“When I first met Melissa, I was in a rut in my life. I was letting the day-to-day hubbub of everything unimportant rule me: money, materialistic things – I had no sense of who I was, what I truly wanted, and I had very little belief in myself. Every time I was stressed about something, I would feel as though the entire world was falling down on me. I had no capability of getting out of any hole I had mentally dug myself into. I was physically, emotionally and spiritually unhealthy.
First talking to Melissa was a great release for me. It was as if I had been talking to someone I had been friends with for many years. The fact that Melissa was so in touch with herself and the world around her gave me a slight boost of energy, confidence and inspiration – and that was only the beginning.
Although many of my self-esteem issues came from bad friendships and growing up in uncomfortable circumstances, the biggest hit to my confidence happened in 2010 when my aunt was involved in a hit and run. She died two days after, and I was blamed for everything – from her getting hit by the car to her dying. I had spent much of my life being the scapegoat by some of the people closest to me, so I had become so good at masking the way these actions had made me feel. I had come to believe I was deserving of all the blame I was receiving. When the man responsible was found, it gave me a little bit of confidence, and I found myself trying to get on track to goals that felt right – but I felt unworthy of.
In November 2012, I was encouraged to enter the Miss BC pageant. The first thing I thought was, “me? A pageant? Yeah, right!” Despite the minimal confidence, I passed the preliminary interview and was offered a competition spot. As the months leading up to the competition went on, I started to find excuses not to do the pageant: no sponsor, I didn’t look good enough, I didn’t feel good enough, I didn’t want to wear an evening gown…the list went on and on. Melissa and I continued to keep in touch throughout the process of trying to find a sponsor – and by March 2013 I had decided to bow out of the pageant. I didn’t feel worthy of it, anyways, so what was the point? Melissa swooped in and said it wasn’t going to happen – and she wanted to coach me. Realizing she had seen something in me – something demonstrating potential and the possibility of growth – made me feel better about myself.
In the weeks that followed, Melissa helped me set goals flanked by discipline, restraint, spirituality, and a positive work ethic. When things were hectic, Melissa introduced me to tapping to get rid of the negative energy trying to build and store itself within me; having that powerful tool has helped me cope with my issues. Previously, I had let my diet get the best of me; prior to Melissa coaching me, food was a security blanket I could retreat to. On the outside, I looked okay, but I could feel, on the inside, I was not as fit as I had previously been.
Every step of the way, Melissa was there to encourage me. I would come to her with a problem. She would respond with a hope-filled solution, quote, or wise words. Then things would be okay. This was a circle that I went through during the sessions – but the cycle soon diminished as I learned how to cope with my hurdles, stressors and concerns on my own – and through Melissa’s positive coaching.
By the end of my time with Melissa – in July 2013 – I had lost ten pounds. I had been introduced to a very beneficial cleansing system, Isagenix, that made me look and feel great about myself. I started working out on a proper schedule, got back into shape and I felt great! I was more than ready for the pageant; I went into it expecting to learn from the other women competing. And that is exactly what I did.
Cut to August 2013: I’ve made a complete turn around. I am going to school for broadcasting in September. I am healthy and happy. I am a more positive person who has learned to have fun and be creative. I am in touch with my well-being. I don’t indulge in food like I used to. Most importantly, I am happy on the inside and out. Everyone has commented on how it shows right through me.
If you are looking for someone who is going to change your life – not just your clothing size and well-being – then look no further. Melissa is here to help. The vast amount of knowledge she has on health and well-being will change your life. I know my life changed for the better – and I am so glad I had the chance to work with her. I know I am going into my field of choice with an immense amount of confidence – and with a smile!”
xox, Ria