It's been a year now since I started Radical Reimagining Life Coaching and saw my very first clients. What a ride! Here's a very nice testimonial written by a former client with whom I still keep in touch.
I had gone into my first session of Radical Reimaging with Ames (LinkedIn) feeling lost & unsure of where to go/ stuck in a loop of fizzling out passion & excitement. It’s easy for me to get swept up in others' opinions or visions of me, and doubt my ability to do the things I actually want to do. Ames helped me acknowledge my strengths, and find the gifts within my weaknesses.
ID: a photo of a row of matches - the one in the center is burnt ash. In the background is the word "burnout" in white text on a pink background.
As someone recently diagnosed with a fun concoction of ADHD/ depression/ anxiety, I was exhausted and frustrated with myself. I had goals and expectations for myself that I kept failing to meet, and I didn’t understand how to honor my capacity. I often find myself stuck in a cycle of feeling good & wanting to do all the things, then being burnt out and useless.
We talked about finding restful hobbies. Ames encouraged me to make time to embrace my creative side; They advised me to even get out in nature or go thrifting if I was feeling stuck- two things I love! But I put these things off, to make room for tasks of service that I considered to be “more valuable”. Ames helped me realize the value in pouring into myself, and how my creative side plays into my strengths when I take the time to nurture it.
We also explored and talked about an older version of myself, and how it was much easier for me to see a younger version of me. We talked about what I felt was blocking me from visioning a future self, and in digging into that shadow work, I feel more trusting in myself and my decision making as I’m moving towards a future version of me.
Being that I was already seeing a therapist and psychiatrist, I didn’t think I had the space for life coaching at first. However, I’m truly so grateful that I took the leap! I have had 3 different therapists over the last 3 years, and I feel like I’ve made more progress by connecting with Ames than with all of those previous experiences combined. I actually recently switched insurance and am going to lose my therapist, but feel confident that I will be okay in the interim while now studying dreams with Ames as I look for a new therapist.
I went from spending all my “free time” paralyzed and overwhelmed on the couch, to allowing myself to rest and explore other activities that make me feel rested as well. For instance, I’ve listened to a full audiobook and half (something I found overwhelming to do - There are so many books out there) to take a break from screen time.
Another critical piece for me was Ames radical visioning lens. It’s hard to find someone who is doing antiracism work within themselves in a committed way. Doing this kind of work comes with its own paths and cross ways that I often feel like others don’t understand. For example, instead of masking my sadness and anger, and what it would be like to make time to explore those feelings so they don’t leak out in ways that could cause harm to others.
For this client, boundaries helped them engage in community work in a more intentional and helpful way - it showed up in their work and what they were able to accomplish.
Does this feel familiar? Let's talk. You can schedule a free discovery session at the link.