We recently connected with Christine Saunders and have shared our conversation below.

Christine, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

I aspire to build a legacy rooted in public service, kindness, and the unwavering principle that others matter. Throughout my life, I have dedicated myself to showing up consistently, whether for my community, my colleagues, or those in need. My personal mission is to ease suffering for whoever I can, whenever I can. I believe that the measure of a person’s life is found in the positive impact they have on others and the equitable service they provide.
In my work and personal life, I have always emphasized the importance of equity. Ensuring that everyone receives fair and just treatment, regardless of their background, is a core value that I hold dear. By advocating for policies and practices that promote fairness, I strive to create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Kindness has been a guiding principle in all my interactions. I believe that small acts of kindness can have a profound ripple effect, fostering a culture of compassion and understanding. Whether through mentoring, volunteering, or simply offering a listening ear, I aim to make kindness a hallmark of my legacy.
I hope that after I am gone, people will say that I was someone who truly cared about others and made a tangible difference in their lives. I want to be remembered as someone who not only spoke about the importance of public service but lived it daily. My goal is to leave behind a legacy of service, kindness, and a steadfast commitment to the belief that every person matters.
Ultimately, I want to be remembered for my dedication to equity in service and my relentless pursuit of a more just and compassionate world. My hope is that my actions inspire others to carry forward the torch of public service and continue to build a legacy where kindness, equity, and the easing of suffering are the cornerstones.

Christine, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

For those who may not be familiar with my work, I’m excited to share a bit about myself and my journey. My passion for serving others began at an early age. As a young girl, I tended to be the one that everyone chatted with. Over the years, I have dedicated myself to Strategic intervention coaching, providing catered dynamic strategies for any challenge that cater to a wide variety of people. What truly sets my work apart is I tend to use Human Needs Psychology and cater it to Emergency Responders
One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is [mention a significant achievement or milestone]. This journey has been about more than just creating or providing a service; it’s about [deeper purpose or impact]. My personal mission is to ease suffering for whoever I can, whenever I can, which is reflected in everything I do.
To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that everyone has a story and everyone’s story matters. Your support fuels my passion, and I am committed to delivering excellence and making a meaningful difference through coaching.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey. I look forward to continuing to serve and inspire through my Strategic Intervention coaching and Disaster Mental Health

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I had to unlearn was relying on significance and attention during my “down times” in mental health. In the past, I used to seek out these needs in ways that could be manipulative, as a way to cope with my struggles. It was a behavior rooted in a desire to feel important and valued, especially when I felt low. However, I realized that this approach was unhealthy for both myself and those around me.

To address this, I had to learn and implement healthier ways to meet my needs for significance without resorting to manipulative behaviors. This involved understanding and embracing more constructive and genuine ways to feel important and appreciated, such as through self-care, contributing to others’ well-being, and finding internal validation.

Cloe Madanes outlines six core human needs that drive our behaviors:
1. Certainty: The need for security, comfort, and consistency.
2. Variety: The need for new experiences, challenges, and change.
3. Significance: The need to feel important, unique, and respected.
4. Love and Connection**: The need for a strong sense of union and communication with others.
5. Growth: The need for constant emotional, intellectual, and spiritual development.
6. Contribution: The need to give to others and make a difference.

By understanding these needs, I was able to redirect my focus towards more positive ways to fulfill my need for significance, ultimately leading to healthier mental and emotional well-being.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Certainly. After working as a substance abuse therapist for 16 years, I reached a point where I felt increasingly jaded and realized my passion for the field had diminished. During a conversation with a regular client, I recognized the need for a change and decided to transition into a completely different line of work.
I became an electrician apprentice with county government. One of my first tasks in this new role was to rewire the very office where I had spent 16 years as a therapist. Completing this job was a deeply emotional experience for me. I sat in the middle of the room and began to sob, overwhelmed by the symbolism of the moment.
Being the only woman on an all-male team, my colleagues were unsure how to respond. One brave coworker asked if I was okay, and I explained that nothing in my previous role as a therapist ever felt final. The battle against addiction is ongoing and relentless. In contrast, rewiring that office to completion provided me with a sense of finality and accomplishment I had not experienced in years. This pivotal moment reinforced my decision to make a significant career change and pursue a path that offered a different kind of fulfillment.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.followyourwholeheart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followyourwholeheart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christine.saunders.9400984
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-saunders-6b28a522/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wholeheartedlifetvchristin4664

Image Credits

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