Let yourself be silently drawn
By the stronger pull of what
You really love.
-Rumi
While other kids played house, I pretended to be a savvy magazine editor. Since the time I was a little girl I knew I wanted to be a writer. Surrounded by Shakespeare and Edgar Allan Poe (let’s just say I went through a very dark short story writing period!), I announced to my mom at age 15 that I would make my living as a writer. She rolled her eyes. My global studies teacher told me not to waste my time – there were already 1,000 journalists in Oregon without jobs. Meanwhile, I filled journals with poems, short stories and essay’s.
Even so, my head – or the voices of all the adults around me – won out and I chose the practical route. I went on to spend roughly 10 years in Marketing and Public Relations. Then, I hit a wall. I. Could. Not. Go. On. Anymore.
My soul was dying.
So, I did what any 20-something does when they have absolutely no idea what they’re doing. I quit my corporate job with all of it’s bonuses, benefits and cash, and started my own business as a freelance journalist (I had been freelancing on the side for four years at this point). I had one regular gig at $300 a month. I also decided to be the first person in my entire family to receive a college degree and I enrolled at Portland State University.
People said I was crazy. I wouldn’t make it. But, I did. In fact, I thrived.
I never borrowed money for my business (or food or laundry soap – or any of it!) and I graduated PSU Summa Cum Laude.
Something interesting happened along the way (well, many interesting things happened along the way, but that’s for another time). I began to feel, amidst the news reports, dining reviews and lifestyle pieces that I had to do more. I had to find a way to make the world better. I became a certified Master Success Coach and spent two years writing on the side and Coaching more than 500 adult students towards academic and life success through InsideTrack.
But still, it wasn’t enough.
My body had other plans for me any way. I got sick. Very sick. So sick that no removal of an ovarian tumor or weekly visits to a naturopath, acupuncturist, massage therapist, therapist, and Coach could help me. Everyone was stumped. I was sick and no one knew why. I was gaunt, had zero energy and felt helpless. At the suggestion of a friend, I took a drastic step toward healing. In 2008, I spent two and a half weeks in a remote Brazilian village and received psychic surgery from the renowned healer John of God. (Read the full accounting of the trip in these posts: Lesson 1, People of Brazil, John of God Ass-Kicking, Part Deux, I’ll Return, The People at the Casa.)
I had no idea at the time, but my life would never be the same.
In two-and-a-half weeks I returned to my normal weight, and all pain and inflammation dissolved. I was completely healed. And all because some man who channels spirit guides prayed over me. It was a game changer, to say the least.
Shortly thereafter, I packed up all my things and moved to Kauai. While there, I wrote my first book of poetry. I became Reiki attuned. I meditated daily. I received regular healing sessions; trying on every form of healing possible. I knew I was meant to share healing with others – and I did in many ways with words – but I still felt the desire to perform hands-on healing work.
And then, in 2009, back in Oregon to promote my book, I faced another health crisis. I hit the usual wall. Nothing worked. I pondered returning to Brazil. Then, at the suggestion of a friend (Are you seeing a pattern here? This is how the Universe works!) I discovered BodyTalk. During my first session I knew I would have to learn the system and share it with others. I signed up for the training the following week. I knew better. When the Universe presented signs to me, I had to act.
And that brings me to today. I’m a writer (currently working on my first spiritual romance novel!) and a healer. My greatest challenges in life have led to my greatest healing and learning. Sharing this with others is truly holy work – work – that I am so grateful to be part of.
So, that’s my story. Or part of it anyway.
For all the technicalities – you know, the resume thang – check below.
To learn more about me as a writer/editor, click here.
To bring BodyTalk into your world, check this out.
And in the meantime, know that you deserve all the health, joy, love and peace in the world. We all do.
Oh, and I love you.
I really do.
