Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittni Cole
Hi Brittni, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was raised in the south with great parents, siblings, and a foundation of faith. Great morals and values were instilled in me since birth. To some it would sound like the perfect recipe to a fulfilling and peaceful life. My parents got divorced around the age of 10. My mom remarried and we moved to Smiths Station, AL which is where I graduated high school and then went to college within the same area. At the age of 19, I married my high school sweetheart who just joined the military. I thought I had fulfilled my fairytale dreams as a little girl and had it all figured out.
As a child, everything felt safe and magical having so much trust in the world around me. When in reality, I was oblivious to the ways and the realities of the tumultuous world we live in. I would later learn this lesson in some of the hardest ways imaginable. I graduated from college with honors as an academic scholarship recipient preparing to move to California with my husband and live the dream. After all, it was the thing to do in the eyes of society’s order of life events for a young person in the early 2000’s. Even with a great childhood, support, foundation, and prominent faith I wasn’t prepared for what life had in store for me.
I battled disappointment, struggle, doubt, failure, insecurity, and being bullied in my teens to 20’s while even confronting the wrath of mean girls. At 22, I was struck by a sudden wave of unexpected grief. My life derailed. The once safe and magical world turned dark. Very dark. My husband, who was only 24 at the time passed away tragically. Of course there were details along the way leading up to this point, but in all reality there’s not a single perfect situation, scenario, person, or relationship in this world. At the age of 22, or any age for that matter, no one is truly equipped to handle the grief of losing a spouse. It feels like a scene only seen in movies when two soldiers in uniform show up at your front door to deliver such tragic news. Yet, this is a harsh reality in today’s world and an unfortunate outcome for many of the brave men and women fighting for us everyday, regardless of the circumstances.
Little did I know, that was just the beginning of yet another pivotal life experience. A series of challenging events kept coming my way, yet I reassured myself with thoughts like, “I can handle this” and “I’m good.” Despite facing constant judgement, criticism, slander, and betrayal, I managed to keep going – at least, that’s what I believed.” I kept navigating through life, working hard and achieving success in my career. However, I overlooked how I was grappling with the silent giant of grief. I failed to see that I was trying to fill the empty voids with other people, places, and things. I even chose to remarry when I did, believing it would resolve all my issues, but I had it all wrong. I didn’t realize how empty I felt inside, a feeling that even those around me, including my second husband, could sense. I chose to blame only the actions and mistakes within the marriage as the sole reason for its eventual failure, when in reality, the issues ran deeper. I needed to look within myself, which was a hard pill to swallow. I learned a valuable lesson. Regardless of the mistakes or disappointments someone else brings into our lives, there’s always room for introspection. We must ask ourselves, “How could I have contributed to this?” and “How can I reflect and improve myself.”
I kept thriving in the best way I knew how, following what I had been taught: to be strong and courageous and to keep moving forward. That’s simply what you do.
Things took a turn when my health started to decline due to recurring debilitating migraines. The doctors couldn’t determine the cause, and I was referred to multiple specialists. The only relief I found during migraine flare-ups came from trips to the ER, where I’d leave with a prescription of narcotics – with refills, I might add. I followed the doctors’ orders, taking the medication exactly as prescribed. I was raised to always do the right thing, but the only “right” thing I truly did was underestimate the power of these drugs. My mind became filled with the endless lie that the substances brought me happiness and helped me forget the grief, hurt, pain, loneliness, and immense sadness from both the significant events in my life and the smaller ones I had tucked away deep inside. Years later, I found myself in full-blown addiction when pharmaceutical laws changed, and doctors could no longer prescribe narcotics as they once did. My life wasn’t just dark anymore; it went pitch black. I had become adept at hiding my struggles and trying to fight the battle alone. Though I’m strong-willed and determined, I was hanging by a thread. I refused to let my addiction interfere with my professional success, but inside, I was dying – until one day. The positive influences, support, and guidance I had received began to replay in my mind. I was overwhelmed by feelings of regret and conviction from the Holy Spirit. The voices of my roots foundation, and God’s grace grew louder than the lies.
In that moment, surrendered.
This is where my story of redemption begins. I committed to a 7-day detox, swallowing my pride and asking my mom to join me. Trust me, it was one of the hardest things to do as an adult, but I let go of the ego that had kept me bound. That seven-day detox led to years of ongoing therapy. The immense support I received from my support system throughout the entire process is unparalleled, and honestly, I struggle to find the words to accurately describe them without being overwhelmed with emotion. The chains of the enemy were breaking, and I was finally beginning to feel free. Yet, I carried so much guilt and shame, even though only a few close to me knew anything at all. I wanted it kept quiet. Still, a fire burned inside me to transform that pain and shame into something meaningful. I absorbed every word from the professionals and mentors around me. I became a sponge, channeling the time and energy I had once spent dwelling on my struggles into studying how to help others who were living in the same darkness I faced.
Within seven years, I began to turn my life around, undergoing a complete transformation in every aspect. I distanced myself from everyone from my past, except for my positive support system. Gradually, I grew in strength, knowledge, and, most importantly, in my faith. I found a new boldness within me. In the last 3 years, I became a Certified Life Coach and also earned my Addiction Specialist Certification. Due to having a deep and personal understanding of the challenges associated with addiction, I’ve been able to use a personal approach with others that addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of recovery. My approach with my clients as a Life Coach, specializing in addiction, is centered around understanding their unique journeys and empowering them to reclaim their lives. With self-love and personal growth at the forefront, I guide my clients in cultivating a positive lifestyle and fostering a sense of well-being. I’m an advocate for mental health and my passion is helping people become the best version of themselves by taking one day at a time. I also believe in the importance of regular physical activity being essential for gaining a balanced and fulfilling life.
Even after conquering my struggles, I’ve still had to confront the judgements of the world and the reality of others knowing the past I once lived. Even when that past was years behind me. I’ve learned that the naive thinking of the world often clings to the past, judging us based on previous actions or circumstances, but I live to change that mindset. It’s possible and can be overcome through self-reflection and growth. I’m living proof and continue to embody that truth.
I’m proud to say that my brand, B Cole Life Coaching is supported and partnered with IASB Agency. Throughout my time with the agency, I’ve had the opportunity to use my platform in various ways allowing me to connect with people in all walks of life. IASB believes in fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and innovation designed to help us imagine, create, and succeed. I’ve embraced new experiences, from hosting a talent show for the agency’s music festival to working on other exciting projects. Each day, I step into new adventures with IASB having faith in me, my story, and my triumphs in life. The best part is that my story is still being written.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road that’s for sure, but it’s made me who I am today. I’ve gained a new meaning to resilience and grace.
As stated previously, I battled through being bullied, enduring trauma, navigating grief, and overcoming addiction. I’m now living my story of redemption and helping my clients do the same.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have a degree in business management. I’ve had the opportunity to work in healthcare as a manager/practice manager. My career path then evolved into working on the hospital billing side of things – specifically with VA and Tricare.
Within the past 3 years I’ve also built my life coaching brand with seeing clients and partnering with IASB agency. I believe in staying busy and keeping the mind busy! It can prevent us from a lot of self sabotage and disappointment.
I’m proud of my professional accomplishments and timeline with the advancements of my career over the past 20 years but I’m most proud of my ability to overcome the difficult challenges of my life.
What are your plans for the future?
Now partnered with IASB Agency we have many impactful things in the works. This partnership plays a big role in the mission of my B Cole Life Coaching Brand which strives to infuse more positivity and light into a world that so desperately needs it.
Contact Info:
- Website: Info@iasbagency.com
- Other: https://linktr.ee/coachbcole683
Image Credits:
Brittni Cole
