Over the decades as an executive coach, many people have shared with me their life challenges. Often, I have listened and recommended that they seek out an experienced counselor to support them through their personal healing process. I do this, because I know that having someone who listens exceptionally well and is professionally trained to deal with certain issues, plus be completely present is a transformative and healing experience.
On my dresser at home, I keep a list of people I know who are struggling. Routinely, I pause in the morning or in the evening and read these names. For a moment, I hold each one of them in a healing light, knowing that prayer helps and is not limited by time or space.
A number of years ago, during the first session of my year long course on leadership and organizational change, a young woman came up to me after class one day and asked if she could visit with me. We found a quiet corner and talked through a variety of work issues related to teamwork and goal setting. It was a good connection, and I enjoyed her thoughtful approach to the challenges before her.
When the class gathered for the second session, I learned that she would not be joining us because her husband had suddenly died at work. Newly married with three step daughters, she was just focused on holding her family together and figuring out life.
Months later when we gathered for the third session, she returned. It was the end of the first day when she came up to me and asked if we could visit again.
The next morning, when we sat down for breakfast, she shared what happened and she shared how she had managed the days and weeks after his death. I just listened, because I know the value of being heard.
During a quiet pause, I asked her what she had learned so far from this journey that she was on. She looked out the window for quite a long time, and then turned toward me and whispered, “God is the constant.”
We sat together in silence and I nodded in agreement. In a world that is constantly changing and evolving, it is good to find and to know your constant. It helps you prioritize what is essential and important. It also helps you move forward in faith. It gives purpose to our lives and helps us discover and recover a sense of wholeness and peace.
Once home, I added her name to my list. We all need and deserve support during times in our life when there is no map and the road is challenging.
© Geery Howe 2026
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