Editor's Note: This is a guest post by Bobbi Palmer. Bobbi is a Dating and Relationship Coach for Grown-up Women. Her expertise and gentle guidance helps thoughtful, accomplished women date like a grown-up: with confidence, compassion, awareness, and grace. Bobbi offers personalized and group coaching.
Writing isn't something new to me, but the meaning and fulfillment it brings is new. For 20+ years I wrote like a robotic madwoman; inspired only by the almighty dollar, the occasional “thanks for helping me learn!” from co-workers, and the less than occasional “good job” from bosses.
Now I write to change lives. My writing comes from the heart, and is informed by my hard-won life victories and my need to help women live happier lives. This writing allows me to give generously, and feeds my soul.
I was inspired to start writing my Women Dating Like Grown-ups blog and my How to Succeed in Your Search for Love eBook soon after deciding it was my life purpose to help women find love; first in themselves, then in the men they meet. The women I speak to are grown-up, accomplished, independent women of kindness and depth, who have been unable to find a truly meaningful relationship with that special man. Most of these smart women, who have had success in all other parts of their lives, just can't figure out how to be equally successful in finding their partner in life.
I was that woman. I was 47 when I met and married my husband. It took a long time to finally meet him, but I learned what I was doing wrong, shifted beliefs and behavior, and snagged the extraordinary man I will happily spend the rest of my life with.
A funny thing happened after I married Larry. I found that the story I had to tell – my sadness, frustration, anger at men and then myself, my determination to change, my personal development, and my ultimate joy – was a story that gave women hope and encouragement. You only need to hear “you’ve given me hope and now I won't give up looking” a few times before you realize that you have a gift to give. If I could help these amazing women in their journey to a completely fulfilled life with a loving partner, I had to have the courage to try.
Sometimes the writing is difficult. Sometimes I feel like I don't know what to say, don't know how to say it, and I wonder if anyone is listening. Then I hear from a client or friend that they are finally having fun dating, feeling confidence they never had, or committing to becoming the best woman they can to be to attract the best man for them.
That’s all the inspiration I need. I pick up my pen again.
You can reach Bobbi at bobbip@DateLikeaGrownUp.com to schedule a complimentary coaching session.
