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 but my New England roots run deep. 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’ve loved it my whole life. I worked there for half of my career and it’s also where I met my husband.
I learned the importance of self-care the hard way a few years ago when I was feeling depressed, exhausted, and discouraged. I wasn’t taking care of myself, and I was using food and alcohol as a crutch to comfort and numb my feelings. 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. After my friend and mother died within 2 years of each other, it was clear to me that life was precious.
On January 1st, 2022. I made a big mindset shift. I had gone out the night before on New Year’s Eve and drank WAY too much. I decided to commit to change. I was no longer going to use alcohol as a crutch. I was ready for real and lasting change. I read every book and followed every influencer who espoused positivity because I needed to hear it so much. 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 self-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 self-care. Although I had been coaching friends and family for decades, I received the training I needed to help other women improve their health and mindset. I was clear about my purpose and how to help other people.
I know so many people today are taking care of their parents, their spouses, their children, and other family members and it is easy to set your needs aside. But I can tell you from experience that it is your responsibility to take some time just for yourself or it will lead to burnout. When you shift your thinking to prioritize yourself you will finally be able to 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.
Believe it or not, I was 58 when I went back to school for the coaching program and I was 59 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.