I've always wanted to be better than average. This drive, even as a kid, caused stress that I didn't know how to handle. (this is me at age 11 with my new puppy)
At 8, I developed Trichotillomania, an obsessive-compulsive disorder. I pulled out my hair, leaving me with no eyelashes, no eyebrows, and a bald spot.
From 8 to 15, I felt so much shame. I hid my bald spot with hats or specific hairstyles, avoiding social situations because I felt so embarrassed and anxious.
Back then, I didn't even know what anxiety was.
My psychiatrist suggested Tae-Kwon-Do, along with journaling and therapy. It was a turning point.
Earning my black belt and competing in martial arts taught me to focus on movement and build confidence. I learned to manage panic attacks by focusing on my breath and staying present and grounded.
This helped me naturally stop pulling out my hair, against the odds.
Fast forward 30 years, and I see how this challenge opened up opportunities. As an adult, I faced anxiety again and found Yoga, a gentler alternative to martial arts.
For 20 years, yoga has led me on a self-development journey, and this has been my medicine. It has helped me navigate high-pressure jobs in corporate and medical fields, allowing me to make quick, technical decisions while staying calm (the operating room can be quite the anxiety pit!).
Discovering My Sanctuary
Self-development (and in particular healing with neuroscience and emotional intelligence) became my hobby, mentor, and therapy, sparking my quest for personal growth and, ultimately, personal peace. If I hadn't pulled my hair out as a kid and needed ways to regulate my nervous system, I wouldn't have discovered the importance of self-awareness and personal growth. The lessons I learned from living with OCD as a kid have shown me my gifts, and now I get to help people find theirs. Through life's challenges, these moments help redefine our lives.
Today, when life gets challenging, I turn to various self-development practices like myofascial release, breathwork, yoga, dancing, baths, and immersing myself in nature. I find peace within my internal world, something I so desperately needed as a child (and let's be honest.... as an adult).
But these challenging times are what I am truly grateful for. If I hadn't pulled my hair out as a kid and needed ways to regulate my nervous system, I wouldn't have learned ways to discover confidence and worth.
This experience as a child with OCD cracked me open to let my gifts shine.
Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
Now, I see that my life experiences help others in many ways. I’m humbled to have the opportunity to help others find their confidence and self-reliance. At the end of the day, it’s always about learning to find your way back to peace, which is ultimately knowing your worth as a human.
I've translated my journey into a platform for helping others, particularly mothers, who face their own unique challenges. My mission is to empower mothers to build businesses that align with their values, support their families, and create financial freedom.
Embracing the Role of a Holistic Business Coach
As a Holistic Business Coach, I integrate the lessons from my journey into my coaching practice. I guide mothers to navigate their health holistically, build businesses that nourish their families, and achieve a life of abundance and impact.
My coaching approach is rooted in the belief that personal growth and business success are deeply intertwined. By understanding and harnessing the power of our nervous system, we can overcome challenges, build resilience, and create lasting change.
The Power of Breath and Movement
One of the most profound lessons I learned through martial arts and self-development practices is the power of breath and movement.
These practices taught me to find calm amidst chaos, to ground myself when anxiety threatened to take over, and to build confidence through physical strength and presence.
By focusing on breath and movement, we can tap into a deeper sense of self-awareness and control. This not only helps in managing stress and anxiety but also in making mindful decisions that align with our true selves.
Helping Others Find Their Gifts
My journey has given me a unique perspective on overcoming adversity and finding inner strength. I am passionate about helping others uncover their own gifts and navigate their paths to self-worth and confidence. Through my coaching, I support mothers in creating businesses that reflect their values and passions, leading to a more fulfilling and impactful life.
Healed my anxiety without drugs
Life’s challenges can often feel overwhelming, but they also hold the potential for profound growth and transformation. My experience with Trichotillomania taught me resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of finding peace within. These lessons have shaped my journey and my mission to help others do the same.
By embracing our struggles, we can uncover our true strengths and create a life that not only fulfills us but also empowers those around us. Whether through martial arts, self-development practices, or any other form of self-expression, finding our way back to peace is the ultimate path to knowing our worth as humans.
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