As much as Bobby wanted to, he simply did not fit into this dog bed.  This is how I have felt about myself growing up in Ohio. I just felt too big.  

My voice was too big, my laugh was too big, my butt was too big and my personality was way too big.

People there looked at me like I need to calm down... turn down the volume... take up less space.

But where I am now? I've been in Washington state (and most recently the Sunshine coast of British Columbia) building Holding the Hope to help all of you for the past 20 years, that's where!  I fit in great. I fit in just great.

, this reminds me of something I realized dancing in my living room the other day...

There's nothing wrong with who we are at our core. We don't need to be fixed or changed or made smaller to fit into spaces that weren't designed for us.

Sometimes we just need to find the right environment where our authentic selves can thrive.

And that's exactly what happened to peer support over the past 20 years.

We didn't change who we were. We changed the systems that told us we didn't belong.

Now here's the thing about being authentic in professional settings...

You need to know HOW to be authentically you while still being professionally competent.

Being genuine doesn't mean being unprepared.

Being real doesn't mean being unprofessional.

And having lived experience doesn't automatically make you qualified to do peer support work.

You need training. You need skills. You need professional development that honors both your authenticity AND your competence.

Right now, you can get the entire catalogue 40 HOURS of Holding the Hope on-demand continuing education (each with Quiz and Certificate) for just $77.80.  That is 20% of what would normally cost $389.  20% for 20 years in business.

Click the "all courses bundle" and grow with world class continuing ed!~