Dear Friends,
Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way, shaping us in the process. My journey has been a testament to this truth—a journey marked by trauma, addiction, and the relentless pursuit of healing and transformation. I've walked a path laden with hardships from a young age. Raised in a strict, religious environment where fear and rigidity were the norm, I learned early on to navigate a world fraught with impossible standards and looming consequences. Traumatic events peppered my childhood, leaving me feeling unsafe and insecure, seeking solace in the fleeting comfort of large amounts of sweet and starchy foods. In my teens, rebellion took hold, leading me down a tumultuous path of cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, destructive relationships, and bulimia. A decade slipped away in a blur of chaos and self-destruction until a pivotal moment in my late-20s forced me to confront the reality that my chosen path was unsustainable. Thus began a decades-long journey of self-discovery and healing. From ED treatment to therapy sessions to 12-step programs, I embarked on a quest to mend what felt like broken pieces of my soul. Yet, despite fleeting moments of relief, traditional recovery programs did not work for me. Shame and powerlessness remained constant companions, echoing my tumultuous past. In my early 40s, I stumbled upon the concept of Intuitive Eating, hoping to find peace with food and my body. Then came Energy Psychology and The Law of Attraction. But even these seemingly promising approaches that initially provided some hope and temporary success proved futile, leaving me grappling with the same old demons in a new guise. In my 50s, the relentless quest to "fix" myself continued, now with a binge eating disorder diagnosis and still believing that weight loss held the key to my happiness. From grueling green juice fasts to exhaustive detoxes, I spared no effort in pursuing every conceivable avenue toward mental and physical transformation. I immersed myself in the intricacies of nutrition and devoured every self-help strategy I could find in search of a solution to my struggles with food. Yet, despite my fervent efforts, a nagging sense of discontent lingered beneath the surface and the binge eating continued. Then, like a beacon in the darkness, I discovered a new paradigm—a radical shift in perspective that shattered the chains of my past and illuminated a path to true freedom. Through the lens of this transformative approach, I found liberation from addiction and self-doubt. The Wayne Dyer quote, "change the way you look at things and the things you look at change" never felt more true. Today, in my 60s, I stand before you not as a survivor, but as a true thriver—a testament to the boundless potential that lies within each of us. As a transformational coach, I am committed to guiding others on their journey to wholeness and freedom, offering a compassionate hand to those navigating the turbulent waters of change. If you find yourself weighed down by the burdens of your past or struggling to break free from the chains of an unwanted habit or addiction, know that you are not alone. Together, we can rewrite the narrative of your life, uncovering the limitless potential that lies dormant within you. For in the depths of our darkest moments lies the spark of our greatest triumph—the unwavering light of the human spirit, shining brightly against the backdrop of adversity. With love and solidarity, Joan Strimple Transformational Coach Comments are closed.
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AuthorJoan Strimple, Archives
June 2024
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