Message from our Chapter President, Stephanie Tishler | Dear Coaches, Friends, and Colleagues,
 As we settle into September, we find ourselves amidst a season of transformation. The days grow shorter, the temperatures begin to drop, and the oh-so-quiet atmosphere at home signals the return of children to school. The transition into fall is a shared experience, a reminder that change is constant.
As coaches, our professional landscape revolves around change—guiding clients through transitions at work and navigating shifts in their personal lives, whether they resist or desire these transformations. This year, I personally encountered a formidable change. A skiing accident led to ACL repair surgery on my right knee, rendering me dependent on crutches and assistance. Driving was out of the question for six long weeks, and every task became a drawn-out ordeal. During this upheaval, one constant remained—the unwavering support of my coaching community. I will forever cherish this support, motivating me to reciprocate by accepting the role of President of ICF-CT.
I am thrilled to announce the changes taking place within our ICF-CT Chapter. We welcomed five new board members who are already orchestrating exciting developments. We are also revamping our Membership Activity Fee (MAF) program with a new name and format, offering an entire year of programs at a discounted rate. I encourage you to explore this opportunity.
We have an entire year's worth of programs lined up for you already! Join us for our inaugural event, featuring our very own chapter member, Judy Garfinkel, for an in-person session on incorporating Somatic Strategies into your coaching practice (or for you!).
Register Here
Speaking of change, our abrupt shift from in-person to virtual events in 2020 was significant. How have you adapted to this change? Do you miss the in-person interactions?
What changes are you currently making in your life or practice? Follow and engage with us on social media to help us expand our reach and engage with our growing community. We want to hear from you!
Fall in CT is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, so let’s embrace the changes it brings.
With heartfelt appreciation, I thank you for being a part of our community and for taking the time to read this message.
Steph
|  MAF means Membership Activity Fee, and it’s an optional upgrade for ICF-CT members that saves you money on our chapter’s programming fees. When you pay the one-time MAF, all your fees are included to attend the 2023-2024 season's ICF-CT Chapter Meetings, in-person and virtual events.
This year MAF will also include all in-person Social Events (unless otherwise specified as requiring an additional fee).
Registration for MAF opens on September 14, 2023. A sign-up link will be “live” on that date here.
Board Members may attend all programs at no cost, and Volunteer Committee Members are offered a special discounted 50% off rate for MAF. If you are a committee member, be sure to ask your board member for the discount code before you pay for MAF.
| Insights from ICF Converge Event |  “Many things in life are at the other end of discomfort,” James Garrett, CEO, Brain by Design, accurately pointed out during his session, “Funcomfortable” at this year’s ICF Converge, a global conference event for coaches held in August this year.
To help overcome the pain of discomfort and make goals less difficult to attain, Garrett, a brain coach, suggests “fun-fusing” – pairing uncomfortable and fun things together. As examples, having a running buddy or writing emails from an outdoor setting.
| As evidence, Garrett challenged himself to do the “funcomfortable” by documenting his experiences, like 30 days of ice-cold plunges, where he proved there is joyfulness at the end of the discomfort journey.
| | What are some ways that you have embraced discomfort in a new or fun way? Let us know and we’ll share some of your tips on social media: marketing@icf-ct.org | In-Person Chapter Meeting on September 29 | “Get Physical! Expand Your Coaching with Somatic Strategies” with Judy Garfinkel, PCC
 Join us for this unique, interactive program with Judith (Judy) Garfinkel to learn to incorporate specific somatic techniques and exercises into your practice. Find out how to enhance your clients' journey by welcoming their bodies (and yours) into it. Judy explains more about the program here.
ICF CCEUs are available for this session.
Friday, September 29
Shelton Marriott
780 Bridgeport Ave
Shelton, CT 06484
8:00 am - 8:30 am: Buffet Breakfast
8:30 am - 9:00 am: Welcome
9:00 am - 11:00 am: Interactive 90 min Presentation with breakouts
11:00 am - 11:30 am: Networking
| National Hispanic Heritage Month | National Hispanic Heritage Month honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate the heritage rooted in all Latin American countries.
Life Coach Magazine shared an interesting article by a Latina life coach, Lillian Hernandez, in which she shared her observations about practicing life coaching specifically in the Latino community. Click here to read this insightful piece. | Every working relationship can be better.
This book shows you how.
| The new book from the well-loved author of the bestseller The Coaching Habit, Michael Bungay Stanier:
How to Work with (Almost) Anyone: Five Questions to Build the Best Possible Relationships
Pre-order bonuses available now at BestPossibleRelationship.com | |