10 Things Most People Don’t Know about Me

One of my reasons for starting a coaching business is to connect with action-takers just like you. In our fast-paced world, we can easily feel disconnected from authentic relationships. And social media often provides a neutral to a false sense of connection.

With that in mind, I’m sharing some things you probably don’t know about me. In fact, I’m not sure my closest friends know all 10 facts.

1. I go to bed looking forward to my morning cup of coffee. I didn’t start drinking coffee until I was 38 years old and on vacation. Up until that time, I didn’t care for warm beverages. My primary source of caffeine was Diet Coke. Fast forward to this vacation with friends and I became a true believer in coffee. It’s not just the taste that made me a fan. I like the ritual of starting my day with a hot cup of joe and a conversation with my husband. As I get ready for sleep, I’m already dreaming about tomorrow’s coffee as part of a new day.
2. I really like bowls & blankets. I like them so much that my daughter and I joked about opening a shop in a cute little town that would only sell bowls and blankets. I find both soothing. A soft, plush blanket can provide so much comfort. During very stressful times in my life, my skin craves luxurious fabric. My love of bowls extends beyond my preference for one-bowl meals. I like how the bowl feels in my hands and the help the sides provide to scoop up food.
3. I’m addicted to buying books. As addictions go, this is not the most troublesome. That said, the cost adds up and there is only so much time to read. I try to manage this addiction by saving books in my Amazon cart. As of this writing, I have over 300 books saved for later. I try to order them based on the priority of what I’m currently learning. One of the things I like best in my office is the bookcase filled with knowledge I can’t wait to consume.
4. I used to clean the entire house after everyone went to bed (still wondering what I was thinking). I developed a system of cleaning from the top of the house down so that once my kids were in bed the vacuum wouldn’t wake them. I would start with the bathroom while they took their bath. Somehow, I could finish and be in bed by 11 p.m. Looking back, there were many other ways I could have managed this household chore. To start, it shouldn’t have been all my responsibility. I could have divided the tasks up with my husband. I also could have asked my children to help as they became more capable. As time passed, I got smarter and declared we needed to hire someone to clean when we moved to a larger house.
5. I like to be interviewed. I figured this out recently after thinking about a favorite webinar I hosted. It was so much fun to have a colleague ask me questions about integrative health coaching. In the past few months, I’ve pitched probably 15 podcasts and have completed eight guest interviews.
6. When my kids started college, I bought a charm from the university’s bookstore to put on my key ring. Symbolically, the charm kept them close to me which provided comfort and connection as each one launched and emptied the nest.
7. Listening to audiobooks does not prevent me from buying print versions. I love the experience of listening to non-fiction; however, I also need a way to go back and review highlighted passages. Basically, listening to the book does not save me the work of reading it.
8. A therapist told me I have an overdeveloped pattern of not wanting to make people feel uncomfortable. Here’s a simple example. When my kids were old enough to help unload the dishwasher, I didn’t want to interrupt whatever they were doing so I’d look for a natural transition like the end of the TV show to make my request. I’ve made progress but still have a ways to go. I think of myself as a recovering people pleaser.
9. I’m working on featuring the fun side of me instead of the practical side. As a recovering people pleaser and perfectionist, with a heavy dose of responsibility thrown in, I’m a pretty serious person. As my happiness levels have increased, I find myself telling more jokes and adding whimsy to my life. I will never be a stand-up comedian in a basement comedy club; however, I appreciate and enjoy the lighter side of me that shines through periodically.
10. Being at the ocean makes me feel like I’m home. The smell and feel of the air and the sound of the waves make me feel alive and completely comfortable all at once.

If you’ve read this far, thanks for spending the time to get to know me a little better. I’d love to return the favor. Consider reaching out so you can tell me what’s important to you about rebalancing your wellbeing.

If you:

• Reduce stress and burnout
• Navigate life’s next chapter grounded in your core values and strengths
• Discover opportunities that match your workload capacity and goals
• Achieve your dreams with courage and confidence

I’m your girl! Here’s how to use me as a sounding board:

1. Email me to share your biggest challenge navigating work-life transitions.
2. Get support to reinvent work + life regardless of your starting point.
3. Feel more in control and empowered to work and live on your terms.

OR

1. Schedule a free 20-minute call with me.
2. Meet with me via Zoom.
3. Get results so you navigate work-life transitions without sacrificing wellbeing.