Stephanie Lehr is a full-time Disability Case Management Advisor for the British Columbia provincial government. Outside of her HR role, she has recently achieved her certification as a Life Coach Practitioner and Virtual Coach. She is now specializing further to be a CDC Certified Divorce Coach and CDC Divorce Transition and Recovery Coach. Stephanie is excited to launch a coaching practice in 2021 to empower women in the divorce process. She lives in beautiful Vancouver with her supportive partner Norm and is “Steph-Mom” to Jake and Macy.
I see you. I used to be you. Not that long ago, I was in the depths of despair and in so much melancholic pain that I had dark thoughts of killing myself. You see, my husband and best friend for more than 25 years decided one day in 2012 that he didn’t want to be married anymore. No explanation, no emotion, no eye contact. That’s when my confidence and self-esteem plummeted like a skydiver without a working parachute.
I felt so ashamed, embarrassed, and like a failure that I… hid. I literally tried to hide from the world and not talk about it. If I didn’t talk about it, then it couldn’t be real, right? I just sobbed alone in my empty dream home. I literally didn’t answer the phone or come to the front door. I continued to work remotely in my full-time corporate job like nothing was wrong – ironically, helping others who were going through similar situations. It was the lowest point in my life, and I didn’t see a way out on many days. I felt broken. Maybe you can relate to this feeling.
Shortly thereafter, I sold the matrimonial home and moved across the country to beautiful British Columbia. Six months later I met a lovely man. We fell in love and moved in together. As it turned out, this man had been through a divorce in the same year as I did. I didn’t feel alone for the first time in my life. Someone understood me. I slowly found love, support, and confidence. I got my sparkle back again.
I look back over the past eight years and can see how far I’ve come and I’m so thankful. I wouldn’t change a thing. I realize my ex had to let me go so I could go and find my true calling. My breakdown became my breakthrough. Please let me explain.
In 2020, the global pandemic really shone a spotlight on people struggling in their jobs, with their health, and in their relationships. Maybe you were one of those people who lost their job or experienced depression and anxiety, or were surprised by or initiated a breakup/separation/divorce. Real pain. Everywhere.
I had a different kind of stress. My full-time disability management job was deemed an essential service and I was busier than ever working with so many people who were having a hard time coping. Despite my full-time work, I felt a strange longing, a void within me, like a puzzle piece was missing. Through my practices of meditation and gratitude, I realized this longing was my calling.
I pursued certification as a Life Coach Practitioner in 2020 and gifted coaching sessions to help people navigate through their problems, fears, and frustrations to realize their dreams, goals, and aspirations. As it turned out, it was women who were having problems in their relationships and work who seemed to really respond to me.
As the global pandemic shifted billions of people and businesses online, I decided to add another certification as a Virtual Coach in early 2021 to assist people online. It was through this program and much self-exploration that I discovered who I should really be helping me – or women like me eight years ago going through a divorce.
My heart kept remembering how difficult and alone I felt going through a foreign and unwanted legal process. I had no idea what to expect. I was afraid to make any wrong decisions while I was experiencing all the grief-like emotions. I wish I had had someone to help guide me along, empower me to be my best self, and show me that I will be okay. With divorce statistics climbing, I know that there are countless women who are going through unbearable pain… alone… unnecessarily. Women, perhaps, just like you.
I’m proud to announce that I’m now studying to be a CDC Certified Divorce Coach® and CDC Divorce Transition and Recovery Coach®. My company Elev8 Your Life and virtual coaching practice will launch in mid-2021. I help professional women like you, who are in the divorce process, to transform to find their footing to get back on their feet and into their high heels again!
Please connect with me if you need good, solid practical, and compassionate support:
- to understand how divorce impacts every aspect of your life – no matter what phase of divorce you find yourself in: pre-divorce, during divorce, or in the divorce transition and recovery period,
- to get clarity and confidence in yourself to handle the business of divorce so you can have a much greater say in redefining your future and the courage to stand up for what is important for you and your family,
- to keep you focused forward, to take the high road so you can participate more effectively in the divorce process and save you money and time,
- to guide you through the emotional overwhelm of divorce,
- to support you to make the best possible decisions for you and your family’s future, based on your particular interests, needs, and concerns,
- to avoid the biggest mindset mistakes,
- to develop strategies for a better work-life balance,
- to gain clarity, confidence, and connection to your values and goals, envision your dreams, and help you move forward to create and live your Next Best Life.
With support, your breakdown can be your breakthrough as well. March 4th indeed!
Contact info for Stephanie Lehr:
Email: elev8yourlife2@gmail.com
