Storytime.
We are drawn to what we need.
Hello there, friend!
A new year often generates reflection (and if you are me, promises to pass on desserts) which got me thinking about my journey to body language.
Here's my story...
(aka "How I found myself obsessing about human connection")
Many moons ago I arrived in the world and remained clinging to my mother’s pant leg for many years. My shy, insecure nature followed me as I navigated the murky waters of adolescence where I became a keen observer of human behavior. I dug deep into my well of empathy because let’s face it, growing up can be hilarious and painful at the same time!
I marveled at how some kids just knew how to show up and act cool and confident while I felt awkward and insecure. It seemed like they had a secret decoder ring that told them exactly how to act and they weren’t sharing it with me!
I equipped myself with a BA degree in Psychology and graduated college determined to make a difference in the world. I headed straight for the nonprofit world and I stayed there for 25+ years!
My work as a body language trainer developed from working with adults with disabilities. I held a variety of positions but working as a Live-in Manager at a group home with five intellectually disabled men was the perfect training ground for understanding nonverbal communication. I quickly discovered being able to read body language was a game-changer! Being able to anticipate needs and behaviors was both helpful and just plain smart.
It wasn’t until I was asked to be an employee trainer, however, that I became serious about studying body language because standing in front of a group did not come naturally to me!
Cue the...
And so it began.
My love of nonverbal communication grew, and I eventually became a certified body language trainer. And the more I learned, the more confident and influential I became. Students leaned in while I was talking, other instructors started asking what I was doing, I was told I had presence, and I eventually was asked to run the training department.
I had finally found the secret decoder ring that had eluded me for so many years.
And then one day, the company’s leadership changed.
I no longer felt valued, and I learned quickly how not communicating well with others can affect everything. In less than a year, I walked away from the only job I had known.
I found a cool, new job and 10 months later the pandemic hit.
Yadda, yadda, yadda...
I became a solopreneur and founded
Body Language Blueprints.
I’m an avid people watcher, book aficionado, and a lover of learning (yes, most of the books I read are non-fiction), and I have emerged as a woman ready to help others sharpen their soft skills and build human connection using the science of body language.
My grandpa used to say “We’re all quirky different so you better know how to relate”. I agree; we need to connect and communicate with all kinds! This, of course, requires a solid foundation in body language and people skills, along with a dash of finesse.
What's your story?
- How did I end up in your inbox?
- What is it about human connection that compels you? Eludes you?
- What challenges or tweaks are you looking to change?
Your co-pilot who is ready to tackle 2023 (but is iffier on the limiting desserts resolution),
P.S.
What are your personal development goals?
I’d love to know! And if it involves charisma and connection, I’m ready to spill the jar of secret sauce.