Have you ever felt like you were sprinting through life… but never quite arriving where it really matters?
For 15 years, I was in the corporate job – wonderful people, interesting projects, running through meetings, deadlines stamped “yesterday,” and wearing “busy” like a badge of honour. Life was full but not fulfilling. I thought this was normal, part of the package. Isn’t everyone tired, rushing, and sometimes frustrated with navigating the corporate buzz?
This was until a year ago, when I reached the moment of truth after some years of self-discovery process. I started asking myself the deeper questions, those uncomfortable, quiet ones that sit in the background of a busy life. With the loving nudge of a few amazing coaches, support of my beloved ones and the courage to listen to my heart, I realized my life was no longer in rhythm with what I truly wanted. I was… fine but not thrilled. Not alive in the way I felt I could be.
Stepping out of the safe, shiny corporate job and into the wild unknown of self-employment wasn’t easy but it was worth it. I now work as a coach, mentor and consultant, supporting people like you – leaders, changemakers, brave humans in transition – to lead change and create positive impact without burning out or feeling stuck on a hamster wheel.
One year later: lessons from the nature
This month was full of movement for me, literally, across countries, and metaphorically, across questions. I’ve been exploring new ways to serve more deeply and meaningfully to my current and future clients. A year into my new chapter, I found myself once again at a crossroads. I felt a bit foggy, unsure of the next step. And my body – my best barometer – was sending signals that something needed more attention. So, I did what worked last time: I listened. I hired a coach and I asked for support (even though my ego whispered that I should have it all figured out by now). And I applied nervously and excitedly for a 17-month program at Alyssa Nobriga’s (a coach I deeply admire) Institute for Coaching Mastery.
One of those moments of inquiry came during a walk with a friend in the beautiful Wilanów Park in Warsaw. We spotted a duck standing on one leg, just quietly balancing by the pond. We couldn’t help but ask – why stand on one leg when you’ve got two and plenty of space around?
My curiousity won and I looked it up. Turns out, it’s not random at all. Ducks stand on one leg to conserve body heat, rest tired muscles, and maintain balance. It’s nature’s way of being efficient, adaptable and smart.
And it hit me: I’d been that duck just a year ago and probbaly in many other moments of my life!
I too was conserving energy, staying in a familiar posture, doing what felt safe, even if I had more capacity than I was letting myself use. That one-legged strategy had a purpose in the past… but it was no longer serving who I was becoming.
The tree message: root deeper, grow wiser
Later that same week, another insight landed – this time through a craniosacral therapy session I had booked instinctively weeks before. And just the day after when I was invited to look into the tree metaphore by the therepist, another dear friend showed me a tree she planted 40 years ago in front of her building. Strong, steady, with its roots still expanding.
And there it was again: the tree metaphor that had been following me – in therapy, in conversations, in reflections on my business. It wasn’t subtle anymore.
The message was clear: Root deeper, expand wisely, choose the ground that nourishes you, and grow from there.
As I move through this next season, I feel myself anchoring more into my own rhythm. Less rush, more presence. The tree’s roots are exploring, stretching, checking which soil supports sustainable growth. The crown is moving with the wind, and with purpose. There’s calm and a quiet confidence.
The tree message: root deeper, grow wiser
Later that same week, another insight landed – this time through a craniosacral therapy session I had booked instinctively weeks before. And just the day after when I was invited to look into the tree metaphore by the therepist, another dear friend showed me a tree she planted 40 years ago in front of her building. Strong, steady, with its roots still expanding.
And there it was again: the tree metaphor that had been following me – in therapy, in conversations, in reflections on my business. It wasn’t subtle anymore.
The message was clear: Root deeper, expand wisely, choose the ground that nourishes you, and grow from there.
As I move through this next season, I feel myself anchoring more into my own rhythm. Less rush, more presence. The tree’s roots are exploring, stretching, checking which soil supports sustainable growth. The crown is moving with the wind, and with purpose. There’s calm and a quiet confidence.
So I offer these reflections to you, too:
★ Where are you standing, maybe still on one leg but longing to take a next step?
★ What are your roots craving for?
As leaders and changemakers, we often hold so much for others. But the most impactful work we do starts with the courage to ask ourselves new questions and the humility to ask for help when we need it. Enjoy your path!
