A note about pronouns: Crystals uses both singular and plural pronouns when referring to themselves. Rather than editing pronouns to reflect either a singular or plural viewpoint, we’ve left them as is for authenticity.
This morning I came across a quote from Louise L’amour that says, “There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning.”
As we have come to this new year that for those in the North is the dead of winter and darkest time of year we are in the in between place where so much has died and yet there are also things that are hibernating, waiting, holding their life close. I live in Berkeley, California and the tops of the Narcisssus/Daffodil flowers are poking up through the dirt after a week of heavy rains. I look on social media and talk to friends from other more Northern colder places where the weather and struggle is much more intense.
In times of darkness, times of cold, and times of despair, it can be hard to hold on and know that seasons will change and life shifts. This is especially true when these times of metaphorical dark and cold can last decades. My Facebook keeps showing me memories of 12 years ago that are full of despair. I’ve entered a new phase of my life now the despair and longings for escape don’t dominate my thoughts and emotions.
While interviewing people for Therapist Interrupted one of the last questions I ask is “do you have any words of hope or strength for someone who’s in a difficult place.” Most, if not all, of the guests so far have been in very difficult places. We all, struggle, yet not everyone reaches those very, very low places. Yet, for those who do and come out the other side, they can have wisdom and experiences that are valuable. This is not to say that I’d wish those experiences on anyone. I also don’t think that those experience that almost kill you are what makes you stronger. You, make you stronger and no one should have to go through experiences that result in a lifetime of PTSD. I think our first approach needs to be compassion and kindness and the second holding space for hope, whatever that may look like.
In the most recent Therapist Interrupted Podcast we hear Zelda’s story. She talks about several interruptions and a longing to launch into self-employment in a way that she could bring her unique blend of experience to the world. Yet, it took 10 years before she was able to take that step. In fact it was getting fired that gave her what she needed make the transition to. I thought of her when I read the quote this morning and imagined how she may have believed everything was finished, when it was in fact the beginning.
When I look at my own life, I can see how those moments when I was at the bottom, times when I couldn’t stop drinking and I was in and out of psych hospitals were a turning point. They are what lead me to create the life I have today. While my life today is certainly not without struggle, I’m also not where I used to be and I am seeing how all of the struggles have brought me learning and wisdom that I’m weaving together into something beautiful.
You can listen to Zelda’s story here:
Here are the show notes that go with the episode:
Season 1: Episode 7
Zelda: Weaving Interruptions
We interviewed Zelda on December 30th, 2023. She shares her experience of getting fired from her job as a physicians’ assistant and going on to create Weaving Wellness with Zelda, a health coaching service. In her practice she integrates 30 years of allopathic experience with an approach to health and wellness that draws on each person’s inner knowing. In this interview she shares how her experiences of motherhood intersect and inform her professional career.
Content Warning:
Some episodes may contain heavier subjects. Please tune into what is best for yourselves and whether or not a specific episode is helpful.
This episode contains the topics of lack of cultural awareness in the health care, especially as it relates to Mexican heritage, food, home-remedies, stress related to lock-downs during the Covid years, loss of employment via firing. The end of the episode Zelda refers to a book, who’s author experienced depression and suicidality, but no methods or specifics are mentioned.
We are not here to give advice, diagnose, or treat any conditions. Rather, we bring a variety of perspectives, some of which might conflict with each other, or that we may even disagree with. It is our hope that by hearing different views and experiences listeners can be empowered with greater clarity and options to decide for themselves what avenues to pursue.
Resources:
You can learn more about and support Zelda’s work by connecting with her on Instagram @weaving_wellness_w_zelda.
If you are interested in becoming a certified Health Coach here are some Health Coaching Programs:
National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC): https://nbhwc.org/become-a-board-certified-coach/
Institute of Integrative Nutrition: https://www.integrativenutrition.com/
Dr. Sears Wellness Institute: https://www.drsearswellnessinstitute.org/
Mind Body Green Program: https://coaching.mindbodygreen.com/
Kresser Institute: //kresserinstitute.com/national-board-certified-health-wellness-coach-nbc-hwc/
Andre Weil Center: https://integrativemedicine.arizona.edu/
Duke Health and Well-being Coaching Program:https://dhwprograms.dukehealth.org/health-wellbeing-coach-training/
Books:
Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig
The Comfort Book by Matt Haig