David turned to us after being in a downward spiral for years. Working as an executive in an engineering firm, he was physically and emotionally shattered. He said he was “falling apart.” He knew he needed to slow down but couldn’t see a way without abandoning his responsibilities and the people who depended on him. He was missing out on time with family and time on his beloved motorcycle. 

After so many years of chasing success, he didn’t know how to stop. He said, “It’s almost as if an invisible force is pushing me to do more, even though I have already done a lot. And it doesn't care that I’m miserable. And I don’t know how to stop it.”

Through our work together, David identified the unconscious drives and motivations that kept him revved up, but never fulfilled. He discovered how fear (both real and perceived) fueled his anxiety, but ended up sabotaging him. He got in touch with his sadness, and saw how his anger was protecting him from really feeling it. He learned to set boundaries. Step by step, he began prioritizing more time for play, rest, and connection. 

Interestingly, he realized he didn’t actually hate his job - he hated the way he was doing it.

Today, David leads an uncomplicated, happier life where he doesn’t have to sacrifice his values, health, and precious relationships in order to be successful. He’s redefined success for himself without having to make soul-shattering sacrifices. And he’s looking forward to the second half of his life and what it will bring him.

"Your work in Big Self has been so helpful to me and could not have come at a better time. In just these few short weeks I have felt more grounded, secure, and enlightened and it has enabled me to move beyond obstacles that I have been struggling with for years. I feel as though I am coming around the bend and on the verge of a great many things. The final frontier is really the internal journey and worth the time and investment. My spirit and potential has been re-awakened, the future is bright, and your work has been such a blessing to me. Thank you."

“Shelley’s workshops are a wonderful respite in this current storm. She has a calming, nurturing presence and works hard to include and encourage everyone’s perspectives and experiences in the group. It is a relief to share the anxieties of this crisis with others who are all experiencing it slightly differently, but there are common themes across all of us. Shelley helps weave these together and guides us to explore the fears and emotions behind our anxiety and offers ways to help bring us to a calmer state. She is also very real and present, even online, and shares many of her own concerns, anxiety, and vulnerability which is refreshing. Thank you Shelley for your guidance, love and support!”