Three years ago, during a coaching session, a client—frustrated and overwhelmed—shouted something that stopped me in my tracks:

“You’re just a unicorn farting rainbows who doesn’t understand anything!”

Whoa. That hit hard.

For a moment, I felt the sting. She didn’t know my story. She didn’t see the weight I was carrying. I could’ve responded in anger, but instead, I took a breath. A deep one. And I chose to open up.

Coaching isn’t about me—it’s about the client. But that day, I knew vulnerability was the bridge we needed. So, I said:

“Hang on. It’s not my role to share my life with you during coaching, but today I’m going to.”

And I laid it bare:

• I was working two jobs. One had just exposed me to COVID, and I was quarantined for two weeks—no pay, no backup. Straight commission.
• I was the primary caregiver for both my parents, each battling different forms of dementia. My father’s condition made him paranoid and aggressive.
• I was living with an undiagnosed health condition that made walking painful and sleep elusive. Four years of doctor visits, still no answers.
• My husband had walked out during a major depressive episode. (He did get help and return, but depression at its peak is a brutal, isolating experience.)

I looked at her and said, “So if you could point out where the rainbows are, I’d love to know.”

She paused. Her anger softened. “I had no idea. You always seem so positive and upbeat. How do you do it?”

Another breath. And then the truth:

“I live what I’m trying to teach you. I find gratitude in the hard moments. I make conscious choices. I practice intentionality to keep my life moving in the direction I want it to go.

Our lives aren’t that different. We both face struggles. The difference is in how we choose to meet them.”

That moment changed everything—for her, and for me.

After the session, I sat with her words. “Unicorn farting rainbows.” It made me laugh. And then it made me proud.

Because I am a unicorn farting rainbows. I’ve earned every single one. And you can be one too.

In fact, I claimed it so boldly, I made it my business mascot. Isn’t she fabulous!?!

The Takeaway

Life doesn’t need to be perfect to be beautiful. You don’t need to wait for the chaos to clear before you choose joy, gratitude, and direction. You can be intentional right now. Even in the mess. Especially in the mess.

Here’s your invitation:
Claim your unicorn. Own your rainbows.
Your life—your way.