A Conversation That Changed Everything: My Journey into Life Coaching

Have you ever experienced a moment that seemed ordinary but ended up altering the course of your life? That's exactly what happened to me in November 2023, during a trip to the Dominican Republic with Children of the Nations. Little did I know that a casual conversation on a beautiful Dominican beach would set me on an entirely new career path.

As I reflect on that pivotal moment, I'm filled with a sense of awe and gratitude. A young leader from another church asked me two simple questions: "Have you ever considered being a life coach? Would you be my coach?" I was both honored and bewildered. Me, a life coach? The idea had never crossed my mind. I had always been involved in ministry, and while I loved helping people, the concept of life coaching was foreign to me.

Despite my initial hesitation, we decided to give it a try. What started as a monthly call soon became the highlight of my month. I found myself cherishing the opportunity to hold space for this young leader, helping her navigate ministry, relationships, family, and life. The experience was so rewarding that I even joked with friends about pursuing coaching if ministry didn't work out.

Life has a funny way of foreshadowing sometimes. In August 2024, I stepped out of full-time ministry after a disagreement about the church's direction. It wasn't an easy transition, and it took months of counseling to process. But sometimes, painful endings pave the way for beautiful beginnings. This transition forced me to confront my own identity and purpose outside of ministry. It was a challenging but ultimately transformative experience.

In September, a conversation with a friend who had started life coach training reignited that spark from the Dominican beach. By October, I was enrolled in classes to become a certified life coach. From the moment I started, I knew I had found my next step. The realization that work could be this fulfilling and fun was a revelation. I was learning about the role of a coach, how to create a safe space for clients, and the importance of active listening. Each new skill I acquired felt like a piece of a puzzle falling into place.

Since then, I've continued to grow and learn. I've maintained my coaching relationship with Mita, adapting my new skills to our sessions. I've launched Jason Roton Coaching and gained my first clients. I've even had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with Aaron Gigous Consulting on a project helping high school students, parents, and adults "Discovering Your VIP" by identifying their values, understanding their information processing styles, and building their support teams. This project has been particularly meaningful, as it combines my passion for helping others with my newfound skills as a coach.

As I write this, I'm filled with excitement for what lies ahead. This journey has taught me that sometimes the most unexpected conversations can lead to the most beautiful destinations. If you've ever considered investing in yourself through coaching, I'd be honored to walk alongside you. If you're curious about what coaching is and how it works, I'd love to share more.

Coaching is not about giving advice or telling people what to do. It's about creating a space where individuals can explore their thoughts, feelings, and desires. It's about empowering them to find their own solutions and make intentional decisions about their lives. I've seen firsthand how coaching can transform lives, and I'm eager to continue this work.

I invite you to join me on this journey. Check back here at jasonrotoncoaching.com every few weeks for new blog posts and updates on Jason Roton Coaching. I'll be sharing stories from my coaching experiences, insights into the coaching process, and tips on how to cultivate a more intentional life. Thank you for reading, and I look forward to sharing more of this adventure with you soon!

Your turn: Have you ever had an unexpected conversation that changed your life? I'd love to hear your story in the comments below! Let's connect and explore how coaching can help you achieve your goals and live a more fulfilling life.