Welcome back to the second installation of the Get Out Of Your Own Way Rock Star series (be sure to check out Part 1 -- you won’t want to miss Michelle’s inspiring story about how she transformed her life from suicidal to sparkling by applying the Get Out Of Your Own Way principles).

Today, I’m delighted to introduce you to Laurie Erdman.

For years, Laurie, an attorney, worked at a job she was good at -- but didn’t love. The money was good, her job was secure, and the work was relatively easy for her. But her heart wasn’t in it. She longed for something more.

So she began to dream of transforming her life and becoming a full time artist.

Then she got smacked on her ass with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis that knocked the wind out of her. And that might have been the end of big dreams for some people.

But not for Laurie.

While others might have succumbed to fear and worry, hunkered down into a job they hated, and spent the rest of their lives licking their wounds, Laurie’s health crisis spurned her into action. Embarking upon a program of radical self-care, she discovered that switching from the Standard American Diet (SAD) to a mostly raw vegan diet changed everything for her health and her life. And it inspired her to not only throw her heart into her art, but also to start a wellness coach training program so she could help others be chronically well in the face of a chronic illness.

When Laurie did a Pink Medicine Woman coaching session with me, I guided her through the 16 Steps of the Get Out Of Your Own Way program. Laurie tapped into who she really is, got clear on her natural gifts, and clarified her dream of leaving her job so she could launch her coaching practice. 

But fear still held her back -- until she worked through the Get Out Of Your Own Way principles and suddenly, fear stepped aside.

I could go on, but I’ll let Laurie take over…

Since my first day working as a lawyer, I have wanted to do something else. While I loved the intellectual challenge of law school, law firm life was not for me. I felt stifled. But I also felt trapped financially. It wasn’t until 20 years and four employers later that I discovered Lissa Rankin and Owning Pink. I followed Lissa’s journey with awe, amazement and envy. But still, I could only imagine leaving the corporate rat race. 

Slowly, her story grabbed me and propelled me to dream. Following Lissa as inspiration, I dared to dream of being a full-time artist. With her guidance, I began to walk through the fear of scarcity. Then, just as my dream was beginning to take off, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I was back to square one. I questioned everything. I told myself I could no longer be an artist -- artists didn’t have health insurance or disability insurance. And I needed both. My dream came to a screeching halt. But the Universe and Lissa weren’t finished with me yet.

Lissa showed up in my inbox everyday, sharing her wisdom; exuding the joy that one can only have if they are living their dream. I felt each post was written for me. So I redoubled my efforts on my dream. But the dream was different this time. I had taken control of my health, employed lots of radical self-care, and wanted to share my knowledge and compassion to make the world a healthier place. Enter Laurie Erdman, artist and holistic health coach.

I jumped in with gusto. Planning. Visioning. Setting myself up for the leap. But there was one thing missing from my plan, although I couldn’t put my finger on it. Not until working with Lissa did I discover that I was working hard to stay in my own way. Yes, fear was masquerading as rationale planning. I was overworking myself trying to serve my employer and my dream. But I couldn’t see that. Not until seeking Lissa’s counsel.

With Lissa’s intuitive questioning, she helped me realize how I was standing in my own way. Her questions stuck in my head for weeks.

And many others. These questions penetrated through my reptilian brain until I could no longer stand it. Because of Lissa, I am now happily focusing my energy on building the life I want: making pots and building my wellness empire by helping people overcome their illnesses through integrative lifestyle changes. 

Laurie is a rock star for so many reasons. She sought guidance with an open heart and then applied the Get Out Of Your Own Way principles like a master student. And when she faced the inevitable resistance we all face when we’re doing something brave and scary, she pushed through it. She felt the fear but she didn’t let it rule her decision-making.

She just took her leap a short time ago, so give her a shout out and help lift her up! Hire her to help you overcome your chronic illness. Buy her art. Read her fabulous writing (did I mention that she's also a kick-ass Owning Pink blogger?). And shout out your praises for her here in the comments. We can all use some cheerleading when we’re in the vulnerable baby bird phase of learning how to fly.

Laurie, you go girl! I believe in you, darling.

Are you dying to ditch your job and start your life? What’s holding you back? Are you getting in your own way? Sign up for the free mini e-course designed to light a fire under you so you can ditch the limiting beliefs, stop self-sabotaging, and start living the life you deserve.

Blowing pixie dust beneath your wings,

Lissa

Lissa Rankin, MD: Founder of OwningPink.com, Pink Medicine Woman coach, motivational speaker, and author of What’s Up Down There? Questions You’d Only Ask Your Gynecologist If She Was Your Best Friend and Encaustic Art: The Complete Guide To Creating Fine Art With Wax.