The day my mother chose to give up her life was the day
my life changed forever. It seemed that almost everything
I thought about, my self and my perceptions about the
world, had been shaped by my mother’s beliefs, values,
and morals. At 29, the well-insulated and protected world
that had been created for me shattered. In the wake of
her passing, the illusion of a cohesive, loving family
and the obligation to perform and act in certain ways
shattered.
Like a chameleon, I adapted to my environment in the
ways I believed would earn love and acceptance. Without
my mother to preserve the family illusion, I believed
my life was a lie. I felt helpless, lost, and agonizingly
alone. I spent ten years seeking, exploring, processing,
educating myself, grieving, and searching for answers.
In my journey for self-acceptance, I earned my diploma
in social work and certificates in mediation and negotiation.
I explored spirituality, considered different methods
of personal development and engaged in alternative therapies.
Still I was missing something in my life and I couldn’t
put my finger on it. I wanted to be filled with a sense
of peace and accomplishment. I wanted a career that
supported me professionally and personally. I wanted
to feel worthy of feeling good about myself.
I’ve heard it said that when the student is ready
the teacher will come. I did not truly comprehend what
that meant until the day I stopped fighting myself and
opened myself up to possibilities, even the ones I was
not thrilled about. That is when I found the Fearless
Living Institute and Life Coaching.
The Fearless Living Coaching model appeared to have
an attractive authenticity and genuineness that supported
creativity, choice, and possibility for both the coach
and the client. It inspired me to believe that something
else was possible.
While reading Fearless Living: Live Without
Excuses and Love Without Regret, I experienced
an enormous sense of relief. I recognized that the tools
to sort and finally banish the legacy of my past, was
in my hands. The more I read, the more relief replaced
turmoil. A quiet knowing seeped into my body as I realized
my dreams for myself as an individual and a professional
were both possible and accessible.
I followed my heart through the application process.
With an odd sense of dread and elation, I attended mandatory
workshops, classes and teleclasses. While facing my
own challenges and resolving my own issues I worked
with clients, prepared presentations, and worked on
projects. I cried more, laughed harder, felt more, and
experienced my self in ways that were new and inspiring.
I opened myself in ways I never thought possible. I
surrendered to my truth. I began to learn to trust myself
and accepted myself as innocent. I practiced forgiveness.
I learned to acknowledge myself and work effectively
with my natural talents. It wasn’t always easy.
It wasn’t always pleasant. Yet I persisted because
I believed in the work and what it could accomplish.
When I certified as a Life Coach I knew I’d found
both my career and my freedom.
With heart-centered awareness, I approach Life Coaching
with fearless compassion. No one is untouched by their
past. With awareness and willingness, anyone can make
their dreams come true.
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