My life’s journey began as a teen.  My parents died in a car accident that I was also in, just before my 18th birthday.  Of course, the loss alone was painful, but just as heartbreaking was not knowing who to turn to for guidance.  Though I was lucky and had tons of support from family, siblings, and friends, no one understood me better than my parents.  I was privileged to share a close bond and friendship with them.  They were so loving, smart, and caring.  I trusted their direction and wisdom wholeheartedly and now that was gone.  

 I dealt with crippling grief through the years and heavy depression along with the normal growing pains of finding oneself that young adults often go through.

I did the things I knew how to do.  I went to school, read books, worked out, sought counseling, and spent time with good friends and family.  But I was emotionally empty and nothing had any meaning or purpose.  

But then, a family friend invited me to a seminar that would end up changing my life.  

Throughout 4 days, me and a group of 100 strangers spent time examining our lives, our commitments, fears and barriers, and our dreams, some of them unspoken.  I learned about sharing and asking for support.  I discovered new ways of challenging myself.  I realized the importance of celebrating my success and the wins of others. 

But the biggest and most impactful thing I learned, ironically, happened after I broke a commitment.  I had promised the class that I would be on time to our session and instead showed up 3 hours late.  

“You’re late today.  What happened?” the facilitator inquired gently yet sternly.

“Something happened and I got up late and…”

“NOTHING just happens,” she interjected promptly.

As I took that in, my mind jolted, like when my mom used to rip the blankets off of me, as I negotiated for 5 more minutes in my comfy bed.

Sounds silly to say now, but the realization that I had PERSONAL CONTROL and COMPLETE RESPONSIBILITY over my life was a big one.  And to admit that there were some things below the surface – in my psyche, my heart, or soul – that I didn’t want to look at or didn’t even know existed was absolutely HUGE!  This moment forever changed the direction of my life.  

Since then, I have been fascinated with the work of uncovering limiting beliefs and the power it gives, or rather, gives back to you.

As I embarked (and continue to travel) on this path of learning – in trainings, schools, and workshops – I knew that whatever I learned, I wanted to use to help others in their own personal journeys and struggles, especially those dealing with grief and loss and trying to make a place for themselves.