VANNESSA MISSO-VENESS, a coach in Hong Kong and the founder of Cascade Train Teach Learn, talks to us about the various reasons or life stages when personal development or life coaching can help you.
# Would you benefit from life coaching?
Do you find yourself hesitating to seek guidance because you wonder if your challenges are “big enough” to warrant support? My experiences as a parent, educator and coach have taught me something important: most of the time, it’s the small, niggly uncertainty, stress or triggers inside that invite us to change – not the dramatic, urgent shouts we sometimes expect.
You might notice that your body feels out of sync, even in subtle ways, before it becomes “a problem”. These signals, like a persistent headache, a backache, jaw clenching or irritability, are ways our bodies send signals to our subconscious mind.
Sometimes, in our busy lives, we tune out these signals, feeling we should just carry on by ourselves.
So what can these inner nudges look or feel like?
- A sense of going through the motions, even when things seem “fine” from the outside.
- Coming up against the same patterns in our parenting or relationships, never quite moving forward.
- Noticing your spark, focus or sense of joy isn’t what it once was.
- Feeling a gap between what looks like outward success and how you really feel inside.
In my life coaching work, I watch women and mothers experience gentle shifts when they allow themselves to pause and listen to these signals – long before big alarms start ringing. Think about the way you’d take your car in for a regular check, rather than waiting until there’s smoke coming from the engine! We deserve that same care for ourselves.
# Unlocking potential
Vannessa reflects on her approach to life coaching
Every stage of life brings its own set of challenges and triumphs, especially for women empowerment – from single to empty nester,” says Vannessa. The Hong Kong-based transformational life coach also has the privilege of guiding women through their unique journeys, offering support tailored to their specific needs.
Empowering single women
Amidst societal pressures and the pursuit of personal fulfilment, women may find themselves questioning their paths. My coaching helps to articulate their values, passions and aspirations, while setting intentions for the future. Benefits include enhanced self-confidence, clarity in dating or career choices, and the ability to manifest a life they truly desire.
Supporting mothers on their journey
Every phase of a mother’s parenting journey is about getting to know herself – discovering her values, expectations and fears. By encouraging self-compassion, I help mothers set realistic expectations, prioritise their wellbeing, and be part of a supportive community. The result is a more harmonious family dynamic and empowered mothers who feel confident in their parenting choices.
Navigating the empty nest stage
This transitional period can evoke a sense of loss, identity crisis or newfound freedom. My role as life coach here aims to help women navigate this stage with grace and purpose, exploring new pursuits, reigniting old passions and redefining goals, allowing them to embrace this change with excitement rather than fear.
Every woman has a story, and within those stories lie the seeds of love, hope and a vision of a better self. I help clients harness their innate strengths, creating a safe space where clients can explore their desires, uncover limiting beliefs and set actionable goals.
Regardless of your life stage, I invite you to explore the transformative potential that a life coach can offer.
# A space for parents to thrive
Vannessa has just launched a new parenting group that fosters conscious parenting – find out more below.
We seem to be living in unprecedented times – the more connected we are electronically, the greater the distance between people. We’re losing a vital connection that once fuelled us in society: living in a community. Today, we may reside in an expensive home in a bustling city, and play with advanced gadgets, but we can still feel that we are alone.
In our hyper-connected world, many parents still feel isolated, overwhelmed or disconnected to their families. Beneath the surface of busy routines and urban comforts, a quieter and more urgent need calls to us – the need for connection.
As a conscious parenting coach and mother, I see daily how easy it is to lose ourselves in comparison, self-doubt or exhaustion. What brings relief isn’t necessarily more information or another gadget, but the presence of others who “get it”. Those who listen, reflect and support us with compassion and without judgement.
That’s the true power of a conscious community – when you’re surrounded by people who share your values and your longing for change, you rediscover the confidence and clarity you need to parent and live with intention.
If you’re seeking a space to ask, share and grow alongside other caring parents, join the Conscious Parenting Circle. You’ll experience webinars by experts, live calls, community and resources designed for your journey. It’s a space for parents to thrive.
Find out more about Vannessa’s life coaching sessions and events at cascadetrainteachlearn.com.
This article first appeared in Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
