We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sally Ebeling a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sally, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
At 17, my life changed dramatically when I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and underwent a total thyroidectomy. The medical advice was simple: ‘Take a daily pill and you’ll be fine.’ But I wasn’t. I experienced a rollercoaster of debilitating symptoms, from fatigue and anxiety to brain fog and emotional instability. Doctors, relying solely on blood tests within ‘normal’ ranges, often dismissed my concerns.
A pivotal moment came during a chance encounter with a High School guidance counselor who had also undergone a thyroidectomy. Her empathy and understanding were profound. She shared a relatable anecdote about the challenges of everyday decision-making after thyroid surgery, acknowledging the cognitive impact. This resonated deeply, validating my struggles and offering a sense of belonging.
For nearly two decades, I navigated this invisible illness, learning slowly to prioritize my well-being and advocate for myself. This journey ignited a passion for helping others, particularly those facing chronic health challenges.
As a Certified Health & Wellness Coach, I am committed to empowering individuals to take control of their health. Whether they are managing an autoimmune condition or simply seeking to improve their overall well-being, I guide them on a path of self-discovery and sustainable change. I am particularly drawn to working with young people, fostering healthy habits and empowering them to make informed choices about their health.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a Health & Wellness Coach, I find immense joy in empowering individuals on their unique wellness journeys. Unlike brief doctor’s appointments, our sessions provide ample time for in-depth exploration of your health concerns and aspirations. I collaborate with you to translate your doctor’s recommendations into a personalized plan that aligns with your goals, values, and vision. The most rewarding aspect of my work is uncovering your intrinsic “why” – the deeper motivations that fuel your health transformation. Witnessing my clients achieve meaningful wins and cultivate genuine self-confidence is truly inspiring.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I believe the three most impactful qualities in my journey were:
Self-compassion: Forgiving myself for my weaknesses and acknowledging my limitations was crucial. I used to strive for perfection, leading to constant self-criticism and burnout.
Self-awareness: Through personality assessments and introspection, I gained a deeper understanding of my strengths, weaknesses, and values. This self-knowledge is fundamental to navigating any journey successfully.
Collaboration: Recognizing and leveraging the strengths of others has been invaluable. I learned to delegate tasks I disliked and to build a strong support network that complements my own skills.
My advice for those early in their journey is to prioritize self-discovery:
Embrace self-compassion: Acknowledge your limitations without self-judgment.
Cultivate self-awareness: Explore your values, strengths, and weaknesses through introspection and tools like personality assessments.
Build a strong support network: Identify and leverage the talents of others. Delegate tasks that don’t align with your strengths and seek support from those who excel in those areas.
By focusing on these three areas, you can build a fulfilling and sustainable career that aligns with your values and maximizes your potential.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
I believe the optimal approach varies significantly from person to person. In my own experience, pushing myself outside my comfort zone and investing in areas of weakness has been incredibly rewarding.
Growing up in a small town, I initially envisioned a predictable path: local university, marriage, and settling down. This path, while seemingly secure, didn’t resonate with my authentic self.
Breaking free from this expected trajectory involved significant personal growth. I left my hometown for college, ventured across the country, and embraced new experiences in Hawaii and beyond. This journey fostered self-confidence and a thirst for knowledge. I actively sought to learn new skills, embracing challenges and stepping outside my comfort zone.
These experiences culminated in pursuing an MBA and ultimately, launching my own business. By confronting my weaknesses and embracing new opportunities, I discovered a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose.
While focusing on strengths can be valuable, neglecting areas for improvement can hinder personal and professional growth. By venturing beyond our comfort zones, we unlock hidden potential and discover passions we never knew existed!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sallyebeling.my.canva.site/landing-page
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570494591779
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-ebeling/
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