I am a very driven purpose.
Once I set a goal for myself, I achieve it. That works unless someone or
something disturbs my plan.
I went into marriage, confident I would enjoy an intimate,
mutually satisfying relationship in which we both could be everything God
wanted us to be while contributing to the life of each other.
I knew I had my rough
edges and wanted to be refined so I began reading every self-help book out
there. I have read over 500 books on
marriage, resolving conflict, understanding personality differences and
improving one’s life.
All that reading didn’t prevent the struggles from
happening. It did help me understand the
“why” behind the events, but it did not remove the sting of disappointment.
As my husband and I began having children, it became apparent
we weren’t on the same page in regards to our parenting goals. I assumed he would be just as involved in our
children’s lives as I was. Apparently I
was wrong. This was a huge disappointment.
When I asked for his help or involvement, I was asking for too much. If only I could do more, than things would
be fine. So I did. Everything. I stuffed my resentment and disappointment
and did it all. I cared for all of our
children’s basic needs, educated them at home and shared my Christian beliefs
with them. Alone.
When our third child died at 4 days old, I was
devastated. I clung to my faith in God,
accepted the help from church friends and did the rest. Alone.
While I clung to Christ, my husband ran to substances.
Finding objectionable items in our home was not part of my
plan.
Being the “good Christian wife”, I did everything I thought
was right. I prayed. I died to myself. I fasted. I forgave. I initiated conversations. I overlooked. I stuffed my pain. Alone.
And then one morning I woke up and realized how much energy I
had consumed trying to help someone who really didn’t want or could accept my help.
The only person I could help was myself.
I needed to figure out
how to do that.
I needed to know thyself.
Thus my journey in Life Coaching began.
So, what is your story of being sick and tired? What area of your life are you feeling stuck? What is keeping you stuck? What is it costing you?
Stacy Rothenberger, M.S. CCC-SLP, CLC
Communication Disorder Expert
Mindset and Relationship Coach
Keynote Speaker