Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Melissa Oatman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Melissa, thanks for joining us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?
My parents taught me that education is so important, whether it is in a formal setting or informally seeking the answers that you need. They taught me that it’s important to see things from different perspectives. I remember one instance when I was struggling in a college course. I told my dad, “I think I may fail this class.” He replied, “That’s ok. You will do better next time.” He taught me not to be so hard on myself, which I was a pro at. My mom was my best friend, and I looked up to her a great deal. She passed away in January from pancreatic cancer. She worked hard all of her life. She was a single mom. I saw her struggles day in and day out, yet she kept going. I only learned to appreciate her wisdom and guidance as I got older. Both of my parents were inspirational in showing me that it is never too late to follow your dreams. They both went back to school later in life to pursue their degrees. My mom became a teacher, and my dad became a nurse. They were shining examples of never giving up. I am very lucky to have had them as parents.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am from Collinsville, Illinois. In addition to teaching German, I am a healer, channeler, spiritual teacher, and intuitive. I created and host, Awaken Your Inner Awesomeness, which is a weekly podcast dedicated to improving lives and deepening spirituality. I am also the author of the book Beautifully Broken, the spiritual woman’s guide to thriving after a divorce or break up, and I am also a part time travel agent. I offer card readings, energy healing sessions, online classes on self-love and spirituality, and individual life coaching sessions. I also help clients plan trips. I love helping people, whether it is helping them heal from past trauma, teaching them how to shift their mindset and live healthier lives, rebuild their lives after a breakup or loss, or helping them plan their next journey in life. My passion is people. I care deeply about my clients, and my motto is that if I change one life, it is all worth it. I am a single mother of grown twins, and I am passionate about travel, education, and family.
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 huge lesson that I had to unlearn is life is to let go of other people’s expectations. You are on your own unique journey. No one can say what is best for you, except for you. If you constantly carry around the weight of other people’s opinions, you will burn yourself out. Other people may be happy, but you will be miserable. You have to let go of the people pleasing, learn how to set healthy boundaries, follow your dreams, and believe in yourself.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I grew up a child of divorce. When I was in my early 20’s, I met my ex-husband. That was a very tumultuous and toxic relationship. Although we divorced when my kids were little, that relationship held a tight grip on my life for many years after. My ex tried to control everything I did through my kids. I had to learn how to set boundaries, stand up for myself, and break the abusive cycle. I had to unlearn all of the negative things I had learned about relationships, and I had to learn how to love myself again. This journey of healing and self-discovery is what led me to start my business, create my podcast, and write a book. I have learned so much along the way. I discovered how much strength I truly had. That is the reason that I entitled my book “Beautifully Broken.” I had to be broken open in order to be healed and put back together again. I was made even more beautiful than ever before when I allowed my light to shine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.melissaoatman.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/melissaoatman222/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reikiwithlissa/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/MelissaOatman
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQPtU9hPeEWjbHr62LxuEXA
- Other: tiktok.com/@melissaoatman