Coach Barbie Dallmann

Ironman 3

I went to see Ironman 3 with my son on Mother’s Day. The last three words of the movie are still bouncing around in my head. (If you don’t want to know what they are, then stop reading now.)

One of the reasons I’m awestruck is that they are the same three words that ended the first movie, but the meaning this time is very different. At the end of the first movie, Tony Stark confessed to the world, “I am Ironman.” At the end of #3, he declared, “I am Ironman.”

What’s the difference? The first time around, he was admitting that he was the one performing all those superhero deeds. It was all about what he was doing.

By the end of the third movie, however, I saw the transformational shift in Tony Stark. It’s the burden I bear: I see everything, including comic book heroes through the lens of an integrative life coach.

What I saw at the end of movie #3 was Tony Stark embracing the qualities of Ironman. He declared ownership of those qualities, no matter what he was doing. The words were so powerful, they touched my heart, and ignited the soul-searching question, “Who am I?”

After days of contemplation, I realized “Coach Barbie” is not what I do, it is who I am. It is who I have always been, since long before I became a certified coach. From as early as grade school, I have memories of listening to people and offering multiple perspectives and possible solutions to problems. I have always encouraged others to be better, to dream bigger, to embrace life fully. I am an optimist, and I believe in people’s ability to be happy if they so choose.

I am humbled by this realization. I feel both peaceful and empowered, knowing in my heart that no matter what path I walk, the imprint of my soul will appear on everything I do. That’s really what being a superhero is all about … claiming the spark of the Divine and answering the call of the soul.

I am Coach Barbie … who are you?

This book was authored by my own life coach, Aila Accad. I was privileged to read it as it was being written, and it has so inspired me! It goes on sale in bookstores June 24. Click on the image above and “Like” her Facebook Page. Also, be sure to add this title to your “Must Read” list this summer.