HOW I LEARNED TO CHOOSE JOY AND FIND MY PURPOSE

Taking back my own health helped me to see a light at the end of the tunnel of darkness that surrounded me.  Joy found its way back into my heart.

With increased confidence, I found myself daring to take chances, to play again and to connect more deeply with the gifts I’d been given.  Life was fun again!  The small, habitual steps I took to lose 70 pounds became the foundation in building change into other areas of my life.  However, at the same time this awareness was growing, so were other life transitions that left me feeling confused about my life and purpose.  I was stuck in the proverbial “sandwich generation”, navigating death, illness, empty-nesting, and caring for elderly parents.  My faith felt dry and lifeless.  I found it easier and easier to withdraw from the people and things that surrounded me.  Something had to change.  I didn’t want my story to end this way!

I knew God had more in mind for me.  When I came to the end of my own power, I had to grasp the hand of God; the hand that was simply waiting for me to enter this unknown space.  Like a seed buried in soil, it felt lonely and dark.  That darkness turned out to be the greatest gift of my life and I finally gave myself permission to just rest in this space that God created;  to be still and listen.  Little by little, through prayer, scripture, and coaching, I found acceptance and peace where I was planted.

My story is ever-changing and I’ve learned how to ground myself when those familiar feelings of uprootedness take hold.  I quiet myself and begin to journey inward, for that mountain experience, where I can encounter God’s grace and provision; honoring where God is leading me in this new season of life.  Understanding the flow of each season and gently walking through them with curiosity, helped me find my calling as a Catholic Accompaniment Coach and now I get to help others discover what God is revealing to them .