I started my life trying to be a "pleaser" - made the parents happy because I was an excellent student and won scholarships, make the workplace happy because I was an excellent writer /analyst/ producer, and make everyone happy because of what I could give them. etc. There was little or no time to find the "me" in me and what made me happy. I have few friends from my early years because I was always putting time into overachieving, which left little time to invest in other people and create strong relationships.
Only when I started having health issues and taking care of family members with serious health issues did I realize that I was "missing the boat" on what life should be.
I prayed, with one of my prayers usually having the words, "God, you know I can be dull - so please send me a billboard about what I should be doing."
A merciful God started sending "billboards" into my life - one of which was the series of e-mails from MindValley about the life coaching class this past January. This was compounded by a talk I had with one of my few close friends who is a Ph.D. psychologist who, when I asked her if she was familiar with the profession "Life Coach," responded that indeed she was and that her professional practice could be reduced by at least 1/3 if there were more life coaches that she could refer people to. Before I could pose a second question, she continued "...and you would be VERY good at that - I have seen how you help people at all times of need and how well they respond to you. "
I went home that evening and enrolled in the MV Certified Life Coach program.
It has been challenging to find the time, but these past 4 months have been some of the most enjoyable of my life in what I have learned and how my horizons have been opened. I am deeply grateful and will carry the torch forward and help others. And keep learning...
Pat Maley
