News

President's Message from Lori Candela

Hello fellow coaches,

I recently watched the movie Fiddler on the Roof and ever since, I can’t get the song “Tradition” out of my head! An article I read in The Crier, by Gayle Suggs, says the show takes its name from a painting by Marc Chagall entitled “The Fiddler” – indeed the fiddler becomes a metaphor for survival, through tradition and joyfulness, in a life full of uncertainty and imbalance.

Life has truly been filled with more uncertainty and imbalance since the start of the pandemic in 2020. One way many have stayed anchored is by enjoying traditions that bring comfort and certainty. They connect us to our families and to past generations. We often feel a sense of belonging and want to invite others to share in what we have come to know and value. When Covid hit our family, it was my homemade chicken soup - made from my mother-in-law’s recipe – that provided comfort. 

Still, sometimes traditions can feel overwhelming. Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof felt very strongly about tradition. Even though he never really understood their reason, he felt that he had to follow them, hold on to them and pass them onto the next generation for the sake of…. well, tradition!

Sometimes I wonder whether we are like Tevye. Do we put too much pressure on ourselves this time of year for the sake of tradition when no one else may be as interested or invested? Do I really need to make all five varieties of cookies because I made them with my mother when I was a child? Traditions can help us to feel connected to previous generations, but they can also be a sad reminder of the past or someone we have lost. If a tradition saddens or exhausts you, but it is important to you, it may be time to consider a change and add a new twist to make it your own. (Hmm, this year I think I’ll make two types of cookies and add a new one of my own!)

We know that holiday time along with end-of-year business needs can bring overwhelm and stress. That is why our ICF-CT Chapter is offering the Gift of Coaching through December 15. Our participating coaches are offering pro bono coaching sessions to provide the support that is needed this time of year. If you would like to receive coaching, there is still time to register (based on coach availability, here). We do request that our chapter coaches support this initiative by sharing the information with your contacts, and even offering to provide the free opportunity directly. This just might become a new tradition for you!

Another gift is our holiday party (free for members), Mingle All the Way: Improv and Play. Join us at the Shelton Courtyard by Marriott in Shelton, CT on Friday, December 9 from 5-8. Click here to learn more on our Events Page. Remember to sign into the website first before registering for the party. I look forward to connecting with you then.

I wish you a happy and healthy holiday season filled with peace, joy, love, and lots of laughter! 

Warmest regards,

Lori