A Crazy Good Year

I am at my computer literally crying. I cannot believe how my life has changed in the past year. Exactly a year ago, God answered a prayer I had prayed for 32 years. He finally whispered into my ear His purpose for my life – the answer to my questions: what am I meant to do in this world?

Now here I am, a year later, doing life coaching for teachers – working to help teachers live the lives they dreamed of when they said “yes!” to this profession. It’s blowing. me. away. 

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Prefer to watch a video? Here you go, sweet teacher friend:

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Just over a year ago I had a big important meeting at work that changed my life. It was one of those days that, when it ends, you know you can never go back to who you were before that day. It was big. And it was bad. I knew something had to change. Don’t get me wrong – my life wasn’t bad – but in that meeting I became fully aware that I wasn’t doing what I was put on this planet to do. 

So I tearfully flew home from that particular work meeting (it had been at my company’s national headquarters) not knowing what I would do. It was my 32nd birthday, and this wasn’t how I wanted to be spending it. I had some crazy ideas, but I wasn’t sure about any of them – I felt lost. As I journaled and wrote tearful page after tearful page of reflections – God gave me my purpose. It was the best birthday gift I’ve ever received.

He wanted to use me as the instrument to encourage the spirits of teachers.

Let me back up a bit…

I began my career as a teacher. I taught in inner-city Phoenix, and I loved my colleagues, my school, and my students. I couldn’t have asked for a better situation. However, I doubted my abilities. I was insecure. I had difficulties saying “no”. I didn’t take care of myself well. I put the students, and everyone else, ahead of my needs.

So when a different opportunity presented itself to do teacher PD and outreach full time, I went ahead and took it. Through that position, I realized that I actually was a great teacher – but the thing that held me back was my own insecurity, fear, need to control, and need to please. And I also learned through that position how much I absolutely LOVE working with teachers. I have worked with literally thousands of teachers now all over the country!  But something was still missing. I knew it wasn’t fulfilling my larger purpose in life. I still needed to find it.

So, I came home from my big work meeting where I had this life-changing realization, and began my new venture – literally that. night.

I knew that I needed to become a beacon of hope for a stressed-out profession.

I needed to be a light to help teachers step into the best version of themselves.

I needed to help teachers to become happy, balanced, peaceful, and THRIVE in their teacher lives!

So, I met with my advisors and mentors the next day, began coaching school a few weeks later, and the rest is history. My love affair with coaching began. I began seeing teacher clients, and seeing huge transformations take place in their lives. (Read my full backstory here)

• I’ve seen chains broken that have shackled my clients since they were kids.
• I’ve seen wounds healed and relationships forgiven.
• I’ve seen tired souls become empowered and set on fire.
• I’ve seen teachers become the teachers they knew they could be, but hadn’t been able to become yet.
• I’ve seen transformative change in every. single. client.

(And I am crying again now.)

I am so proud of the amazing change these teachers have seen in their lives. I am so touched and humbled to have played a small role in their transformation.  What they don’t know is what a HUGE impact they have had on me! My clients inspire me. They have helped me to see how wonderfully different we are all created. They have pushed me – without knowing it – to become a more wholehearted person myself.

I am truly blessed to walk alongside them.

So, on the birthday of this business – and now my 33rd birthday – I am happily celebrating THEM and the wonderful year we’ve had together! I asked them if they would share with you their testimonials of change and growth – and I’m so humbled by what they wrote. (cue more tears)

Check it out:

Coaching has allowed me to be a better teacher, friend, fiance, and most importantly a better me.

After each session I feel giddy with excitement for the progress I’ve made and calm because I know that I’m not stuck in a place where I am unhappy.

Alison is a gem of a coach — thoughtful, inquisitive, creative, collaborative, and deeply understanding.

It’s so humbling and amazing to read those words!!! Read two clients’ full testimonials by clicking on the squares below – and stay tuned for more coming on my new Testimonials page.

  

I can’t wait to see what the next year will bring for this work – my life’s work and purpose!!

Need a transformation in your teacher life? Check out these resources: