Have we met? Hi! I’m Betsy!
I live on the beautiful Eastern Shore of Virginia with my husband, teenage son, and my constant companion, our rescue dog, Oreo. I love living in our little slice of heaven. It is surrounded by water, lots of opportunities to be outdoors, on the water, and has beautiful beaches, and quaint towns. It reminds me of where I grew up in New England. My roots run deep. I lived in New England for 40 years so we visit Cape Cod every summer. I have been going to the Cape in the Summer for as long as I can remember. While we’re there we go into Boston to catch a Red Sox game. It’s always great to be back in Boston. I worked there for half of my career and it’s also where I met my husband. One way or the other, the East Coast is my home and I love my life, but it hasn’t always been that way.
I learned the importance of prioritizing myself and my health the hard way a few years ago when I was feeling depressed, exhausted, and discouraged. I was going through one of the most difficult times in my life – two of my best friends were failing at the same time: my mom, who was diagnosed with dementia, and a close friend, who was dying from pancreatic cancer. I wasn’t taking care of myself, and I was using food and alcohol as a crutch to comfort and numb my feelings of loss and grief. After my friend and mother died within 2 years of each other, it was clear to me that life was precious and I couldn’t go on like this.
It was January 1st, 2022. I had gone out the night before on New Year’s Eve and drank WAY too much. I was no longer going to use alcohol as a crutch. I was ready for real and lasting change. I decided to stop drinking every night. I read every book and followed every positive, motivational influencer I could find. I became interested in habits because I had given up a big one and I wanted to navigate my way forward. When I began a gratitude practice, I could feel my depression lift. I became excited and curious about my life. I spoke to a childhood friend about her coaching career and then I signed up for not one, but two courses that were running at the same time. I took an amazing personal development course and an empowering coaching certification for women and the synergy helped me change my life.
I began doing the work, improving my habits, getting into shape, and I began a morning routine. I finally learned the importance of prioritizing my self and my happiness. Although I had been coaching friends and family for decades, I received the training I needed to help other women improve their mindset. It was the first time I had pursued a career that I would enjoy and that would be a passion project. I was clear about my purpose to become a coach.
I know many people do not put themselves first. But I can tell you from experience that it is your responsibility to take good care of yourself or it will lead to burnout. When you shift your thinking to prioritize yourself you will finally do what you love to do. Don’t be like me and wait 20 years before you pursue your passion. You can prioritize yourself while you take care of others without feeling guilty. And if you have waited your whole life, it’s never too late! This is your time to shine!
Believe it or not, I was 58 when I went back to school for the coaching program and I was two weeks shy of 60 when I started my business! It’s never too late to begin again. It’s totally worth it and your happiness is the best reward. It’s OK to put yourself first. I did and I do what I love to do every day.