Living at YES! Success Stories Archive

YES! stands for You Embracing Spirit!
In the LOGO, notice the symbol for the "Y" is a heart.
When you embrace Spirit - your heart is opened!

"I'm Not Just Surviving, I'm THRIVING!" -- Melinda Schmitz

Melinda Schmitz spent 28 years employed with the State of Pennsylvania- working her way up from a clerical job to securing a position within the Governor's Office of Administration. She attended college part-time and in 2002 realized her dream of attaining a Master's degree in education. "I enjoyed my work and had a terrific boss, but was also stressed due to my desire to be perfect." Diagnosed with breast cancer that same year, Melinda had surgery and continued to thrive in her career- thanks in part to her drive and determination and an understanding and accommodating boss. "I couldn't have worked for a more understanding person. She was terrific throughout it all." When Melinda's second diagnosis came two years later, she decided that the stress of trying to sustain perfection in a demanding job along with battling a potentially fatal illness "wasn't worth dying for." "After my second surgery and chemo treatments, I decided to make a change." And change she did. After seeking the advice of a financial advisor, Melinda realized that between the lifetime health benefit package and her retirement money, she could comfortably retire from her career with the state and begin a new life.

"It was truly one door closing and another opening for me," she recalls, her voice exuberant and enthusiastic. "I've always been driven, but had never taken such a large risk. I knew it was time. I felt prepared in a way I never had before." Melinda is quick to give credit to those who helped create her newfound strength. "I had been seeing a counselor for years to help me deal with some past issues and also took a "Prepare for Surgery: Five Steps to "Healing Faster." course when I had my cancer diagnoses. I also began to explore the benefits of Reiki. I felt my inner core strengthening- and I wanted to know and experience more! So, I decided to push the envelope a bit further, which is when I met Sharon. I attended a course taught by her entitled "Living with Soulful Purpose" and it just resonated with me-her whole way of thinking seemed to be my missing link in terms of knowing the next step on my journey." Melinda began to take more classes and also received personal coaching sessions from Sharon. "Sharon's ability to help me reframe and focus were the tools I needed. I could start to see my life take shape and go in a new direction." An only child, Melinda had a strained relationship with both of her parents and had become very much a loner in life. "I did important things and was surrounded by people, but I was a very lonely person inside. Once I began participating in Sharon's courses, I began to view life differently and really embrace it."

And embrace she has! Melinda continues to receive personal coaching sessions from Sharon, has attended several "Living in Full Expression" (LIFE) groups and is currently enrolled in Sharon's "Embrace Your Magnificent Self" yearlong program. Having healed her relationship with her father, an avid motorcycle enthusiast, Melinda has since bought her own bike and the two go riding together on a regular basis. Through her study and practice of Reiki and the healing arts, she is now a Reiki healer and is embarking on a new career as an independent consultant for BeautiControl, whose home spa therapy treatments and skin care products promote well being for women. "Inner and outer beauty go hand in hand. Having a core support team enabled me to face the physical and mental challenges that resulted from my surgeries as well as the emotional scars from my past. But I wanted to do more than just survive, I wanted to thrive! I have redecorated my entire home to reflect my newfound sense of peace and tranquility and my life's work has become making women feel beautiful from the inside out. It's thrilling to see the transformation that takes place when someone begins to discover their true beauty- similar to watching a wilted flower blossom once it's properly nourished. Knowing I've been a part of that transformation is very rewarding."

What is your personal "Living at YES!" story?
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