Thursday, October 24, 2013

Inspired Freedom Coaching: My Personal Experience

I thought I would take a moment to share with my readers a powerful experience I had this summer completing "life" coaching work with Inspired Freedom, LLC.  It is small business started by a good friend, Jessica Stickel.  Before I dive in, let me give you the backdrop on why I was doing a little soul-searchin'

Back in February 2013, I was laid off from my job of nearly 10 years.  I worked in the retail support industry doing corporate training for many large retailers.  I loved a lot of what my job was all about: travel, flexible schedule, working from home.  This career worked great for me and, most importantly, for my family.  My layoff didn't come as a huge shock - department stores had been floundering for months, years before but nonetheless it was a huge blow to my ego and turned my world upside-down.

I was now delegated to being a mom, searching for jobs online and writing resumes (a lot has changed in 10 years), and taking my spot in the virtual unemployment line.  I had no direction.  I had no "Aha" moment that Oprah so often speaks of.  I had no true passion I was just waiting to dive right into.  I think a lot of people are like this as well.  While I would love to say I always wanted to pen a novel, become a interior decorator, or work for a non-profit that is not the case.  Nothing was tugging at my heart saying "Do this with your life"

Lack of Direction + Lots of Free Time + Being Home All Day With a 3-Year Old = Losing Your Mind.

Inspired Freedom to the Rescue!  One of my besties Jessica Stickel was starting her own personal life coaching company at the time and I jumped at the chance to work with her.  Jessy is A-MA-ZING!  One of those people that have traveled the world, have the kindest heart, and make everyone around them feel special.  I wanted to drink whatever grape koolaid she was drinking and offering.

My life coaching with Jessy was such a wonderful experience.  At first, we discussed the usual - goals, problems, etc.  A funny thing happens though once the sessions continue on.  You begin to learn more about yourself than you ever thought.  I started to realize all the negative self-talk I was giving myself.  How I use these "beliefs" to keep my stuck in the mess I was in repeating the cycle over and over.  By the end of sessions not only did I gain insight into the authentic "Katie", I also learned how lessons on staying and living with abundance.  Actual skills I could use to live the life I was meant to live whether I knew my true passion at the time or not.
 Jessy & I canoeing on Lake Winnebago Thanksgiving Day 2012 for our self-titled "Turkey Paddle"

As I look back, I often wonder "Could I have truly discovered my passion if I was still unaware of who I was?"  Must one know themselves before they can be themselves?  This experience was unbelievable and life-changing for me moving me past being laid off, feeling lost, or just being "a mom."  I am Katie and your going to hear me roar!

Jessica Stickel offers amazing life coaching packages at her website: http://www.inspiredfreedomcoaching.com/ or you can visit her on Facebook

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Halloween Purse

 This fun & spooky purse was made using the Luxury Handbags kit from SVGCuts.com.  This purse was fast to put together and an easy project if you haven't dabbled much in paper crafting.  My mom & I had a great time making our "purses".