Today we’d like to introduce you to Melinda Lee Schmitt.
Melinda Lee, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2011, I spent a year hugging everyone I encountered, cashiers, mail carriers, waiters, even people waiting in check-out lines with me. When I set out to hug everyone I encountered for that year, I had no idea how much it would change me. I didn’t know how little self-worth I had and how I continued to look for it from others through people-pleasing and weak boundaries.
My intention was pure. I wanted to share love with others so they felt seen, validated, and accepted – all the things I needed to feel for myself. I knew the importance of boundaries for others; I always asked for a hug before I gave it, especially with strangers. However, it was years before I discovered that I was just as worthy of the boundaries I knew others deserved.
I thought that a year of hugging strangers would fulfill me and give me purpose. A purpose I could carry with me through the rest of my life. Instead, when it was over, I was left feeling empty and more alone than ever. Although my life looked perfect on paper, I couldn’t understand why I felt so unhappy.
8 years after I completed my year of hugs, I embarked on another hug adventure, this time bringing my hugs cross-country, staying overnight with the people I was hugging. I navigated unwelcome advances, dinner conversations with people whose political beliefs opposed mine, and most importantly, witnessed support and love in relationships that I’d never encountered in my own. Desperate to find the support, love, and happiness I witnessed on that hug journey, I left my marriage and pursued the greatest relationship of all. The one with myself.
I’d argue that this was the beginning of my truest adventure, the one to self-love. Over the next three years, I reflected on all that I learned about life, people, and myself while on my hug journeys. I became a recovering people-pleaser and practiced setting strong boundaries. I rebelled against everything I’d been taught I needed to be happy in life and discovered my own unique joys while embracing everything that makes me awkward, weird, and absolutely lovable.
I share all of the details of this journey in my debut memoir, Rebel Hugger. Some say it reads as a hero’s journey. I’d say it’s closer to what Joseph Campbell would describe as a heroine’s journey, “Women don’t need to make the (hero’s) journey. In the whole mythological tradition, the woman is [already] there. All she has to do is to realize that she’s the place that people are trying to get to.”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Writing a memoir was an exercise in patience, resilience, and self-actualization. The only style of writing I’d done up until that point was blog writing, which is short and concise. My first draft read like a first graders. I was mortified but determined, so despite my embarrassment, I submitted the draft to my book coach. She lovingly encouraged me to keep writing.
The process of writing the memoir was the greatest therapy I’ve ever had. It revealed truths about me that I’d been reluctant to acknowledge. I relied heavily on friends, family, and my book coach to support me through the tears, anger, and grief. I wrote and rewrote new drafts at least eight times, starting from scratch each time. Eventually, my book coach had a frank talk with me. “Melinda,” she said, “I think it’s time you take a break.” I was devastated. I’d been writing for 2 1/2 years at that point and was too stubborn to quit, but I knew she was right. If I didn’t quit, I was headed for a breakdown. I needed to process all that was being revealed to me. I called a therapist the next day.
Four months later, I felt strong and confident that I could return to the book. I began my final rough draft at the beginning of June. By the end of that month, it was complete. An entire memoir written in one month. Breakthroughs always happen in an instant, but only because of the deep work we’ve done to get there.
Because of my journey with low self-worth, it has become my mission to help other women empower themselves to have their own breakthroughs to deep self-love through my coaching business, Encompass Energetics, LLC.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
When people feel important and valued, they do good in the world. My coaching business, Encompass Energetics, LLC empowers women to believe in themselves and the gifts they have to share with the world. Gifts that help them build a life of self-love, self-worth, success, and joy for themselves and bring peace to their communities.
My practice is a combination of coaching and energetic healing techniques to build a bridge that supports my client’s spiritual self to live authentically in this physical world. I help them navigate the dense social structures that weigh many of us down so they may shine their light as a beacon for others.
A favorite aspect of my work is the way that my animal communication skills blend seamlessly into helping my clients. I bring forward messages from my client’s pets and the wildlife around them as additional guidance and support. Most people don’t understand just how supported they are from all of nature. We are never alone.
I offer 3 or 6-month coaching programs that help women break free of the limiting beliefs and societal expectations they carry while implementing these changes to create their most authentic future. A future where they are free.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was a big-time bookworm. I carried my books with me everywhere and could often be found at family functions in an infrequently used room finishing up the latest novel I was obsessed with. Of course, if I wasn’t with my books, I could be found in nature, exploring the woods behind my house and hunting for treasures. It comes as no surprise to me that I find myself mid-life with a book of my own and a business that includes what I’ve learned from nature.
Pricing:
- 3-month coaching program is $2222
- 6-month coaching program is $4444
Contact Info:
- Website: https://melindaleeschmitt.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisismemelindalee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisismemelindalee
- Other: https://a.co/d/b3JkC3W
Image Credits
Starr Petronella
