Today we’d like to introduce you to Jody Cates.
Jody, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
After 26 years of living what I believed to be a happily-ever-after life, no one was more surprised than me when my marriage ended in divorce. Determined to learn everything I could about what makes relationships work – and why sometimes even Christian relationships fail – I began a quest for understanding.
I read, listened to, followed, and hung on the words of every respected relationship expert I could find. My journey took me through years of personal counseling and spiritual direction, and eventually to seminary, where I earned an M.A. in pastoral care and counseling. Before my marriage ended, I thought I was doing everything I could to love others the way God wanted me to. But the truth is I was still relying heavily on my own strength and sheer determination to make things work.
I had to learn new ways of thinking about relationships. And new ways of relating to the people I love. My quest for understanding turned into a passion for sharing how to keep relationships strong and how that in turn, allows us to create lives that are whole and happy.
Today I offer personalized coaching, workshops, and groups to help women in life’s second half grow healthy relationships and create a life they love. Because beyond marriage and motherhood, there’s something new and exciting for every woman who steps into the wholeness she was created for. And I love helping women experience that wholeness!
In addition to coaching, I’m a writer, blogger, and speaker and my award-winning column Parenting With Purpose appears regularly in San Diego Family Magazine.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It took me a while to get steady on my feet but here is what I learned: Relationships can get messy because people are complicated. But God specializes in bringing reconciliation, peace, and joy to the messiest of situations. So even the most complicated relationships can grow healthy and vibrant when we learn how to love others well. And we can create lives we love even when life looks different from the one we were expecting.
Today I’m living the unexpected life of a single empty nester. My three grown children plus one daughter-in-law are out in the world, making it a better place (in my humble opinion!) I’m crazy-stupid in love with my dog Scout. And coffee. And I fill up my days with writing, hiking, traveling, photography, reading good books, and spending time in lively, laughter-filled and frequently irreverent conversations with my family and friends.
It’s incredibly humbling to see how my struggles have led to helping other women rediscover their passion and purpose while keeping their relationships thriving through the changing seasons of life.
Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
I’m a writer, speaker, and relationship coach. I encourage, inspire, and teach women in life’s second half how to create a life they love filled with passion, purpose, and thriving healthy relationships.
My coaching clients say I’m practical and down-to-earth. That I’m gentle but can cut through complicated relationship issues with a directness that helps them get clarity and find resolutions. My workshop attendees leave with tools that equip them to set goals and regain balance in their lives, and with new communication skills that set them up for success in their relationships and life.
I believe what sets me apart is my belief that each of us has been created with a purpose that fuels our passion throughout life. That when we discover our purpose and work toward creating whole, healthy relationships to support that purpose, we experience more joy and the abundant life God wants for us.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
My personal definition of success is knowing that the relationships in my life are healthy and balanced. That my family and friends feel known, seen and loved. And that we give one another mutual support and encouragement to achieve the things we’ve been put on this planet to do.
Additionally, I define success in my business as helping others experience the same wholeness and health in their relationships. When our relationships are working well, all seems right with the world. Our goals and dreams feel more possible. We have more energy to pursue our passions. And we know we are investing in the success of those we love, as well as our own growth and development.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jodyleecates.com
- Email: info@jodyleecates.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodyleecates/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jodyleecatesauthor/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/jodyleecates/
Image Credit:
Andrew Henry Photography
Jackie Wonders Photography
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