coaching

How a Life Coach Helped Change Me for the Better

Posted by Barbara Techel

Diane and Barb

I can’t even begin to imagine what my life would look like today if I hadn’t taken the leap and hired life coach, Diane Krause-Stetson.  It wasn’t an easy thing to do. I was scared. Scared to really dig down deep to find out what was working for me and what wasn’t. It is also a hard thing to do– asking for help. But seven years later I can absolutely say it was one of the best things I ever did for myself. And actually, something shifted in me the day I committed to work with Diane- something in me just knew I would come out better after the experience.

From that fateful day in April 2005 my life took a 180 turn. I hired Diane thinking she could help me with marketing weight loss products for a company that I was a part of. I committed to three months in figuring this out. Two months later I knew what it was I wanted to explore. I set out with a determination I never had before to do just that. Writing and writing about what I love most– dogs. I slowly walked away from the company I was involved with and each time I made another leap to let it completely go, I felt my soul come more alive. It was all I needed to know I was on the right path.

Diane cautioned me that there would be forks in the road and I’d have a choice to take that turn or not. But listening to my heart and following my intuition would be key. Now I’m not going to say that was, or is, easy. But as I get ready to launch my new book next month I feel certain, even with the few twists and turns I’ve had, this is right where I am meant to be.

Working with a life coach not only helped me to trust more in what my heart was calling me to do, but to not be afraid who I was really meant to be. If we can just get past thinking asking for help is a weakness, oh, how far we can go! Asking for help means you want better for yourself and your life.

I’ve had so many moments of reflection as I think about where my path will lead as I push my book out into the world. And as I look back seven years ago, I don’t recognize the person I was then– but I see her now and I like what I see. For that alone, I’m deeply grateful to have found Diane and trusted my gut that day and took the leap.

I dedicate this post to Diane for believing in me and helping me see that I was not a failure, but an explorer!

Announcing A New Book by Barbara Techel-coming 2012

Posted by Barbara Techel


This is only a mock-up of a cover for my new book- this won’t be the finished cover- but it serves as my visual to keep me inspired as I write my new book

I’m officially announcing, that yes, I’m working on a new book. I’ve given a hint or two about it on my Facebook page, but other than that, I’ve kept it pretty much to myself. I’ve had to build my confidence that I could write this book. I’m still working on that part- but getting stronger every day.

“Through Frankie’s Eyes- Lessons Learned from a Dachshund on Wheels” right now, is the working title and could change, but for now this is what it is. The title and a mock-up cover are great visuals for me to keep me encouraged to keep going.

As many of you know, to date I’ve written children’s books about my special needs dachshund, Frankie, as well as many articles on animals, and articles on book marketing, etc. To write a nonfiction adult book is a new challenge for me. A bigger challenge yet is that the book is about me- my transition in my early 40’s which had me seriously contemplating what this thing called life was all about after my chocolate lab, Cassie was diagnosed with terminal bone cancer. This led me to hiring a life coach, which led me to begin writing, which led me to Frankie’s diagnoses of Intervertbral disc disease (IVDD)… which ultimately shaped my life in a way I would have never imagined.

Over five years ago when I decided to pursue writing, I had all intentions of writing this book, then. But after attending a writing conference in 2007, 11-months after Frankie’s IVDD diagnoses, I realized I was meant to write Frankie’s children’s books first. This book would have to wait… or maybe it would never be written. But in January of this year, the thought began to dance in my head and it wouldn’t let me rest. So following that call, I figured now was the right time to begin this book. I have so much more to share now about all I’ve learned because of my dogs, and mostly from my little dog on wheels who has taught me some of life’s greatest lessons.

I was excited to begin this book but found myself struggling greatly at the beginning as if I was trudging through mud. Sharing me with the world seems a daunting, scary task. What to share, what not to? How to say it- how not to say it? But I’ve been very inspired lately by Jon Katz and his blog post writings. This encourages me to keep going.

I will keep going, and find myself these last few weeks feeling like I am not trudging through mud anymore, but looking more forward to my writing sessions. Looking forward to a book that I hope will help others live a more joyful life- one with meaning, balance and purpose. I personally still work on the balancing part and think I always will. But I’ve become so much more aware of living my life in balance, so when things get of a whack, I seem to recognize it sooner and it helps me get back on track. I also sometimes worry about my purpose and what it will look like when Frankie passes on. But writing it all down the last few months has made me stronger and gives me faith that new adventures and purpose awaits me at some point… so we shall see what comes of this book as I continue to fine tune and move forward.

So far I’ve written 52,217 words which I think is a big accomplishment. I feel myself getting closer to finishing the first draft and then will send it off to my editor… but for now I’m taking this step of making this announcement which feels right to me now. It means I’m making progress in my confidence department. 🙂

Before I began writing this book almost 10-months ago I picked a card from Dr. Wayne Dyer’s Inspiration cards (he is my all time favorite motivational/spiritual teachers), which I keep next to the mock-up cover of my book cover. When I let fear creep into my writing and sharing my book with the world, I refer back to this card and it reminds me, just as it says, “Expect the Best.”


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