A few months before I entered rehab, I made a mistake that would change my life forever. I went cliff jumping with friends in Lake Placid, NY, and when I hit the water, the impact shattered my vertebrae, leaving me breathless from excruciating pain. The break in my back was caused by my lack of proper bone density (osteoporosis), a consequence of my eating disorder…

…I’m closely observing and thinking, What specific feedback does this individual need, right now, to make progress within reach? What strengths does this amazing learner already possess that will support and launch her into that realm of progress? I began to notice during a particular Pilates exercise how Kate was shaping my progress with the same attention to small steps, and immediate needs, that I gave students in my classroom. I started focusing more on my strengths…

Written by Amanda Offord