The Mommyhood Chronicles

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A bad period in my life

The summer of 2003 was a very bad time in my life. I just finished dental school and should have been on cloud-nine but I was not.  I left dental school, overweight and unhappy. I was in a bad relationship which  just ended after four years. On basically a spur-of-the-moment decision, I picked myself up and routed myself to Boston. I wanted to start a clean life for myself where I could lose the weight, rid myself of the aftermath of a bad relationship, and start fresh.  So, on June 23, 2003 – I moved to Boston. I knew no one.

I actually found my roommates on Craiglists and began to get settled in. Lucky for me, one of roommates formed a special bond with me and to this day, she continues to be one of my best friends. Despite the friendships  I was forming, I was not fully able to achieve happiness.  I decided to go the route of therapy. 

On July 6, 2003 – I started going to therapy to try to figure out what was wrong with me. Although I was never medicated, as I was told I didn’t need to be, I really didn’t find therapy helpful for me. I was not depressed, nor did I have anxiety. The problem I had was not being able to achieve a true state of happiness/well-being.  I felt as if I was in a stage of being “stuck” in my life. I wanted to learn ways to get my past relationship off my mind and I wanted to be able to shed the weight. 

I did end up overcoming my obstacles but it took a long time. I ended up losing weight (I actually lost 40 pounds and have kept it off for 9 years now) and slowly made myself forget about this past relationship. I ended up marrying the greatest husband/father anyone can ask for. I did end up getting out of my rut. However, it took so long and really wish I  could have had additional support along the way.

I recently spoke to my friend in Massachusetts  who told me about the life coach in Boston. I was so intrigued about what exactly a life coach is and how it could have helped me. Upon talking to her, I realized this is exactly what I needed at the time!  A life coach helps you achieve balance, happiness, and fulfillment in ones’ life. The main difference between a life coach and therapy, is a life coach is intended to help normal/healthy individuals achieve greater success and well being in their lives. This is different than  therapists who are hired to help people with psychological or emotional disorders. I realize now that a life coach would have helped me with all my endeavors back in 2003.

Having a life coach is really no different than having a coach in a sport. They are there to help you achieve greatness in your personal or professional life. They are there to help one make their mark in this world- if you are an aspiring writer, a life coach can help you achieve this. Life coaches can also help you in your fitness goals, business, and career goals.  Personally, it would have been truly  wonderful if I  have had a life coach for achieving my weight loss goals, as well as to help me, with getting past my dreaded failed relationship.  They are there to help you achieve happiness and get you out of that solemn point in your life when you feel at a standstill. Basically, life coaches will help in your overall well being and guide in the right direction of achieving more in your personal/professional life.








*This is a partnered post. All my opinions are my own and not swayed by outside sources



Comments

  1. Shopping Tips and Tricks says

    So true! Sometimes, you just need someone who is on the outside to help you get your focus. I had to do that too a one point in my life.

  5. Sarah [NurseLovesFarmer.com] says

    I'm glad that you got your life turned around all for the better, this is great info to share with your readers.

  7. Pam2424 says

    Thanks for sharing. This information is very helpful, as I have a husband who is "in a rut" at the moment, and it is negatively impacting our marriage. I will definitely look into a life coach.

  8. Jessica Cortez says

    What an amazing post. I am so, so happy for you, and everything you've overcome. The thought of a life coach seems wonderful and has actually crossed my mind. Who wouldn't benefit from having someone routing for you? 🙂 Have a great day!!

  11. Courtney says

    I definitely think it's great to have someone there. Life coaches are great, even for pregnancy although those are doulas. Same difference in retrospect 🙂

  13. Sharon Martin Beck Valley Books says

    I had never thought of a life coach before, therapy is great at helping you overcome problems you have and I suppose it makes sense to continue with improving yourself, thanks for posting.

  15. Kevin L says

    Great post, reminds me of a similiar situation I was in for about 5 yrs with a past relationship. Was depressed and overweight as well. Got out moved on and lost weight. It was a tough period in my life too but boy am I glad I mad the jump for a change.

