In this installment of the Coaching4Lesbians interview series I am pleased to present Kathy Belge. Kathy is the expert behind About.com’s official guide to Lesbian Life as well as the “Dipstick” half of the punchy advice giving team of Lipstick & Dipstick seen in Curve Magazine. I first discovered her writing via these avenues but Kathy is a talented freelance writer with a diverse portfolio and a passion to make a difference in the world.

1) What were some of your professional experiences before becoming a full time freelance writer? How have these experiences informed and influenced your writing?

Actually, I was a social worker for fifteen years before I became a full time freelance writer. Right out of college I started working at a small women’s organization in New York State. I went on to work for Planned Parenthood and started volunteering with lesbian & gay youth. After a few years, I realized my true passion was the work with youth. I moved to Oregon in 1993 and from 1995-2003 worked with LGBT youth. When I left social services, I was director of the largest LGBT youth organization in Oregon. I loved that work, but just decided it was time to do something different. I had reached the pinnacle of that career for myself.

2) How did you first discover writing was a talent and passion for you ?

I loved writing from an early age, pretty much from when I learned to read. Books were a way for me to escape my hectic family life. (I grew up with seven siblings.) I took every writing course I could in high school and was editor of my high school paper. I was encouraged by my teachers and I actually went to journalism school. After I graduated from college, I decided I wanted to make more of a difference working directly with people. Read the rest of this entry »

Last night’s episode of the Ex-Wives Club on ABC featured a new facet of Debbie Ford’s retreat workshop. This time it showcased the power of finding the gifts in all situations especially those past circumstances that have caused us pain or sorrow.

In the workshop, Debbie Ford handed the participants a large photo of their ex and asked them to write on the photo a list of all the gifts they received from the relationship. For some, it was a very powerful exercise in uncovering the sheer number of gifts and blessings that would never have come about if they had not been in the failed marriage. The lesson for us all? There is a gift in every situation and it is up to us to find it.

Have you ever been in a bad relationship or a lousy job and wondered what good could possibly be hidden beneath the dreary veneer? Read the rest of this entry »

I love when I get real life examples of the sheer power of being comfortable in your own skin that I can share with you. As much as I believe in its power, sometimes you have to see it in action to really let it hit home. That’s why I so enjoyed what I’m going to share with you.

Now, whether you love or hate Hillary Clinton, you have to agree that she is a powerful woman. Even if you don’t follow the political debates (goodness knows I don’t at this stage of the game) the following comments from Arianna Huffington in her blog yesterday are proof in the pudding that who we are be-ing speaks volumes.

Hillary Clinton won because she arrived at the debate as the front-runner — with a widening lead in national polls — and left the debate with her position solidified. Her success was due in part to what she did during the debate, and in part to what Barack Obama failed to do.

She came across as more comfortable in her own skin, and more natural and less programmed than in the past. And she exhibited an effortless charm that those close to her often rave about but that the public rarely sees.

If the ability to be natural and comfy in your skin can have this sort of impact on the center stage of the political world, what might be possible for you if you could tap into just 10% more self-esteem, confidence, and self-truth in your life?

I know the feeling is a “Wow” and the idea of having this sort of power and comfort be effortless is is certainly inspiring to me. If you want to learn how to get started tapping into this in your life, sign up for the free eCourse (top left sidebar of this page) which will show you how.

Last night was the second episode of the Ex-Wives Club on ABC featuring Debbie Ford. Last week I gave you the lowdown on why this show applies to LGBT relationships and why this work done Debbie Ford style is the most powerful thing you can ever do for yourself and your relationships. This week I’d like to delve into a very powerful distinction Debbie made during the show which will change your relationship with words forever.

In the show they aired a piece of Debbie’s workshop called “mirroring negative traits”. The purpose of this segment is to illustrate the point that words are just words; it is the meaning we assign to certain words that cause us pain. It really drives home the point of the childish teasing rhyme “sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me”. We all know harsh words spoken can and do hurt us, sometimes deeply. Yet, it is never the words themselves that hurt us — it is what we make them mean. Read the rest of this entry »

As part of an evolution coming about as a result of the highly successful monthly free teleclass series, I have an offer to make to you my cherished blog readers…

I am looking for 3 volunteers willing to experience some stellar coaching, no strings attached. This is a 45 minute conversation that can truly change your life and is worth over $200. It is conducted over the phone so it is easy and convenient to schedule wherever you live.

Like I said, it is no strings attached and as a thanks to you for your willingness to spend this time with me, I will send you a free eBook as well.

First come, first served on this offer, so if you’re interested, contact me today.