head! The speech didn't need to be perfect. Three minutes in, and I could've shared so much more about myself. You never know what sparks the next breakthrough.

This whole experience made me realize something important: I'm great at giving others space as a coach and leader, but I struggle to take it for myself.

So, here's the question I want to leave you with: How much space are you taking in your relationships to express yourself? How much space are you giving others to be themselves?

Taking space isn't selfish! It's about sharing your perspective, but also listening actively and letting others be heard. Interrupting can kill those new ideas before they even blossom.

Huge thanks to Flor and my partners for this eye-opening experience! 🥰