Ship test operation - initial experiences

The first coaching guest was here for 10 days - today he has disembarked. For reasons of confidentiality and personal privacy, I don't want to say anything about the content of the coaching session. But I would like to quote three sentences from him that really moved me.

• „I was surprised at how unfinished it still is here on board. When I read about „test operation“, I thought it was almost finished. And there are only small things missing.“

This sentence makes me smile. And to think. I think it's typically German to think that something has to be pretty perfect and finished before you can really start. My answer to this was: „My vision for the ship is that people have a space where they can be.... and that they receive support from me (or other professional coaches). You need a space for that - it's there...although of course I want it to get even nicer over the next few weeks. The second thing that is needed is me. I am there too. Perhaps many people get in their own way or block themselves in the fulfilment of their dreams and visions because they think they need so much to get started. Most things are easy to get started with. Emphasis on simple. And then to begin.

• It's so good to meet someone like you who doesn't offer prescriptions.

I replied flatly: “Only cannibals need recipes for humans.“ But behind this compliment I hear a lot of pain. The pain of being portrayed as stupid and incompetent: „You just have to do this or that, then it'll be fine!“ The pain of not being seen, but being treated like a number or a problem case for which you just have to apply the right formula. The pain of condemnation if you don't take the advice - which was so well-intentioned. And having to endure the devaluation of others on top of your own frustration.

Yes, there are principles and patterns. And I love finding helpful tools. At the same time, I am convinced that every person and every problem is unique. And usually refuses quick answers. Most people are not so stupid that they can't discover the simple answers that can be given quickly themselves. For my work, it is essential to trust people. They are experts in their own lives. They know themselves and their lives far better than I ever could. And I am an expert in discovery tools. On invitation - I would like to join a person in their search for something new and support them - hopefully by asking helpful questions - in discovering treasures, impulses and opportunities that really suit their life.

• „Never in my life has a person taken so much time for me as you!“ 

This sentence makes me cry. The week he was our guest was actually exceptionally quiet and I had a lot of free time. And so, on the days we saw each other, I was able to take one to three hours or even more to listen, coach and ask questions. And at home to reflect, think and pray. Still - it wasn't that much. Maybe 10, maybe 15, maybe 20 hours. A person lives for decades, even attends schools where they are supposed to learn about life...and no one ever really takes time for them. That hurts me deeply. Also because I realise that this is not an isolated case. A lot of people put a lot of time and energy into education and training courses, but who takes the time...for a person.

I have a hunch that the ship can fulfil a need... and will continue to build... so that it becomes more beautiful and cosier step by step.