Blog Post Title One
Rediscovering Myself:
From Crisis to Authentic Living
Introduction
We all reach moments in life when we feel lost, overwhelmed, or uncertain about the path ahead. For me, those moments have been both my greatest challenges and my greatest teachers. Today, I want to share my journey—a story of healing, reinvention, and the power of living authentically. My hope is that my experiences might inspire you to reflect on your own path and embrace the next chapter with courage and self-compassion.
The Book That Changed Everything
My interest in personal development and self-help began in my twenties, during a difficult recovery from a mental health crisis. It was during this time that someone handed me You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L. Hay. That book became my lifeline; I still return to its pages today and consider it the book that saved my life. It sparked a lifelong journey of self-awareness and growth.
Finding Purpose in Hairdressing
As I rebuilt my life, I found myself drawn to the hairdressing industry. There’s something magical about the way a great haircut can transform not just how someone looks, but how they feel. Over the next 30 years, I thrived as a hairdresser, teacher, and salon owner. My motivation was always rooted in service—helping others feel their best and empowering them to embrace their true selves.
Coaching Through Leadership
My approach to leadership was never about being the “boss.” Instead, I saw myself as a coach, encouraging my team to explore their potential and work together toward shared goals. Our salon became a place where authenticity and honesty were valued above all else. This experience laid the foundation for my later work as a coach and mentor.
When Life Turned Upside Down
In 2021, after navigating the pandemic, I faced some of my toughest personal and professional challenges. My identity had become so entwined with the salon that when it was threatened, I felt completely lost. For the first time since my twenties, I felt broken. I spent days hiding away, afraid to face the world. It was then that a close friend reminded me: “Don’t let them steal your truth.” That simple encouragement became the spark for a three-year journey of self-discovery.
Letting Go and Starting Over
Losing my team and my passion for the salon left me feeling like I was starting at the bottom of the mountain all over again. By the end of 2022, I realized I was experiencing a mid-life crisis. Despite many achievements, I felt unfulfilled and directionless. The salon, once a place of joy, had become a daily reminder of pain. With no clear plan, I made the difficult decision to close the salon and step into the unknown.
New Beginnings and New Lessons
I trusted that creating space would invite new opportunities—and it did. I joined the corporate world as an educator for a multinational brand. While I knew this wasn’t my ultimate destination, it was an important part of my journey. I learned the power of quiet confidence, the value of standing up for what is right, and—most importantly—the importance of owning my truth.
Embracing Authenticity
Through it all, I rediscovered my passion for helping others. I realized I no longer needed external approval or validation. Embracing imperfection and authenticity, I learned to simply be myself. Now, as I approach my 52nd birthday, I feel at peace and excited for the next chapter. For the first time, I am living authentically—finding joy in simple moments, unaffected by others’ opinions, and intentionally choosing what fills the space ahead.
An Invitation to You
My journey through midlife has become my passion and purpose: helping others discover their truth and live empowered, authentic lives. If you’re standing at a crossroads, feeling lost or uncertain, know that you’re not alone. I look forward to meeting you and supporting your journey to an authentic life—one filled with joy, happiness, and success.
“There are no mistakes in an authentic life because at its core is truth and in knowing the truth we are set free.”
— Jody Brooks
