“True belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world, our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self acceptance.” – Brene Brown
I have been feeling a need to write lately. This blog is born out of that energy. It’s not that I think I am important or have anything special to share. Its just that I feel a need to expose myself and share the lessons I’ve learned through years of pondering, self reflection, personal and professional development, working with people and excruciating personal experience.
Professionally, for those interested, I describe myself as a personable and outgoing counsellor, leadership coach and executive with 20 years’ experience. I am entirely over educated with a BA in Business Administration, an MA Counselling and Psychology, an MBA and a Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching. If that wasn’t enough, I also began a doctorate in psychology program at Adler University (Vancouver Campus) in 2019. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC – #1505)) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and a Certified Executive Coach (CEC). I am described by others as “genuine, authentic, insightful, energetic, outspoken, articulate and engaging.” There may be other words people would describe me with but not sure we can post those here.
I share this, not to make myself feel better or smarter or to suggest I have some special knowledge no one else has. I appreciate there are lots of opinions in the world, some more informed than others. So while I appreciate you are entirely able to disagree with me, I hope that my professional and personal experience provides at least some confidence in what I’m sharing within this blog.
Disclaimer – I will undoubtedly talk about issues and experiences that some may find disturbing or triggering. If you for any reason feel triggered by what I’ve written, please talk to someone you trust and care about and if necessary seek out professional assistance (yes, that’s a shameless plug for counselling). But it’s important.
Also, I recognize that it may be difficult for some to step into my story and experience it without judgement but that is what I’m asking of you. To simply step into my shoes and feel my experiences. I am not disputing facts or details. I appreciate some may have a different understanding or remembering of similar or the same events, and that is your prerogative. I am not disputing facts. I am simply reflecting my experience of those situations, the self awareness that has resulted from that and my personal growth as a result. So please be gracious and understanding with me if my remembering is different than yours.