I am and will always be the wife of Tim and the mother of Savannah and Isabella. Quite frankly, I have enjoyed a "comfortable" and "safe" life. All of my family and friends were healthy and comfortable, as well. I have been fortunate to receive value and validation in my job... all in all...A Good Life!!!
Working as a certified school psychologist for 25+ years, I have had the pleasure to work with individuals with disabilities and their families. Personally, I believe individuals with disabilities actually made me ... better. These individuals with disabilities and their families are some of the most diligent people in their quest to thrive by persevering...no matter the cost! Inspiring, indeed!
Always possessing a desire to help others, I realized I was in my "sweet spot" when partnering with people to help them reach their goals or to aspire to their "mountaintop experience". Through involvement with friends, family, colleagues, community, and students, I was able to "meet this need" and visit my "sweet spot", on occasion. Well, I found myself wanting to visit the "sweet spot" all the time, not just when it was convenient or required. I was not willing to leave the comfortable safe place that a full-time job, predictable "to-do" list, and monotony of the "same old, same old" provided. So, I just thought that "sweet spot" was just a dream.
In what seemed to be an instant...my life changed. I'm Alive 2 Thrive evolved as a response to personal and spiritual situations experienced in a short period of time, just a little over 3 months. These experiences allowed me the opportunity to learn what is truly, I mean, TRULY, important in this life we all live on Earth.
Yes, I've learned that I can GROW in response to those life-changing situations. Furthermore, I have learned how to THRIVE after the earth-shattering storm...literally by taking one step at a time! Sometimes, it's just one breath at a time!
Ten days following our house flooding with the devastating flood of 2016 that hit southeast Louisiana with a vengeance, I received the call that our firstborn, Savannah, was "sorta unresponsive". My daughter, Savannah, a senior at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, was living in her "sweet spot" at college...an apartment, a Hall Director, speech-language pathology major...living the life! Tim, Isabella, and I quickly moved from "flood relief mode" into "survival mode". After packing a bag, we made the four-hour drive to the hospital Savannah was transported to from her apartment. Our healthy 21-year old daughter was now in severe septic shock!!! Her heart stopped twice that day and in response to the grace of God and heroic efforts of the medical staff, Savannah began her journey, or race.
This race included unbelievable hurdles! Savannah faced the hurdles of "just living" through the night, multiple organ failure, amputations of her arms and legs, skin debridement, and skin grafts with grace and peace! God was with Savannah every step of the way and taught Stephanie so much about how to thrive in this world. The race involved shocking news and developments, unwavering endurance, abundant blessings, and an overwhelming sense of God's grace.
I now know that Tim, Isabella, and I were given the "gift" of 10 1/2 weeks with Savannah while she was in the ICU. This precious "gift" of time allowed us to learn the value of life on this earth...and that life is to be lived abundantly. On November 4, 2016, Savannah "won the race" on this earth and is now thriving in Eternity.
I believe we are placed on earth to THRIVE, not just survive, after watching Savannah exude peace and gratitude to those who cared for her while she was in the storm. As part of my healing process, I have had to rely on my faith, training in psychology and coaching, social network, and the implementation of mindful practices in order to keep moving forward. I now have a passion and desire for all to live in their "sweet spot"... not just visit it from time to time like I was.
I enjoy speaking to groups and individuals in order to help inspire people who may feel "stuck" in their current situations, circumstances, and/or mindset to move forward. I become energized when helping individuals discover balance, develop resiliency, and encourage people to take that first step. My desire is for others to find and remain in their "sweet spot" and THRIVE! I regularly blog about the "process" I am through on this journey of healing and share a monthly newsletter with practical tips on how to move forward. I am currently working on a book and hope to share the insights Savannah and God have shown me since August 2016. I welcome any opportunity to partner with individuals who may need coaching to move forward on their path.
Use the contact form to inquire about speaking engagements, blogs, and coaching.
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