I find that most adults have no idea what to say about themselves when charged with writing an About Me page/section in a profile. Particularly women.
As we grow older, I think we forget who we are.
Exchanged for a life of responsibilities and becoming who we believe the world around us expects us to be, our authentic selves become buried in a sea of political correctness, proper social attire, and keeping up with the Jones’s. “What are your hobbies?” social networking profiles ask? Uh…making juice? Sweeping? Removing grass stains? It’s what seems to take up most of my time, so that must be it, right?
That was me until I was in my mid-forties. And I was, in large part, miserable. I was married with kids and living the suburban lifestyle that many saw as “perfect”. But I knew I wasn’t me. I knew I wasn’t living authentically.
So I chose to begin doing what is called “daring greatly” and it changed my entire life. I began to “show up” for myself. I began to think really hard about what brought me joy. I metaphorically stood naked in front of the mirror to truly see all the places that I wanted and needed to change to become myself again.
Within two years, my life had changed dramatically. I made some huge life changes (hello, divorce after 20+ years together), but I began to feel alive again for the first time in decades. A neighbor of over five years said to me about that time, “You smile again. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you smile this much.” Damn straight. Today, my life is far from “perfect”, but I’m happier and more content than I’ve ever been.
I know, I know. I make it sound easy. Don’t get me wrong. I fought with depression and anxiety for decades prior to “finding myself.” I scoured every self help resource I could get my hands on trying to put my finger on why I felt like something was missing and just what it was. When I would sit and wonder, “Is this it? Shouldn’t there be more? I thought my life would feel bigger and grander than just this,” I felt completely lost.
Because no one out there had the answers for me. Just a bunch of fluff about choosing to be happy and setting S.M.A.R.T. goals. WTF??? Was I going to have to create the tools myself?
I didn’t realize that’s what I was doing at the time, but that’s just what I did – I created a toolbox full of practices and mindset shifts and tricks to flip my once stagnant life into high gear and begin creating and manifesting the life of my dreams. Aaahhhh…
But what good is all that knowledge if it isn’t shared? How selfish would it be to hoard that all for myself? And so, my coaching practice was born.
Today, I am filled with such enormous gratitude to be able to work with women all over the world, guiding them from “blah” to their own “Aaahhhh…,” reintroducing them to their authentic selves, and showing them how to move from feeling stuck to being totally in love with their lives again. And it would be my absolute privilege if you were next on my list to work with.
Aside from all of that, here are 15 random facts about me…
1. I am an empath that loves people. Their stories of triumph and loss; of heartache and love; of joy and grief.
2. I’m a creative that can lose herself for hours in Pinterest. Or a coloring book. Or just looking at fonts to download to the computer.
3. I wear black almost every day and see no reason why Morticia Addams can’t be a role model.
4. I think chocolate cake and milk for breakfast is perfectly acceptable.
5. I love the stillness of the forest and the bustle of the city.
6. A great pair of cowboy boots totally rule.
7. I’m an only child (yes, I’m that kid).
8. Be wary, I’m sweary.
9. Tinkerbell is my Disney idol. She’s one sassy pixie.
10. I believe wholeheartedly in the Oxford comma.
11. James Taylor’s voice does something magical to my soul that I can’t quite explain.
12. I am a mother and a mimi (grandma), a writer, a dreamer, an entrepreneur, a teacher, and an eternal student.
13. I am, unapologetically, in love with Sam Elliott.
14. I 100% manifested the love of my life, and I am blissfully happy with him.
15. I look terrible in orange.
16. I’m a bit of a rule breaker in this game called life.
