over the years, I’ve found myself returning to these WORDS of wisdom — in coaching sessions and in my own life. I want to share them more broadly with you.

Feel free to use these in your own reflection. Please attribute them accurately if sharing, and if I’ve mis-attributed any, please let me know!

‘There’ is not necessarily better than here.
— many people throughout time, including me

Wherever you go, there you are.
— Confucius

Pigeonholes are only comfortable for pigeons.
— Jessye Norman

Life is best understood backwards. Look for themes, patterns, and throughlines to shine a light on who you are.
— Jessica Wan

The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.
— George Bernard Shaw

To be a great communicator, you must consider nuance.
— Jessica Wan

Tell me, what is it you plan to do / with your one wild and precious life?
— Mary Oliver

There is a cost to every path.
Illuminate the hidden costs, and make sure it’s worth it to you.
— Jessica Wan

Inch by inch, life’s a cinch.
Yard by yard, life is hard.
— a client of mine

It’s all about the practice.
— Jessica Wan

Don’t compare.
— my mother-in-law, on our wedding day

To get out of your head, get into your body.
— Jessica Wan

It’s not about balance, it’s about balancing.

(Balancing is an action, and like walking a tightrope, you can’t view it as a point in time, only in motion.)
— my Aunt Sally

Action begets action. Just take that first step.
— Jessica Wan

Keep your chin up, girl!
— my mother

Setting boundaries is just the first step. The real challenge comes with honoring boundaries.
— Jessica Wan

You cannot buy that kind of thing anymore!
— my father

Don’t expect perfection.
Especially the first time doing anything, there will likely be bumps in the road.
Work these into your expectations.
— Jessica Wan

Careful the things you say, children will listen.
Careful the things you do, children will see, and learn.
— Stephen Sondheim

Create buffers, and your future self will thank you.
— Jessica Wan

You are beautiful just as you are.
— my child