A turning point..

As some may know 2012-2014 were rough for me....in multiple ways. I got myself into a terrible job situation that took a toll on me mentally, physically, and emotionally. One thing lead to another and it began to affect all areas of my life and I became depressed. There were also some other personal struggles along the way and I just didn't understand why? I pushed the people away that cared the most, yet they still continued to love me, that of which I am forever grateful. I didn't know which way my life was going or which direction I should go and pursue. I felt such pressure to know what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, and slightly felt like a failure because I didn't "have it all figured out quite yet."

I looked for jobs for two long years and had over 11 interviews along the way, but none of them "felt" right. I contemplated going back to school. I began to sell myself too short. I had always been extremely career driven but began to feel that maybe this career stuff just wasn't cut out for me. My husband and I discussed several times the idea of me quitting my job and then focusing on finding something I was more passionate about. But every time we had this discussion, we came to the conclusion, we didn't want the financial stress and it didn't feel right in our hearts. Job searching is exhausting, absolutely exhausting and overwhelming to add to it. Working full time in an extremely stressful work environment, then coming home dang near every night and spending time searching for jobs was tiring, especially since I had no idea what I was looking for other than a way out.

During this time I did however turn to God, in a way that I never have before. Pat and I both did. I have always been a Christian, a Church goer, and a God follower, but I'll be honest, a lot of times he got placed at the end of the line. I hit a breaking point though and I knew there was absolutely no one else who could get me through than him. I knew what I had a passion for- the health and wellness industry. This is where I wanted to be. Hands down, no questions asked. But I didn't think it was possible. I didn't have a degree, or any credentials for that matter, so how on earth would I get my foot in the door? Almost anyone that knows me, knows my love and passion for this industry. I began to work with a few people on the side, health coaching, and I knew then, this is what I want to do with my life. I wanted to help people learn how to take better care of themselves, eat the right foods to nourish their bodies, and live an active lifestyle. Pat and I prayed together every night, my family prayed, we prayed and prayed and prayed. I was patient (patience is definitely not my forte), but I was and knew that it would all be in God's timing. I'll be honest though, there were definitely times of tears, lots of tears due to doubt, anger, hopelessness, sorrow, envy, you name it I felt it. But I also prayed that God would take away my stresses and worries, that of which he did.
Phillippians 4:6- Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.   

The time finally came and I knew in my heart I needed to quit my job. Pat and I talked and decided together it was time. I still didn't have anything lined up but I was at peace. It was so strange, I just knew it was right. I would take a bit of time off and figure out what to do with my life. My last day at my job would be December 26th. I had such a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders. I was more than grateful to be able to enjoy the Christmas season with my family. It truly was so strange, I wasn't the least bit concerned about finding a job or even slightly stressed.

I'll never forget this day, it was Christmas Eve morning, I was getting in a quick workout that morning before the days festivities began. I got a call from a phone number from South Dakota, how strange I remember thinking. So I let it go to voicemail and finished my workout. After finishing I listened to the voicemail and my mouth seriously dropped. It was from a company that I had applied with back in September! I honestly had forgotten about the job. It was for a Manager position with a weight loss management company coming to Wichita. I had applied, but never thought too much of it, because I honestly thought I had NO chance of even getting looked at. I returned the phone call and got an interview set up for December 29th. I remember hanging up the phone and being in total disbelief and shock. Seriously?! How on earth did this happen? I remember hanging up the phone and looking down, and there sitting was my daily devotional that I had just gotten, it read on top "God is Faithful" and I instantly had a huge smile come across my face.

I had the job within two weeks, and much to my surprise I would not only be the Manager of the new location, but also health coaching part time, and responsible for business development for the Wichita location. I flew to Sioux Falls with my new team and became certified to coach. Two weeks later we opened in Wichita. I still feel the need to pinch myself to see if this is really happening. This job is truly a dream come true for me, I couldn't have wished or hoped for anything better and the opportunities are endless with this company.

Looking back at the last two years, I see the many blessings now that are so apparent but were hard to see at the time. Pat and I have a stronger relationship and have learned to lean on each other more than ever before. We also have a much closer relationship with God which is the most important part. Not only as individuals but in our marriage as well. It truly brings tears to my eyes to see how God has worked in our lives and our marriage the last two years. I truly believe God brings us through difficult and challenging times so that we learn to give it all to him and put it all in his control. I am a person who likes to have control, so this experience has been extremely eye opening and humbling to let it all go and give it to him. I know that we will have many more trying times in our lives, but I know whole-heartedly we will get through absolutely anything life throws our way. He does answers prayers and truly does want the absolute best for us, something I will never forget.

I am looking forward to this new chapter of life and am forever grateful for this opportunity. I will take this path and follow my heart until I am guided in a different direction.