Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Sarah Grace. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dr. Sarah, we sincerely appreciate you joining us today and agreeing to talk about some very personal topics. So, to kick things off, let’s talk about a tough one – divorce. Can you talk to us about how you overcame divorce?
I met my husband when I was 19 years old, and we stayed together for nearly 14 years, with almost 12 years of marriage. The decision to walk away was incredibly challenging, especially considering we were blessed with 7 beautiful children from our relationship. I faced numerous hurdles, including redefining my identity and charting a new path for myself and our children.
Despite the difficulty, finding a reason to live beyond my marriage and committing to that purpose were crucial steps in my healing journey. I came to understand that while my story seemed marked by brokenness and heartache, I had the opportunity to embrace faith and grace, refusing to let sorrow define me. Instead, I chose to lean into faith and resilience, daring to create a life filled with purpose and joy despite my past experiences.
My aim wasn’t merely to survive but to truly live. In pursuing this goal, I discovered that I was capable of more than I ever thought possible. Along the way, I became an author, speaker, life and leadership coach, TV and podcast host, and most recently, a licensed chaplain. Through my journey, I aimed not only to thrive personally but also to inspire others with my story, demonstrating that despite hardships, it’s possible to overcome and achieve remarkable things.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As a Life & Leadership Coach, my journey is deeply rooted in nearly 25 years of personal growth and transformation. Throughout my own experiences of overcoming challenges and navigating various aspects of life, including family, career, and personal development, I’ve honed a unique set of skills and insights that I now share with my clients.
What sets my coaching approach apart is the combination of my extensive personal experiences and professional training. I’ve successfully built a home-based business while raising and homeschooling seven children as a single parent. This required unwavering faith, commitment, and the ability to navigate complex responsibilities.
Through speaking engagements, writing books, and appearing in media, I’ve become a trusted advisor and coach to individuals from diverse backgrounds. My goal is to empower others to navigate life’s complexities with resilience and purpose.
In addition to my practical experience, I’ve invested in rigorous training, including Professional Life Coaching, Mental Health Advocacy, and Psychological First Aid. This comprehensive approach allows me to support my clients in various aspects of their lives, whether personal, professional, or mental health-related.
What excites me most about my work is witnessing the transformative power of coaching. Seeing my clients break through limitations, gain clarity, and achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding. I’m dedicated to helping individuals and leaders harness their potential and live fulfilling lives.
Regarding new developments, I’m constantly evolving my coaching practice to better serve my clients. Whether through new workshops, events, or expanded services, I’m committed to providing comprehensive support for those on their journey of growth and empowerment.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey of discovering my ability to help others embrace their authentic identity, overcome identity crises, heal from heartbreaks, and setbacks, I recognize three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful:
Self-awareness: Understanding myself, my experiences, and my emotions allowed me to empathize deeply with others going through similar struggles. This self-awareness helped me recognize patterns, triggers, and coping mechanisms, enabling me to offer more personalized and effective guidance to those seeking help. For individuals early in their journey, I advise cultivating self-awareness through practices such as journaling, therapy, or simply taking time for introspection. Paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can provide valuable insights into your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth.
Empathy: Empathy was instrumental in connecting with others on a profound level and creating a safe space for them to open up about their challenges. By putting myself in their shoes and genuinely understanding their perspectives, I could offer support without judgment and tailor my advice to their unique circumstances. To develop empathy, I encourage individuals to actively listen to others, practice perspective-taking, and engage in compassionate acts. Reading diverse literature, volunteering, and engaging in meaningful conversations can also foster empathy and deepen your understanding of others’ experiences.
Resilience: Overcoming my own struggles and setbacks taught me the importance of resilience in navigating life’s challenges and setbacks. By embracing resilience, I not only bounced back stronger but also gained valuable insights and wisdom that I could share with others facing similar obstacles. Building resilience involves cultivating a growth mindset, embracing failures as learning opportunities, and developing coping strategies to navigate adversity. Surrounding yourself with supportive relationships, practicing self-care, and setting realistic goals can also strengthen your resilience and empower you to persevere through difficult times.
For those at the beginning of their journey, I encourage you to cultivate these qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge intentionally. Be patient with yourself, as personal growth takes time and effort. Seek opportunities for self-reflection, connect with others who share similar experiences, and never hesitate to reach out for support when needed. Remember that your journey is unique, and every step you take towards embracing your authentic identity and healing from challenges brings you closer to becoming the best version of yourself.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
In the past year, my most significant area of growth and improvement has been through emotional and spiritual reflection. By dedicating myself to considering my reactions over my circumstances, I’ve embraced a mindset that prioritizes deep introspection and connection with my inner self.
Through emotional reflection, I’ve learned to delve into the root causes of my reactions, understanding the underlying emotions driving them. This has allowed me to respond to situations with greater awareness and empathy, both towards myself and others. By acknowledging and processing these emotions, I’ve cultivated a sense of emotional intelligence that enables me to navigate challenges more effectively.
On a spiritual level, I’ve explored questions of meaning, purpose, and interconnectedness. This journey of spiritual reflection has provided me with a deeper understanding of myself and my place in the world, fostering a sense of inner peace and fulfillment. By aligning my actions with my values and beliefs, I’ve found greater clarity and direction in my life.
Overall, the practice of emotional and spiritual reflection has been transformative, empowering me to approach life with greater authenticity, resilience, and compassion. I am committed to continuing this journey of self-discovery and growth, knowing that it is not only enriching my own life but also positively impacting those around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.allthingssarahgrace.com
- Instagram: @allthingssarahgrace
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/allthingsarahgrace
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allthingsarahgrace/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1n0HCeNCpuaKJnd4-3Rkng
