I know it’s been awhile but I’m back and I’ve got lots to share with you.
2019 was a bumpy year with lots of twists and turns over here. We’ve been on our simplicity path for awhile and were finally able to take a big step forward. We sold our house and moved to a new neighborhood. This also meant down sizing and becoming renters again. I’ll share more later on how these changes have affected our lifestyle.
I will say that I’m still 100% committed to simplicity and permanently retiring my “busy badge”.
2019 was also a year of investing in myself.
Some of my bigger investments were working with coaches both life and business and another Enneagram Teacher Training Course. I explored my values and what living a meaningful life could look like for me.
I was seeking clarity on how I could best share my gifts and support my family emotionally and financially.
Before I could get the clarity I was seeking I had to admit and accept that I’m a life design coach. It’s in my DNA. I’ve been reading self-help and personal development books since I was a teenager. I remember listening to Martha Beck, when she regularly appeared on The Oprah Show and wondering what it would be like to help people like she did.
It was the 90’s and I didn’t know anyone besides Martha who was a Life Coach. Heck, I didn’t even know of anyone who worked with a Life Coach. Who would hire a 22 year old Life Coach?
I didn’t believe that being a Life Coach was a realistic option for me. I decided to play it safe and do what was expected of me. Off to university to study health promotion because that was the only other subject that interested me.
I will spare you the details of all my job hopping adventures. I was on a quest to figure out who I was and what made me happy. I really didn’t want to settle.
What happens when you find yourself in an unfulfilling job?
Do you stay and tell yourself that challenge and growth are over-rated? Sure you can do that but the consequence is typically frustration, depression, anxiety and other stress related ailments. Your body doesn’t lie. First it will whisper, if ignored it will scream.
A breakdown is inevitable if you aren’t living in alignment with your values.
For me a breakdown presents as depression and weepiness. I withdraw and want to sleep all the time. Everything feels hopeless and permanent.
My biggest breakdown occurred after my son was born. I experienced post-partum depression but it took me a couple of years to admit it. I was ashamed to admit that motherhood was hard, lonely and unfulfilling.
Depression is a liar.
I needed help from mental health professionals to dig myself out. I thought I could figure it out on my own which led to needless suffering for me and my family.
If this you, reach out today and get the help you need. Don’t delay like I did. You don’t need to suffer alone. Promise me that you will get connected to a mental health professional immediately.
Now I take my self-care very seriously.
I have built a team of health professionals that I work with to prevent me from slipping back into depression. I also know what I need to do every day to feel mentally, physically and emotionally strong.
My health is my #1 priority. Every darn day!
Self-care is not selfish. Ask my family and they will tell you that I’m not much fun to be around when I neglect my needs.
Yes, I have needs and they are important. Every time I try to ignore my needs, which still happens regularly, it never ends well.
There are no mistakes, just learning opportunities.
Every moment is a new opportunity to make a choice that reflects my values. I don’t want to waste my life on things that don’t matter.
At the end of 2019 I reviewed my calendar and listed out all the activities that brought me joy and those that were a waste of time. I circled the items that I wanted more of and crossed out those I didn’t want to repeat.
I’m big on living intentionally and owning my time.
I’ve now chosen what I want to focus on for 2020. Goal setting experts recommend choosing only one goal to work on at a time. As I’ve shared before, I’m multi-passionate person so this was really tough. Resistance is real!
I’m kicking off 2020 with the following declaration:
I am a life design coach. I help women get out of survival mode and experience more ease, joy and freedom.
I show them how to take back their time and spend it on the things that matter to them. The women I work with get their energy and spark back because they prioritize self-care and use their gifts everyday.
I believe with the right mindset and tools women thrive and lift everyone up.
My focus for 2020 is to help as many women as possible get out of survival mode and start thriving again.
One of my favourite tools to share with my clients is The Enneagram.
The Enneagram is a self-awareness tool that focuses on the motivation behind our behavior. It’s the why we do what we do piece. If you love learning about yourself and are into personal growth, you’ll want to check out The Enneagram.
I’ll be writing more about The Enneagram in the future but if you are in the Calgary area I plan to facilitate several workshops this year.
Remember 2020 is a new decade you can make it your best year!
Wishing you ease, joy and freedom in 2020 and beyond!
Anastasia
Life Design Coach and Enneagram Teacher
