We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kelly Kowall a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kelly, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
As a child, I had low self-esteem and confidence that continued throughout my 20s. It compromised my mental health, career, and overall happiness. I constantly questioned my self-worth. In my early 30s, I decided I didn’t want to live my life that way anymore and started reading all the self-help books I could get my hands on. I also attended workshops and started seeing a good therapist. I knew my life would only change if I were ready to work and use the tools and techniques I acquired. Becoming the best you is a lifelong journey, and I continue to work on myself every day because I am worth it!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Although I had already become a certified Life and Business Coach, I sought knowledge to help me heal and navigate the journey of grief so I could survive the death of my son, who was killed on a combat mission in Afghanistan in 2009. I eventually became a certified Grief Support Provider and a Fire-walking Instructor. I used my knowledge to create a nonprofit organization called My Warrior’s Place to help our American Heroes (Military, Firefighters, Law Enforcement, currently serving or retired) and the Families of the Fallen to heal from the tragedies they have had to endure. One of the programs of My Warrior’s Place is Operation Solid 7. This program provides our Forever A Warrior workshop retreat, which shares and teaches many tools and techniques I have learned to help me heal over the last 30 plus years.
Our Forever A Warrior program has been so successful that we will soon be expanding the program to youth who serve in Cadet and JROTC programs such as CAPS, Young Marines, Sea Cadets, etc. With so much bullying and self-esteem issues going on with our youth, more than ever, this program for teenagers is essential for us to provide.
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?
Looking back, I wish I had learned my love language, personality, and communication style early on. I also wish I would have been taught how to set healthy boundaries.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
There are many great books out there that I have gleaned nuggets from, but a few of the ones I recommend are “The Body Keeps the Score,” “The 4 Agreements,” The 5th Agreement,” “Inner Bonding” and “The Mastery of Self.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mywarriorsplace.org
- Facebook: facebook.com/mywarriorsplace
Image Credits
N/A These photos belong to me and can be used without anyones permission but mine. You have my permission to use them.
