"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined." ~~Henry David Thoreau

 

The focus of coaching is on your life rather than mine. Most people tell me however that they like to know a little about the coach they will be working with. On this page you can read a little about who I am, my background, training and lifestyle.

Before becoming a life coach I owned an interior design/decorating business from 1989-2000. My career was enjoyable and successful, being featured several times in publications including Better Homes And Gardens. While working as a designer I helped create spaces for people to enjoy living in. Successful design requires getting to know much more about a client than their favorite colors and furniture style. It involves understanding their lifestyle in general including how they live, work and play.

After years of being invited into the most personal aspects of their lives I began to notice patterns. I too often saw a lot of time and money being spent decorating homes that weren't truly being lived in! It wasn't unusual to design kitchens that were used primarily for parties and special occasions, while many family meals consisted of fast food and take-out. Women in particular shared feelings of frustration from not being home enough with their children, working far too many hours, and spending too much time on things that didn't seem important. Often they expressed a desire to "start over", without having a clue where to begin.

The more I listened to their stories the more I wanted to help them redesign their lives instead of their homes. But my training at the time wasn't specific to working with self-development and life improvement.

One day while watching The Oprah Winfrey Show I listened as a woman named Cheryl Richardson talked about her book, Take Time For Your Life. I felt as if she were speaking directly to me, and about the women I wanted to help. I immediately bought and read her book. Shortly thereafter I enrolled in the same coach-training program where she received training. I redesigned my life as well as my career.

As a life coach I now work with clients as they design a life they enjoy living!

 

Professional Affiliations:

(Click the links to view the following websites)

 

On a more personal note, I have been happily married for 22 years, and blessed with two fine sons, ages 28 and 21. My family has filled my life with more joys and challenges than I could have ever imagined. Spending plenty of time with them has always been, and still is one of my priorities. We currently live in Virginia, just a short drive to the coast, the mountains, and historical sites such as Williamsburg and Washington, DC.

 

Accomplishments I'm proud of:

• Going through a divorce in a way that honored and respected my former husband, myself and our son

• Quitting smoking, a nasty habit that I started when I was 16 to make me look "cool"

• Overcoming a "less than perfect" childhood, and becoming a volunteer working with women wanting to reclaim their lives

• Creating a happy, loving home environment where my family has enjoyed living.

• Learning to believe in myself…and go for my dreams!

 

My hobbies and interests range from the serenity of herb gardening and baking bread to jet skiing like a teenager! I enjoy exploring flea markets, recycling "trash" into treasures, traveling, reading, writing, Yoga, and joyful celebrations with family and friends.

 

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." ~~Walt Disney

 

"If I could only afford one or the other, I would give up my housekeeper of 15 years before I would even consider giving up my coach!"

~~Manager and mother of four

 

 

I accept payments via PayPal.  

 

Coaching is not a replacement for therapy, medical, financial or legal services.

© 2001-2008, Judy Harrison. All Rights Reserved.