The long(er) version

As the energetic, extroverted sister to my twin brother, I discovered early on that I was “too much”: too passionate, too creative, too sensitive.

People couldn’t manage my personality, my curiosity, or my unrelenting desire to learn more about the world, so they did everything in their power to break my spirit.

I was often the victim of their wrath. I survived and decided I would take my experiences and make something out of them.

I began taking steps to heal the cracks from the inside out. I studied psychology and sociology so that I could understand why people do the things they do. And in time, I forgave those who had hurt me in the past.

But eventually, I fell into abusive relationships that felt all-too familiar.

When I graduated, I managed to get a corporate job in the most expensive city in the world. But I couldn’t own my success, because I felt like an imposter. The idea that I was somehow less than had a DIRECT impact on my life — my salary, my friendships, my romantic relationships, you name it.

As a woman, I couldn’t contribute meaningfully because I’d force myself into the wrong roles and refuse to take myself seriously. I thought I couldn’t be myself because I’d be rejected. I’d accept lower salaries and tasks that weren’t in my job description. Other people continually took advantage of me, and my self-confidence was at an all-time-low . . .

Until I had a burnout. It was scary, probably the hardest thing that I’d experienced.

But it was also the catalyst that led me to finally accept and love myself, unconditionally. Ultimately, that saved my life.

After training as an ICF Professional Certified Life Coach and NLP Master Practitioner, I began to help other women to not only believe in themselves, but develop the kind of courage and resilience that paves the way to the life, career and business they want.

At the end of the day, I TRULY believe that confidence is a choice and every woman has the power to live the life she wants — no matter what her past story may have taught her.

Some other highlights . . .

• At 7, I started talking about animal rights.
• At 11, I began advocating against racism.
• At 14, I helped pregnant refugees who were fleeing their countries to save the lives of their unborn children. (These women were and ARE the very definition of “brave-hearted.”)
• And at 17, I was busy reading philosophy in my spare time and studying the world’s religions.

In other words, I was never conventional.

But ultimately, that’s what gave me my strength.

(That’s what gives you your strength, too.)