Some quick background,
I wrote this post after I listened to
‘s interview with Jonathan Fields yesterday morning. It was a powerful conversation that reminded me why I started this newsletter & why I am pursuing the path I currently am. I love when things find us at the right time.How many word games can you think of?
Off the top of my head, there’s Wordle, Boggle, and Scrabble.
But the letters dancing in my mind are not left there from an epic Scrabble victory.
Those letters are instead weaving a tremendous false narrative in my mind.
You see, the story I’m telling myself is that I have the wrong letters at the end of my name (M.Ed) and that if I had four more, (LMHC), my life would be insurmountably easier. My business would grow faster. I’d be taken more seriously.
Isn’t it amazing how quickly our brains can concoct stories of an “easier” path, or dump a heaping pile of “what-ifs” and “if only’s” into our laps?
If I’m being honest there is part of me that believes that story might have some merit. That’s the tricky part about the stories we tell ourselves-there might be glimmers of truth.
But keep reminding myself it’s only one part of the narrative.
Despite knowing that and standing on my new path arm in arm with my values (contribution, freedom, spirituality, wisdom, and self-awareness—thank you for asking) I feel like a whale tangled in fishing gear.
I recently saw a TikTok that made me chuckle with its accuracy. Essentially the premise was no one has ever become a therapist or a life coach because shit went well in their life.
Guess they have my number!
No, having a pile of life turds doesn’t instantly qualify you to do healing work with others. However, I can say with certainty that I don’t think lacking 4 letters after your name shouldn’t exclude you from that work and making a living doing so.
But that pesky story in my head tells me that if I just had those four letters after my name, I’d unlock a world rich with paying opportunities to help others and share my wisdom.
And so again I challenge that narrative, because how does holding onto it serve me?
Instead, I am reciting this story in the mirror over & over because this is the one I know to be true.
When people work with me they do not get four letters after my name, but they get ME—wholehearted, imperfect, always striving—me. What does that mean?
They’re getting someone who has used self-as instrument. Someone who embarked on a never-ending learning journey that includes thousands of hours of self-learning, and courses all in the name of paying it forward.
They get a human with a fierce devotion to sharing the message and tools that people realize they do have a level of choice in even the darkest of moments of life.
They get someone who knows the intimidation of setting foot into a yoga class where your body doesn’t belong.
They get someone who knows what it feels like to be the cycle breaker in your family that was plagued by the confusing combination of alcoholism and love.
They get someone who has called a suicide hotline number themselves and has lost a sibling by suicide.
They get someone who knows the treasure trove of life-changing knowledge and support tucked behind doors bearing the names of people with those 4 letters…and is committed to sharing it with people before they need therapy—before the crisis.
They get someone who doesn’t think people are ever broken, but that we all just need a good dusting off, and someone who believes in us in our corner.
So while I might go chase down those four letters someday, I know I don’t need them to help people.
Those letters aren’t about filling in missing gaps in my knowledge, those letters would be about conforming, listing myself in some directories, and being able to accept health insurance.
What a silly world we live in that makes it so difficult for people to help people.
And what power the stories we tell ourselves hold.
Here are some ways you can help me:
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Here are some ways I can help you:
Sustain your Summer Spark Workshop 8/16/23 5:00-7:30 EDT
As the new academic year approaches, the transition back to teaching can feel all-consuming, leading you to unintentionally leave your summer spirit and the well-being it brought behind. However, it is possible to maintain your summer zest and find harmony between your personal and professional life.
In this empowering 90-minute workshop, you will explore practical strategies that go beyond just surviving the academic year & have the opportunity to develop your own personal action plan to help you maintain your summer spark!
If you're someone who can relate to one of the following statements, working 1-1 with a coach might just be the support you're missing:
You're craving techniques to declutter your mind and lower your anxiety.
You're looking to gain the confidence, resilience, and clarity necessary to navigate life's challenges and create a meaningful and fulfilling path forward.
You're seeking accountability and support as you cultivate habitats that nourish your mind, body, and spirit.
Single, weekly, biweekly, or monthly sessions are available. Reach out to me by email (maggie@maggieglennon.com) to set up a time so I can learn a little bit more about what you're looking for.