What is YOUR story? Who are YOU? What is YOUR life journey all about?
My story begins a long time ago in the suburbs of Chicago, IL USA where I was raised by parents who abused alcohol to cope with undiagnosed mental health issues. To say my home life was chaotic is an understatement. There was abuse and neglect. There was unpredictability, fear, and confusion.
In my family I learned how to be a good girl by not making waves or questioning, doing what was expected of me, stuffing my feelings, and not outshining my mother. I learned that my voice didn’t matter, so I stayed quiet, compliant, and hidden in the shadows.
In order to survive, I developed some healthy – and not so healthy – coping skills. I became an expert in what DOESN’T work, which led me to find out what does.
Growing up, songwriting was my escape, my refuge. I often call it my “drug of choice,” as it was my positive addiction growing up and a way for me to channel my angst. I not only got to get away from the chaos of my family, but also got to tap into thoughts and feelings I wasn’t able to articulate without the use of music.
As I got older, I came to really appreciate the process of and healing benefits of creativity. It allowed me to express myself, be in the moment, take risks, be okay with mistakes, accept myself, discover myself, and just be. There weren’t many other ways or places I could just be myself like that. So I came to cherish my time in creative pursuits and would come away with a renewed sense of energy, passion, and self. It was like coming home.
Professionally, I was drawn to the helping professions. I got my bachelor of arts in psychology and my master’s in counseling. I became a licensed psychotherapist and transitioned to a certified life coach and have worked for 13+ years helping people to deal with the effects of trauma, neglect, and abuse, learn to manage depression and anxiety symptoms, practice more effective communication and coping skills, and learn creative ways to deal with fear, burnout, and stress. Currently, I am an author, speaker, coach, and singer/songwriter.
I truly believe that all I’ve been through on my journey has been my preparation to help others. I believe we all have a calling, which typically emerges from intense personal challenges. As “The Fear Whisperer,” I know what has held me back, and still holds me back sometimes, and I’m able to help others tame their fears and get out of their own damn way so they can step into and embrace their greatness.
What has been YOUR biggest challenge or life obstacle that YOU feel has dimmed YOUR GLOW?
My biggest challenge has been in owning my own glow. There have been so many things getting in the way, some real, but mostly obstacles that started in my own mind. From self-doubt, to fear, to unworthiness, to difficulty letting go, I’ve experienced all the trappings of my upbringing. I was raised to be invisible, so becoming more and more visible, as I’m being called to do, has brought with it new layers of stuff to move through.
There has always been something inside me from a very young age that nudged me, called to me, and beckoned me. It was a knowing that I was destined for greatness and called to a purpose. It was my own voice begging to be released, heard, and brought from the shadows into the light. I find that the more transparent, honest, and vulnerable I am about my own journey, the more it helps others.
How have YOU grown as a woman in the last year? What lessons, insights or ah-ha moments have you had?
In the last year, I’ve learned so much about myself and my purpose, not surprisingly through my own challenges. I’ve gotten clearer about my own path and what I’m here to do. I’ve also been reminded that life will never stop throwing curve balls and there are always other people who seek to dim our glow in order to appear brighter themselves. With the wonderful support of my personal and professional networks, I’ve been able to be stronger in my resolve to create the life I’m meant to live, which has led me to shed that which doesn’t serve my greater purpose.
What else do YOU want to share with the YOU GLOW GIRL!® Community?
Healing is not a one-time event, but a journey. There will be setbacks, obstacles, challenges, pity-party moments, and times when you just don’t know how you’re going to get through. The trick is not in finding ways NOT to get stuck – we’ve all been there and will be there again. The trick is finding ways to get out of the inevitable stuckness. Trust yourself, declare your vision, own your greatness, and take consistent steps to get there. If you can focus on your intention and “what” you are creating, the “how” to get there will present itself to you and it will be easier to let everything that doesn’t support you fade away.
If you’re looking for support along your journey, I’d love the opportunity to discuss the possibility of us working together. I am accepting a limited number of new coaching clients right now and offer a Barrier Busting Breakthrough Session where you and I will have a conversation about your dreams and goals and decide if it’s a good fit to move forward in working together.
To fill out an application for a Barrier Busting Breakthrough Session, visit www.krylyn.com/workwithme.
For further information about my work, please connect with me:
Website
Facebook profile
Facebook “Creativity and Wellness Summit” page
Twitter
Linkedin
Every woman has a story. Glow Girls are women who are consciously creating the lives their hearts and souls desire even though life has presented them some challenges and bumps along the way. Their light shines through the cracks creating GLOW. Every week we feature a new GLOW GIRL and her story. Don’t miss it! Join the YOU GLOW GIRL! Community on Facebook.
Learn more about Diane and how she can help you or your organization here!