From Book Girl to Divorce Coach: Lessons in Grit, Growth, and Grace
- rediscovery4
- 23 hours ago
- 3 min read
When I was asked to share some key takeaways from my experience of being a “book girl” at my sons’ awards banquet for Southwestern Advantage, I was reminded of a few lessons that have stood the test of time throughout my life as a Mom, as a business owner, and a coach.
Back then, as a small-town farm girl from Minnesota, I signed up for the Southwestern Advantage summer program: eager, idealistic, and completely unaware of how those door-to-door summers would shape my entire life.
Decades later, I can honestly say those lessons have carried me through every challenge: parenting, business, and even divorce.
Here are three lessons that have stood the test of time.
1. Be Coachable
When you haven’t done something before, seek out those who have. Ask questions. Listen. Be Curious. Learn.
The four summers I sold books, I learned that being coachable isn’t about weakness; it’s about wisdom. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel; you just need to be humble enough to learn from others.
That mindset has carried me through every chapter of my life, from coaching my kids’ sports teams, running my business, and now, guiding women through divorce. Growth starts with curiosity and the courage to ask for help.
2. Life Happens—Sometimes You Need to Pivot
On the book field, we had a saying:
“What’s good, great, and wonderful about this?”
It was a way to reframe every obstacle: a flat tire, a bad day, a slammed door, or so much more!
That phrase has stayed with me.
In 2024, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I found myself asking that question again. I chose to focus on what I could control, which was my mindset, my health, and my recovery.
I’m now cancer-free, and that experience reminded me that we can’t control what happens to us, but we can always control how we respond. We always have a choice.
3. If It Is to Be, It’s Up to Me
Success doesn’t come from waiting for perfect timing, but it comes from doing the work.
On the book field, that meant hitting my goal of 30 demos a day. In life, it means taking one step forward, even when it’s hard. You need to participate in your journey, whatever it is!
You won’t always feel like showing up, but do it anyway. That action builds momentum, and momentum builds confidence.
From Doorsteps to Divorce Coaching
In November 2020, I made one of the hardest choices of my life: walking away from an unhealthy marriage of 27 years.
Since then, I’ve rebuilt myself through education, courage, and community. I’ve learned that transformation doesn’t happen by chance. It happens by participation and showing up for yourself.
Today, as a Certified Divorce Coach®, I help women rediscover their strength, rebuild their confidence, and create a future they can thrive in.
Because no matter what you’ve been through:
💜 You can do hard things.
💚 And with the right mindset, you can create something beautiful on the other side.
💬 I’d love to hear from you:
What’s one lesson you learned early in life that’s helped you through your biggest challenges?
#Resilience #DivorceRecovery #Mindset #Growth #SouthwesternAdvantage #Leadership #PersonalDevelopment
To learn more about Southwestern Advantage and the internship program, check out their website here. https://southwesternadvantage.com/ (or reach out to me and I can connect you with my boys! They are amazing student leaders!)