I am a deeply spiritual person and my own coming out process is akin to a spiritual awakening. When I began my group coaching program in year three of Anne-Marie Zanzal Coaching I know I would call it Lotus Group Coaching.  The lotus flower is incredibly symbolic for me and I hope it will be for you too. 

The Lotus: A Symbol of Transformation and Resilience

The lotus flower’s journey begins in murky, muddy waters, yet it rises to bloom in radiant beauty. This natural process is a powerful metaphor for transformation—especially for women embracing their truth later in life. Just as the lotus emerges untainted from its challenging environment, so too can we rise above life’s difficulties and blossom into our authentic selves.

The spiritual and religious significance of the lotus deepens its resonance. In Buddhism, it symbolizes enlightenment, peace, and clarity, while in Hinduism, it represents divine beauty and purity. In Christianity it is known as the water or white lily, the lotus flower is blessed with the ability to open in the morning, and close during the night. This says a lot about regeneration and rebirth. In Christianity, this can also be seen as the inner strength and the determination to come out of any difficulties. In essence, across many civilizations, the lotus is regarded as a symbol of purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration, and rebirth. Its characteristics are a perfect analogy for the human condition: even when its roots are in the dirtiest waters, the Lotus produces the most beautiful flower. For me, it means hard and difficult transitions can produce the most life changing and altering results that can lead to peacefulness, beauty, and expansiveness.  

Lotus Group Coaching: Finding Community, Support, and Growth

For women coming out later in life, the journey often brings profound change, questions, and fears. It can also lead to significant life shifts, often including divorce. Even when we know divorce is the best choice for our situation, it can still be painful. Divorce is often accompanied by grief—not just for the partnership but also for the shared history and the future we once envisioned.

At Lotus Group Coaching, my team and I understand these challenges deeply. Along with my fellow coach Barbara Rowlandson, we have created a compassionate, supportive space where you can connect with others who are walking a similar path. Our foundation has three pillars:  self kindness, shared common humanity, and mindfulness. Whether in one-on-one coaching or group sessions, you’ll find a safe place to share your story, process your emotions, and gain tools to navigate this transformative time with resilience and self-compassion.  

Why Mutual Support Groups Matter

Many folks become very nervous about group spaces. So if that is you, you are not alone. Often this comes from poor experiences in the past with groups or facilitators. This is not a therapeutic group, but a mutual support group and I have had over thirty (!) years facilitating groups.  

Mutual support groups are spaces where participants give and receive support, creating a sense of shared understanding and belonging. Through the power of shared stories, we realize we are not alone in our experiences. Hearing from others who truly “get it” is validating, healing, and empowering. Our groups are guided by principles that create both safety and belonging. We also give advice on caring for yourself in a group setting. I am an empath, so I have had to learn early on how to not take on the emotions of the group. Anyone can learn these techniques. 

At Lotus Group Coaching, our community is built on the principle of shared common humanity. We are all in this together, whether it is the later in life journey or just the human experience. There is more that unites us, then separates us.  Whether you’re just beginning to question your identity, navigating the complexities of divorce, or starting to rebuild your life, our programs provide a supportive environment to embrace your authentic self.

Navigating Life’s Transformations: Programs Tailored to Your Journey at Lotus Group Coaching

Life has a way of challenging us to grow, sometimes in ways we never expected. For women coming out later in life, this journey is often paired with significant life changes, including divorce. Whether you’re questioning your sexuality, in the midst of a divorce, or rebuilding your life on the other side, these transitions can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to navigate them alone. At Lotus Group Coaching, we offer tailored programs designed to support and empower you as you move through these life-altering changes.

Coming out later in life can be both liberating and daunting. Perhaps you’re questioning your sexual orientation and wondering what comes next. Maybe you’re in the process of a divorce or dealing with the aftermath of one. Our program is designed for women who are navigating these challenges simultaneously, providing tools and support to help you embrace your authentic self while processing the complexities of your situation.

