We recently had the opportunity to sit down with mindset coach Karen Kwasnowski. Karen is passionate about helping individuals create more connection and meaning in their relationships. Whether Karen is working with a busy working mom who wants to be more present for her children, an individual navigating the complexities of an intimate relationship, or someone who wants to foster better communication, Karen’s expertise is tailored to address a range of relationship dynamics.
Karen especially loves witnessing the transformative moments when a client recognizes their role in an undesirable relationship dynamic and realizes they have the power to effect positive change. Karen often gets emails from her clients the day after a coaching session excitedly saying, “you’re not going to believe what happened!” and they share how the other person showed up in a way that was different and easier than before. It’s amazing the impact we can have on others when we change our part of the relationship dynamic.
Q: What inspired you to start your business?
Karen: For most of my life I struggled with social anxiety. I wanted to connect with people but I had no idea how. So I embarked on a journey to learn how to relate and communicate. I studied, trained, worked with coaches, and earned certifications all to help myself in the beginning. Once I experienced the power of transforming myself and my ability to connect with others, I wanted to share everything I learned to help other people break free from the struggle. I feel so privileged and honored to get to work with people in such a transformative way.
Q: Can you describe what sets your business apart from others in your industry?
Karen: There are a few things that set my business apart from others in my industry. My focus is helping a client be authentic, present, and empowered. Knowing who you are, what is important to you, and how to be fully present with another are key ingredients to connection. It sounds so simple but it can be quite difficult to put into practice without consistent support from someone who sees the best in you.
I also know how easy it is to blame the other person or blame themselves when someone is struggling to connect. I take a stand for my client, for the other person, and their relationship. I believe we are all doing the best we can based on what we currently know and my job is to help someone get past blame and focus on the things that will help them get the results they truly want.
I also believe that we all have our own best answers. My job isn’t to give advice or share my personal experiences. My job is to help you learn how to observe your mind and discern what is true and most beneficial for you and your relationships.
Q: What's your best piece of advice for someone just starting out?
Karen: Feeling uncomfortable means you are up to something important to you. It’s part of the journey. You don’t need to wait for things to feel comfortable before you take the next step.
Q: What has been your biggest professional challenge and how did you overcome it?
Karen: My biggest professional challenge is asking for support. I’m still in the process of overcoming it. I spent most of my life believing I was on my own and had to do everything myself so the thought rarely occurs to me to reach out to others. Whenever I work with my coach and she cocks her eyebrow at me I laugh and say “Oh! I can ask for support with this”. Recognizing it is half the battle.
Q: Any exciting news, future plans, or projects you are working on or would like to announce?
Karen: I have a series of workshops coming up for the new year to help people create more inspiring goals instead of the usual New Year’s resolutions.
Q: What's your favorite non-business activity and why?
Karen: I love mountain biking, camping, hiking, dancing, and going on adventures with my family because I love to play, be outside, and move my body.
Contact Details
https://yourrelationshiplife.com/
315-459-1515
Address: Marcellus, NY is where I am physically located, but my business is mostly virtual
karen@yourrelationshiplife.com
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