One of the things I enjoy the most about being an entrepreneur is the seemingly magical ability to create a career that I love. After decades of working for others, always learning & growing, testing & changing, and leaping faithfully into new ventures of my own, as a Life Coach I am grateful to be rooted in work that supports me financially & emotionally, beautifully uses all of my gifts, talents, & experiences, and fits perfectly into my schedule.
I get to write, create, talk, share, teach, travel, learn, encourage, inspire, and empower.
I get to try and fail and try again.
I get to embrace my curiosity, experiment and explore.
I get to be ALL IN, be Brave, and be Open.
Sounds great, right? It IS! But there is something that has nagged at me along the way, and I will be willing to bet that it is something that has nagged at you too at one time or another. That something is the scolding, condescending little voice of self-doubt that just can’t wait to pop up and whisper with a snarl, “Who do you think you are?”
GULP. Who indeed? After all, I don’t have some of the credentials that many other people do, including people in my chosen field of self-help and coaching. Even many of the brilliant people whom I partner with have some pretty impressive laurels to rest on, and if I’m being honest there are times that this has felt intimidating and made me want to hide in shame and self-doubt. Can you relate?
Here’s how I remind Little Miss Shut Your Face to take a seat when she starts up with the “who do you think you are” crap:
- Thank you for your input, and you’re right, I don’t have any advanced degrees beside my name, but here’s what you’re forgetting…
- I studied Literature at CSULB
- I studied Creative Writing at LBCC
- I studied Art and Graphic Design at Cerritos College
- I studied Christian Ministry at HIU
- Also,
- I am a Certified Massage Therapist
- I am a Certified Yoga For All teacher
- I am a trained Life Coach
- And,
- I have over two decades of practical ministry experience working with children, adolescents, and women
- I have trained and led dozens of international short term mission teams into Kenya, China, and Mexico
- I have trained and led dozens of volunteer teams working with various populations of local homeless people
- I have served with high-level executives, coordinated major events, worked in academia, and served on a Board of Directors
- I co-founded an effort to train and assist HIV+ AIDS widows in Kenya so that these amazing single moms could learn artisan skills and become self-sustaining
- Not to mention,
- I escaped from my own personal Hell of incredibly violent, abusive relationships and have done my work to completely break free from that cycle
- I know what it feels like to live in constant fear, to suffer great pain and shame, to feel deep regret, and I know what it took to heal from all that trauma
- I am continuously putting my healing and learning into practice, gladly sharing any tools and tips with those who want them
- I am spiritually gifted with Empathy, Compassion, Wisdom, and Deep Listening
I have to be honest and tell you that it feels a little weird to list off my qualifications and realize, Hey, that’s actually Me. Like, I don’t want to brag, buuuttt… And here’s the thing, it actually isn’t bragging so much as it is becoming comfortable with who I am, what I’ve learned, and what I have to offer as my contribution to this life. So the next time your own Little Miss Shut Your Face pipes up and tries to feed on your insecurity, invite her to take a seat and then proceed to list your own qualifications. Go ahead, brag a little. Dare to be impressed with how far you’ve come, and don’t be afraid to step up and claim your spot. You’ve earned it!
Want to work with me? Let’s Chat! Schedule your Free 30 minute consultation today.
You must be logged in to post a comment.