Before I started working with Maria I never felt as though I had control of my emotions. Things would happen and I would just have reactions to them, there was never a moment when I thought about how I could react, or how I could change the situation for the better. I found myself in the midst of blow-up fights with my parents, my friends, my partner, and while I maybe did not cause the issue I certainly escalated it. I was like a bomb, everyone had to walk on eggshells around me, and I had been told that others did not want to share things with me as they were always worried about how I would respond. In essence I was at the mercy of my emotions.
For the first time ever I can say that I am the one that’s able to de-escalate conflicts. I am able to stop myself from freaking out. But more importantly than that, issues do not bother me the way that they used to. I am able to remove myself from situations and not feel personally attacked anytime someone says something negative to me. This is one of the biggest breakthroughs for me; that I do not have to ride out my emotions but rather guide them in a healthy manner. I was drained emotionally and physically but now I’m more confident and I trust myself.
For anyone else in a similar position getting help does help, but you do have to put in the hours. Maria’s coaching has helped rewire my brain and replace negative actions with positive ones. I act differently now and I feel different as well; I’m calmer, happier, and more enjoyable to be around. The effort paid off and I love getting to share what I have learned with my family to help them as well.
— Lila, age 22