So often our minds focus in on short-term goals or immediate to do list and priorities, especially when we are overwhelmed and under stress. But what about the bigger picture, your journey, the flow of your life?

Close your eyes and ask yourself where you are at right now. In life generally. Or become more specific – in relation to work, health, key relationships?

Pick a word or an image – whichever you prefer, or both. What’s the first thing that comes to mind? Intuitively. No forcing, no judgement. It may come immediately or it may take a moment to pinpoint. Go with it.

Now what’s your reaction to that image or word? Note it. Hope, despair, determination, excitement, weariness?

Maybe you’re growing deep roots, planting seeds, an arrow in a bow ready to fly, lost in fog, a hamster on a wheel, weighed down by a burdensome anchor, a rocket about to take off, slogging up a mountain, sailing on smooth or choppy waters, heartbroken.

Maybe the word you choose to name the phase you’re in is: Expansion, Rebuilding, Resting, Exploring, Learning, On Fire, Focused, Consolidating, Connecting, Transitioning, Grieving, Healing.

Why do any of this? Well, it helps you to get in touch with the bigger picture, to see where indeed you’re at in these few weeks or months of your life. To recognise the flow of your personal and professional journey. As well as to access what is unconscious within us – imagery is great for that and for tapping into our personal higher wisdom.

Mostly it’s so that you can accept and embrace where you are, whether it’s where you think you should be or want to be or not. Being aware of the ‘phase’ you’re in allows you to get the maximum benefit from it rather than fighting it.

If you’re in a ‘Reviewing’ or ‘Restless’ phase of your career, then acknowledge that and get speaking to people about new career options, or ask to be involved in a different team or in a more challenging project. If you’re ‘Healing’ from a trauma or difficult time, then recognise that and allow yourself to heal, give yourself what it is you need rather than fight against it.

Of course you can play around with that initial image or word, once you’ve instinctively got it and explored it. If you like, choose one that you prefer, that’s more uplifting or empowering. During my cancer treatment, I liked to think of myself as a car parked in a garage getting a midlife overhaul/upgrade! Temporarily out of action but soon to be back refuelled and turbo charged for part two of life!

Coaches listen out for imagery that clients use completely naturally, with no thought – they are very revealing and can be utilised helpfully as part of the coach/coachee dialogue.

So learn what you can about yourself and your life through imagery and words that capture the phase you’re in. Consciously embrace these seasons and moments of your journey. Harness the power of images too to encourage, strengthen and inspire you.