How I found my path to purpose
Hey, I'm Cathy
Our home was a whirlwind of challenges, with my mother's impressive juggling act of battling mental illness and my father's not-so-impressive attempt at balancing a drink in one hand and a cigarette in the other. To the outside world, life seemed normal, but behind closed doors, it was danger and uncertainty. It was like living in a sitcom but without the laugh track to cue us when things got too absurd.
Despite the wild ride, my siblings and I managed to navigate our way through the stormy seas of our upbringing without ending up in the foster care system. It was nothing short of a miracle, or maybe just some really good luck mixed with a dash of sibling teamwork. We were like a band of misfit superheroes, each with our own unique powers of survival. At the age of 7, a life-altering car accident added yet another twist to my already eventful journey. The aftermath left me with both physical and emotional scars, but it became a significant part of my story, shaping who I am today.
As I continued my journey through school after the accident, my self-esteem and confidence took a significant blow. It felt that these moments of uncertainty, grappling with academic struggles seemed to chip away at my once solid foundation. What made it even more challenging was the lack of support and help I received in dealing with the emotional aftermath of the accident. It was as if I was left to navigate the turbulent waters of healing on my own, trying to piece myself back together without a roadmap or compass. But amidst the struggle, I learned invaluable lessons about resilience and the importance of finding my own path to healing and success, even if it meant seeking support from unconventional sources or taking a different route than others.
At school, I faced my own set of challenges. Academically, I struggled to find my footing, feeling like a fish out of water in a sea of textbooks and exams. The traditional education system didn't cater to my unique learning style, and I often felt llost and disconnected. As I reached the end of high school, I faced a pivotal moment. Instead of being encouraged to pursue further education or explore my passions, I was told to get a job and contribute to the household expenses.
Without the luxury of a formal education, I stumbled into various jobs, hoping to find a sense of purpose and fulfilment. However, I soon realised that these jobs were merely stepping stones, lacking the depth and meaning I craved. I felt like a ship adrift. It was a challenging period as I grappled with the question of what truly brought me joy and fulfilment. I was still following the suggestion of others.
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Embrace Your Unique Path:
The Power of Resilience and Self-Acceptance
Craft Your Own Life of Purpose
Life's challenges and experiences, especially during formative years, significantly shape who we become.
Amidst the uncertainty and the occasional dizzying spin, I discovered a unique wisdom that I had acquired from my tumultuous upbringing. It was like finding a hidden treasure in the middle of a chaotic carnival. I had learned how to adapt, dodge obstacles, people please, and weave through the challenges that life threw my way. Resilience became my greatest superpower, and problem-solving became my trusty sidekick. Giving up was never an option, mainly because I couldn't afford to live without cash.
One day, I found a book, "Toxic Parents" by Susan Forward and Craig Buck, it opened my eyes to the lasting impact of our early years when we don't receive the nurturing and love we deserve. It was like a revelation, helping me understand the dysfunctional circus I grew up in. I came to realise that the values and beliefs we inherit from our environment shape our decisions, and let me tell you, I inherited quite the assortment. It was like being handed a mixed bag of experiences, trying to make sense of which ones were healthy and which ones were toxic.
This realisation marked the start of my healing journey, or as I like to call it, my quest for sanity in a world that sometimes feels like a funhouse mirror maze. Each step I took towards personal growth made me feel more confident in my own skin. It was like shedding the ill-fitting costume of my past and stepping into a superhero suit that actually Afitted me. It fuelled my desire to help others do the same, because let's face it, we all need a little superhero guidance in this crazy carnival called life.
After formal studies and gaining my Diploma in Life Coaching, I became a career coach, dedicated to supporting individuals in breaking free from their own limiting beliefs and stories. I firmly believe that no matter how difficult things may seem, there is always a way out. We have the power to change our thoughts, direction, rewrite our stories , and create a life of fulfillment and purpose. It's like being the ringmaster of our circus, where we get to decide which acts to keep and which to let go.
Thank you for joining me on this wild ride of resilience, growth, and a sprinkle of humour. Together, let's embrace our scars, rewrite our stories, and create a positive impact in our lives and the lives of others. And remember, when life throws you a curveball, just do a little juggling and keep on smiling.
If you have any further questions or would like to explore any specific aspects of my story (or if you need tips on taming a lion or walking a tightrope), please feel free to ask. I'm here to support you on your journey. You can reach me via the home page by completing the contact me form.
Email at [email protected]
Never walk alone!
