By: Amanda Daniel
Specialist Learning & Development | Certified Professional Coach
There’s something profoundly powerful about being seen—truly seen—without judgment, without interruption, and without the need to be fixed. I’ve come to appreciate this more deeply through my own journey of learning to observe and reflect, especially through the lens of coaching.
The coach, at their best, is not a fixer or a savior. The coach is a mirror—offering honest, gentle reflection, helping others notice what they may be too close to see themselves. This kind of presence is rare. It’s not about solving problems; it’s about creating space for clarity to emerge.
I’ve learned that real transformation begins not with grand gestures, but with simple awareness. The way someone hesitates before answering a question. The subtle shift in energy when a certain topic comes up. The unspoken emotions that surface in silence. These are the moments that matter—and they often go unnoticed in the noise of day-to-day life.
One question that has stayed with me over the years is:
“What are you noticing about yourself right now?”
It’s such a simple question, yet it opens the door to profound insight. It invites people to pause and become the observer of their own experience. And in that pause, something shifts. There’s often clarity. Sometimes, even courage.
The mindset of coaching has deeply influenced how I engage with people—at work, in friendships, and in moments of conflict or vulnerability. I find myself listening differently. Speaking less. Noticing more. And when the moment calls for it, gently holding up the mirror for someone else to see themselves with fresh eyes.
I’ve also learned to hold the mirror up for myself.
This, perhaps, is the hardest and most important practice of all—sitting with our own thoughts and emotions long enough to understand what they’re trying to show us. Observation, when turned inward, becomes a powerful tool for self-awareness and growth.
In a world that often demands quick answers and constant action, choosing to slow down and reflect is an act of courage. Whether or not we carry the title of “coach,” we all have the capacity to be a mirror—to offer presence, curiosity, and truth.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what someone needs: not advice, not solutions—just a quiet space to truly see themselves.
“The quieter you become, the more you can hear.” – Ram Dass
As you go about your day, I invite you to pause now and then. Notice. Reflect. Be present. You may be surprised at what you—and others—begin to see.
