this is my story.
I spent most of my childhood moving around. By the time I reached college, I had lived in so many places. From Illinois, to Virginia, and even California and New York. I landed in the Big Apple by way of my Bachelors in Psychology with a minor in Anthropology, so of course that led to working in the fashion industry in New York City. It was a whirlwind, but I loved it. Bright lights, big city, lots of places to shop and eat. After the cold East Coast winters, I wanted something warmer. So, I moved to California. This is where I found the sun, sand, and fun. So much fun that I became absorbed with the night life, that Los Angeles night life of music, Hollywood, and bars. Bars led to alcohol and alcohol led me to substance abuse.
Abuse of substances led me to not being able to lead a life of joy. I may have looked happy on the outside, but on the inside I was complete hopeless, devoid of purpose and feeling very ashamed of what I was doing.
When I became a mother, all of that changed. Motherhood led me to the decision to seek sobriety. Through a recovery program, I learned that sobriety was my path to a new outlook on life.
It led to my spiritual awakening.
choosing recovery.
"I moved from a place of ego to more selfless behaviors like service to work, family, community, spiritual center, my neighborhood, and even strangers. I took a social media break for four years to introspect; dove within myself for answers with no distractions to learn about my truth in the world, human relationships, and myself."
— Stephanie Black, JRNI Graduate & Certified Coach
During this awakening, I realized that I was completely unfulfilled in my work life which was immersed in the corporate world. I wanted to spend my life helping others, leading a life without the stress of a cubicle. I knew I could lead a more authentic life, one that was happier, one that was attentive to my spiritual center. That is when I began the JRNI Coaching Intensive, from which I eventually graduated and started my coaching practice.