According to Laura Di Franco’s introduction to this series of guest blogs, I’m one of the “most amazing, intelligent, talented, purpose-driven, badass women” she knows. Wow! I am? Are you sure?
(Yes, I’m sure! Inserted by Laura cuz it’s my blog)
There are days when I actually do feel that way. Those are the days I feel whole. When I’m grounded, mindful, and present.
And then there are the days when I feel like a poseur. A fake. A phony. Who the hell am I to think I can help others on their path to wholeness? I mean, really, there are days I can barely make it from the bed to the sofa. Depression is like that sometimes.
That head talk, that story I tell myself, makes it very difficult to sell my business. I’m a Wholeness Coach with a private coaching practice. There’s no one else here but me. I’m not just selling my business. I’m also selling mySelf.
It took some time before I understood that’s precisely why I do what I do. And why I’m good at it. I’m here. Showing up. Speaking my truth, even when it’s just a whisper.
The past couple of years have had ongoing challenges. My relationships have been tested. My health has needed attention. And did I mention the gray hair?
And through it all, I showed up. I participated in workshops and masterminds to feed my brain and my thirst for knowledge. I joined women’s groups to feed my soul and my desire for community. I shared my experience, strength, and hope in my writing to feed my heart and my need to be of service.
My life changed when I committed to showing up, as my authentic self, whatever that meant. And it didn’t always mean the same thing.
Sometimes I showed up full of energy with lots of ideas and plans. I had goals and worked to meet them. I was getting things done.
Other times I showed up with my computer, facelessly and voicelessly adding comments on social media or webinar chats.
Eventually, I realized I didn’t need to hide behind the cover of my webcam. I could attend meetings just as I was. Was I 100% prepared? Not always. Was I dressed for a meeting? I may have been wearing boxer shorts, but I had on a clean shirt and almost always a pair of awesome earrings.
I didn’t always think I’d have anything to contribute. And I said so out loud. Tentatively at first. With more strength later.
And, guess what? No one cared. Well, they cared because they cared about me. They didn’t care about any of the things I was concerned about. They were happy I was there. Happy I showed up.
You can show up too. Even when you’d rather not. Be you authentically.
Sounds simple, right? Yes and no. And then yes again. Let me explain.
It’s kind of like the first time I tried Brussels sprouts (or cauliflower, or mangoes, or kombucha – you get the point).
My husband and I were having dinner with friends, and someone suggested ordering the Brussels sprouts appetizer for the table. Even though I’d never had them before, I agreed. YES!
When the plate was brought to the table, I immediately felt fear. What if I gagged when I tried it? NO!
My friends allowed me to cut off the tiniest of pieces for my inaugural taste. To my total surprise, it was delicious. YES! (Bonus YES! – Now I cook Brussels sprouts at home.)
So here it is in even simpler terms:
- Making the decision to just show up is the first YES!
- This one small decision has the power to change your life.
- Being vulnerable is stressful and can feel like a big NO!
- You’ll get comfortable enough to feel the fear and do it anyway.
- Knowing you’re being authentically you is the biggest YES!
- It’s the only way to truly show up.
I recognize this isn’t the perfect analogy, but it’s the best I can do right now. I’m here. Speaking my truth, even when it may not make the most sense.
I’m curious what you think. How do you just show up?
Lori’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Masters in Health Services Administration led to an excellent career in Process Improvement and Provider Relations Management. After a series of layoffs, she realized the career she loved and had worked so hard to build was no longer a reality.
Lori successfully turned this into a positive and enrolled in the Health and Wellness Coaching program at the Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH). Shortly after graduating from MUIH in 2015, Lori joined the International Coaching Federation (ICF), serving on the Membership and Communications Committees. She also joined the MUIH faculty in the Health and Wellness Coaching program, first as a teaching assistant and then as a mentor coach. In 2017, she joined the first group of coaches to become nationally board certified by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). In 2019, she earned the rank of adjunct faculty at MUIH as an instructor for the Foundations of Healthy Lifestyles course.
In 2020, when the world turned its attention to the Coronavirus and living in quarantine, Lori knew she had to help others as they navigated the new landscape. When her friend, Laura Di Franco, asked “Who wants to do a book collaboration with me?”, Lori immediately responded, “Hell, yeah!” And now she’s a co-author of The Ultimate Guide to Self-Healing Techniques: 25 Home Practices & Tools for Peak Holistic Health & Wellness (Book 1). More specifically, she’s Chapter 4.
Using her expertise in wholeness coaching and skills as a Reiki practitioner, Lori is honored to serve brave men and women who are ready to show up in their lives and thrive.
A reformed soda drinker who always had a pink TaB can in her hand, Lori now sticks to cold brew coffee and Earl Grey tea. You can connect with her at www.justshowupcoaching.com.
