Hi. My name is Jay. I grew up in Sparta, a small town in rural North Carolina. Rural living, like all things, has its advantages and disadvantages. There is a sense of community that I never felt away from here. Jobs that pay well are difficult to find. It’s a common story in rural America. So, my parents encouraged me to go to college and I left home when I was 17 to go to North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. I graduated from school and lived in Raleigh for 26 years, had friends, a nice house, and a great career. However, I always longed to move back home. In 2013, I finally figured out a way to make it work and moved home. Currently, I work in Information Technology and sell real estate part time. I live on a farm and am responsible for running it as well. So, why would I want another "job" of coaching and consulting? Please allow me to tell you more.
Over the past several years, I have discovered that life will present you with daily opportunities for personal growth. From the person that cut you off in traffic, to the flat tire, the cows that escape the farm, and living through the pandemic. From personal and family relationships to the family member who now is living with dementia, and you are their primary care partner. All the way perhaps to wondering why you are here and discovering the purpose of your life. These challenges will offer you a chance to change, develop, and grow. Every single day you will have a chance.
The most pivotal opportunity presented itself to me in the form of my mother being having dementia. The path has been a difficult and painful one. It has also propelled me to a new level of personal growth and development that I could never have anticipated. Because we live in a rural area, access to resources and support for dementia and mental health is limited. I scoured the Internet and listened to countless hours of podcasts and found some wonderful teachers in the process. Most prominent among them are Dr. Shefali Tsabary, Teepa Snow, Janet Philbin, and Eckhart Tolle.
I recently completed Cohort 8 of the Conscious Parenting Method™ Coaching Institute with Dr. Shefali as well as the Positive Approach to Care® Certified Independent Consultant training with Teepa Snow and team. Janet Philbin has been and is a tremendous coach, mentor, and advisor for me through the Coaching Institute and now the Alumni group. I cannot say enough good things about these folks.
The combination of these teachings has forged in me a new understanding of who I am, given me the ability to have greater self-awareness, and taught me to live in the present moment and look for pure joy even on the rough days.
What does this all mean? Through coaching and consulting, running workshops and classes, and helping organize a dementia support group, I am now sharing this knowledge and learning with others, bringing these teachings to another audience, and supporting rural communities. My goal is to help lessen the suffering that people may experience and help them find a way forward in their lives. It has become my new “job”. A labor of love.
Thank you for joining me on this journey.
I have a close friend who can remember stuff from a long time ago, but not one to two minutes before. When is it not safe for her to live alone?