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  4. Coaching Might Be Just What You Need and It's More Affordable Than You…

Coaching Might Be Just What You Need and It's More Affordable Than You Think

March 1, 2017
By: Olivia Pennelle
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At three years sober, I was in the midst of repaying tens of thousands of dollars' worth of debt. While sober, I was miserable. I was utterly broke. My life consisted of meetings and work. I was in a job that I hated, but that was compatible with my recovery, as it wasn't too taxing. I couldn't afford to do many 'fun' things. Most social invitations were followed with the question, how much? and the statement, I can't afford it.

Then came coaching. I'd go as far as saying that coaching changed my life.

Had I not been coached; I don't think that I would have developed a side-hustle that resulted in my pursuing a dream of relocating from the UK to the US.

young sports woman runner running on city road
credit: lzf/iStock/GettyImages

I came across coaching by dealing with the physical damage of addiction. In active using, I gained 150 pounds. In the process of recovery, I dealt with the root cause of my issues; the things that lead me to use external substances to escape. Emotional eating was the last thing to go. As I had learned to deal with recovery in a way that was realistic, attainable, and easy to maintain, I applied that methodology to weight loss. The only way that seemed possible is with the help of a coach, a one-on-one situation. Yet, I was up to my eye balls in debt and living on $80 a week.

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I did what I knew best, I hustled. I saw an ad at work for a health coach. I took a leap of faith and contacted her. I was completely open about my situation and I straight up asked if we could figure out a payment plan that I could afford. She said yes. We split the cost of my program over the course of 12 months; that included a full nutritional coaching package and a monthly coaching session. The benefits were immense.

dragonfruit bowl healthy eating web page
credit: Liv's Recovery Kitchen

During that time, I lost 50 pounds, was inspired to start my blog (Liv's Recovery Kitchen), and I found my sense of self. I learned what inspired me and how I have a desire to help others. I undertook my own health coaching qualification. I removed the barriers that stood in the way of me pursuing my dreams. I paid off my debt.

Since that time, I have had further periods of coaching to get me through tough patches. Times where I feel stuck in a rut in a job that I hated, contemplating my future move to the US. Yet, as a business start-up, and in my financial position, I faced the same dilemma: I couldn't afford it. I hustled again. I found free coaching through the training and development program at work. Those sessions helped me formulate a plan to achieve my potential and put into action a move to the US.

Now, in the US, I have been adjusting and developing my business. A spot I know could benefit from a bit of directional coaching. I follow several well-known coaches on Facebook, I joined their groups and reached out; asking if anyone was taking on any pro-bono clients. They were.

Today I believe that anything is possible.

I look forward to what the future holds. I encourage you to get your hustle on, coaching is not out of your budget.

Writer, blogger, nutrition and recovery advocate, Olivia Pennelle (Liv), is in long-term recovery. Liv passionately believes in a fluid and holistic approach to recovery. Her popular site Liv's Recovery Kitchen is a resource for nutrition and recovery. In her probing interviews, she gives a unique insight into the lives of prominent figures in recovery. Liv is qualified nutrition coach, has lost nearly 50 pounds and shares her delicious recipes. She also gives a very raw account of her own journey in recovery and weight loss. For Liv, the kitchen represents the heart of the home: to eat, share, and love.

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