Mareli Smit Coaching

I am all for personal growth. As a coach, I believe in it deeply.
But over the past few weeks, while scrolling on social media, something really stood out to me. We are all trying so hard to be better. Eat better. Exercise more. Plan more. Fix habits. Reach goals.
And yet, we so often forget to pause and recognise how far we have already come.
What if, just for a moment, we stopped pushing.
What if we acknowledged the good, the bad, and the messy.
And celebrated who we are today before focusing on the next version of ourselves.
I am as guilty as anyone. Always striving. Always looking for ways to grow. But the pressure that comes with that can be heavy.
So I want to suggest something else.
Look in the mirror and say thank you.
Thank you for the pain that taught you resilience.
For the sadness that built your strength.
For the moments that forced you to get back up.
For the joy, the laughter, the family, the love and acceptance you have experienced along the way.
You are whole.
You are creative.
You do not need fixing.
You are imperfectly perfect.
Growth does not always have to be big. Sometimes it is a small shift in the right direction. And that is more than enough.
Stop being so hard on yourself.
Life is short. Enjoy the ride.

I’m thrilled to be part of !
Pop in, settle into my reading corner, and discover my book It’s About Time. While you’re there, take a moment to imagine what you want more of in 2026 — and you might just win a coaching package valued at over R2000!
Huge gratitude to the incredible artists I get to share this space with: .
More about my work: www.marelismit.co.za

Day 1: Empathy vs Sympathy

Over the next 5 days, I’m sharing 5 short videos that stopped me in my tracks, stirred something deep in me, and made me rethink how I show up in the world.

These aren’t just “good talks.” They’re small but powerful reminders of what really matters – the kind that linger long after you hit pause.

Maybe one of them is exactly what you need today.

This first one reminded me how often I want to jump in, fix, or offer advice when someone is struggling… when what they really need is for me to sit with them in their mess.

Here are 3 things I took from this:
True empathy rarely starts with “at least…”
Connection happens when we stay with someone in their pain, not try to paint it pretty.
The courage to be with others in their struggle starts with being okay with our own.

Take 3 minutes and watch. This might change how you show up for people:

Brené Brown on Empathy What is the best way to ease someone's pain and suffering? In this beautifully animated RSA Short, Dr Brené Brown reminds us that we can only create a genuin...

Feeling drained as 2024 winds down? Let’s kickstart 2025 with more joy and intention!

I’m hosting a FREE workshop to help you discover, design, and sustain a life that truly lights you up. We’ll reflect on the past year, uncover what fuels your joy, and set the stage for a vibrant and joyful 2025.

What to expect:
Practical tips to amplify joy in your life
A roadmap to make 2025 your happiest year yet
A supportive space to reflect and refocus

Join me for "Amplify Your Joy: Discover, Design, and Sustain a Life That Lights You Up"
📅 6 December 2024 from 12:00 - 13:00 (GMT+2)
📍 Online (Zoom)
👉 Register for this free workshop now: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEscuqvqDgpEtchreundC6tLZaNdyuboX_x

Don't miss out - let’s make 2025 your most joyful year yet!

Just rediscovered this permission slip I created a while back. What do you give yourself permission for today?

We’re just weeks away from the BE LUMINARY retreat, and I don’t want you to miss out on this transformational experience. If you’ve been thinking about it, now is the time to take the leap! You deserve the chance to pause, reflect, and design a life of purpose, clarity, and joy.

We only have a few spots available. Join us at Bodi Khaya’s Wild Pod this October. 🌿

Click here to book your spot: https://www.bodhikhaya.com/facilitated-retreats-1 #/event/3229/be-luminary-retreat-with-mareli-smit-at-the-wild-pod

You can also follow on Instagram to see more.

Mareli Smit