When my husband Wayne was informed by his cardiologist that he had to have open heart surgery – and soon – neither of us had any idea that our lives would be turned upside down by the series of events that followed.
Thankfully we had medical insurance and sensibly, we planned. But the Universe seemed to have other plans and what followed was 8 weeks of being in and out of the hospital with complications and infections that would keep him out of work for at least three months and put an incredible strain on me.
Driving back and forth to the hospital every day – a 1 1/2 hour round trip – while also shopping, cooking for and transporting our 3 kids to wherever they needed to be caused me to put my business on the back burner. My honey was sick and in pain and I needed to be there for him.
As the bills piled up and the stress set in, our cars took turns breaking down. It seemed as if everything that could go wrong did and it was all I could do to keep myself from keeling over with fear and exhaustion.
During the wee hours when I lay awake worrying, I began to think about the frailty of life. There is nothing that shines a more glaring spotlight on the reality of what’s really, really important to you like potential massive loss.
I realized that I’d been holding myself back from making some pretty dramatic changes in my life and business, mainly because of what people might think. And that made me a hypocrite because transformation is a big part of what I teach!
I’d thought that I had everything I wanted and perhaps that was true at one point, but now I realized that I’d been wanting a new challenge for some time. And that if I didn’t go after my own dreams then I’d be worthless as a coach and mentor to soulful women business owners.
I am all about accountability with my coaching and website clients so here’s what I am going to do. In order to stay accountable myself I’m going to blog about my unfolding business transformation and share with you all the ups, downs, strategies and solutions as they happen.
Does that sound like fun? Have you had something similar happen to you? Feel free to comment and share your experiences.
Hugs and blessings,
Mandy
P.S. And here’s the kicker – I’d been wanting a new challenge for some time, and by not acting on that desire I had ended up with a huge challenge – but NOT the kind I wanted!
P.P.S. I am offering my Secret Strategy Booster Coaching Package right now – with an EXTRA HOUR OF 1-ON-1 BUSINESS COACHING at no charge. Just reach out to me and I’ll add the extra hour to your package. We’re going to have some fun!
Mandy!
I really enjoyed this! In April my oldest son was in a near death auto accident. You are pinpoint right on when you say the possibility of a devastating loss changes everything.
For me, it showed me that I had been so focused on pleasing so many others and ‘getting the job done’ that I had not set up a support system to nurture myself. I wasn’t enjoying ME.
I am refocusing my energy, my actions and my beliefs as well as who I associate with at every level. Your blog will be much appreciated!
Barbara Robinson
Barbara,
Thank you for sharing your touching story. I am so happy that my blog had meaning for you and thrilled that you are on a path of self-healing. As you’ve already realized, we can’t give our best if we’re not nurturing our own soul.
Keep me updated.
Hugs, Mandy
Mandy, let’s just say I am proud of you. Wayne too, and thanking heaven you are still here. Sometimes we have to step back, refocus and repurpose our lives, jobs and your dedication to family or what you enjoy. It gives us time to clear clutter of hearts and minds, toward health and happiness. You and a few others have shown me that, then we climb the mountainside for another victory.
You know I’ve had and so far beaten that big C word twice. Teaching the one day a week and this shop start up kept me sane and active, but sometimes foggy thyroid brain. You gave me encouraging words and ideas that helped me further my brand and capture some balance in-between, life, and work. And a website that isn’t boring!!! Thank you. Wayne and Mandy prayers continue for health and blessings for you and your family.
Mandy, It is always good to hear from you — Thank you for sharing. My prayers for you and Wayne and the children. As you know, my business as a Writers Assistant, I urge people to share their experiences to let others know that someone else had a similar situation and that they will get through it.
We still miss you both in Florida.
Jan – it’s so good to hear from you. We miss you too! Thank you for your kind words. I’ll added your website link so that if anyone is interested in finding out more about your business they can visit http://www.JanGidley.com.
Take care, Mandy
Mandy, both you and Wayne has been a tremendous positive influence to so many people.
May your personal and business challenge be overcome with the joy that radiates from you! You both are receiving a multitude of positive energy through this.
Love to both of you.
Randy
Randy,
Thank you for your friendship and support throughout the years. You are a true gem in this world.
Like so many, this share moved me to my core & has highlighted how careful I now need to be while living on benefits & raising a child as a single parent. I think you are truly magic & you are rocking my world! Thank you for shining such a bright & brilliant light & for being the change that the world needs to see. As for the nay sayers – those who matter don’t mind & those who mind don’t matter.Thank you for being awesome =Dx
Thank you for your kinds words Antoinetta – you made my day!