Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Erika Diwa.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Growing up, my dad always told me, “If you have nothing left to give, give your love and your time.” Since then, I’ve spent my life giving back to others. It was a currency I thought I would never run out of until it did.
I’ve practiced numbing my emotions early on in life to separate myself from a lot of pain and trauma. I found out I dissociated a lot, which means I would burn myself out on autopilot all day, and as darkness fell, I found myself not remembering a single thing I said or did that day. The problem with numbing your emotions is that you numb all of them – even the good ones. You forget what laughter feels like. You stop yourself from enjoying the taste of meals. You don’t process how warm a hug feels. You feel… nothing.
In therapy (because I definitely needed it), I had two thoughts about it all:
1. “There has to be more to life than this.”
2. “I can’t be the only one with this problem.”
Going home, I thought about all of the other women who are fighting through their own obstacles and need a safe space to be vulnerable and dream a life worth living.
So, I became a certified life coach in 2020 through Lumia Coaching. Since then, I’ve helped over 60 women all over the world, led workshops, and sat on panels to guide overworked and passionate women with detaching from the hustle culture mindset and finding joy within ourselves. It’s the coolest job in the world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being a small business owner isn’t easy! Social media can make it seem like you can just start and one viral video later, you’re rolling in dough – but that isn’t always the case.
I actually still work a separate full-time job to help pay the bills. This gives me the opportunity to coach in the evenings and weekends without having to worry so much about making ends meet. It also fulfills the other passions I have in my life that really make me happy.
I also have to protect my boundaries really well, making sure that I still have time for myself after giving so much of my energy and time to others. But I love being real and honest with my clients. I don’t ever want to paint a perfect picture of my life because it’s not. It’s fun and amazing, but I have my rough days too.
So, it may be a bumpy road, but best believe I’m driving windows down, blasting music from the ’90s and 2000s.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
A life coach helps you assess where you are now, where you want to be, and what’s stopping you in the way of getting there. I’m a guide that calls you out on your excuses and calls you in to notice the behavior stopping you from being who you want to be — all with compassion and patience.
My job as a Self-Love Life Coach is to help you feel good in your body, own your greatness, and grow in the spaces you’re in. Think of me as the person in your passenger seat. It’s up to you to drive us to your destination, but I can help you navigate where to go, point out the areas you may be missing, and fill up your tank when you’re feeling low on gas.
My one-on-one confidence sessions are meant to light the fire in you, provoke deeper introspection, and facilitate the creation and strategy for accomplishing your personal goals. I’m also soft launching a monthly membership that provides weekly accountability and check-ins but at a lower cost for women who may be struggling financially. By working with me, you will learn how to be your own joy and navigate the rest of your life.
What do you think about luck?
I believe I’m lucky and blessed to live this life, but it’s important to recognize and celebrate the choices I made in spite of the obstacles in my way. One of the most important things I’ve learned about growing up in Southeast San Diego was the ability to adapt and to thrive in the spaces we are in. Regardless of what type of luck I’m given, I’m going to figure out how I can get what I need to help myself and the people I love.
Pricing:
- 30-minute Discovery Session for FREE!
- Monthly Membership for $30/month
- 3 Month Partnership for $240/month or $720 in full
Contact Info:
- Website: bemyownjoy.com
- Instagram: bemyownjoy
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/joy-erika-diwa-b66b6b93
Image Credits
Paolo Jay Agbay
