- What is YOUR story? Who are YOU? What is YOUR life journey all about?
After experiencing major trauma in my childhood and two traumatic events during my adolescent years, by the age of 15, I was diagnosed with depression and an eating disorder. I see now that all that had happened to me, had taken it’s toll, and I had nobody to help me process all that I had been through. This diagnosis, lead to two hospitalizations and many, many counselling sessions, treatment groups and programs for many years afterwards. I realized very quickly that medicating my mood disorder and emotional pain was not the route I wanted to take, and have spent the last 20 years looking for alternative answers to my healing. This lead me to the path of seeking a holistic approach and embracing my whole being, which has been the most effective way for me to heal my emotional imbalances. Through my journey, I have learned how essential it is to embrace our ‘whole being’ and heal from the inside out. I have also learned that feeling is healing, and that we have to stay connected to what is going on within our soul, that it is when we disconnect from ourselves that dis-ease begins. I have also learned that the body speaks our emotions and that my physical conditions are linked to my emotional and spiritual conditions. If we ignore our inner truth, emotions and feelings, they later manifest as physical dis-ease and emotional disturbances of many different kinds. I believe wholeheartedly that our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual self are one and that to truly heal any dis-ease within the body and mind, we must attend to all four dimensions and treat the root cause.
What has been YOUR biggest challenge or life obstacle that YOU feel has dimmed YOUR GLOW?
My biggest challenge is being a balanced Mom. The biggest challenge (but also my greatest gift) was becoming pregnant at the age of 19. While being a mother at such a young age, after all of my life experience was definitely not easy, however being responsible for another life forced me to grow up fast and get real about what I needed to change in my life. I spent many years allowing others to mistreat me. My son was the catalyst for me to take ownership for my life as I was motivated to provide a better life for him. Being a Mom of three now, it can be a challenge to stay balanced. Taking care of my needs and self-care takes some major discipline, boundary setting and creativity. I am a sensitive soul and I need frequent doses of quiet and solitude to stay balanced, which can be difficult with such a busy life.
How have YOU grown as a woman in the last year? What lessons, insights or ah-ha moments have you had?
My biggest growth over this past year has been to embrace my gifts, passions, and purpose. I realize I am in charge of my own happiness, and that no-thing, or no-body can provide me with happiness, joy, passion and fulfillment. I have to take ownership of this and take personal responsibility for my own well-being.
I am beginning a whole new chapter with the recent opening of my holistic healing center Flourish Mind & Body Wellness Center and am living my vision of assisting others in healing from a holistic approach through my personal experiences, and life lessons. I believe it is my purpose in this life to assist others on their journey to not just survive life, but to Flourish!
What else do YOU want to share with the YOU GLOW GIRL!® Community?
As a wife, mother, entrepreneur and woman who has struggled and lived in much suffering and darkness, I now see that without all of that I could not be as effective at leading someone through their darkness and assisting in their healing process without these experiences. Because I have had my life experiences and have known suffering, I can now sit with someone in their suffering and truly get how they are feeling. If I could say one thing to any woman that could change their life it would be, know yourself; have a relationship with YOU; love yourself unconditionally; put yourself above all others (yes even the kids), because if you are depleted, you are not going to be effective at anything. You can’t give what you do not already have within you to give. Fill yourself up from within; be gentle and kind to yourself,;practice extreme self-care daily; set healthy boundaries; learn discernment and when to say no. And one last thing: Whatever you allow is what will continue. Teach others how you want to be treated. Stand in your own personal power always. Never give your power away to anyone.
Learn more about Leanne’s holistic healing center here! www.flourishcenter.ca
Are you struggling to find balance in your life too? It’s time to shift that! Diane’s next Women’s Group Coaching Program begins on October 22nd. You do not want to miss this opportunity to create YOUR BEST YEAR YET! Women in this program turn their intentions into reality, transform their relationships with their partners and families and feel more confident and less overwhelmed with managing everything they have on the go. It’s time for you to feel that way too! Learn more here: https://glowleadership.com/glow-girl/ . Email Diane today to reserve your spot! diane@glowleadership.com