Hey there.
I’m Kimberly,
creator of A Brave Life.
I consider myself a professional ball grower, but New York State felt it was more appropriate for my diploma to say “Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling”. I still think professional ball grower has a nicer ring to it, don’t you?
What qualifies you to be
a professional ball grower?
I wish I could say I’m the most courageous person you’ll ever meet but I’m not. In fact, I was born with a severe ball deficiency. My mom says I was a nervous baby so it only made sense that I’d grow to be a painfully shy kid, an insecure teenager, and a self-conscious pushover as a young adult. (Read this for the sorry details.)
But seven years ago, after a traumatizing loss and depression that kicked my butt, I finally noticed a pattern: every time I was brave enough to do something just outside of my comfort zone, wonderful things would happen as a result. This simple concept proved true whether I applied it to my relationships, my career, or my pursuit of small and large personal goals.
Lesson learned: You don’t have to be born brave to make brave decisions on a daily basis. And I want to support people who feel called to experience this truth for themselves.
No, seriously.
Do you have any qualifications?
Outside of A Brave Life I’m a bereavement counselor for a hospice program, and a blogger for Psychology Today with two Master’s degrees (in Counseling and Education), and ten years of experience facilitating workshops and retreats geared toward personal growth and spirituality. All of this informs my counseling practice, offered here at A Brave Life.
It all sounds pretty fancy. But underneath it all I’m just a woman trying to spend as much time as possible in sweatpants.
What do you do when
you’re not growing balls?
I live just outside of Philadelphia, PA with my husband and two cats, all three of whom are very hairy, cute, and excellent roommates. They love me despite being a terrible cook, a barely mediocre singer-songwriter, and a shameless dancer at any wedding reception I attend.
Hello Kimberly!
I’m an INFP as well. I’m very interested in doing psychology and/or psychiatry. Would you mind sharing how your profession makes you feel as an individual?
Sincerely,
A 15-year-old girl with a very long name
Hi there! Not sure what your “funny” and “long” name is, but I bet it’s also awesome and unique.
(With a last name like Eclipse, I’ve come to LOVE unique names!)
As a fellow INFP, you may already know what our personality type looks for in a career: “The INFP…needs a career which is more than a job. The INFP will be happiest in careers which allow them to live their daily lives in accordance with their values, and which work towards the greater good of humanity.”
That description explains why I LOVE my work as a counselor/ therapist. I help people heal from their past, make wise decisions, and fulfill their potential. It feels great to contribute something valuable to others! And my clients aren’t the only ones who benefit either — my relationships with them teach me so much about myself, about life, and about the world. In short, working in the mental health field brings me confidence and fulfillment. And if you choose to pursue a similar path, I hope it does the same for you.
I should tell you that the work of therapists/ counselors vs. psychologists vs. psychiatrists can be quite different. So I encourage you to do your research and choose wisely. Let me know you have any other questions. Good luck!
Wow ..superb,I jus love the flow..of meet kim.
Thanks, Martin!
LOVE what you’ve written here. Honest, brave, and hilarious! Can I be a professional ball grower, too??!!
Thank you, Sheryl! That means a lot to me — especially coming from you! You’ve been on my radar for a few years now and I’m familiar with your work, your book, and your incredible career. In fact, I’m pinching myself right now. (Sheryl Paul is commenting on my blog?! Yeeee!)
Oh, and you’re *already* a professional ball grower!
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“…Every time I was brave enough to do something just outside of my comfort zone, wonderful things would happen as a result.”
Today I saw a trailer for the Cameron Crowe joint “We Bought a Zoo”. In it Matt Damon says to the kid playing his son that he promises him that twenty seconds of insane courage will lead to incredibly wonderful things. It wasn’t explained in the trailer, but I think he was talking about his son’s crush.
That I’ve heard these nearly identical ideas will lead to some sleepless reflection in bed tonight. This synchronicity I have no doubt means that something important is going on. I can’t wait to see where this goes.
I love the design and content of ABL and have nothing but admiration for you. “Try not. Do; or do not. There is no try.”
Thanks for your support as always, Lehho! I should check out that Matt Damon movie, if not for its themes then for its eye candy. Wishing you inspiring ball reflections this evening. (Eh, you know what I mean.)