We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Natalie Thomas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Natalie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I am the oldest of 4 and was raised in a cult, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses to be specific, so my choices weren’t really my own. From a young age I learned that I had a heavy responsibility in not only being the oldest but, in the example I had to provide. The pressure was on to be the first to do everything, so I was the first to get baptized at 11 (too young to really know what I was doing or what a weight that carried), the first to become a regular door-to-door preacher, the first to preach from the pulpit, the babysitter for the other siblings that followed, etc. This was not necessarily because I wanted to but, because I had to, it was expected. By the time I was 14, I was certain of how different I felt compared to how I knew I was SUPPOSED to be feeling about the religion and myself. There was no self-discovery, as all time was spent in service to the organization…it was soul crushing. There were no opportunities be a child, as we weren’t allowed to participate in school activities or develop personal goals/dreams outside of serving the organization. The one thing I knew was mine, was my ability to be a support system to people and a confidant that allowed people to unload and seek advice from. It was natural for me and became something I knew I wanted to pursue as I got older. I knew the universe and life were bigger than what I was being lead to believe, I couldn’t share that though. At one point, I was actually excommunicated and shunned for breaking some arbitrary rule. This cruel act sadly occurred while I was pregnant with my son, so I had none of my own family around during that time, only my in-laws at the time, whom were great. Although it was probably the hardest time of my life, it was the best thing that could have happened regarding that faith because I got a glimpse of the what was fact and fiction behind the cult leaders words. I began to “wake up”. Unfortunately, one can’t simply leave a cult like JW’s, it is your whole life and you’re only surrounded by other Witnesses, so leaving means losing that built life and everyone in it. Some choose to just leave, while others slowly “fade” away. There comes a point however, where you realize you can’t continue living a lie or for other people. For me, that time came in the summer of 2010 because that’s when I started planning my “escape”. I had refused to raise my son in the same way…so I left. It was at the sacrifice of relationships with my parents, friends I’d always had, progress over achievements I’d made, etc, so it hurt. I felt free to be myself though and to become who I knew I actually was meant to be and could be proud of. I am now a certified Holistic Wellness Coach thanks to that risky move, and I am extremely proud of myself.

Natalie, 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?

I am a healer naturally, it was always a part of who I am. It took me a while to realize that but, once I did, I made it my goal to fully accept that. I began meditating on a regular basis so I could get into the habit of knowing and understanding myself that best I could so that I’d be capable of helping others. That habit led me to exploring nature itself more, as we are all connected to the earth and universe in ways we don’t completely understand but can feel. Through my connection to the earth, I began researching ways to be holistic in aiding, healing and growing. This is what led my becoming certified in Crystal Healing, Sound Healing, Energetic Healing, Reiki Healing, Herbal Medicine certification. I use all of those both individually and in combination to cleanse clients energetically and often times emotionally, so they can be the best versions of themselves. I have been practicing for 15 years now and it has continued to remind me knowing my purpose and my gift of helping others even when I don’t realize I am. I want to make sure people know I work from the heart to help them realize their potential. I hold a space for them as they learn to become who they are at their best.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

With the upbringing I had, there was a lot of judging and preconceived notions that we were taught to take into account when dealing with people. I had to take time to unlearn those traits, so I could become a better person and lean into helping others in the way I was meant to.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Word of mouth really does work, along side offering complimentary services so they get an idea of the type of person you are. People want to feel safe most of all, so if you can show and prove to them that you have their best interest at heart and want them to succeed. When we start to take people for granted, we lose our direction and that’s something I never want to do. I have business cards, I participate in events that relate to my field and sometimes those that don’t directly because you never know what someone is looking for in addition to the item at hand. Keeping in mind people are sensitive and want reassurance in their path, helps me understand the importance of focusing in and listening to what they’re ACTUALLY saying behind the protective wall we all have naturally.

Image Credits
Natalie Thomas Plant Family Therapeutics Tripoto Jeannie Phan