As this program has matured we keep adding topic based on what we see our clients bring up and the suggestions that they share. People take ownership of our group and that is encouraged by both Barbara and me.  We want you to feel like this home for you. 

Together we explore:

• Understanding Your Sexual Orientation: Discover your true self without judgment or shame.
• Internalized Homophobia: Work through the self-doubt and societal pressures that may have kept you from fully embracing who you are.
• Why People Wait So Long to Come Out: Understand the internal and external factors that may have led to years of self-repression.
• Listening to Your Inner Voice: Learn to trust your intuition and make decisions that align with your truth.
• Defining the Conditioned Self vs. the Authentic Self: Uncover the difference between the roles you’ve been conditioned to play and who you are at your core.
• Shame Around Wanting Something Different: Release the guilt and shame associated with desiring change and transformation.
• Guilt Around Creating Change in Your Life: Learn to cope with feelings of guilt that arise when making difficult but necessary decisions.
• Sharing Your Story with Others: Find the strength to share your journey and connect with others who understand your path.
• How to Deal with Negativity: Equip yourself with tools to manage negative feedback from others and stay true to your journey.
• Self-Compassion: Cultivate kindness and compassion toward yourself as you navigate this life change.
• Boundaries: Learn how to set healthy boundaries that support your well-being and protect your energy.
• When Your Sexuality Takes You by Surprise: Navigate the emotions that come with discovering or embracing your sexuality later in life.

Each session offers a space for reflection, growth, and healing. By connecting with others who understand what you’re going through, you’ll find solidarity and strength in shared experiences.

For women who have already come out and are now rebuilding their lives, we offer a supportive community where you can explore the next chapter of your journey. This program is designed for those who are looking to navigate life after coming out, divorce, and significant change.

We address topics such as:

• Boundaries: Establish and maintain boundaries that foster healthier relationships and greater emotional well-being.
• Dealing with Estrangement: Learn how to cope with the potential estrangement that may occur with loved ones who don’t understand or support your journey.
• Regrets and Loss: Process the regrets and feelings of loss that often accompany life-changing decisions.
• Guilt and Shame of Divorce: Work through the emotional weight of divorce, recognizing that it is sometimes the best option for your happiness.
• Grief of Divorce: Allow yourself to grieve the end of a relationship, acknowledging both the pain and the freedom that comes with it.
• Parenting Post-Divorce: Navigate the complexities of parenting while going through your own transformation.
• Learning to Let Go: Release the past, make peace with your decisions, and embrace the future with an open heart.
• Legal Questions: Gain clarity on the legal aspects of divorce and coming out later in life, and how to navigate them.
• Rethinking Your Future: Reimagine your future and set new goals that align with your authentic self.
• Building Community: Establish connections with others who are going through similar experiences, creating a network of support and understanding.
• Self-Compassion: Practice self-compassion as you rebuild your life and focus on healing.
• Managing Anxiety: Develop strategies to manage anxiety as you navigate this challenging, but rewarding, period of your life.
• Building a New Life: Explore the possibilities of a new life filled with freedom, joy, and authenticity.

This program is about finding empowerment, connection, and support as you rebuild your life. We create a space for reflection, learning, and growth, helping you move forward with strength and clarity.

You Are Not Alone

If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one going through this journey, know that you’re not alone. There is an entire community of women who have walked this path before you—women who have come out after marriage, raised children, and built successful careers. They’ve faced fears, navigated profound change, and ultimately found joy, authenticity, and peace on the other side.

At Lotus Group Coaching, our community is here to remind you of your strength and resilience. Just like the lotus, you too can rise from the mud, toward the light, and into full bloom.

Are you ready to begin your journey? Let’s connect and grow together. 🌸

Anne-Marie Zanzal is a coming out and divorce support coach who works with women coming out later in life to the LGBTQIA+ community. You can find her on social media and on her website annemariezanzal.com.  Sign up for her next workshop at comingoutsupport.net or join her in Provincetown for her Wing Women Weekend (wingsomenweekend.net)