# # #
Resumé
Professional Writer, Journalist & Editor, April 2003 – Present
InsideTrack, Editor of Momentum
Aug. 2010 – present
Edit all content on Momentum, WordPress internal communications blog site
Assign articles to writers
Create editorial calendar for all sections of the site
Manage technology issues
Write and post new content, weekly
Create weekly email newsletter
Portland Monthly, Freelance Writer, Dec. 2006 – Present
Copywriting for January doctors issue, 2007 – 2009
Copywriting for February 2007 dentists issue
Mudroom, Deborah Reed/Audrey Braun, Oct. 2011
Beyond Words Publishing, Contract Editor
Oct. 2010 – Dec. 2010
Developmental reader report for spiritual self-help book
Developmental editor for Pilgrimage of Love, Summer 2011
Display & Design Ideas Magazine, Freelance Content Manager
April 2007 – Dec. 2008, January 2010 – present
Write news summaries, “News From Around the Web”
Write blogs for Retail Design Diva
Write all social media posts, Facebook & Twitter
Editor of Oh, shift! How to change your life with one little letter, Fall 2009
Editor, Total E-Bound Publishing, October 2009 – December 2009
Manage up to 20 authors and the editorial process from manuscript acceptance to completion
Hipfish, Freelance Writer & Event Coordinator, Feb. 2008 – Oct. 2009
Blind Pilot – Front page feature Sept. 2009
Exploits in Dating – Feature Oct. 2009
Host of Singles Mingle at Pier 11 in Astoria, Ore.- Oct. 22, 2009
Goodness Magazine, Freelance Writer June 2009 – present
Mel Garten profile, Summer 2009
Intentional Communities feature, Dec. 2009
Anatomy of the Heart – Love Poems, June 2009
More than 50 poems, showcasing love as an experience we have within ourselves.
Four and Twenty – Short Form Poetry Journal, June 2009
Shipwrecks & Kauai Dreams
KATU.com, April – June 2009
Feature article on alternative economies
Amaze Magazine, Contributor – Should-Free Living Column, March 2008 – April 2008
Conscious Conundrums column, May 2009 – present
NicoleWilliams.com, Freelance Writer, 2008 – present
Living the Dream Profiles: Jen Groover/Leah Nash/Lisa Blau/Amilya Antonetti
Eco-Style Fashion
Abundance Queen Bee, U.K., Web content writer, April 2009 – present
Original web content
Hub page
Marketing keywords
LadyAdvisor.com, Freelance Writer, April 2008 – Present
Judith McGee & Amy Langer profiles
Retreat Weekend
Spa-Ahhh
Gourmet Chocolates
Fine Teas
The Oregonian, Freelance Writer, Travel Section
Paradise Found (With Cash to Spare), Dec. 23, 2007
Bend Area Spas, June 2008
Brainstorm NW, Freelance Writer, Oct. 2005 – 2009
Food & Wine articles
Eye of the NW: Boxhaven profile
Research & survey results for Stay & Play article
15 Most Fascinating People: Tinker Hatfield
Eye of the NW: Elkhorn Valley Golf Course
Eye of the NW: Harbor Rendezvous
Eye of the NW: Memory Training
Abigail’s Adventures, Ghostwriter, Children’s Book, 2008
Ghostwriting/Editing
Ladies Who Launch, Freelance Writer, 2008
The Balance Myth
Women’s eNews, Freelance Writer, Sept. 2007
Our Daily Lives – After Times As a Witness…
White Apricot, Freelance Writer, Aug. 2007 – 2008
Wheat-free, dairy-free and low-sugar eating
Nia technique
Love Your Body Day
NW Women’s Journal, Freelance Writer, Aug. 2007
Women’s History Month – Heroines & Troublemakers
LivePDX.com, Freelance Writer, Mar. 2007 – 2008
Oba!, DF, Monteaux’s, Mint/820 & Spice restaurant descriptions
Sweetness Bakery feature
International No Diet Day feature
Gluten-Free in Portland
Nia in Portland
