Embracing my Hero's Journey: A Tale of Grit, Synchronicity, and Following My Soul's Calling to Feng Shui

My hero’s journey has been anything but straightforward. It’s a story of starts and stops, of resilience in the face of adversity, and of choosing to forge ahead, even when the path ahead seemed shrouded in darkness.

Returning to my childhood home in rural Ohio at 21 was a decision born out of necessity rather than choice. Struggling with the weight of past traumas and feeling suffocated by the familiarity of my surroundings, I found myself sinking into a deep depression. Nights were spent in solitude, chain-smoking cigarettes and pot in the room adjacent to my parents', grappling with existential questions that seemed to have no answers. This lasted for about 9 months. For almost a year, I barely left my room, gained over 50 pounds, had no job and not once did anyone ask me if I was okay. 

But amidst the despair, I saw that I had the choice to either wait for someone or something to save me or save myself, there was a glimmer of determination within me. I made a conscious choice to reclaim my life, to break free from the cycle of self-destructive behavior that had consumed me for far too long. With each new day, I took small steps towards regaining my independence, securing a job and charting a course towards a brighter future.

After several years of trying out different jobs and careers, at 30 years old, I found success in the home staging and design consulting industry, carving out a niche for myself in a competitive market. I enjoyed what I did, I was really good at it and I was making the most money I had ever made in my life. However, life had different plans and a seemingly insignificant moment during a girls' trip changed EVERYTHING and set the stage for a profound transformation. What I later learned was that my hero's journey and Feng Shui would be deeply intertwined.

Stumbling upon a Feng Shui manual that I had printed out several years prior and just so happened to find when getting my suitcase out of the closet for the trip, I decided to bring it with me. One morning after an emotional meditation I opened to find a mysterious note that said–  "teach this” on one of the pages– in my hand writing…  Curiosity filled me. 

Intrigued by the synchronicity of the encounter, and then another not so random coincidence later that day at a metaphysical store. ( I walked out with every book they sold about Feng Shui)  The first book I opened up was, Western Guide to Feng Shui by Terah Kathryn Collins and it  resonated with me deeply. Within the first couple of chapters I realized that this was something I had been unknowingly practicing since I was a kid and was also something I was currently doing with my design clients. 

To my surprise, I couldn't find anything from Terah on Youtube and I just wanted to immerse myself in her knowledge. But what I did find was that she had her own Feng Shui certification and school, The Western School of Feng Shui. And as synchronicity would have it once again, the last part of the program was being held live in Sedona, over my birthday in September. I had just been talking about going to Sedona for my birthday earlier that week.

Despite the doubts and skepticism that surrounded me, especially from my partner at the time, I remained steadfast in my pursuit of this newfound passion. I enrolled in a certification program less than a week after finding the manual and books and decided to cease the home staging part of my business. Immediately I was immersing myself in the study of Feng Shui and divesting myself of my staging inventory to fully commit to this new path. There was no turning back. 

The journey wasn't without its challenges. I faced resistance from loved ones, navigated through personal upheavals, and grappled with the daunting task of introducing an esoteric practice to a skeptical audience. But with each obstacle encountered, I drew strength from the knowledge that I was following my heart's true calling.

Today, as I reflect on the twists and turns of my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the growth and transformation that have unfolded. Through my own healing journey, I have gained invaluable insights and tools to support others on their path to wholeness.

Choosing the path less traveled requires courage, resilience, and an unwavering belief in oneself. It's a journey marked by both triumphs and tribulations, but ultimately, it's a journey worth taking. And as I continue to navigate the winding road ahead, I do so with the certainty that by honoring pull of my soul, I will inevitably find my way home.

I hope this story encourages you to follow the strings that pull on your heart. No matter how inconvenient, not matter how challenging the detour and that you stick with it until you pop. Because I promise you-- when you trust your intuition and follow the road less traveled. You will eventually receive the rewards and blessings from honoring your truest self.