of the drum and melody of the songs are much more than music or an auditory ex- perience; they are the heartbeat of Mother Earth, a return to the rhythms I first knew in my mother’s womb. It renews and (re) awakens my dancing spirit. For me, dan- cing is not only ceremony—it is medicine. Even when I’m not dancing, I carry the shawl with me. I imagine it across my back as a symbol of strength, identity and presence. I try to live in ways that reflect what I’ve learned in the powwow circle— preparing, sewing, beading and caring for all aspects of my being. For me, Indigenous wellness includes ceremony, land, movement and kin- ship. While therapy and medicine have their place in my journey, I know that they are not enough on their own. What sustains me is spirit work—connecting to who I am, where I come from and the responsibilities I carry. Wellness, for me, is an act of resistance, renewal and deep relationality. POINT OF REFLECTION: What is your “shawl”? What do you carry that protects and reflects who you are?
Have you ever considered using a life coach?
Shelley Svidal
Build accountability: Regular check- ins help you stay on track and follow through with your commitments. Strengthen confidence: Through sup- port and honest feedback, a coach can help you overcome self-doubt and trust your own decision making. Improve balance: Coaches often work with clients to manage time more effectively and align their daily routines with their long-term goals. Encourage growth: Whether you're trying to build better habits, take on a new role or navigate a major change, a coach provides the structure and motivation to keep moving forward. IS A LIFE COACH RIGHT FOR YOU? You might benefit from a life coach if you • feel unsure about your next step or need help setting priorities; • are motivated but struggle to stay focused or organized; • want to make a change but feel overwhelmed by where to begin; and/or • value external support and clear, action-oriented guidance.
Staff Writer, ATA Magazine
A LIFE COACH IS A TRAINED professional who works with indi- viduals to support personal growth, clarify goals, and navigate transitions or challenges. Their role is to help you gain a better understanding of what you want in life—in your career, relationships, health or personal de- velopment—then guide you in taking practical, forward-focused steps to get there. Unlike therapists, who often address past trauma or mental health conditions, life coaches concentrate on the present and future. They don’t diagnose or treat psychological dis- orders; instead, they focus on helping build self-awareness, setting achiev- able goals, and developing the mindset and habits needed to succeed. WHAT CAN A LIFE COACH DO FOR YOU? Clarify your vision: If you're feeling uncertain or stuck, a coach can help you define what matters most and what direction to take. Create a plan: Coaches assist in breaking big goals into smaller, actionable steps.
Recommended resource
Held by the Land: A Guide to Indigenous Plants for Wellness Leigh Joseph Available through the ATA library.
This article was drafted with the assistance of an artificial intelligence language model and reviewed and edited by the author.
ATA Magazine Winter 2026
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