Joburg East - June 2020

Attitude
is king
Benoni’s professional life coach, Sanèl le Roux (46), has mastered the art of guiding
people through difficult situations. We thought it appropriate to ask her for
a few guidelines on how to survive the lockdown situation.
She quoted Charles Swindoll: “Life is 10
per cent what happens to you and 90
per cent how you react to it.”
“This means that our attitude in this
situation is of utmost importance.
We have to be very careful with what
we read, listen to and think about. To
maintain a positive attitude, you need
to increase the positive the influx of
positive information and thoughts in
your life by thinking about what you are
thinking about. When you catch yourself
getting absorbed in negativity, stop
it immediately and start thinking and
talking about the things you are grateful
for. Manage what goes on in your social
media feeds. If there is too much negativity,
maybe it is time to unfollow a few
people, pages and groups,” she believes.
One of the greatest lessons Sanèl has
learnt in life is to take it one day at a
time. “We have so much to deal with,
with this pandemic and all it entails,
that we cannot afford to think too far in
advance. The uncertainty can become
overwhelming. Focus on what is on your
plate for today and let tomorrow take
care of itself. Worrying about a future
that is uncharted and out of your control
is a futile exercise.”
Sanèl had to overcome challenges in
her own life. She has been exposed to alcoholism,
physical and emotional abuse,
poverty, depression, anxiety, addiction,
adultery and betrayal. At times she felt
like giving up, but she persevered and
came out stronger on the other side of
it. She now uses these experiences to
help others overcome their own difficulties
through speaking engagements
and coaching.
She was introduced to coaching in 2002
while working as a trainer for an international restaurant group. “I fell in love with the
power of coaching and how it can transform a person’s life. It became my dream to
become qualified and be the best I can be in this field,” she remembers. Sanèl qualified
as a life coach and started her own consultation business, Sanèl le Roux Coaching,
in 2009.
What about life coaching interested you?
The positive changes coaching process brought on in the lives of individuals was
intriguing to me, and I loved being part of a growth process that changed people for
the better. I saw how it infiltrated into every area of their lives and I wanted to be a
part of something so profound.
Tell us about your own journey?
I will have to write a book or two to fully answer this question! I grew up in a dysfunctional
home and my parents divorced when I was 11. My three sisters and I stayed
with my mother through my teenage years without any financial support from my
father. After school I went straight to work as there was no funds to study further. I
got married when I was 25, had my first child and got divorced four years later. My
son and I relocated and a few months thereafter I met my current husband. We have
since had another boy and have been happily married for 15 years.” Her son, Sashin
(20), is studying theology and works full time at a church in Mpumalanga and Josh
(14) is home-schooled and following his passion for racing. “My family fuels my zest
for life and they support all my endeavours.”
How did you overcome your challenges and what mind shift
is necessary to overcome problems?
My faith is a vital part of my life and the foundation of everything I am. Therefore,
my first step in challenging times is always to turn to God and His written Word for
guidance. Challenges helps us grow as people and it helps to look at hard times
from that perspective. I ask myself, what am I learning? What needs to change? How
can I adapt? It helps to look at challenges as opportunities rather than problems. For
instance, being stuck at home for such a long time is definitely a challenge, so I ask
myself what opportunities do I have here. I had an opportunity to do online group
coaching and inspire women, I read a few books I never had time for before. It was
an opportunity to spend more quality time together as a family, I even learnt how to
take stains out of clothes. (I was very proud of that!)
How do you know for sure what your life purpose is?
In my view, there is one sure way and that is to be in a close and intimate relationship
with our Maker. I have two coaching processes I take people through that helps
them come to a clear conclusion, but this takes listening closely for the Holy
Spirit’s guidance.
What are the most common challenges people who need your guidance
struggle with?
Poor self-image, various fears such as fear of failure, fear of success, fear of rejection.
Self-sabotage, such as procrastination or making excuses.
Text: Ina Gouws. Photo: Sashin Nel le Roux.
June 2020 Get It Joburg East 13
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