Childhood memories can indicate who we are and what we are to become

When I was nine years old, an elderly relative committed suicide on Christmas day. Even though I didn’t know her very well, I wondered what words could have made her believe that life was worth living. I also thought about the pain that her immediate family must have felt because they didn’t say what she needed to hear before it was too late. Forty years later, I still think about it.

When childhood memories stick, I believe they are telling us something important about who we are and what we are to become. For me, this memory reinforces my belief that even the smallest gesture can make a world of difference in the life of another.

Fast forward to my adult life where I spent a dozen years working in corporate human resources (HR) for a global company. It was par for the course that HR staff took every personality and work type test on the market. What came up repeatedly for me is that I’m a protector, undeniably loyal and when I make a commitment I keep it. These traits fit in perfectly with my coaching focus because they underscore my desire to put client needs first and do everything I can to help them achieve what they desire in life.

I didn’t get to where I am overnight though — my path has been a slow, arduous journey. In fact, one might consider it an evolution. It’s been a journey of self-discovery, exploration and finally the acceptance of who I am and who I’m meant to be. I’m especially grateful to the people who have influenced my journey along the way:

• Mary Phyllis Horn, the shaman who taught me to look inward for spiritual wisdom and who is writing the forward for my forthcoming book, Stories from Spirit, a work of spiritual nonfiction. 

• Christy Whitman, founder of the Quantum Success Coaching Academy, taught and mentored me through a year-long coaching certification.

• My loving family (especially my husband, Tom Bishop) who have been ever loving and supportive throughout my continuing journey of self-discovery.

We all have different journeys and people who influence our life course along the way. I believe my life journey requires sharing words of encouragement in a straight-forward, “take responsibility for your own life” way. I believe my life journey requires me to touch a person’s life here and there… so that I make a worthwhile difference when needed. My commitment to authentically living my life journey brings light to the childhood shadow of memory.

If you still wonder about your life purpose, I encourage you to look at your childhood memories that stick. They might be telling you something very important about who you are and who you are meant to be.

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Note: A life coach is not the right person to help someone thinking about ending their life. Anyone thinking of hurting oneself or someone else should see a licensed clinician.