Last week, I got an unexpected email from a team member with the subject “I have news”. Rather than get excited for the possibilities (e.g. a new grandchild? A new work opportunity?) I immediately started worrying about what could be wrong – was she unwell? Was she leaving the team?

I noticed my heart racing and realized I was tense with worry. This is a familiar reaction of mine when I’m faced with uncertainty. I’m working on it and finding new ways to disrupt the pattern. I stopped what I was doing and stood up. I shifted my gaze away from the screen, placed a hand on my chest, and took a few deep breaths. It didn’t take long, and the impact was powerful. My heart rate came down, I felt calmer, and I even began to smile softly as the worry eased up. I could think more clearly and see there were several possibilities besides the worst-case scenario.

Shifting your stance changes your perspective. Changing your perspective gives you choice.

By standing up, looking out the window and breathing deeply, I was able to change how I wanted to respond. In this situation, I chose to stay calm and carry on regardless of the news. When it came, and it wasn’t nearly as serious as I had imagined, I was able to listen calmly and problem-solve with a clear mind.

Even during the most difficult of times, taking a pause to make a choice about how you want to respond can be empowering. This isn’t as simple as trying to be more positive. It takes deliberate attention and regular practice.

Some of you have already commented on the powerful shift that occurs in our sessions when you tune into your body, find your ground, and breathe deeply. One client remarked how she was feeling helpless and “angry at the world” at the start of our session; by the end, she was energized and even hopeful. She attributed it to being present with what IS rather than ruminating over what WAS and worrying about what COULD BE.

Next time you face a difficult decision, conversation or meeting, consider a practice that allows you to shift your perspective. Stand up, notice, breathe, the change your stance.

  • What do you notice?
  • What is your body telling you?
  • What do you need to let go of?
  • How might that change the way you show up?
  • How does changing your body change your mind?

If these questions are tough to answer, and your curious to learn more about how coaching might support you to learn and grow, please reach out for a complimentary consultation call.

Introducing the Hope-Action Inventory

Are you navigating a career or life change and finding it hard to sustain positive momentum and hope?

Coach Anne Carbert is now offering the Hope-Action Inventory, a research-based tool that helps us build strengths to cultivate and sustain action-oriented hopefulness in the face of uncertainty.

Join Anne next month for an introductory workshop to learn about the energizing dynamic between hope and action and how we can engage and build strengths for positive momentum, even during difficult times.

How to Stay Hopeful in Uncertainty: Introduction to the Hope-Action Inventory

Date: June 18, 2025
When: 10:00 – 11:00 Eastern Time, zoom link to be provided
Cost: $30 + HST
Contact info@krakauer.ca to sign up. Sign up by June 4th to secure your spot!

Anne will provide an overview of the seven Hope-Action strengths and share her perspective on the importance of hope when facing uncertainty, especially in our disruptive times. She will also lead a hope-boosting self-reflection exercise. You will leave the workshop with some personal insights, renewed energy for action, and an appreciation of the key factors for skillfully navigating career change and other life changes.

The first three people to sign up will be offered free access to the Hope-Action Inventory and a complementary one-hour virtual debrief session with Anne. (Complementary sessions must be redeemed by August 15, 2025).

Can’t make it and want to learn more? Contact us to set up an introductory call about how our coaching team can help!

This spring, we invite you to soften into the present, embrace the unexpected with curiosity, and find strength in stillness. Whether you’re navigating change or simply catching your breath, know you’re not alone — we’re walking alongside you.

Lianne and the KCI team