Qualifications
Born in Idaho on a farm, and the oldest of six children, I learned to be a leader and a mentor to my sibblings at a very young age. Mother recognized early on that I have a gift for winning the confidence of others and that they would discuss things with me that they would not normally tell someone else.
My mother was encouraging and wanted me to use my gift to listen to my siblings. She asked me to never give up on them if they go wayward. She asked that of me because she knew they would listen to me.
The same thing is true with friends and people I barely know – they tell me very personal things early in our friendship that amazes me at times. I realize now that they listen to me because I exhibited empathy and compassion (even at a very young age) that they recongized is genuine.
Through the years, I continued to be a mentor for my siblings. One sister told me that I was more than her sister, I was her best friend. I have heard that from my brother and another sister as well; even my children are my friends. I appreciate this great relationship I have with them.
In addition, I joined MySpace when my brother needed support on his site. I made some very good and honest friendships there. Soon I was giving advice to those friends as well, without realizing that was what I was doing. Then some of my new friends started to tell me that they felt drawn to me or that they believe they were guided to me. When they told me that I helped them, I realized that there was more to this gift than I understood.
I commented to my son that I did not understand why people feel guided to me or why they feel I helped them or gave good counsel when I did not realize that was what I was doing. I was just being myself. Certainly, I did not feel I was special in that way and that I did not deserve their praise.
My son reminded me that I should not be surprised that others benefit from what he and the rest of the family have benefited from for years. He said that early on, I was designated as the family consultant in many ways. He said I need to accept this role and do what I can to help people who ask for my advice.
So here I am, sharing what I know with others; as I was taught to do by my mother. If it is true that people feel guided to me, or that I hear something they say or I say something that helps them, then I would be remiss not to do what I can for others. If I help someone then that’s good. If I can’t help, I will be quick to refer them on to someone who can help them.
I am qualified to consult as a non-professional, meaning I do not have a license, because I have first-hand experience in handling many of life’s everyday problems with family and business issues. See my experience as follows:
- Being married for over forty years to the same man
- Have had family members and friends with mental health issues
- Have sat in on group counseling with family members
- Worked at a mental health facility for two years
- Have helped people on websites and through my books
I also talk to people about their attitude toward sex and healthy relationships, about their ability to have peace of mind, about protecting peace around them, and about the techniques I use for success in life and business.
I also welcome any comments or experiences you have had that can help people. We have all had experiences that can benefit others, if we can, so we should share what we learned.
