Let me introduce myself...
Hi, I'm Julie
I'm a break-up recovery and intentional dating coach. What does that mean and what brought me to this point of wanting to work with women going through such a difficult life change?
Well, a few years ago I went through just that - a break up with my long term partner and it felt like my world had fallen apart.
I had put everything into the relationship, believing he was "The One". Looking back I realised that I had made huge compromises for the sake of the relationship, let things happen that had dented my confidence and my ability to be my authentic self.
To get out of the relationship I sold a business that I had put my heart and soul into for over 10 years, there was his money tied up in it and selling the business was a way out. It felt like another part of my life had been taken away.
I found myself back living with my parents, had lost my zest for life and just didn't know who I was anymore.
I felt hugely disconnected to who I really was as a woman and lacking any sense of direction and purpose. There was nothing in my life to fill me up, I was eating too much and drinking too much to numb the pain and just trying to get through the day.
The despair was getting in the way. What did I have to look forward to in life?
Other questions came up too - Who am I? What do I really want in life? How do I get it?
Reflecting on the past...
After a period of mourning the loss of the relationship and my old life, I decided it was time to make a fresh start, to change my life and to embrace new possibilities. I realised that in every relationship I had entered into (3 to be precise) I had not been happy, I didn't love myself or really know what I wanted in a partner.
That resulted in me settling for anyone who paid me the right kind of attention and never being with the right man.
I decided it was time to get to know myself again, learn to love myself and live life on my terms.
I started a voyage of discovery, I sought out the experts on subjects I wanted to master - happiness, female power and how to live a fulfilled, balanced and authentic life. I decided then that I would not compromise on the things that were truly important to me.
I became a student of life again, watching and listening to people who inspired me.
I learned about manifesting and creating the life you want by being clear on what you actually want, rather than what you don't want.
Gradually the despair I felt turned into healing, positive thoughts and a renewed determination.
Moving on...
A change of scene was definitely needed and I was lucky enough to find an affordable place to rent in the Cotswolds, near my younger sister who I have always been very close with. We had a fun filled summer with her horses and volunteering at a local festival. Some girly fun was most appreciated.
By changing my environment, I got the fresh start that I needed and decided to make further changes, one at a time. One of those changes was to get a 9-5 job after being self employed for 15yrs. I needed to be around people.
During this time I decided that I really needed an adventure, something just for me. My ex was scared of flying so I hadn't been abroad for over 10yrs. I needed something different to push me out of my comfort zone.
Again, the Universe provided and I ended up taking a 10 day trip to walk part of The Great Wall of China. It was a pure bucket list trip and showed me that I can do so much more than I think I can.
It's a lesson I've taken into everyday life.
Having regular "adventures" is now part of my life and I LOVE to travel.
Finding Andy...
The final piece of the puzzle came when I decided to start dating again after taking the time to properly heal and grow.
Again, I used my new manifesting skills to get really clear on the kind of man I wanted to meet and after some hit and miss dates with totally unsuitable men, he appeared!
I was determined not to compromise on MY needs in this relationship, not lose myself again and to go into the relationship from a place of loving myself and being confident being me.
Andy totally gets it. He pretty much ticks all the boxes on that list that I sent out to the Universe!
We've been together for an amazing 6 years now and recently got engaged.
After the heartache of years ago, I find myself happy, living the life I truly want, with the man I want to be with forever!
Here, we're sharing our own adventure on the Camino de Santiago - another passion of mine - and now ours.
If you can relate to any part of my story and want some help to start your own journey of recovery and rediscovery of your true self, get in touch and let's chat.
