When I started coaching, I could truly say I began looking at myself in the mirror. We dove deep and explored the past. I wasn’t afraid because my coach held my hand through the process. I shared everything without worrying about being judged or looked at differently.

Capturing the Moment

I wrote this down while the experience was fresh, as I didn’t want to forget it. I wanted to reflect on it in the future and maybe inspire others.

The Beginning of Change

It all began on May 17, 2023, with these words:
“Hello Ayşegül, I hope you’re doing well. The birds are singing outside, and I send you greetings from Mersin with a clear sky and beautiful spring weather. ‘I want change!’ After reading your post, I too want change in my life. I’ve been thinking and reading about it for a while, but I’m unsure if I’m taking the right steps. How can I get in touch with you? What can be done to support me in my change?”

That day, Dr. Ayşegül Özkavukcu came into my life, and my transformation began. 😊

The Coaching Journey

Our coaching journey started in May and ended on August 21, 2023, with our fifth session. It was an incredible 3.5 months, and it concluded in a way that words can hardly describe. 😊

After our second session, I had a powerful realization on July 5th, the same day I received a promotion. It felt like a miracle. But no, it was my miracle, Ayşegül. You said, “Come, let’s talk,” and I finally faced thoughts I had feared for years.

Embracing Change

And what happened next? Exactly what I wrote in my first message—”change” began. Now in my 15th year of my career and my seventh year in my current organization, I can say this change came at the perfect time. It may seem late to some, but for me, it arrived at just the right moment—as I approach 40. 😊

An Awakening and Maturity

What happened? It was an awakening, a sense of maturity, and a newfound satisfaction. I learned what I truly wanted, what I needed to do, and how to do it. My frustrations weren’t about my circumstances; they stemmed from not knowing the right path.

We all encounter crossroads—paths that seem blocked, endless, or uncertain. I have faced them too. But coaching made me realize that while a coach doesn’t show you the way, they provide the signposts to help you find it. That was my experience.

Meeting Myself in the Mirror

During coaching, I truly looked at myself in the mirror. We explored my past, and I confronted it with bravery. You held space for me, allowing me to be open and courageous without fear of judgment.

It felt like you introduced me to myself with a magical touch. Can a person not know what they want? Sometimes, they don’t—or they choose not to. Facing that truth alone is difficult. But with someone who offers trust, strength, and belief, the journey becomes much easier. I experienced that firsthand.

“Make Haste Slowly”

A beautiful quote stuck with me throughout this process: “FESTINA LENTE”—”Make haste slowly.” Rushing can be dangerous, but moving too slowly can mean failure. Progressing at the right pace leads to success.

The real obstacles aren’t age, career status, life circumstances, or the past. The only true barrier is in our thoughts. And, my dear coach, you helped untangle mine.

A Renewed Focus on Myself

This quote became my motto. Since then, I have felt more in flow and focused. I love my work and now ask myself, “What can I do for myself? How can I stay motivated?” My anxieties and frustrations have faded. Instead, I have become someone who knows what they want and actively finds ways to achieve it.

Gratitude and Transformation

Thank you for giving me the confidence to express the thoughts I had been holding inside for years. Most of all, thank you for helping me regain my self-confidence.

This transformation reached far beyond my career—it spread into every area of my life. Who could have known that this journey would lead me somewhere so unexpected?

As the saying goes, “You’ve put so much effort into me.” And that is exactly what I want to express. 😊

With love,

Selcen Bilek

Procurement Manager