When someone asked me “what I wanted to be” when I was a child, I responded “a teacher”. I loved school and learning along with the social aspects of education. When I went to college, I chose a different path and graduated with a degree in Human Resource Development, specializing in Youth and Adult Services. I didn’t pursue a teaching degree at the time because education jobs were scarce. My favorite classes in college were the Human Interaction courses that I took. They have been the best investment in ME that I’ve ever had! I learned incredible information about relationships, deep listening, and communication skills that have served me well ever since.  

I married my amazing husband, Bill, just before we both graduated from college. He was and is my best friend and my “high school sweetheart”. Ironically, he pursued a degree in secondary education against the odds of job availability and was hired mid-year soon after graduation. A lesson in risk-taking! We decided to start a family and I was blessed to stay at home, volunteering and working various part-time jobs, while raising three incredible daughters. As my youngest daughter became more and more independent, the call to teach became insistent.  I earned a Masters in the Art of Teaching and was hired at the public elementary school where my children attended. There I was, finally becoming what my child-self knew I wanted to be! I loved teaching and remained in the field for 12 years. 

Over time, I realized that my extreme conscientiousness and desire to create the best, creative lessons to meet the needs of a classroom of diverse learners was burning me out and negatively impacting my health. My work life had overtaken all else. My family life was negatively impacted and I was often too exhausted to enjoy fun activities with friends. I was neglecting my physical and mental well-being and couldn’t seem to change those habits. I retired from teaching and within weeks was diagnosed with breast cancer.  I now recognize that the lack of harmony between all aspects of life contributed to my diagnosis.

During my teaching years, I became the proud Grandma of (now 7) beautiful grandchildren all of whom lived in a different state than I. Happily, and gratefully, I am cancer-free and we have moved to be closer to our children and grandchildren. I have reflected deeply on my journey into illness. My desire to help women harness the power of habits to create harmony, avoid illness, and live the healthy lives they deserve has led me to become a certified Wellbeing Coach.

Be well!

~ Marnie