In looking back on my life, I realize now that I was meant to do life coaching. I remember finding a small paperback book about self-hypnosis on my dad’s bookshelf when I was quite young and repositioning it in my room soon after. I was fascinated by the idea of conscious and sub-conscious parts of the mind. The fact that we could control both parts struck a chord in me. I remember when I decided that organized religion was not for me and I went completely in the other direction. It was there I learned about existentialism and self-responsibility. I connected with that entirely. I eased up on religion after awhile, but remained steadfast in the idea that I was in control of my destiny. I was in control of my thoughts. I was in control period.
In my late teens, a fairly severe depression came upon me. I wanted nothing to do with anything…mostly. After awhile it struck me that I still liked to laugh and be around people who were fun. It was odd to me that I could have such opposite parts to me that didn’t seem to connect. Nor did it make sense. I began to notice a tiny voice inside me that had to scream to get my attention and I can’t remember what I called it at the time, but I now know it was Me. That was ME screaming, my soul, my self. I was repressing it with this big, dark, hateful part of me; the part that I continually fed. After I started giving power to the smaller part bit by bit, I eventually began to pull myself out of the depression. I’m grateful that I have that experience to prove to me, even now, that I can think myself into and out of most anything. And to remind me that there truly is something deeper within me that guides me.
Even before that experience, I was completely addicted to self-help books and anything that described the journey to self-discovery as well as the unmistakable role the brain plays in our emotions, our health, our lives. (I wouldn’t want to do my life over, but if I were forced to I think I’d be a brain researcher.) I loved reading inspiring stories about people who changed their lives for the better, sometimes against all odds. I spent over a decade getting to know me, learning to accept myself and working to develop more healthy thoughts. I remember dealing with a specific fear and realizing how much diligence it took to get to the other side of it. But I was encouraged by the outcome. Even now, things aren’t always perfect. But in most negative situations I’m able to squeeze out the positive and trust that things will always work out if I keep myself moving forward.
This experience and self-work greatly informs my style of coaching. I’m generally curious about what people think and I’m not afraid to dig deeper into what makes a person tick. I really do believe in the mind-body connection and the potential to think ourselves into greater happiness; healthy thoughts can at least help get us through difficult times. People often ask why I’m interested in coaching; not only am I good at it, but I’m completely inspired by others who are inspired. Perhaps it’s a bit selfish, but if I can inspire others, I’ll in turn be inspired by them. Is that too much inspiration for one paragraph to handle?
