“The journey between what you once were and who you are now becoming is where the dance of life really takes place.”
~ Barbara De Angelis
My brokenness and burnout in the ICU started long before this happened...
But, it hit me dead on in the middle of 2015. After 20 years of marriage, infertility, two separations, and the comeback of a lifetime (or so I thought) my husband left me for what would be the longest 6 weeks of my life. Then, bring in 2016. In June, my mother (69 years young) was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer that quickly took her life within less than a month. Three weeks to the day, I received the call my father passed from a massive heart attack. Kicker: I was on my way home for my mother’s memorial at the time. Within three months, God called my grandfather home.
Those 18 months had all the feels of a nightmare as my life was completely shattered. My self-care became all but non-existent. I needed support on so many levels; body, mind, and soul. I knew I was suffering, but as a nurse working in the ICU at the time, taking care of the sickest of the sick, I was at a loss for how to care for myself. Trauma. Tragedy. Grief. They do that to you. It would take me over a year to visualize my life, my health, and my present moments as priorities and blessings. And even longer to find the gratitude in the darkness and depths of those months.
My end-of-life travels with both family and patients brought to light the importance of living authentically and sparked both a purpose and a passion to help others envision dying well, embrace intentional living, and transform their health holistically. That's why I started COME TO THE TABLE.
The end of 2017 marked a considerable change for me, subtle as it seemed; from grief and loss, to joy and hope. Somewhere along the way, I transitioned from surviving to gently thriving through purposeful and intentional care of self ~ body, mind, and soul. The practice of prayer in and out of the moments of Adoration, clean living choices, healthy boundaries, and amazing mentors have blessed my journey to greater whole life wellness.
My life has personally and professionally been enriched and transformed. My end-of-life travels with both family and patients brought to light the importance of living authentically and sparked both a purpose and a passion to help others envision dying well, embrace intentional living, and transform their health holistically. That's why I started COME TO THE TABLE. This life is not meant to go it alone. We need mentors, others that have gone through the fire and been beautifully transformed by grace, hope, love and gratitude. I'm here so you don't have to go through the darkest parts of your life unaccompanied. My words to you are nothing you don’t already know. You only have this one life. Be mindful. Be intentional. Be passionate. Be good to yourself, and find those that amplify your light.
"The big challenge is to become all that you have the possibility of becoming. You cannot believe what it does to the human spirit to maximize your human potential and stretch yourself to the limit"
~ Jim Rohn
FUN FACTS
A Little More About Me
Things I can't live without...
Jesus
Love
Hugs
Dark Chocolate
My husband
My go to coffee order is...
To be honest, I have two.
At home I drink it black with a drop of Frankincense and Copaiba (#authentic #pure #doTERRA).
Out at the coffee shop I treat myself to a skinny, vanilla latte, hot or cold depending on the weather, and in whatever size my heart desires at that moment.
My top 3 bucket list travel destinations are...
Ireland (Erin go bragh!)
Lourdes
Brittany
My favorite movie is...
Hope Floats.
Something people don't
know about me...
know about me...
I was an airport firefighter / paramedic before becoming a nurse. The best career choice I ever made before life coaching. The journey began on my 30th birthday.
My favorite place on this planet is...
cozied up to a warm, crackling fire next to my husband.
Are you looking for you?
For your passion in nursing again?
For the life you once so clearly envisioned?
2023 Dream Life Planner
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COME TO THE TABLE ~ where the journey begins.
The inspiration of the name Come to the Table came from the song of the same name by Sidewalk Prophets. During the darkest, loneliest times of my grief journey I found comfort in the meaning of the song. My faith-walk with God brought me out of the shadows to a place of rest and peace.
One by one, He placed beautiful mentors and friends on my path of healing. Many times, I gathered one on one with them over coffee or brunch, at their table or mine or a small, intimate restaurant. Over time, there would come to be more of us gathering in a shared moment.
These women and men will forever have a special place in my heart – at my table. We are made for community, to give and receive love. To extend grace and mercy especially during the most vulnerable times of our lives.
At my table, I aspire to help all those that give more to others than to themselves. No invitation required. There’s a seat waiting just for you. Come to the Table and find rest. Be replenished. Be empowered to find balance, grow personally, and reignite your passion in life so you can continue to serve others well.
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© Erin K Dufour
