A WAKE UP CALL (DEFINING MOMENT #1)

Let me share two defining moments of my life.

The first one was when I was in my early 20’s.

I woke one morning to my college roommate telling me I had a seizure during the night. I was stunned.

That was the beginning of a new life for me.

See, just prior to this time I was confused, lost and depressed. I was making decisions based on what I thought others wanted of me. My sense of direction and future was nowhere near what my heart and soul wanted, and I was terrified to step into what that was.

Then I had a seizure. And another. And another.

Soon, I was diagnosed with Epilepsy.

I knew I had a choice.

I chose life. I committed to living as fully as possible, devouring information and experiences to transcend limitations associated with the label ‘illness’, using my diagnosis as a wake up call and an opportunity.

Through this awakening, I became well versed in what it takes for people to live at their optimum and be alive.

My travels, personal and spiritual journeys – such as my 6-day solo Vision Quest in Baja California, Mexico in 2003 – have also contributed to me gaining a keen understanding of key life principles and practices that lead to a purposeful, authentic and joyful life.

A calling took me to humanitarian service in Nigeria, Africa in November 2005 and July 2006. The 2006 trip involved capturing footage and photographs for the documentary ‘Sweet Crude’ to raise awareness and create change in the Niger Delta. These journeys reinforced my resolve for creating transformation in service to eradicating unnecessary suffering and re-aligning ourselves with a way of being that ensures more and more people thrive.

CALLING ME OUT (DEFINING MOMENT #2)

This brings me to the second defining moment.

I returned from Africa, and in a matter of 2 weeks… I had to unexpectedly move, my dad was diagnosed with cancer and I lost my job.

The Universe was calling me out and I knew I needed to step up my game.

I was no longer willing to pretend. About anything. At all. I could not be who I thought others wanted me to be to make money and have “security”.

For me, this meant I had to bring my vision to life.

I struck out on own to build my business.

The first 2 years I was in the “getting by” mode, and despite discouraging voices, both within and without, my perseverance kept me strong.

Business has grown steadily since I took my leap, but in the last year, it’s exploded. My income has more than doubled and in 2011, I’m on track to more than triple it again. I have multiple streams of income, I have the time and resources to travel and spend time with family, I’m working with a new multi-million dollar coach (whew!), I’m writing my first best selling book and…. my soul is rejoicing because I’m being true to myself and making a difference.

I’ve manifested a successful, thriving business where I get to do what I love serving and make good money doing it.

It’s everything I want.

MORE FORMAL STUFF

I received my Masters Degree in Applied Behavioral Science from the Leadership Institute of Seattle (LIOS), which provided a strong foundation in human behavior, individual and leadership development, coaching, organizational systems, interpersonal communication and group dynamics. LIOS’s highly experiential curriculum reinforced my philosophy of using ’self’ in becoming the best practitioner possible.

I’ve served as a leader for community and professional organizations, including the Women’s Business Exchange and Woman’s Way Red Lodge.

I’ve been the President of the Puget Sound Coaches Association (PSCA). PSCA is a Chapter of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), which represents and supports excellence in professional coaching worldwide.

My background includes working with people with disabilities for over 10 years as a coach and trainer in advocacy and residential organizations. I’ve successfully designed and delivered training curriculum to trainers and presented to hundreds of people state and nationwide on topics such as leveraging their power and self-determination.

IN CLOSING

My visionary company, SpiritAlive, is devoted to contributing significantly to the greatness of humanity. I’m honored to be on the cutting edge of spiritual thought and conscious business practice during these shifting times.

I’m committed to my personal and spiritual development as the best avenue to serve and enable others. My practice is grounded in over 17 years of applied study in health, healing, yoga, meditation and ceremony.

Mostly, I do consider myself a human being simply doing my best to walk a path of authenticity and integrity while making a difference.