was on page for ~3 years: Why I Became A Life Coach
I'm a lifelong seeker, spiritual junkie, and lover of magic & mystery. I remember sitting on my bed, legs crossed, meditating when I was about 8. At age 9, as a self-ordained priest, I held mass for my sisters and some of the neighborhood kids. When I wasn't holding mass, I was putting on neighborhood fairs, complete with a fortune-telling gypsy (me in a peasant dress). Around age 11, I contemplated being a nun. Then I realized that nuns had to live in convents, and there were no boys.
Fast forward a few decades... I've earned a B.Sc. and an M.B.A. (my left-brain in action). I've taken many spiritual and self-help courses and classes and read countless books, all in the desire to deepen my sense of inner peace and connection with something bigger than myself. My life is good in so many ways, but I've experienced some heart-wrenching loss and some frightening events. I can't make sense of it. I feel directionless. My health has declined: I lost weight, gained weight, lost sleep, and developed heart palpitations and serious pre-diabetes. I often find myself fearful and just a tad uptight.
After a couple more years, I stumble upon Dr. Martha Beck's books, and I seek guidance from one of her Master Coaches, Betsy Rapoport.
After working with Betsy, my world changed from the inside out. Betsy helped me question many of the painful stories in my head, stories that were holding me back and causing me pain:
• It's my job to keep everyone safe.
• Good mothers always put their children first.
• My children shouldn't struggle.
• My husband will leave me if I quit the family business.
With her guidance, I was able to question my thoughts, dissolve my limiting beliefs, and regain clarity. And from that place of clarity, and with Betsy's guidance, I uncovered my passions and regained my confidence.
Then, on a whim, in 2014 I attended one of Betsy and Pamela Slim's writing workshops in Sedona, Arizona. And there I met a remarkable group of women, many of whom were Martha Beck-trained life coaches. Like Betsy, their passion was in helping others live richer, more meaningful lives. "Hmmm,” I thought, “I think I found my tribe. I want to do what they do!" In January 2015, I began Martha Beck Life Coach Training.
Here I am, several years after my first email to Betsy. Am I still fearful and uptight at times? Yes. Do I operate from a more calm and centered place, and do I experience more peace, more often? Hell, YES! And I no longer feel as though something is missing in my life (except the 20 pounds I recently lost!). I am connected to a remarkable group of coaches who are smart, funny, vulnerable, and authentic.
I am pursuing my passion -- helping others who are overwhelmed with fear and doubt reconnect with their inner wisdom so they can live joy-filled lives— and I am more present than ever for my family.
drafts/notes
12 Years (minus 2) of Catholic School
Picture a (very) skinny blonde girl...the youngest in her class. She's bright. She procrastinates. She's chatty. She's a teeny bit distractible, and she asks a lot of questions.
draft of another idea for "about me"
I have an M.B.A. from St. Mary's College. I've been a busboy, a model, a ... I've worked in a hospital, a construction company...
I've made speeches, written newsletters, waited tables, bussed tables, stood in for movie stars. I've been married for 27 years. I've despaired as a parent. With my 2 sisters and stepmom, I cared for my dad for 8 months as he fought cancer. I was blessed to bear witness to his death.
My boys believe I'm the kindest and most compassionate mother, ever. (Trust me, that was not always the case.)
"I believe in synchronicity, in the power of both negative and positive thought, and in the sacred act of listening.
I believe that we will move through sadness, grief, and despair because these feelings are the shadow side of love, and love is our truest purpose on earth. Heartache is just part and parcel of being human. But suffering — the long, extended, burdensome, intractable kind? Suffering like this means that you’re locked into at least one belief that IS NOT TRUE. I’ll help you find that belief, unlock it, and let it go." -- copied...rewrite