So, not that long ago, Shelby was dating a guy and just kind of knew in her gut it wasn't the right place right time. BUT! He was the first person she'd met in a really long time that she felt completely connected to. There was, literal, electricity between them in the beginning. But, over time she just got a sensation in her body that was telling her that she needed or wanted more from the relationship than he was capable of giving at the time. 

And...of course! She didn't listen to her body! Instead, she listened to her head! She rationalized the significant connection between them. Even though there were equally as many warning signs (if that's what you want to call them). Shelby was doing my usual "hustle" in the end, trying to get his attention and doing much of the work to keep the connection and flame going. She knew he had many personal hurdles to overcome before he was emotionally available for a relationship....but, she just wanted it so badly she chose to ignore her gut, and continued to rationalize in her head something that wasn't right. Of course, in the end, it sadly fell apart when HE acknowledged that it wasn't the right time or place for him.

Then...there was Trinity with her longstanding relationship with a married man. All kinds of signals were there that she chose to ignore...but, we as women have been taught that what our bodies are telling us are untrustworthy!! So, we've become numb to the signals and ignore them.

Thank goodness for our guest today, Courtney Edwards, who is a wellness professional, trained counselor, certified coach, and podcaster. She brings to our show 25+ years experience in helping others find “mindful wellbeing in every day life”. 

In her practice, Alchemy Coaching, Courtney blends feminist theory and cognitive behavioral practice with the Buddhist concept of mindfulness to help women identify the social conditioning that is holding them back and to challenge harmful narratives and use self-compassion as they take steps to live with more genuine authenticity and embrace the truth of who they are.

And ladies, Courtney gets YOU! She is a 48 y/o perimenopausal wife and mother who initiated a divorce at age 38, found a healthy and wonderful romance at age 40, and left full time employment within a state agency to establish my own business at age 43. George Eliot says "It is never too late to be who you might have been" and she is choosing to live her life to the fullest and want to support other women in doing the same!

If you're feeling stuck...this episode is for you! Courtney reminds us to TRUST ourselves, and follow our hearts and that "knowing" inside of us that we are meant for more!  

In this episode, Courtney teaches us:

1. "It's never too late to be who you might have been" George Eliot
2. We need to stop just hoping to "be chosen" (i.e. for the team, on the dating apps, for the job) and, instead, get in touch with our bodies and learn to lean into our own intuition about what WE want...in the job, the relationship etc.
3. Somewhere along the way we are taught not to trust our bodies. We need to learn to TRUST our bodies again.
4. You can learn to know how anxiety shows up in your body vs. intuition and to be able to distinguish between these and respond appropriately.
5. Take a piece of paper and draw onto it 5 columns and label each column with one of the senses. The write down all the things that you experience through that sense that brings you joy or calm. This is help you to get in touch with what feels good in your body.

You can find Courtney at:

Website | shineandsoar.com

Instagram | @alchemybhc

Now is the time, girl! If you need a tribe to support you...we're on this journey alongside of you. Follow this show so you don't miss an episode and join our FB group. We've got your back.