I've always wanted to go to graduate school. While getting my undergrad degree in journalism & communication, I assumed that - someday - I'd go back to study my one true love: psychology.
In 2007 I married a man who planned to study full-time and supported him through undergrad and half of his graduate education. We discussed switching roles when he was done. Our marriage ended before this happened and I've only recently taken personal responsibility for finding a way to pursue more education without the support of a partner. I've accepted that life simply isn't fair and that me playing the victim is a choice that I choose to no longer make. So I looked at degree programs...
There was only one problem.
None of the graduate programs really "spoke" to me. My mind has been swirling for *years* while contemplating an MSW, PhD, PsyD and other programs. Naropa has several options that look appealing but I wasn't willing to make the sacrifices required to uproot my life and business to move to Colorado.
Over the last year, I've gained an immense amount of clarity about my purpose on this planet. As I've learned how to improve my own mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health, I've become increasingly proficient at helping others do the same. Covid forced me to focus on my Happiness Coaching practice, which is my favorite work to do, anyway. The coaching aspect of home organizing has always been my jam.
After much debate, and humble requests for financial support from a few close friends and family members (plus a 0% interest credit card), I've enrolled in the ADAPT Functional Health Coach certification program. The year-long program is in-depth so to summarize it concisely:
I'll be learning the art and science of behavioral change.
It's been my experience that most of us know we should get more movement, eat more fresh, organic produce, get more sleep, spend more time immersed in nature, find supportive social connection, and learn to manage stress. *Doing* these things is where the challenge lies.
My coaching clients can tell you that our work together is already EFFECTIVE. They become healthier and happier, and not because I told them what to do but because I know that *they* have the answers within them already. They instinctively know what they want or need and simply need tools, support, and loving guidance along the way. It is an honor to facilitate these kinds of transformations.
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I'll still be managing Simplify Home Organizing and will be hiring more help since my availability will be limited.
I'll continue to see Happiness Coaching clients via Zoom and you'll get the added benefits that come with me learning even more about nutrition, fitness, behavioral change, personal growth, and JOY.
I am thrilled to add to my knowledge and services. Thank you to all of you who uplift and encourage me! Thank you to all my past and current clients who entrust me with their homes and lives. I am deeply grateful.
Workshops/Courses I'm Loving:
Nervous System Self-Care classes are free/donation-based 30-minute online classes each Thursday at 7:30pm in which Kristen Toth leads participants through some simple touch and movement practices intended to shift our systems toward greater embodied safety, regulation, and relief. Anyone who's interested can send her an email at kristentothlmt@gmail.com or connect with her on Instagram @heartandcircle. If you're unable to join live you'll be sent a replay to watch at your convenience.
I have been loving these classes! Simple, easy, and *effective* tools are my favorite kind.
What I'm Reading:
The Paleo Cure by Chris Kresser. This book has blown my mind with its in-depth wisdom and research on the benefits of an "ancestral lifestyle" which includes eating nutrient-dense foods, incorporating movement and sunshine into your daily life, and creating strong social connections, among other things.
Setting Boundaries with Men. This controversial article and podcast has already shifted some of my behaviors, with interesting results! I'll be sharing more on the topic of Boundaries in a future email. This work is so dang important.
What I'm Pondering:
Smartphone Compulsion Test. Oof. I've got some serious work to do in this area. How do you feel about your relationship with your phone?