When I sat down to write this story, I went blank.

My own coach’s suggestion to connect with my truest self, and tell my story of discovery, made sense. Yet there I was, strangely paralyzed once the reality of putting it out there hit me.

“What IS this?” I thought. “Why the resistance?”

I realized what was holding me back was what holds us all back at some level – FEAR! That crazy tape player in my brain, my gremlin, asking, “But what if it’s not perfect? What if people don’t like me? What if, what if, what if?!”

Once I recognized my old pattern of self-sabotage sneaking in, I was able to set aside the fear and be motivated by the ability to help others I knew would relate to my struggles. And so I share my own journey, in the hopes that it will touch you in a way that helps you in yours.

In 1989, my husband and I founded a financial advisory practice, Clelan and Company. For the ensuing 33 years, I served as financial advisor and practice manager of our firm which grew into a multi-million dollar enterprise.

I was the quintessential type-A personality, a super-achiever who pretty much accomplished everything I ever committed to. I’d set a goal, do whatever was necessary, achieve, and move on to the next goal. It worked! I was the youngest female in my state to achieve a lofty award at age 24; the first female to chair various professional boards of directors; a successful fundraiser for several local charities; and the recipient of numerous local, state and national awards. All this while raising a daughter and helping to raise two step-children.

To the outside world, it looked as though I was invincible, and I actually began to believe I was. But something inside me was shutting down. My health began deteriorating as early as my late 20’s, and by age 34 I was in a state of debility that made it impossible to lead a normal life.

The overwhelming pain, fatigue, and deep depression were finally diagnosed as Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). I fought to overcome these issues for nearly two decades. My condition worsened to the point of complete collapse, when I could no longer process food or even water. The symptoms impacting my emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual states were endless.

Throughout this misery I prayed unceasingly for an answer. One night, out of the blue, “business coaching” popped into my head. I was quite skeptical. For eleven years I had participated in a highly regarded entrepreneurial coaching program, which had not altered my condition in the least. Still, the idea compelled me to seek further. What I discovered was nothing short of a miracle. My quest led me to a life-altering experience. Its name? Core Energy Coaching™.

The genetic condition that fueled my physical deterioration remains unchanged. What has changed is how I view my circumstances, my experiences, and my life. I´ve been able to shift from a severely catabolic state that was draining my life away, to a state of passion, purpose, joy, and fulfillment. The stress under which I operated for years is replaced by a sense of deep inner peace. With it have come major improvements in my health, my relationships, my creativity, and my energy level. I now truly experience a successful life, one aligned with my core personal values.

Strange as it may seem, I’m grateful for each moment of my journey. Had it not been for the complete collapse, I doubt I would have been motivated to seek answers that brought me to this place. And I surely would not have found my calling to support other super-achievers find their true north and experience the stress-free, fulfilling, robust lives they deeply crave and most certainly deserve.