Challenges = Opportunities

 As I work through this week’s module in my journey to becoming a Certified Youth Life Coach and Certified Positive Parenting Coach, one concept really stood out to me: the idea that challenges can be opportunities. It made me pause and reflect—how often do I, as an adult, approach challenges with curiosity and openness instead of dread? Do I look at them as chances to grow, or do I brace myself thinking, “This is going to be hard”?

The truth is, we rarely see the lessons in a challenge until we’ve moved through it, sometimes not even until years later. I think that’s part of why I feel so strongly called to this work. As a teenager, I faced tough challenges daily. And no, I didn’t face them with a great attitude, and it almost cost me my life. But looking back now, I can finally see the value in those experiences. I can see how they shaped me, and how I can use what I’ve learned not only to improve my own life but to help others, too.

Honestly, if I thought being a teen was hard 20 years ago, I can’t imagine what kids are navigating today. The pressure, the exposure, social media, the expectations—everything seems magnified. That perspective fuels my passion even more.

Even now, I face challenges. . . . .like this blog, for example. I notice there are no subscribers yet, no comments, and few views. It’s easy to slip into negative thinking: “Why bother? Who’s even reading this?” But that’s exactly the mindset I want to help my clients shift. We all start somewhere. This is part of my journey, and I want to be real about it.

If you read my first blog post, you’ll know how much I believe in authenticity and transparency. Leaning into those values has helped me build a better relationship with myself, and I want the same for others. Growth comes from being honest—first with ourselves, and then with the world. And in my humble opinion, growth can equal success! 

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 Any and all feedback is accepted folks! Remember, you’re my village! 

What is youth life coaching?

We did it y'all! I just submitted my week 1 assignment answers. Not going to lie, I had to stop mid-week and send what I had to the instructor for some feedback. Anxiety was entering the chat, and I had to change the conversation. However, I couldn't do it on my own. And that is okay. Perfect segway into what I wanted to talk about this time and that is, "What is a youth life coach"?

What it is NOT is a mental health professional. We are not counselors, therapists or psychologists. Even though life coaching in general takes a lot of its cues from the mental health world, we have to be clear in what we can and cannot do. Not just for the sake of our clients, but for obvious legal reasons as well.  

Therapists and counselors usually focus on the past - past pains and trauma and the "why". Coaches focus on today and the future - "What do you want and how do we get you there." It's ideal if we as coaches have professionals we can reach out to and collaborate with for the benefit of our clients. (It takes a village remember?) 

Why specifically a YOUTH life coach? Well hell, I am still learning how to be a successful adult myself, but I survived my teenage years and came out on the other side. So that's where my strengths are. If I would have a 39-year-old Lindsey as a coach when I was younger, who knows where I would be now. Let me stop - I do not think I am "all that" LOL!! I just know what I have to offer kids (well, everyone) and I am offering it. 

It took me almost 40 years to believe in myself, who I actually am, and what I offer the world. Thanks to a lot of therapy, medications in some instances (no shame), my village, a couple failed relationships and a new, thriving, healthy forever kind of relationship I am currently in with my best friend. Never underestimate the power of finding someone who loves you, all of you, all the time. Messy bun and all. 

That is what I envision as being a youth life coach. All the kiddos I have worked with, I have loved unconditionally while helping them realize their potential and set them up for success. Most of them have never experienced that kind of love or know what it is, let alone know how to love themselves. Imagine a future world where love (including self-love) TRULY is the most prominent emotion in people? Can you even imagine it? That's the world I want my kids and (future) grandkids to live in! 

    

Allow me to introduce myself . . .

I told myself 2025 was going to be the year for new beginnings. It's now July, I mean - better late than never, right? 😲

You will have to forgive me as I am new to being this . . . vulnerable, this . . . authentic without fear of judgement. Well, who am I kidding? I have plenty of fear - but one of my mantras at the moment is, "DO IT SCARED"! 

So, I suppose I should start at the beginning. Don't worry, I won't talk about when I was born, or my early elementary years. Let's start in middle school. I felt like I had a great group of friends, up until it mattered where you went shopping, what you wore, where you lived, and how you looked. Things seemed to change for me towards the end of middle school. Then, BAM! My parents say, "Let's move to an entirely different state." 😬

Man, if I thought I was an "outsider" before we moved, I had no idea what was in store. To wrap up this time in my life, moving did not work out well for me. Well, depends on how you look at it. I would not be who I am today if I didn't go through what I went through. But in those moments, I did not want to live anymore. 

I lasted my freshman year and about a month into my sophomore year before I found myself being checked into a psychiatric hospital. My parents had tried therapy and counseling and medication for me to no avail. So I went away for a little while, came back, homeschooled myself and got my high school diploma at 16 years old. 

Started community college as soon as I could and began living my "adult" life. Little did I know, I had no idea what I was doing and was still very mentally unhealthy. I met a man (yes, a whole man) when I was 16 and he was 23 (see, told ya). He gave me the attention I so desperately thought I needed, love that I could not give myself, and I clung to him like glue. 

I do not regret the 14 years I was married. I got to travel all over, and I got the 2 biggest blessings in my life, my boys, who are now 18 and 16.5! I put myself, my healing (that I didn't know I needed) on the back burner for so many years. Putting others above myself, which meant I was not my best self for those who needed it the most. I can't let others go down that same road! 

I say all this to explain a little about why I am doing what I am doing at almost 40. After many, many years working in the public school system, working with all sorts of kiddos, I have a passion, and I am finally following it. I always told "my" students that if I could be that one person they could confide in and trust, I have done my job and more. 

As someone who could have used as much positive guidance as humanly possible as a teen (and parent), I want to be that for any youth or young adult that crosses my path. How can I ask them to be authentic with me if I can't do it myself? I am the QUEEN of the messy bun (and comfy clothes) and I am going to power through this mission of mine strong! 

I am currently becoming certified as a Youth Life Coach and Positive Parenting Coach. 🙌

If this blog crosses your path, and I have made some sort of positive impact in your life or in the life of someone you know, drop a comment and share this blog. Who knows where this journey will take me, but all I know is this is what I was meant to do. This is why I went through what I did, to help kids find their full potential and learn to love themselves and become a success in their lives.

I will try and keep this up as my classes continue, sharing what I learn along the way. Sharing MY ideas for the future, accepting any and all advice and wisdom. I truly believe it takes a village, and no matter how old we are, we always need a village. 

Thank you for being my village.