Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheyenne Beardsley.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Cheyenne. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up in the beautiful state of New Mexico, but I felt called to be in California since I was about 10, so I finally made it to the west coast about two months ago and I’m feeling so much gratitude to be in this amazing city! There’s a simple quote I love by Thich Nhat Hanh – “No Mud, No Lotus” meaning that we must grow and blossom through our difficulties and challenges. My “mud” was losing both of my parents before the age of 12. The impact and grief of that trauma did not really hit me until my mid-20s, at which point I was working at a desk job doing something I didn’t enjoy for 10 hours or more every day. I was making decent money but I was miserable both mentally and physically. I began to suffer from anxiety, panic attacks, digestion problems and an unhealthy relationship with food and alcohol. The stress of my daily work life and the unresolved grief manifested in health problems. I developed food intolerances and every time I ate I felt an onslaught of anxiety and brain fog. It wasn’t an option to continue as I was so I found my passion for health and healing. I began changing my daily habits to live a more healthy lifestyle and actually use techniques to deal with my stress. I also started going to counseling and other healing modalities like reiki, curanderismo, and grief retreats. Through focusing on my health and healing, I learned how interconnected our bodies and minds are. I started giving myself the attention and healing I needed and now, I look to do the same for other busy, stressed women who want to change their bodies and health so I became certified in health coaching and launched my business Femme Spirit Coaching. I see “femme spirit” as the innate intuitive ability that women have to make positive changes in their life from the place of their inner power.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It hasn’t been smooth, but through each struggle, I’ve grown. I’ve been lucky to have support and love from my adoptive family and chosen family but I continually miss being able to talk to my parents for advice and support along the way. For a while, I felt that, because of my circumstances, I had to figure everything out on my own and that I was alone. As a result, I’ve spent too much time pushing myself and berating myself for not being perfect. So, for young women, I would definitely say lean into your support systems- your friends, family and any other group you can reach to for support. Sometimes, the strongest thing you can do is reach out and ask for help and support. We’re not meant to make everything happen on our own. Sometimes, women feel we must overcompensate to make it in a world that is still rampant with inequality. The other important thing is to let yourself rest and prioritize your self-care. You cannot be productive without resting and recharging. For so long, we’ve lived in a hyper-masculine society that promotes striving, competition and constantly going, going, going. But that model is outdated and women’s wisdom is to give ourselves the time to rest and recharge, the ebb and flow of life like the waxing and waning of the moon. All we have to do is look at nature and our own bodies to see the need for that.
Please tell us about Femme Spirit Coaching – what should we know?
I really believe in coaching as a powerful modality for change and transformation because it is about empowering the individual I work with. Coaching doesn’t work without a coachee who is willing and ready to step up and show up for themselves in a powerful new way. I love being a catalyst for change but the client is doing the work to make it happen. I provide support, tools, and perspective along the way. I focus on women’s health and have most of my experience helping women who want to transform their bodies and lose weight. All outer change starts with inner change! What sets me apart is tackling the root causes of what prevents women from changing their habits and lifestyle. It’s not just about pounds and calories… far from it! I love helping women achieve the mindset that will make their transformations lasting and meaningful.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
I’m constantly inspired by women! Especially those who step into their power despite how it might be negatively received. Ellen Degeneres was one of the first women I was inspired by because she owned all parts of herself so bravely in the public eye. I am always enriched and inspired by women like Oprah, Brene Brown, and Gabrielle Bernstein, to name a few who, champion self-development and/or spirituality for a wider audience. And now, we have so more women in politics who are truly representing the people for which I am so grateful. This inspiration is really endless and everywhere as far as I’m concerned!
And despite only having my mom in my life for a short amount of time, she provided endless inspiration for me with memories of her sense of adventure and ability to speak her mind without fear.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.myfemmespirit.com
- Email: femme.spirit.coach@gmail.com
- Instagram: femme_spirit
Image Credit:
Lori Kushner, Keevie Roybal
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