I had my own first November coaching session Wednesday afternoon. As a coach myself, I’m a big believer in the coaching relationship. Michele has been my coach for several years now. She’s the one person in my professional life where I can let it all hang out and know that I will get a clear reflection back.

I was feeling pretty depleted that day and knew that Michele would take into consideration what I want in my life and help me see if I’m on track or not towards the fulfillment I seek.

What she reflected back to me was clear-eyed and affirming. “You’ve been dealing with a lot of complexity,” she reminded me. Here I am, familiarizing myself with a new apartment, a new city, a new state while maintaining my business, important relationships and a conscious lifestyle. Not to mention also dealing with a weather system over which I have no control.

I knew all that, but to have it actually spoken out loud was helpful. She suggested that I ritualize all I’ve done, take stock of it, and spend time acknowledging the closure I’ve lived through recently.

Wednesday night was a stormy mess. I had intended to go out to a meeting downtown. When Michele and I started discussing what would feel good and nurturing, hopping on a subway and negotiating the sleet and snow was not a priority. Instead I took a warm bath, put on my fuzzy slippers, ate a nourishing dinner–slowly–and got under the covers with the prospect of watching something on my laptop.

For anyone out there feeling overwhelmed by the storm(s), the election or the upcoming you-know-what, please take this assignment for yourself. Find what nurtures you, light a candle or three and acknowledge yourself for being the resourceful, capable and compassionate person you are.