I always knew that laughter heals, that is why I only see comedies when I travel to the movie theatre. However, one of my favorite comedies, The Blues Brothers contains a sentence that sums up my life; “I am on a mission from God.” My path to this purpose took numerous twists and turns with some great highs and some deadly lows. As I travelled my path, I let go of 50 pounds over the course of a year. However in order to let go I had to give up, surrender and fire myself as the CEO of my life.
The date of my firing: February 23, 2009. I was always so desperate to find the healing for my ills outside of me and I participated in numerous, therapy, coaching and nutrition sessions hoping that they could heal me. I was driving to one of these healers when my “bitchy sissy” took over; telling me how useless I had become. I was fat, useless, and stupid. Food had become my best friend, but like a mean girl in middle school, my friend had betrayed me with physical sickness and emotional instability. I began to review my failings. I failed in my career as a professional organizer, as a wife, mother and friend. I carried a major chip of resentment on my shoulder; everyone did something to hurt me. In addition, my identity as Susie Homemaker was gone since both my kids were away at school. All my manipulations and controls had failed. I took responsibility for any pain my family had endured. That bitchy sissy told me that the world would be better off without me. When I heard that sentence I had just entered a bridge. I knew a slight turn towards the water could stop the pain but I didn’t want to hurt the car. Yes I valued my car over my own life.
When I arrived at my coach’s office, I told her what happened and then I cried, sobbed, dry heaved and I cried some more. My coach was just hugged me and assured me that I was worth it, that she can see my greatness, but for me to heal and to recover I had to believe I was worth it.
I left my coach’s office spent. I went to Church’s Chicken to binge one last time and then I fired myself as the boss and gave the job to who knew better, God. Once I stepped down as CEO miracles started appear.
The first came in the form of a support group with others like me. I shared my story believing they would be horrified but these amazing, big hearted people smiled and nodded. They loved me enough until I could love myself. I threw myself into the program. I began to pray, journal and read. My body may not have been changing at that point, but my mind and spirit where clear and content for the first time since childhood. I allowed God to take care of the rate of body change. I did the footwork and allowed God to take care of the outcome.
As the spring sprung and summer appeared I became stronger, people around me started to notice. I started to burst out of my cocoon and take my rightful place as the butterfly. Then another miracle appeared. My husband surprised me with a 30 day sabbatical at Hilton Head Health Institute. During those 30 days, I threw myself into the program. I attended every lecture and participated in 3 to 4 exercise classes a day. I ate 6 small meals daily full of fresh produce, organic proteins and whole grains. After the first week I let go of 5 pounds, yet even more amazing was how I felt. My mind was clear, my energy was high and my skin cleared. My knee pain disappeared. I fell back in love with running, but now it didn’t matter that I was the caboose, I just loved the feeling. At the end of 30 days I let go of 13 pounds and found my passion; to help others feel as I did. However, they wouldn’t have to leave their home. I wasn’t sure how I was going to do that but then another miracle appeared.
While at Hilton Head I received a call from a Holistic Health Coach asking me to meet for a complimentary session. I met with every intention of working with her to further my progress. However, when we started to talk and she saw my passion, she handed me a brochure from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition telling me that I need become a health coach. I immediately said no but promised to think about it.
I couple of days later, I looked online and talked to the great people at IIN, and my gut said JUST DO IT, so I did.
Today, I am passionate about taking my mission on the road, letting women everywhere know that they can have health, vitality and energy and it doesn’t cost a fortune. If I can do it anyone can. I emphasize to my clients that they have the power to heal themselves and I am merely the teacher, facilitator, coach and cheerleader. I use my organizing skills to help restructure the kitchen and help them incorporate healthy choices in unusual, fun ways.
Being fired was the best, because in surrendering my position of CCO (Chief Controlling Officer) I discovered my God-given purpose. I share my story in hope of helping other women heal and transform their bodies and their lives.
Guest Writer – Maureen Wielansky
Maureen Wielansky owns Making It all Fit, LLC, a Health Coaching business where she teaches women in how to heal their bodies and transform their lives. She graduated from the University of Missouri in 1987 with a B.A in Psychology and a dream of a PhD. Instead of graduate school, Maureen fell in love, married and had 2 children so she decided to stay at home with her children for 20 years. After a breakdown, Maureen had a breakthrough that led her to a 50 pound weight loss. At the age of 45 Maureen graduated from the Institute For Integrative Nutrition with a certification as a Holistic Health Coach and Drugless-Free Practitioner. Through her creativity, transparency and authenticity Maureen has dedicated her practice to helping women take back their bodies so they can feel sizzling in their own skin.
For more information, visit http://www.makingitallfit.com or contact Maureen at Maureen@makingitallfit.com.