Autumn 2011 was a turning point in my life. My three boys were out of the house, two in college and one in the Naval Aviation program. My mother had died one year earlier. Even though I had wonderful friends, a good job and a nice home, I was truly lost and empty nester syndrome hit me hard. All of a sudden, I had this feeling of everything was wrong and I had to change my life completely.
A close friend of mine suggested I contact Jennifer Seaver Stokes. She had begun practice as a personal development coach and my friend said Jennifer has uncanny talents for listening, discovering and guiding. As a musician by nature, she has been so instrumental (no pun intended!) in helping me orchestrate a new approach to life.
The perfect exercise for me at the time was the strengths inventory put forth in Tom Rath’s “StrengthsFinder 2.0” . This provided the foundation for our work over the next few months. I know I am a strong person. Jennifer saw this immediately. I simply had hit a threshold I couldn’t seem to pass. Jennifer arrives to our second meeting with colored poster board and markers. She says to me “Pick a color”! I chose ORANGE!
This orange board covered with a rainbow of words is still prominently displayed in my office. I can picture the day we composed this board. This was uch a worthwhile exercise. I go to it almost every day. We use it during every single coaching session. Even if I don’t have it with me, we both know exactly how it looks and what it says!
It has been nearly two years since I met Jennifer. I began with her full level of coaching. Once completed, I scaled back a bit. I can call her whenever I need her and pick the program that suits me.
Trust me, once you’ve gone through one level of coaching with Jennifer, you will know how to continue.
I have highly recommended her to others. I wholeheartedly feel Jennifer has a very unique gift and a great talent. She continuously works on crafting her skill which makes her so refreshing. She always brings something new to the table, whether a new approach to consider or a book to read or an activity to attend. Jennifer is never stale! This is of huge importance to me. Most importantly, she never lets me forget my strengths. This is the greatest gift of all.
Susan