‘If we do not change our direction, we are likely to end up where we are headed.’

The next morning I taped the fortune to the front of my rolodex file. Twenty-seven years later that same rolodex sits on my desk with the now yellowed fortune still on the front.

Even then I grasped the wisdom in that simple but profound proverb. At the time, I was in an unhappy business partnership and knew I had to end it, but I was afraid, dreading the fall-out our split would cause.

Thankfully I met Jim and between his and the fortune cookie’s encouragement, I mustered up courage, cut my losses, and left the partnership to venture out on my own. No money, no office, no equipment and no clients. Scary stuff!

But I had determination, drive, love and support from family and friends, and belief that the rest of the details would fall into place. I’ve always believed the universe is abundant and God loves and wants me to be happy. In quick succession money, office, equipment and my first client arrived!

That fortune guided me on more than one occasion.

In 1999 at the age of 49 my husband Jim died suddenly. I was faced with raising our then 7 and 9 year old daughters alone, running two businesses, and managing an active household which included a troubled, 17 year-old stepson.

Once again I didn’t like where I was headed. Long days at work, hours each week playing chauffeur for the kids and running errands. I knew I had to make some changes. I purchased and redeveloped a commercial property very close to home, moved the businesses and did my best to settle into single life.

Eleven years have passed; a lot has happened.

I fell in love again but we parted after 4 years together. I started a custom invitation retail store, raised two beautiful girls, did lots of volunteer work, sat on non-profit boards, and supported my stepson through his struggles with addiction. In the process I got very run-down and eventually quite sick.

I turned 50 and entered midlife and menopause.

Early 2007 I closed my businesses, sold the building, came home to be with my children and focused on healing myself. That fall my stepson Brendan died. A year later my father was diagnosed with cancer and died nine months later. I tried to figure out the next step for my own life but I was definitely struggling.

During these last few years, I’ve realized two important things. I love working from home and I love helping people, especially women with similar experiences to mine.

I have 30 years of experience in business. Add to that my time as a married and now single woman, my roles as parent, step-parent, committed volunteer, non-profit leader, property redeveloper, commercial and residential landlord and my successful effort to recover my health. I believe I’m very well qualified to coach midlife women!

In addition to my intense and abundant education from the School of Life, I’ve participated in workshops and seminars of many of today’s most notable motivational and coaching professionals, including, but not limited to:

Tony Robbins, Bob Proctor, John Assaraf, Fabienne Frederickson, David Riklan, Nancy Marmalejo, Mike Litman, Bill Baren, Artemis Limpert and Ellie Drake.

My desire is to pass on the knowledge, skills and experience I’ve gained by living my life to other midlife women, so you can live the happiest and most satisfying life possible.

I know this challenging terrain and its harrowing transitions. I can help you navigate them successfully and more easily than you could on your own. Take the next important step. Set up your free, 45 minute exploratory phone meeting. By the end of the call, when you decide to move forward and hire me as your personal Life Coach, you’ll be well on your way to the life you deserve.

Coaching is a collaborative process. Together we’ll focus on what’s most pressing and relevant to you and design attainable goals with specific action plans to implement.

If you’re ready to be inspired, supported and motivated to create a life to love, call to arrange for your Free, 45 minute Coaching Consultation. Contact me at (856) 854-7393 or email eileen@midlifeandmenopausecoach.com. I’ll return your call promptly, usually within 24 hours.