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I have a strong academic and professional background, but life experiences have brought me to where I am today. My journey began with a solid foundation of family, friends and opportunities. But "whispers of discontent" played out in poor life choices, uncertain career aspirations and no life partner to share my dreams. Then I lost my brother in 1997, my mom in 2000, my mentor in 2002 and my sister in 2004 – to lifestyle-related illnesses and events. One by one these devastating losses chiseled away at my foundation. I wandered from job to job, racked up debt, missed my mom at my wedding, tried to make sense of life and begged for a life that was more…safe.
Shortly after the loss of my sister, while walking my dogs in a beautiful nature setting, I got amazing inspiration to find meaning in these losses by creating a women’s wellness network. I rushed home and wrote for two days! Dedicated to the memory of my loved ones, it would honor women everywhere and connect them with others in such a way as to weave a web of support and wellness. It would be awesome!
Within a month I accepted the position as Director of Housing & Residence Life at a small college in Colorado. Safe... Safe was nice for about a year.
Five years in that job can only be described as a 2x4 hitting me upside the head! Turf wars were rampant, politics prevailed and creativity was stifled. I was miserable, my self-esteem was in the pits, and I didn’t think life could get any worse. Until it did.
July 2, 2006 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My first reaction was to think I was going to die; then I guilt-tripped myself for past choices. Pretty quickly I moved beyond fear and guilt to strength and positivity – a lasting legacy from my mom.
Breast cancer survivors often describe our experience as transformative. For the first time in my life I made self-care my priority. With the support of “everyday angels” -- friends, family and health care providers, self-care got me through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. I ate delicious, organic, whole foods, exercised again, enjoyed 3-day weekends and wonderful hikes with my husband and our dogs, read lovely books, prayed and surrounded myself with affirming people.
A year later I was in the midst of another meaningless battle at work. This time I drew strength from surviving cancer, re-committed to self-care and remembered the talents that served me well in the past. I came back to my dream of a women’s wellness network and created b.Well.
Today I get to connect with women – their stories, their triumphs, challenges and dreams. I laugh and cry and hug and share the ups and downs of life. I use my gifts, my education, experiences and my heart to gently yet firmly guide women along their journey to well-being. I facilitate group and 1-on-1 coaching programs through which women make incredible changes in their lives; I host journaling and other groups in which women come together to make and share discoveries about themselves; I offer unique programs and retreats.
Self-care is my lifestyle now. I enjoy a balance of healthy, organic foods with tasty treats. I bike to work and get on the greenbelt or to the gym as often as possible. During long weekends my husband and I take our dogs on hikes, garden, or work on the cozy factor in our straw-bale house. I treasure my relationships with family, friends, colleagues and clients. I enjoy journaling, deep breathing and other daily practices.
Life is not perfect. I lost Hobart this year, my terrier companion of nearly 16 years, growing a business is challenging, and I worry about a cancer recurrence. But I have learned to regularly “check in” with myself, and when I am not satisfied with an area in my life (such as finances) I set goals, make a plan and take action to get from where I am to where I want to be.
I truly feel that my journey has brought me to you, and I would be honored to support you and your well-being. If you have been thinking about making a change, don't wait another day. I can help. Call 208.921.1044.
b.Well believes
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health coaching