November marks an important milestone. My Facebook account was hacked in September, so I knew I wouldn't be seeing it in my 'Memories.' And because I am a 'record keeper,' I searched my filing cabinet and actually found it. My final pay stub from Universal Music Canada - showing that my last day of work was November 10, 2006.
How has it been 15 years?! In truth, as I sit here, I'm astounded that so many years have flown by. So much transformation has happened since I took that courageous leap of faith, and left a successful, 16-year career in Marketing to pursue my purpose.
I had just completed a 10-month Leadership program with the Coaches Training Institute, which served as a powerful catalyst. After consistently being asked the question, “What were you born at this time in history to do?” I declared (while at first trying to hide my tears and 'ugly' cry), that I was born at this time in history to show people how to take off their masks and be real.
And there I was, at a crossroads. The mat leave contract was up and they were creating a brand new position for me. I was in limbo (and let me tell you, in my experience, there's NO place more painful). Staying would mean financial stability which was very important since I owned a Harbourfront condo in Toronto; it would also mean that my soul would continue to feel like it was dying. In the end, my soul won.
After 16 years of working hard to prove myself, and putting in extra time on weekends, etc., I desperately needed some time for R&R. I then stumbled upon a government program that would teach me how to do a business plan and pay me at the same time. It was the PERFECT next step and in 2008, I started DARE TO BE REAL Coaching & Consulting. Incidentally, one of the key nuggets I've learned in these last 15 years - for those of you who may be in limbo yourself - is that once you commit to YOU and take that leap of faith, you will ALWAYS be met with support from life or the universe.
It's been an incredible journey...and I would not be where I am today without the support of many, most notably my success coach, Lise Janelle, who I’ve worked with for 12 years and Franco DeNicola, who I worked with for 10 years (and who recently chose to depart from the physical plane on October 20th). And of course, all the horses that I’ve met from around the world as well.
March 2012, St. Vincent & the Grenadines: A moment of complete surrender and trust between Jack and I.
Even though I'd been away from these majestic beings for 24 years, they came galloping back into my life in 2009 when I discovered they had powerful gifts to share with humans. Instantly, I KNEW how powerful it would be to incorporate horses into my work as a coach/guide; the problem was that I was still terrified of them because of a traumatic experience I had with my horse Lady as a teen.
I made it my mission to overcome my fear of horses and on July 1, 2015, about a year after returning from a 3+-year travelling sabbatical, I took another HUGE leap of faith when I moved from a 1-bedroom apartment to a 30-acre horse property in Caledon and had 7 horses join me in less than a week. I know, right? Go big or go home!, I often say.
It was intense and it was literally sink or swim! It was a TOTAL lifestyle change, with a steep learning curve that was overwhelming and stressful. Having said that, over and over, I experienced how support shows up in the most surprising of ways. I was also discovering what I was capable of...especially knowing I had a 4-legged team who was counting on me. I was so busy trying to keep my head above water, and on the 1-year anniversary of the big leap, I wrote my first ever blog post with the highlights of my journey. If you're curious or feel inspired to read it, you can find it here (warning - it’s a long one): https://libertylaneblog.wordpress.com/
Since writing that blog after our first year together, the Freedom Herd and I have faced countless challenges and navigated through many transitions. We moved 3 times in the first 3 years; and in the next 2 years, my mom, Shiloh (my heart horse who started it all), my mom's husband Jim, my cat Jade (just 5 years old) and Nikki (another horse) all transitioned. And just a few weeks ago, as I mentioned earlier, Franco DeNicola, who played an instrumental role in my transformation and liberation, suddenly passed away. Within the same week, fellow horse lover, Judith Onley (another spiritual guide) also chose to make her swift departure.
What's become abundantly clear is that my soul wanted me to experience all of this (on top of all the other challenges I've gone through in my lifetime), so that I could clear my old programs, stories and limiting beliefs and gain a better understanding about both life and death.
After navigating through many intense challenges and working with some of the most evolved and advanced mentors and coaches over the years, I am now able to hold space for and offer wisdom to those facing the fire in their own lives. Whether I'm alongside the horses in the paddock or working with someone on Zoom or by phone, the aim is always the same: to facilitate profound perspective shifts so they can access clarity, peace of mind and courage - regardless of whether they're navigating through grief, guilt, depression, anxiety, trauma or any form of crisis.
When I was working in the corporate world, I NEVER would have imagined that THIS is what I would be doing today. I barely even recognize my life. That said, at the time, I did feel like I would write a book, although I had no idea what I would write about - until I decided to embark on my travelling sabbatical to learn about and from horses around the world. THAT book is still going to be written...
Beautifully illustrated by Irene Oktaba.
In the meantime, for TODAY, 15 years after leaving the corporate world, I'm thrilled to share that I'm a contributing author in 'Animals and Our Emotional Well-Being' - an anthology published by Lisa Browning, featuring 23 heart-warming stories about the profound impact of animals in our lives. My story is called 'Horses Free Your Mind and Soul' and in it, I reveal more about how horses have personally transformed my life and how the lives of some of our clients have been permanently changed as well.
If you'd like to learn more about my rewarding and unpredictable journey with horses (and be inspired by many of the other stories in this anthology), order your copy today while limited quantities last.
Click here to order
your copy for just $20.
If you’re not already on my list, watch for an email to confirm you’re ok to receive emails from me. Then we’ll email you when your book is has been shipped (we’ll do our best to mail your book within two business days)!
Filled with heartwarming stories of love, courage and connection, it’s the perfect Christmas gift or stocking stuffer for the animal lover in your life!
Note: ALL proceeds are going directly towards the care of the Freedom Herd.
If you'd like to be one of the first to know when I launch my new web site, visit www.libertylaneretreats.com.
AND if you're in limbo, have been looking for signs or clarity, or know it's time for something to change, please do not hesitate to book a Complimentary Discovery Call so we can learn more about each other and see what might be the next right step for you. I look forward to connecting with you soon!
