It has taken several years to finally get my WHY. It is not what I originally thought it was. It was a journey down a curvy path before it all started becoming crystal clear.

I did not start my journey with Simon Sinek’s book titled, “Start with Why”. I read it along the way but it wasn’t until late 2019 that everything started to crystalize in my vision.

This journey actually started to bloom in 2014 when I became a Health & Fitness Coach. Little did I know that single decision would take me on a journey of many things- confidence, confusion, clarity, commitment and community. I was excited about the opportunity to help people achieve their health and fitness goals and ultimately live a more fulfilling life.

It wasn’t until the fall of 2019 that the universe revealed it’s plan to me. Albeit I didn’t know it at the time. It was one hint here one hint there and then ding ding ding ding I saw it as clear as the carribbean ocean.

Like I said, first it was the health & fitness coaching. I really enjoyed encouraging and motivating people to join a fitness program and develop meal plans. Then over time, my natural knack to motivate and encourage spread into my career area. It started with a small group of colleagues – we called our group W.E.L.L -> women excelling in leadership and life. We met regularly to discuss our ambitions, goals and challenges.

When the opportunity presented itself, I embraced the opportunity to lead a community of business professionals we now call the “Cohort of Colleagues”. This community was formed to give a voice to a segment of our workforce that was in the shadows. Through this community we network, mentor and address challenges unique to this profession.

Then I started to volunteer as a Mentor and quickly realized I had a passion for it. And, one mentee asked if I had ever considered becoming a life/career coach.

AND THEN THE UNIVERSE SPOKE…..two days before Thanksgiving holiday the announcement was published for 5 available slots to enroll in a Leadership Coaching program. Everything in me knew this was it! This was my next step. I quickly jumped through every hoop to meet all of the application requirements by the deadline (7 days later and over the Thanksgiving break). I decided I had a really good chance of getting selected. Take into account the timing of the announcement and everything that had to be accomplished in the short timeframe- who but me jumps for opportunities like this. I thought, not many but as it turns out, there were 77 applicants. A birdie told me I made the first cut to the top 15 and the final 5 would be notified the next day. Fortunately I was in a all day meeting and was distracted, until I checked my email and there it was, “Dear Ms. Foster, you were NOT selected for the Leadership Coaching program”. Definitely a let down but not a shut down, this just meant, “not right now”.

At the same time, I had also been selected for a 4 week resident Leadership Development course. This is the path I am to follow. This is the path that will lead me to fulfill my purpose.