Four Weeks Magazine, Freelance Writer May 2007
5 Super Foods – feature piece
Principal Broker, Freelance Writer, Dec. 2006 – Nov. 2007
Feature writer for monthly cover stories
Profile pieces
Portland Tribune, Freelance Writer, Feb. 2007 – June 2007
Sustainable Life: GoodWorks PR
Sustainable Life: Green Jobs
Sustainable Life: Fair Trade Gems
Attraction Boutique, Freelance Writer, Mar. 2007 – present
Book editing
Lifestyle Tips
LifeLine Coaching, Freelance Editing, Feb. 2007 – June 2007
Study Guide
E-zine
Talk of the Twenty-Something Woman, Freelance Writer,
April 2005 – 2009
Editorial article on my experiences as a twenty-something woman
Newsletter editing
Editorial article on abundance
Press release
NW Meetings & Events, Freelance Writer, Jan. 2006 – June 2006
Concierge article for meeting planners
Profile of event planner
Deidre Campbell Q&A
CommonTies.com, Freelance Writer, Nov. 2006 – Mar. 2007
Personal Essay – Life in a Christian Cult
Editorial assistant
Secure Network Solutions, Copywriter, Nov. 2006 – Dec. 2006
Website copy
Medical Brochure copy
Integrity Residential, Copywriter, Nov. 2006
Copy for corporate brochure
Copy for Heather Francine’s brochure
OregonLive.com, Women OUT LOUD Blog, Oct. 2006 – Nov. 2006
Daily blog for women-themed weblog & webcast
Launched program & webcast
Daily Journal of Commerce – Design Supplement, Freelance Writer Oct. 2006
Article on trends in Portland design
WiredBerries.com, Freelance Contributor, Oct. 2006
Smoothie recipe for Better Mousetraps section
Salem Monthly, Freelance Writer, Jan. 2005 – Jan. 2006
Dining Reviews
Cover articles for outdoor dining special
Contributor to “Best of”dining series
Profile on Mary Anne Radmacher, international wordsmith
Master Success Coach, InsideTrack, June 2008 – Aug. 2010
Coached more than 500 adults, 18-60.
80+ hours of in-classroom coach training.
Coached on topics such as career goals, life transitions, balance, family life, relationships and academic success.
Facilitate workshops on coaching techniques, intention setting and meditation.
Teacher/Facilitator, Dec. 2005 – Nov. 2009
Writing Through the Great Ones Facilitator, Oregon Writing Festival, May 2008
Mentor, One-on-one with girl in treatment facility, Dec. 2007 – present
SUN Schools, Facilitator, Sept. 2007 – Dec. 2007
Journaling class to teen girls 14-18 at Marshall High School
Boys & Girls Aid Society, Pettygrove Program, Dec. 2005 – Dec.2007
Twice-monthly journaling workshop, girls 13-19
GLAD Summer Workshop, Leadership Day: Create Your Perfect Life, July 2007
Instructor for Warner Pacific University – Intro to Literature – Poetry techniques facilitation – Nov. 2009
Activities/Accomplishments/Education
- Completed Module 3, Consciousness, January 2011
- Completed Modules 1 & 2, BodyTalk, June 2010
- Completed Advanced Practical 1&2, BodyTalk, Oct. 2010
- Certified Master Success Coach, InsideTrack, March 2009
- Bachelor of Science Liberal Studies with an emphasis in English, Portland State University, Summa Cum Laude, 2008
- Certified Shamballa Multidimensional Healer, Levels 1-4, 9/2008 & 2/2009
- Member, National Association of Women, 2009 – 2010
- Member, National Association of Self-Esteem, 2009-2010
- Member, Women’s Empowerment Resources, 2009- present
- Membership Director, Women in Portland Publishing, 2006 – 2007
- Emcee of Coffee House Café’s Open Poetry Mic – 2005
- SMART Volunteer – 2002 & 2005
- Associates of Applied Science in Marketing, Portland Community College, 2000
