She was at her wit’s end!

street sign that portrays client’s feelings

Jill felt like she was slowly dying. She was feeling out of sorts with her life. Her self-esteem was very low and she was at her wit’s end. Unable to move forward on her own, she felt critically in need of support. That is when she called me for life coaching to create well-being.

Five years post-divorce, Jill was still not feeling secure in herself, holding a lot of pain and anger towards her ex-husband. She had been involved in a religious community that left her questioning her beliefs and feeling guilty, fearful and unworthy. Jill was struggling with serious health issues, and her stressful job added to her poor health. She knew she had to do something about her challenges, but she kept finding herself paralyzed in a tangled web of self-blame and worry, afraid to make changes.

Jill arrived for life coaching

Jill apprehensively walked into my office that first afternoon. I could see the discomfort in her body language as she sat slumped in her chair, making little eye contact. She was fidgety and her right leg was moving up and down at a rapid rate. I did my best to put her at ease. I offered a breathing exercise, slowly breathing in and out together, which brought some calm to her nervous system. She relaxed enough to be able to share with me. 

In spite of her fear, Jill was determined to identify and let go of things that were detrimental to her life in order to feel strong and happy again. She wanted to find her own truths and what she now valued, even if it was at odds with her old religious beliefs.  She was ready to take charge of her health and live a more vital life, including finding meaningful work to reduce her stress and improve her physical and mental well-being. 

We utilized a variety of practices

We began to explore and unravel the pieces of the puzzle so she could garner perspective and move forward. Through life coaching, we utilized such things as mindfulness and inquiry, exercises, IFS parts work and practices she could apply at home, I guided her to new ways of looking at her beliefs, overcoming limitations and honoring herself. By reinforcing my belief in her, she began to trust the process and the walls started to dissolve, giving way to possibilities. 

There were times Jill struggled with being vulnerable, wanting to run out the door, never to return. Sometimes she used humor in order to deflect. In some moments, Jill thought she would never be able to make the changes, wanting to give up. However, through determination and resolve she persisted, often leaving the sessions standing a bit taller and more committed to realizing her goals. It wasn’t easy, but as Jill identified and embraced her values, and took meaningful action, she began to experience positive changes.

Jill made great strides

Through our life coaching work together, Jill cut energetic ties and unhealthy beliefs around her ex-husband and her religion. She became more comfortable listening to her heart, saying no when needed in order to make room for saying yes to what she really wanted. As she started to believe in her worth, she stepped out of denial about her health and became proactive in healing. She changed her diet and started exercising more, reaching out to friends to accompany her on walks. And she got the medical support she needed. Jill quit her stressful job and landed a great position that honored her skills, talents and gifts, with room for advancement and fulfillment. As she continued to evolve, her health and well-being improved exponentially. 

With new-found confidence and courage, Jill started to shine. She took pride in her accomplishments and made a strong commitment to her new life direction, becoming more independent and self-assured. It was as if a light switch came on when Jill fully embodied her self-worth. In those transformational and revelatory moments, her smile filled the room with strength and an ecstatic energy. She embraced self-leadership of her life, and I knew my work with her was complete. 

Jill’s life changed in unexpected and wonderful ways

Sometime later, without even looking, Jill met a genuine and caring partner who sees and appreciates her for the wonderful woman she is.  They are creating a meaningful life together with respect, love and grand adventures. She’s become physically resilient and is healthier than she has ever been. Jill’s not afraid to stand up for her values, she laughs more often and is truly feeling joyful.

She’ll be the first to tell you that the challenges of the process were so worth the effort. Her confidence and self-respect are a testament to the hard work she did.

She texted me today and said, “What’s funny is now I hardly even recognize that person I used to be.”

It’s really possible that you CAN make the changes that feed your spirit and bring about well-being. I feel such fulfillment and gratitude to be able to do this transformational work as a life coach with my clients.

Posted in