When I was younger I remember growing up watching my mother struggle to take care of myself, my sister, and my little brother.  At the time I knew it was hard, but I had no idea how strong she had to be to get through the many trials and tribulations she did until I was much older.

I remember watching her work whatever job she needed to in order to make ends meet and no matter how tough it got, she always found a way.  I became a bit of a worrier during those years.  Sad that my mom had to work as hard as she did and always wondering what I could do to help out.  It was then I became an avid problem-solver.  I can remember watching my mom want something bigger and better for herself and for my siblings and I. The something bigger was to pursue a career in the medical field.

Several times she attempted to go back to school, but as you can imagine, juggling kids, full-time work, and life all on your own can be tough.  There never seemed to be enough time or money to do what she had always dreamt of doing, yet she didn’t stop.

Each time she tried the same things stopped her from moving forward.  Simply put things just got too hard.  She had to let go of her dream because her reality was calling to her so loud she couldn’t ignore it.  It’s hard to ignore bills, multiple jobs, and children.

As I watched this play out, I decided the answer would be for me to go to college, get a degree, and get a good job.  I didn’t even know what that meant, but I suppose as long as I had enough money to pay the bills and could care for myself that is what mattered most.

I never thought about what my passion was or even what I would really like to do.  In fact, it wasn’t until I had changed my major to Exercise Science with an emphasis in Fitness did I see how a person could have such passion for their field.  I had an instructor who loved fitness.  She was more than your typical fitness enthusiast, she was a fitness educator.  She loved her job and it showed when she spoke.  Her face would light up, her eyes would twinkle, and she would be full of so much energy I couldn’t help but think maybe she had too much caffeine.  Turns out she just really loved what she did.

I finally decided to drop the emphasis part of my degree, because I simply didn’t feel the same passion as my instructor.  In fact, the day I told her that I didn’t love it as much as she did, I think she was a little taken back.  While surprised she understood that I didn’t feel the same way about her beloved career, but when asked what I was truly passionate about, I didn’t have an answer.  And instead of trying to figure it out, I simply finished the program I was in without the emphasis and graduated on time.  Soon after I found an administrative assistant position with a great company which would become the first “just a job” with many more to follow.

Meanwhile, my mom made her way back to school.  She moved through her nursing program and the challenges it presented.  I watched as she worked a full-time job and studied all while taking care of my little brother who was still at home.

She worked hard.  She worked a lot.  But a few years ago she finally achieved her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse and enjoys each and every patient she has because this is her passion.  This is her calling.

As for me, I realized after a few too many “just a jobs” that the little part of me that was interested by life coaching in college (while I was listening to a lecture for my exercise instructor class) was really the beginning of knowing what my calling would be.

Through all of that here is what I learned:

• I learned that we each have a passion and a purpose, something that really gets us excited about life and whatever that thing is for you, is what you should be doing.

• I learned that it is never too late to do what you want to do in this world.  Life may be short, but this very moment is the most time you will ever have to accomplish your dreams.  So start now.

• I learned that job=money and passion=purpose and that if you follow your heart, the money will come.

• I learned that no matter how big, how crazy, how wild, or how unattainable a dream may seem it is ALWAYS possible.  You just have to take the first tiny step and watch how the Universe supports you in your plight.

• And finally, I learned that no matter who you are, where you came from, or how stuck you may feel in your current reality, there is always a way to make your dreams a reality.

And because of all of those things I learned, I am living a life I once dreamt, helping you to do the same and for me that is a dream come true.

You know who I really love to help?  Women who may fall into the “just a job” rut and are looking to find work that they truly enjoy.  Work that makes them smile, gives them purpose, and energizes them because it is the work they were meant to do.  I also love working with women who are going through one of life’s big transitions, you know the ones that leave you asking the question: So what’s next?  Whether you are newly retired, an empty-nester, or you just feel like your life is in a rut, I can help you get unstuck and on your way to making the rest of your life, the BEST of your life.

Do you want to know more about how we can work together?  Contact me to sign-up for your free coaching session.  I am so ready to help you create an amazing life with passion and purpose!