    Today life is sweet again and I'm in a wonderfully blissful relationship. After 3 yrs together it couldn't be any better 🙂

    Congrats to you for having the will to change and working on a change.

    🙂 thanks for sharing.

  16. Kristyn says

    thank you so much for this great post and i am definitely interested in learning more about a life coach. I feel like i have been stuck in a rut for years now when i should be the happiest girl with how blessed I am.

  17. Adventures with Little man says

    Thanks for sharing and I am so glad that you found your way out of the rut. I know what you mean to be in one. I should be the happiest woman alive but I just feel like I'm stuck in a moment of not being able to acheive anything. I think (although crapp situation) up and moving to Boston was an awesome and bold more for yourself. What an adventure you took.

  20. daytodaymoments says

    Thanks for sharing, and so glad you got out of that rut. It happens to all of us, and good to know about your views on life coaches. 🙂

    I have an old friend that is one.

  21. DrPepperDiva says

    I'm so glad you posted this. I feel as if I'm in the same shoes as you were in 2003. I will definitely look into finding a life coach. Thanks!

  23. Kecia says

    This is a great post Melissa. 2003 wasn't a great year for me either, thanks to a 5-month emotionally abusive relationship. I am glad to hear that your life has gotten better! I have heard many good things about having a life coach.

  24. Candice says

    It's always so hard when you're in a dark place, but I'm so happy you were able to get through it. I've always loved the idea of a life coach…such a great "tool". Hope you are having a great weekend 🙂

  26. Katie says

    good for you, keep up the good work. life can get hard at time and sometimes all we need is someone their to help us out!

  27. Heather McDougle says

    Wow. I am so glad you got out of your rut. A life coach seems like a great and positive thing. I wish I had one.

  29. Shara Strand says

    I love the idea of a life coach. I had a relationship with one last year that I found really helpful! Let me know how you like the life coach!!

  32. Gumdrop Pass says

    Thanks for sharing such a personal story, Melissa. I'm sure people have benefited from reading this. As someone who has worked in the helping field (with high hopes to get back someday!), I couldn't agree more with what you've written. Sometimes people just need others to help them figure things out — it's not a weakness at all, rather a huge STRENGTH.

  33. MOMMY TALK WITH STEPH says

    Interesting, Melissa. I agree with everyone else. Great information and also thank you for sharing such a personal story. We all have our highs and lows in life and having a life coach to help you along the way wouldn't be so bad. Anyway. Thanks for sharing! Hope all is well! Have a great day!

  34. Crunchy Beach Mama says

    I have heard of life coaches before. I think they sound amazing as they help in ALL areas of life and probably just like having a 'friend' to talk things out with.

  35. Nikki says

    I could really use a life coach! I love my therapist, don't get me wrong, but sometimes I want someone who can take a more active role in getting me out of my funks.

  36. Maria says

    melissa, this was an amazing story of hope and strength! thank you so much for sharing with us all. i'm so very happy to see the obstacles you faced brought you to such a wonderful and beautiful life!!
    you're an inspiration <3
    thinking of you and hoping that this week is good to you!!
    XOXOX tons of love!
    maria

  39. Stefani @ MommyEnterprises.com says

    I have never had a life coach, but wished sometimes I had someone to ask for advice to lead me on the right paths.

  40. Henrietta says

    So happy that you found your way out of that rut! I've always wondered about life coaches myself, it seems like one would be very helpful since they are non-biased and could help you look at your situations with a fresh set of eyes!

  42. Jenn at Sweet T Makes Three says

    So glad therapy was able to help you! I've never tried it but would like to.

  43. Sean Marie says

    You're such a strong person! Thanks for sharing this. If I ever feel in a rut I will definitely consider a life coach now.

  44. Shawna says

    What a great post! I really enjoyed reading it. Thanks so much for sharing your story with us all.

  45. Heather from Our Girls Keep Us Moving says

    What a personal story to share. Interesting concept of a life coach. I think lots of people could benefit from it.