Today I am having an official Coming Out party. It is time to show the world who I am and whose I am. I am tired of hiding parts of myself from the world in fear that some people may be turned off or, heaven forbid, they might not like me. So here it is, folks:
I am a Christian. That is my truth. That is who and whose I am.
I just want to be me, the real me, to all. I want to be transparent, authentic, and open (TAO – to borrow from my Martha Beck life coach training.) Why haven’t I been that up to now?
Several years ago, I started a business called LifestylesbyJane (www.lifestylesbyjane.com). Life coaching and wardrobe consulting. I mentioned my faith in two tiny places on that website. Hopefully not enough to offend anyone, I thought, but just barely letting people know. Didn’t want to lose any potential clients by turning them off.
Simultaneously, I started a spiritual blog at www.springoflivingwater.com where I could share my spiritual journey, inspirational scriptures and even some prayers. Loved writing and sharing it. I was completely out there with my faith and it felt good.
Then, I created a new website, www.janespringer.com, for strictly my life and wellness coaching with the idea that I would integrate my spiritual and faith life blog with my life and wellness coaching website and I could stop being a split personality. Not open and hiding at the same time. I put some scripture on my website pages and incorporated some of my faith throughout. But sadly, I chickened out.
Worried that I might offend some potential clients, I took most of the spiritual references off the website, but still left a few hints. I wavered back and forth about being myself or hiding part of myself. Obsessing, you might say, and to which my family and close friends can attest.
That leads us to today. I am really tired of worrying about scaring people off. People who know me know I am a good person with a good heart and compassion for all. I am a good listener and I am a good coach to Christians and non-Christians alike. I want to be a light to the world for all.
I was inspired to write this blog by reading a first blog post on Facebook (https://bethelightspreadthelight.wordpress.com/2015/06/28/light/) by my young college friend, Ashleigh Dodd, who wants to share her light with the world – as a Christian and a gifted special education teacher, and who is a downright lovely and compassionate young lady. I thought, “If she can do it, by golly, so can I!”
So here I am. A Christian. And a lot more. Just finally being me.
Question: Is there some area of your life where you are hiding who you really are? Can you take a step out and just be you??
Jane Springer is a certified Life, Wellness and Style Coach who assists women in taking care of themselves, in body, mind and spirit. She coaches women who want to lose weight, avoid diabetes, and feel great. She also helps them thrive after divorce. She also helps them to clear their closets of old clothes and outdated attitudes, so they can shine and feel confident.
Jane, thank you for this transparent, authentic and open post. I applaud you. As a fellow Christian and Martha Beck trained coach, this topic is very close to my heart. I pray about it often as I continue to build my coaching practice, and honing my coaching style. If you’d ever like to chat more, I’d love to connect with you. Feel free to contact me! God Bless!
Thank you, Bonnie. I am glad the post spoke to you. It was liberating for me to “come out!” I would love to connect as well. And look forward to chatting with you soon. God bless you!!