After experiencing a layoff last Spring, I felt an incredible wave of emotions. Like most people, I wasn’t prepared for it. The day marked my 4-year work anniversary, and I was proud of this achievement in the startup world. I sat down at my desk, sipped my morning coffee, and joined a meeting with my CEO and manager, expecting some sort of recognition of my anniversary. Instead, I was told the shocking news that my role had been eliminated. Within minutes, my computer screen went black and I was left staring back at myself.
The thoughts came rushing in: “Did this really just happen?” “WTF?” “I don’t have a job anymore!?” “OMG, I don’t have an income.” The negative thoughts went on and on…
I stepped away from my desk and outside into the morning sun. I was in shock. I was sad. Then the tears came...
On top of this sudden change, I was preparing for a big cross-county move from California back to Boston that was just a week away and I was also deep into the process of planning my wedding. So, to say my emotions and stress were running high would be an understatement.
I gave myself the time to feel all the feelings – to process everything, heal, and decide on a plan forward. I was struggling, though, to feel that I had solid professional support and mentors who were like me and experiencing some of these similar life changes.
After settling back in Boston and into my new routine, I sat down and reflected. I reflected on what was important to me professionally and personally and where my passions were centered. Being people-focused was number one in my mind. I’ve always loved coaching, training, and mentoring people. Whether in my early days of therapeutic mentorship with adolescents, being a personal trainer, career-coaching adults with developmental disabilities, managing HR for a global security company, recruiting for a staffing agency, or leading customer success and talent acquisition for a tech startup – helping people has always been my passion and focus.
Instead of jumping right into job searching or a new opportunity, I took time to earn certifications in the area of coaching. I focused on a life coach and health & wellness certification and armed myself with key tools and knowledge to begin coaching clients independently. While earning these certifications, I began to identify and unlock many of the barriers I have personally experienced for much of my life and learn tools to break them down, push myself out of my comfort zone, and begin leading a life free from limitations. Now, I am far from perfect and still on a growth journey, but I am beyond excited to combine my education, experience, knowledge, and passion to guide others toward fostering the best life they can experience. To do this, we must become mindful of the barriers we have encountered, learn ways to address and overcome them, and craft a path to thrive.
MindfulThrive is creating a coaching experience where you can be authentic and vulnerable as you unpack the life you’ve lived so far – whether it’s the one you’ve dreamed of living, or you feel there’s more dreams to be made – and begin mapping out your future path. It’s creating a safe space, free of judgment, and recognizing that it’s never too late to ask yourself, “Who and what do I want to be when I grow up?”
We are currently experiencing a pivotal time where many people are encountering layoffs, are unhappy in their current jobs, are interested in changing industries, or are ready to make big and small changes to their day-to-day lives. The time is now to take control.
The coaching experience is about commitment and pushing yourself to think differently as you approach all aspects of your life. It is a journey and will take time, but with the right tools and mindset, you can get to your best life. And don’t worry, I’m here to support you and cheer you on every step of the way, as I continue building toward my best life alongside you.
The journey is only just beginning for us all, so let’s join forces and navigate it together.
Together, we can mindfully thrive.
Comments