In the Middle of Things
- susan4515
- Jan 10
- 2 min read
January 10, 2026
Here we are at the beginning of a new year that holds an extraordinary amount of uncertainty. Much like 2025 did. It’s hard to distill the torrent of things going on in the world into a coherent thread, except by naming the reality that old things are collapsing and new things are emerging. And still, each of us is in the middle of our personal lives as well – joys and losses and fears and struggles and successes.
The picture above is from my trip to Chicago in October 2025, for a family wedding and reunion that was delightful. In the middle of ICE activity and protests and court actions and fear and anger, Chicago was determinedly festive and stubborn. Family celebrations still happen. People still live their lives.
Of all the things I could say (which would make this an intolerably long post), the one thing that I most want to say is that developmental coaching has something to offer in these times. It offers individuals the gift of sanity and calm, of developing the capacity to stay present in tough situations, the clarity to act with integrity and a deep quality of Presence.
It also offers this gift to the world: each person who develops their quality of Presence is creating a ripple effect of integrity, compassion, and courage.
My training is in this type of coaching, which is deeply meaningful for anyone who feels stuck or confused in their personal or professional life – not just to solve problems on the surface, but to help people unfold their gifts and aliveness.
If this interests you, please contact me for a call to talk about what coaching can do for you. I offer a free introductory call and a “pay-what-you-wish” first coaching session. I also offer a free Enneagram typing interview for anyone who is interested in identifying their Enneagram type and talking about what that means.
I’m committed to my own ongoing development, to make my coaching as grounded and effective as possible. I’m learning parts work (similar to Internal Family Systems), which is a fascinating and deeply compassionate way of dealing with our reactivity and blockages.
In another aspect of ongoing development, I earned my black belt in aikido this year! We are never done learning and growing. Here’s a picture of me disarming an attacker during the test.
We all have a responsibility, in these very complicated times, to step up and do what we can. Sometimes that means focusing on our own health, or our family and work responsibilities; sometimes it means protesting and taking action in support of democracy; and at all levels, it means building community and connection with other human beings and the natural world. Coaching can help with all of these.
What are you in the middle of? I guarantee that you are not broken or deficient; you are alive and unfolding. Best wishes for a healing and purposeful year…
Susan
Riggs Integral Coaching
703-472-0670
P.S. If you want to explore a mind-blowing way of growing, learning, and healing, contact me to talk about parts work!
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