I am privileged to have many incredible friends and colleagues with unique perspectives, talents and array of experience. So, I thought I’d explore some of my relationships in order to have them share their insights for your benefit as well.
Windy Jones Wile is one of my personal friends, which I like to call a “Soul Friend.” When I reached out to ask if she’d be willing to participate in this blog, I also asked how she was holding up during this unprecedented time of quarantine. Her perspective was fresh and inspiring during a difficult time for many.
Here’s what her text reply said:
I was so encouraged by her reply at such an uncertain time. In fact, I then asked her to share her perspective on social media because so many people need to hear how they can use this time in a productive way. We need to balance out the negative news with a clear, positive perspective.
So, let me tell you about my friend Windy. She was born in Florida, but she grew up in Nashville, which essentially makes her a rare Nashville native. She describes herself as a sassy, loving, funny, sensitive, intuitive, passionate woman and jokes that she’s a “constant work in progress.” She thrives in an environment where she’s learning, growing and working with others. Connection, humor and communication are some of her key values, so strong, intimate relationships are essential to her well-being. She says that quality time with her Rock Star tribe of friends and her incredibly supportive, handsome husband, helps keep her centered, grounded and connected to who she is at her core.
Professionally, she’s primarily worked with women in the beauty industry for the last 20+ years. What her beauty career revealed was that supporting women in developing their self-esteem, confidence and realizing their purpose, was her super-power! Helping others to discover what feeds their soul, fed her own soul. This powerful realization led her to begin her second chapter, a life coaching business - Worth Wile Coaching. Her goal now is to support her clients in discovering their passions and gifts. She works with clients to uncover and re-frame their personal blocks in order to make an action plan to achieve their goals and live the life that’s right for them. She believes that when people have awareness and are in alignment with their values and purpose, they tend to be happier, more productive people, who have a positive impact on the world and those around them. That’s the difference she wants to make with her coaching practice.
I had the opportunity to ask Windy some specific questions that I’d like to share with you.
Q: What do you love most about your new life coaching business?
A: Connecting with people on a profoundly deep level and helping to empower them in realizing they have all the answers they are currently seeking already inside of them. Witnessing someone’s “light bulb moment” is incredibly gratifying.
Q: What do you wish you’d known at 25 years old?
A: I would tell them to find teachers and mentors on their journey that motivate and inspire them, but don’t fall into the comparison trap. And start saving for retirement NOW! Learn about compound interest.
Q: What are the qualities a young professional needs to be successful in your industry?
A: They need to know their values and to “Walk the Talk.” Be true to who you are not what the world expects of you. Learn to trust your gut!
Q: What advice would you give to a young professional just starting their career?
A: Don’t be limited by your own expectations. Be flexible enough to stretch and grow beyond your preconceived notions of who you think you are and what your strengths are. Belief in failure and perfection are facades that kept me from living as authentic and courageous as I would have liked. Be open minded enough to learn and grow from things that don’t work out as planned.
Q: How do you find work/life balance?
A: I make it a priority. I don’t wear being “busy” as a badge of honor. Success isn’t about working yourself to death, working while you’re sick or working longer and harder than everyone else. Practicing self-care is part of living a successful life.
Thanks to Windy Jones Wile for sharing her perspective and insight with us! I hope you will be encouraged to live your best life.
Thank you Windy for sharing your thoughts! Well, that’s all I have for now.
For the full podcast episode, listen here.