🌱 Hold the future in an open hand 🌱
đź–¤ One Day
❤️ Possibility Thinking
đź’› Take a Chance
Have you ever doodled, drew, collaged, written (or any other way) your vision of your future? Try it. It’s a powerful activity to do
Below is my visualisation activity of bringing ‘The Gnome That Inspires’ to life in Cologne, Germany 🇩🇪
In the heart of Cologne, where the soaring spires of the cathedral kiss the sky and the Rhine whispers stories of centuries past, there lives a gnome unlike any other. Known far and wide as ‘The Gnome That Inspires’, she has an uncanny knack for helping people find clarity and purpose, weaving creativity, wellbeing, and a touch of magic into her work.
Nestled in a quiet corner of the Old Town, her home isn’t hidden, but blends effortlessly with the cobblestones and flower-draped balconies. It’s said that if you peer closely, you might see her tiny workshop—a cozy, light-filled space overflowing with washi tape, collage materials, and stories waiting to unfold.
Every morning, the gnome begins her day with a walk along the Rhine. The river is her muse, its flowing waters, a metaphor for life’s transitions and opportunities. She stops to gather inspiration from the murmuring currents, the laughter of tourists, and the quiet resolve of locals on their daily commute. Some say the river listens to her, too, carrying her wishes for her clients far and wide.
The gnome has a special gift for helping others see the magic in their own stories. Clients—military spouses, veterans, career changers, and even curious adventurers—find their way to her, seeking clarity in moments of uncertainty. With a twinkle in her eye, she guides them through creative exercises like weaving resilience webs or crafting vision boards inspired by nature.
But the gnome’s work isn’t confined to her workshops. One of her favorite things to do is take her coaching sessions outdoors, where the natural world offers inspiration and grounding. In Cologne’s parks and riverside paths, she helps clients gain fresh perspectives, combining reflective conversation with the simple joy of being surrounded by greenery.
She also loves to bring a sense of fun and practicality to her coaching. Whether it’s creating hands-on activities that encourage self-discovery or designing playful challenges that turn obstacles into opportunities, she ensures that every client experience is as engaging as it is transformative.
One of the gnome’s favorite activities is her ‘Career Life Mixology’ workshops, held in the shadow of the great cathedral. Here, she invites participants to sip on metaphorical cocktails of creativity, reflection, and action. She calls it “mixing the ingredients of hope and purpose,” and it never fails to leave her guests both enchanted and empowered.
Cologne, with its vibrant energy and warm-hearted charm, is not just her home but her haven. It’s here that she draws from the tales of the Elves of Cologne, weaving their industrious spirit and kindness into her work. Her clients often leave with small tokens—a piece of washi tape, a hand-drawn sketch, or a handwritten note capturing a moment of insight—reminders of the transformation they experienced under her care.
And so, the gnome continues her work, a beacon of inspiration for those seeking direction. She reminds everyone she meets that life’s path is not always straight, but with a little creativity, a dash of hope, and the courage to step into the unknown, every journey can become a masterpiece.
If you ever find yourself wandering through Cologne, keep an eye out for her—perhaps near the Hohenzollern Bridge or tucked away in the Botanical Gardens. She’s the one with a spark of mischief in her smile and a world of possibilities in her pocket. And if you’re lucky, she might just inspire you too.
©️ Jennifer Barfield, 2025
Jenn Barfield - Holistic Career Development Coaching 