We recently connected with Andrea Clem and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Andrea, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Finding my purpose took going through some really hard times in my life to discover what was really important.
My journey begins back in 2017, when I was faced with one of the hardest times that I have experienced. Dealing with severe depression, I began therapy, which helped me tremendously. During that time I also began to explore holistic modalities with the hope of healing the inner turmoil and reconnecting with my true self. I explored many things, such as meditation, breathwork, EFT (tapping), Qi Gong, energy work and sound healing. I immersed myself in the works of people like Dr Joe Dispenza, Dr Shefali Tsbary, Abraham Hicks, Dr Sue Morter and Michael Singer. With time, and all this “work”, I began to utilize the tools which I was learning to self regulate my nervous system and pull myself out of the funk I was in.
When 2020 rolled around, many changes began happening in my life (beyond that which COVID brought). My long term relationship ended and I was faced with the reality of how unhappy I was overall. I had been in accounting for over 20 years, and my current job as a CFO at a fulfillment company was quite overwhelming and stressful, working 60 hour weeks with a lot of responsibilities. I have two boys, who were 11 and 13 at the time, and felt like a bad mom who did not give them the attention and presence that they deserved. It was then I decided that I needed to make a change, so I could be an integral participant in the life of my boys, as well to do what’s best for my overall health and wellbeing.
I dove back into all the work which I had been exploring since 2017, and that was when I knew that I wanted to share this with others who may be going through similar stuff which I have. I began by obtaining my certification as a Conscious Parenting Coach through Dr. Shefali Tsabary and then continued my learning through classes to receive certifications in sound healing, crystal and chakra healing, AromaTouch therapy, and receiving my Reiki attunements to become a Reiki Master/Teacher. Through all of this work, my overall goal is to provide a safe and honoring space for individuals to come, exactly as the are in the moment, and be met with love.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I created The Way Home To You, LLC in 2022 as a way to help others in their time of need through various holistic modalities. Leaning heavily on all that I have learned through my own spiritual journey (which will forever be ongoing), I’m here to share the message that we are all worthy, Divine beings and are perfect exactly as we are.
Whether it through services such as initiative energy sessions (using reiki and other forms of energy healing), sound healing, AromaTouch Technique, or other sacred ceremonies, I provide one on one connection while offering a holistic/alternative means of healing.
I also offer Energetic Coaching, where I support and guide individuals as they traverse the journey of remembering their soul’s purpose here on earth and connecting to their Divine Self. These sessions not only provide a safe place to talk about whatever is going on, I also offer tools, such as meditation breath, work, etc., to help them self regulate and truly harness their own power from within.
In a group setting, I offer bi-weekly sound baths using crystal singing bowls and other instruments. Last, I make essential oil blends and room sprays.
I really feel blessed that I get to do this kind of work. I do not consider myself a “healer”, rather a open conduit for energy to flow. By allowing a safe, non-judgemental and loving place for clients to BE, I hope to assist them in their own transformation, and help them remember their own highest truth.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Being able to adapt and allow for change has been pivotal on this journey – this made it easier for me to leave a 25 year career to do something completely different. Being adaptable is crucial as an entrepreneur for navigating the ever evolving landscape of business, Flexibility enables you to seize opportunities, pivot strategies, and foster innovation and sustained growth.
Resilience is another quality which has been impactful on this journey, helping me to overcome challenges and not give up even when things seemed impossible. It has fueled perseverance and allowed me to learn from my experiences and bounce back even stronger than before. I believe this is a trait which can propel a person to long-term success.
Last, leaning on my previous experience as a CFO has helped me plan and analyze, make critical decisions in the business, as well as look at the overall operations. Most business owners are good at their craft, but not so great at the financial aspect, which is why I do feel it is important to have someone you can rely on to help you in that area. At the end of the day, for most small business owners, this is their livelihood. They have poured their heart and soul into their business, as well as their savings, so it is critical to understand this aspect in order to have a successful business overall.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Through this work, I have found a lot of techniques to help me when I feel overwhelmed or stressed. One of the easiest to do, which can be done at any time and anyplace, is to use various breathwork techniques. They have been a gamechanger to assist me to get out of my head and back into the body, while calming my nervous system.
Our breath is intimately connected to our autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. By consciously manipulating the breath, we can influence this system, shifting our bodies from a state of stress (fight or flight) to one of relaxation (rest and digest). Using deep belly breaths send a signal to the brain that all is ok, promoting calmness and reduce stress.
Some of the techniques I use are:
4-7-8 Technique: This simple yet powerful technique involves inhaling for a count of four, holding the breath for a count of seven, and exhaling slowly for a count of eight. I repeat this cycle for several rounds, allowing my body to relax with each breath.
Box Breathing: Also known as square breathing, this technique involves inhaling, holding, exhaling, and holding again for equal counts of time. I envision tracing the sides of a square with each breath: inhale for four counts, hold for four counts, exhale for four counts, and hold for four counts. I repeat this pattern for several minutes, or until I feel better overall.
Mindful Breathing: Simply bringing awareness to the breath can have profound effects on my state of mind. If I am able to, I find a quiet place to sit (or lie down), close my eyes, and focus all my attention on the sensation of my breath entering and leaving my body. I notice how the rise and fall of my chest or the expansion and contraction of my belly feels. And whenever my mind wanders, I gently bring it back to the breath without judgment.
I hope the readers are able try one of these techniques out the next time they feel overwhelmed and find some relief.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thewayhometoyou.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrea.clem77/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090161823197
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@thewayhometoyou
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-way-home-to-you-westminster?osq=reiki
- Other: to purchase doTERRA oils: https://referral.doterra.me/14493076
Image Credits
Rhianna Truex and Candace Smith
