Friday, May 23, 2014

I Was Sick And Tired of Being Sick and Tired: How Quitting My Job Led Me to My Passion



                           "I am sick and tired of being sick and tired."- Fannie Lou Hamer
In 2013, I was sick of tired of being sick and tired and I decided to transform my life by becoming a certified life, motivational and business coach. 


Drea's Journey to Coaching:

I've spent the last eight years providing therapy, case management and clinical direction to those who are in imminent crisis within their life. I have worked with dialysis clients to homicidal and suicidal youth and adolescents. I have witnessed the highest of highs and the lowest of lows as a master level social worker. I have watched and groomed myself to go from a case manager to Director of Social Services at a "premier" nonprofit. God have an amazing way to let you know that you are not maximizing your full potential.

Let's take it back to Summer 2013, I was thriving and loving my career as a Director of Social Services. I love my supervisor, work environment and colleagues. Despite, supervising three case managers with various personalities type, I maintained and thrived in that position. During the transition period, my supervisor called an emergency meeting to let the staff know that he and his family are being relocated to a new territory and to prepare for his departure. At first, I went through the denial period because I had a lot going on such as planning for my vow renewal ceremony, adjusting to the position and meeting a grant application deadline. My vow renewal ceremony came and went, the grant application was turned in and we received funding and I went away for a week to St. Thomas, USVI with my husband to celebrate our two year anniversary.

I truly believe that God was preparing me for my departure. When I returned from vacation, I was still in denial until I met my new supervisor. As soon as I met my new supervisor, I had a dark and heavy spirit come over me in which it was quite puzzling. I didn't ignore the feeling, I affirmed my feeling and started making preparations to fulfill my dream. My supervisor and I tried to build a working relationship in which it never flourished due to underlying issues, pre-judgement and miscommunication on both ends. We all play a part on the breakdown of the working relationship. I had to put on my big girl panties to take accountability for my role.

The Moment I Became Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired, Literally!

Fast forward to November/December 2013, I was on a teleclass hosted by Rosetta from Happy Black Woman. She had Valorie Burton, a certified coach and author on books such as positive psychology and coaching. Valorie was promoting her new book, "Happy Women Live Better" and briefly discuss her certified coaching programs. I knew I participated in that teleclass for a reason and that reason was to maximize my potential and fulfill my purpose. I remember buying "Happy Women Live Better" and it transformed my life because I was stuck, unhappy and stressed.

In December, I became extremely ill and suffered with work related illnesses such as migraines. I had migraines for days and weeks until I became hospitalized. The pivotal moment happened when my physician informed me that I need to take a medical leave and order me to bed rest. At that moment, I vowed to fulfill my purpose and never allow myself to endure injustice behavior and exist in chaos. My supervisor was furious at me because "I didn't appear sick" and I just wanted time off. Once I was cleared to return back to work, I informed my supervisor that it was my last day, turned in my keys and badge, collected my belongings and gracefully left. It was such as courageous and brave thing to do but I choose me over my "lucrative" salary and position. As soon as I left my job, I enrolled into Valorie Burton's CaPP (Coaching and Positive Psychology) Coaching Training Intensive program. I didn't know how I was going to afford and get to Virginia but God provided a way and I am thankful to him.

I am proud to say that I am a 2014 graduate of the CaPP: Coaching Training Intensive program and I am a certified personal coach. I am thankful that I went through my previous experience because I didn't know my own power and strength that I possessed. I am proud of myself because I advocated for myself and realize my worth is non-negotiable.

I tell my story because there are so many people especially women who are going through a horrific experience professional or personally. I am here to encourage and empower you to let you know that tough times don't last long and you have the power within to change the situation. It may feel and look uncomfortable and sometimes confusion but you are a powerful and amazing being. Keep pushing and remember you are stronger than what you think.

I love you all and you will get through it.

XOXO,

Drea

I want to hear from you! What are you sick and tired of? Are you ready to transform your life? Comment, share, or simply say hi.

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