How Did I Get Here? The Story of My Transition

A few years ago, I was in a magical place, and had literally NO idea that just two months later I would discover that the life I thought was full, amazing, complete, was missing a piece.

Caregiving (physical therapy) has always been amazing: I could help people return to their life before injury or surgery, and as a bonus, I got paid for it!  It was (I thought) the most rewarding and fun career someone could have.  Along the way, I have mentored students and other professionals, I have been an ear for my patients and a shoulder for them to cry upon when needed.  I have built relationships and helped patients to heal their physical limitations.  I was fortunate to work with elite athletes, professional athletes, individuals who truly STRETCH human performance and potential.

In New Zealand those years ago, I decided it was time for a sabbatical.  My career choice had a huge impact on my body. It took a full 8 days of vacation and multiple massages for all the aches and pains associated with the physical demands of the job to dissipate.  This may come as a shock, but caregivers tend to put themselves last. We don’t generally take very good care of ourselves because we are so focused on helping others.  I decided it was time to have an exit plan, to retire.  My goal was to slowly wean over the next year and dedicate my life to volunteerism, Traveling, being a Gigi and keeping my grandson a couple days a week, being there more for my friends and family.

For those who know me well, you know I cannot sit at home.  Two weeks into my “sabbatical” (which meant working only 2 days per week) I realized that I was missing something.  When the realization hit, I opened my computer and googled life coaching.  An ad for HCI popped up, I signed up for a webinar, and proceeded to enroll in a couple of health and life coaching certification programs.

I had NO idea that this impulsive action would change my life.  I have always felt called to do something greater, to help be a part of a movement to create real change.  Problem is, I thought I am just one person, small, insignificant, and not in any position of real authority.  Who would listen to me or what I have to say?

Well, in going through these certification programs, I did lot of work on myself.  By coaching others and being coached, I have found that missing piece in my life: the something greater: the giving back.  Not only did I find what was missing, I also found MY VOICE.  I spoke up in our forums.  I put myself out there and had deep conversations.  Two years ago, I was given an opportunity to stand up and speak in front of 750 people.  I was TERRIFIED.   When asked about my vision, I spoke up and allowed myself to be heard.  I shared that while I am just one person, and limited by that, we can work together to make the changes we want to see in health and healthcare.  Together, we can pool our strengths and collaborate to promote health and wellbeing, helping people everywhere to find a way to LIVE their lives, not just survive.

Then, something magical happened.  Hundreds of people contacted me, both at that conference and afterwards. They continue to contact me, connecting me with others who feel the same and want to make this happen.

Yes, I am just one person.  But I am one person with a voice. By using that voice, it helped others to find theirs.  I had calls with many people.  By being heard and showing up as myself and speaking from my heart, a ripple effect has been created.

No matter how this unfolds, I cannot go back to who I was a year ago, two years ago, even yesterday.  I am changed. Profoundly.  I cannot sit on the sidelines anymore.  Do I have fears? Yes! But it is not our fears that define us, it is what we do despite those fears.

I am committed to forging ahead, to helping others find their health and vitality.  I am committed to collaborating with other health care, health and wellness practitioners to improve quality of life globally for everyone, to bring affordable access to those who need it most.  I am committed to helping others find their Voice and pursue their passion and purpose.

Most of all, I am committed to truly LIVING my life, and what that means for me.  My cup is full.  I am living and loving life, and I am following my heart.  I am sharing from my heart and acting from my heart from a place of love.  I no longer feel something is missing and I am not going to apologize for my passion. I am not going to reign it in or hide it anymore.  I believe WE must be the change we want to see in the world, and I am committed 100%!