Light Up The Dark Places

" Everyone has a talent. What's rare is the courage to follow it into dark places. " Erica Jong
I was looking through old photographs that a dear friend took of me and I was surprised to notice how much of myself was revealed. I can see my insecurity looking back at me and my self doubt in my posture. I was so lost.
It wasn't that long ago that I struggled to name a talent that I possessed. I looked around at everyone else and it felt like I was the only one without some remarkable skill. Not seeing myself and my abilities clearly made me feel less than others. It made me shirk back from initiating and in silence I hid.
When I first felt that spark of interest, I was terrified. I was longing for something but when it finally appeared I was terrified to move into the unknown. Stepping out into the light and being seen was both something I wanted and something I feared. More than anything I wanted to see myself. I wanted to know what I was capable of. I wanted to feel excited about my life and future as an individual.
Stepping into a leadership roll has been good for me. Ive been willing to do things for others that I probably wouldn't have done for myself. Ive had to grow so that I could be the person I needed to be. Ive had to push myself out of my comfort zone, and though it was intimidating at times, finding the courage to follow my talents into dark places has been the great adventure that I was longing for. I seriously felt that if i could help even one person that it would be worth all the work that I put in.
Today, one of my challengers posted this in our group,
"I remember the day we talked on the phone about this lifestyle. I was discouraged. Felt disgusting and really grasping for any hope I could see some change by summer. You encouraged me to take it a day at a time. To be myself. To let this be about me and about change not perfection. Really to be 1% better every day. I had days where I wanted to binge but you were there to encourage me to be present and not walk in shame. I have cried through workouts, confronted insecurities and faced emotions without a soothie in food. All the while, you are there pulling us with you, keeping us engaged and feeling worthy. Today, I feel like a champion! I am learning to love my body. I am not able to fully express what this all means to me... but I am so thankful for you! "
With tears in my eyes, I am telling you, follow your talents to the dark places. Be willing to shine and be the light! Being willing to face my own fears, breaking my own chains, being willing to reach out and share vulnerably with others has changed ME into the person I always wanted to be! Though i do love helping other with their health journey's, the most important thing I want them to gain from an interaction with me is a sense of their own worthiness and their own beauty. We are working on self care but the true transformation we are looking for is all internal!
When I first started coaching, I didn't know why I felt so drawn to it, or what I hoped to accomplish through it, but I knew I had to pursue it, afraid or not! As I followed the spark into the dark places, my talents revealed themselves along the way. Never let the fear of the unknown hinder your growth! Before I was silent among others, afraid to speak up, worried that someone would say, "Who do you think you are?" and now, without shame, I have complete freedom to stand up and say, "THIS is who I am."
This week I started a coach training where I get the privilege of teaching other women see their talents and develop them to serve others. I love each training because it's filled with different women that are called to affect the world in different ways!( It's the real world version of the sorting hat in Harry Potter!) If you are struggling to see your talents and longing to be part of something that changes lives, come join us!

https://angelsofvalor.wufoo.com/forms/angels-of-valor-coach-application/