Something was missing in my life. I had a caring, supportive husband, a loving, creative daughter, in-laws I simply adored, a meaningful career and I lived in a place that I knew had captured my heart forever. Yet, something was missing, I was feeling emptiness that affected my life. It dawned upon me that, although I had looked around for a place to ride horses when I moved from France to Colorado, I had gotten caught up in life’ s daily turmoil and never completed that quest. I took the first step by volunteering at the local Therapeutic Riding Center which got my heart filled up. Yet, deep inside, I knew I needed more if I was to follow my true calling. Intuitively, I knew that there was more to horses than riding them. I knew that the well-being I experienced merely by standing in their presence could benefit others also.
A situation occurred at work. It got to a point where I sank deep into depression which affected not only my health but our family life. My husband was urging me to quit my job. From a rational point of view, it made sense to put a stop to the toxicity generated at work that was permeating my personal life. Now, listening to my gut, I knew this was not the way I wanted to leave. I was surrounded by loved ones who were giving me their full trust and support. I also knew I needed additional guidance. This manifested in my encounter with an Equine Gestalt Coach.
As I was working with her and her equine partners, I gained clarity. I now saw that toxic situation at work as a gift in disguise. I learned to set boundaries. I learned to respect myself. I learned to step into my inner power. And I decided to become an Equine Gestalt Coach and a Master Gestaltist. The nebulous word Gestalt took on its full meaning “flowing into form” as I learned to embrace the whole of who I am, shadows included. I discovered the power of Gestalt and horses who naturally live a Gestalt life, in the present moment, attuned to their gut feelings and non-judgmental. They know when our mind, heart and gut are not aligned and they guide towards achieving congruency.
The situation at work started to shift and finally boom-ranged back to the people who had initiated it. I ended up retiring from that place. Retiring. Not quitting. I was not defeated. I was empowered. I had been creating the path that I wanted for myself and for my family and guiding others to do the same for themselves. My own experience was a rewarding journey of introspection and personal growth. It also helped me to gain skills necessary to guide others from anxiety and fear to empowerment and awareness that our destiny is in our own hands. This is how Nurturing Strides was born. What we are not aware of controls us.
Only through self-awareness will we make a difference. If I have one certainty, it is that the world needs you to shine your light and that together, we are stronger and we can shine our light brighter! Take the first Nurturing Stride! Join my Women’s group or sign up for individual sessions. I also offer packages and virtual coaching via Zoom. We will tailor the number of sessions to your needs. Join my Women’s group or sign up for individual sessions. I also offer packages and virtual coaching via Zoom. We will tailor the number of sessions to your needs. nurturingstrides.com/womens-group/
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