The "why" informs the "what" and keeps you moving forward.
For me, it all started with a Podcast. I was walking my dog on a warm summer day in 2017 and I tuned into Focus on the Family. The guest speaker was author, Ken Costa, who was discussing his book, "Know Your Why – Finding and Fulfilling Your Calling in Life". I was immediately drawn in. That is when I heard something that would prove transformational. Mr. Costa said, “If you know your ‘why’ you will find your ‘way’ in life. If you don’t know your ‘why’ everything else will get in the way.” It literally stopped me in my tracks. I rushed home, re-listened to the Podcast, ordered the book, and jotted down that line. I had been searching for my “why”. As my children were leaving the nest, I kept asking myself…”What do I want to be when I grow up?” The answer…I truly had no idea.
“As my children were leaving the nest, I kept asking myself…”what do I want to be when I grow up?” The answer…I truly had no idea. ”
Rewind 30+ years, I was graduating college with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Ecology and still no clue what career direction was my calling. I decided to pursue a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. It was an easy choice as my father had a successful business working in the field of Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling. The company helped individuals find new careers after suffering a worker’s compensation injury. I worked in this industry for a few years prior to having children. Once my children were born, my husband and I decided that my place was in the home. I enjoyed being a caregiver to my husband and children. At the time, it was my passion and purpose. While being a stay-at-home mom, I was approached by a friend with a direct sales opportunity that would allow me to work part-time around my children’s schedules. I was longing for fellowship with other like-minded women. As the company was new to California, I decided to give it a shot. I ended up reaching the level of Vice President, but still felt unfulfilled. One Sunday I was sitting in church and an announcement was made that our church was looking to implement Stephen’s Ministry. At the time I wasn’t sure if I should be a caregiver or care receiver, as I was struggling with an undiagnosed autoimmune disease. I began praying and realized that I was being called to be a caregiver which launched me on a 3-year journey of training and caring for individuals in the church. It was the first time in my life that I felt truly gifted at something.
“I ended up reaching the level of Vice President, but still felt unfulfilled.”
Back again to 2017, the "Know Your Why" book had arrived and I was immediately drawn in. Chapter one began with “What do you want?’ They were the first words that were spoken by Jesus in John 1:38. Hmmm…I didn’t know, so I read on. Page two, John the Baptist, was “a celebrity, a life coach”. Ken Costa goes on to say, “his message was one of self-help and self-improvement”. Years ago, a friend of mine mentioned that I would make a good life coach as I enjoyed walking alongside others during the trials of life. Life coaching sounded a little strange to me, after all, I was trained as a counselor. Then one morning after completing the book I was awoken with a thought…Christian Life Coach! I knew this was from the Lord as I had never heard of a Christian life coach nor did I know if programs for this even existed. I googled it and the Christian Coach Institute (CCI) was the first to pop up on my computer screen. I watched the welcome video by Janice LaVore-Fletcher and I wept. The verse that kept recurring in my heart was Jeremiah 6:16 “This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.’” Yes! I truly believe that through prayer and encouragement from my husband, I stepped outside of my fear and ran towards the calling that had been pre-planned for me. The training at CCI proved transformational. As we dug deep into our personality type, assessed our values and honed in on our spiritual gifts, I began to see God’s plan for my life become clearer and clearer. I have walked my path and know that transformation can come at any stage of life. It also became clear to me that no two paths are the same. Just like we are uniquely made so are our paths. In conclusion…I finally know what I want to be when I grow up! Do you??? If not, let me help!
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Kelli