Midlife Transformation
My midlife
journey began in my late-30s when I embarked on a new life
as a divorced single parent. Through many ups and downs, I
learned how to balance being a single mom, making a living
and exploring new relationships, while healing lifelong behavior
patterns that were no longer serving me. I participated in
a wide variety of personal growth workshops, classes and seminars
as well as individual psychotherapy which gave me a great
deal of insight and new ways of approaching life and relationships.
I also deepened my yoga and meditation practices which continue
to be sources of deep inspiration.
In my late 40's, I found myself facing
a new set of midlife transformations. I was definitely experiencing
the pull of gravity on my formerly youthful body and the hormonal
imbalance of pre-menopause. I had raised two wonderful daughters
and now my older daughter would soon be leaving for college
causing an unexpectedly grief-inducing milestone in my parenting.
I had had a successful 15 year career as a project director
and most recently executive director in non-profit organizations.
Yet I found myself yearning to use my talents and passions
for something more personally meaningful.
When my last job ended, it was the
first time in my life I didn't have the next thing lined up.
Facing the unknown, I decided to view my situation as an important
gift, an opportunity to figure out what I wanted to do with
the rest of my life. By listening to my heart and paying attention
to the guidance I was receiving from inner and outer sources,
I discovered the profession of life coaching and embarked
on an amazing journey through which I am now living a life
more true to myself than ever before. I feel completely engaged
in living my purpose and energized about the second half of
my life. This journey has brought me new meaning, direction,
passion and balance. I feel alive, excited and blessed.
From Inside Out
On my journey, I have learned to
trust my heart and to deepen my faith in the process of Life.
I have learned to listen to my own inner wisdom and to cultivate
a loving relationship with my body. I have made room for quiet
time, self-reflection, feeling my feelings, having fun with
my family and friends. All activities that used to be at the
bottom of my list! I have given myself permission to treat
myself with loving-kindness and forgiveness and to pursue
a life I had previously only dreamed about. For the first
time, I am actually living the ideals and principles I had
been reading about for years!
The Lessons of Life
I value the life experiences I have
had as a woman at this time in history, raising two wonderful
and healthy daughters, navigating a long term marriage and
divorce and several subsequent relationships. I have been
an inspiring and productive leader in various non-profit settings.
I have worked with women's health issues, smoking, cancer,
community health and early childhood issues.
I have learned a lot about managing time,
people, finances and multiple projects; balancing personal,
family and work life; being accountable; listening deeply
and communicating effectively with people; negotiation and
diplomacy; strategic planning; the power of intentions and
goals as well as trusting the process and mystery of Life;
and prioritizing what's really important.
I am now living those priorities
and a much simpler, less stressful and more joyful life of
my own making. This potential for a joyful and deeply fulfilling
life is what I have to offer my coaching clients.
Carol Sutherland, PhD
Life Coach
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