My Journey: Embracing Transformation

Hey there, beautiful souls! I'm Cathryn Benjamin. You may know me already as our time together as coach and client, yoga teacher and student, or just the woman behind the newsletter! I thought it was high time we got to know each other a little better. I thought I would take the opportunity to share my personal story in this week's newsletter so you can get a understanding of who the person behind the screen is. I’m so excited to share my personal journey with you, but before we dive into the nitty gritty, here are some quick fun facts about me:

I love anything from the 80s, especially power ballads and cheesy movies. I have two cats and a dog that I absolutely adore. One is usually curled up at my feet during a coaching call. I'm an avid video gamer who loves cozy games on the Nintendo switch to wind down, and I also love playing board games. I play Dungeons and Dragons every two weeks with my group of friends. Who says pretend is just for kids?! I love this activity and the positive impact it has in my life. I’m newly obsessed with Magic: The Gathering. Lastly, I love anything horror and scary. Halloween is my favourite holiday!

Now, let’s get into my transformation story.

✨The Beginning: A Journey of Weight Loss

My transformation journey began in my 20s with a significant weight loss endeavor. At that time, I was struggling with my weight and the emotional and physical toll it was taking on my life. I knew I needed to make a change, but the path ahead seemed daunting. Determined to take control of my health, I committed to a journey that would ultimately lead to shedding 130 pounds.

The early stages were challenging. I had to overhaul my diet, incorporate regular exercise, and most importantly, shift my mindset. I learned to celebrate small victories and not be too hard on myself for setbacks. With each pound lost, I gained more confidence and energy. The transformation wasn’t just physical; it was mental and emotional as well. I started to appreciate my body for what it could do and not just how it looked.

Maintaining this weight loss has been a testament to my commitment to living a balanced and fulfilling life. It required ongoing dedication, but the rewards have been immense. I’ve discovered a love for fitness and wellness that goes beyond appearance, focusing on overall health and well-being.

✨Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone: Becoming a Yoga Teacher

After my weight loss, I sought new ways to connect with myself and others. Yoga became a cornerstone of my journey, offering me a space to heal, grow, and thrive. I decided to step out of my comfort zone and become a yoga teacher, getting my 200 HR certification. Teaching yoga has been a profoundly rewarding experience. It has allowed me to share the transformative power of movement and mindfulness with my students, helping them discover their own inner strength and peace.

✨Breaking Free: Leaving a Relationship

During this period of physical transformation, I realized the importance of emotional and mental well-being. I found the strength to leave a15 year relationship that had been holding me back for far too long. The relationship was draining me, eroding my self-esteem, and keeping both of us from living the lives we deserved. We just weren't compatible. It was a difficult decision, filled with fear and uncertainty. The prospect of being on my own after years of emotional dependence was absolutely terrifying, to say the least. I was crippled with fear. It required immense courage and self-belief, but I knew that staying in this environment was not an option if I wanted to thrive.

I knew that in order to truly heal and grow, I had to take that leap of faith. Walking away from that relationship was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made, but it was also the most liberating. I surrounded myself with supportive friends and family who encouraged me and helped me rebuild my confidence. I focused on rediscovering my passions and interests, investing time in self-care and personal growth.

Leaving that relationship also allowed me to reclaim my power and focus on my personal growth and happiness. It was a pivotal moment in my journey, teaching me the importance of self-respect and the strength that comes from within. This experience not only made me stronger but also more compassionate and understanding towards others facing similar challenges.

✨Finding True Love: A New Chapter

After leaving that unhealthy relationship, I opened my heart to new possibilities and found the love of my life. Meeting my husband was like a breath of fresh air. Our relationship is built on mutual respect, trust, and unconditional love. We support each other's dreams and aspirations, creating a partnership that is both nurturing and empowering.

We got married and bought a home together, creating a safe and loving space where we can both thrive. This new chapter has been filled with joy, support, and endless love, reinforcing my belief in the power of positive change and new beginnings. Our home is a sanctuary, filled with laughter, warmth, and the promise of many beautiful memories to come. Finding true love has been a reaffirmation that the universe has wonderful plans for us when we remain open and hopeful.

✨Embracing My Calling: Becoming a Life Coach

My passion for helping others didn’t stop with yoga. I felt compelled to help others navigate their own paths of growth and fulfillment. Through rigorous training and personal development, I refined my skills to guide clients through challenges, empower them to overcome obstacles, and achieve their goals.

My coaching philosophy centers on empowerment and authenticity. I believe each person holds the power to create meaningful change in their life. As a coach, I provide a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their aspirations, uncover limiting beliefs, and develop practical strategies for success. Witnessing my clients break through barriers and embrace their true potential brings me profound joy and fulfillment.

✨My Purpose: Inspiring and Empowering Others

My purpose in life is twofold: professionally, I am dedicated to inspiring and empowering others to discover their true potential and live authentically. As a mindset and life coach, I strive to create a supportive and transformative space where clients can explore their aspirations, confront challenges, and achieve their dreams. I believe in the inherent strength and resilience of every individual, and my role is to empower clients to break free from limiting beliefs, embrace their unique strengths, and navigate life’s complexities with confidence and clarity.

Personally, as a human being on this earth, I am deeply committed to being the best person I can be each day. This commitment stems from a desire for continual personal growth and self-improvement. Every morning, I wake up with a determination to learn, evolve, and embody the values that are important to me. Being the best version of myself means embracing each day as an opportunity to learn from my experiences, cultivate positive habits, and nurture meaningful relationships. It’s about staying curious, open-minded, and willing to challenge myself to overcome obstacles and grow stronger. Through this commitment, I strive to not only inspire and empower others but also to lead by example. By demonstrating dedication to my own personal growth journey, I hope to encourage those around me to embark on their paths of self-discovery and fulfillment.

✨A Message to You✨

If my journey has taught me anything, it’s that change is possible, no matter how daunting it may seem. Every step, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goals. Embrace your journey, trust the process, and believe in your ability to create the life you desire. Remember, you are stronger and more capable than you realize. Everything you need is already within you!

Thank you for being a part of my journey. I’m excited to continue growing and evolving with all of you. Let’s embrace transformation together and inspire each other to reach new heights.

With love and gratitude,

Cathryn Benjamin

Mindset & Life Coach | Yoga Teacher | Wellness Advocate

Follow me on Instagram for tips on living authentically, embracing wellness, and fostering a positive mindset.