“When someone abuses you, rejects you, and abandons you it has nothing to do with you and EVERYTHING with them” said Shannon Tobin. Professional speaker, author, transition coach, and bronze medal Stevie winner of mentor and coach of the year, Shannon went from surviving to thriving. Shannon describes her journey in the analogy as a caterpillar into a butterfly. Her life appeared rewarding. For 21 years, she was recognized Top Director at global cosmetic company, Mary Kay. Yet, she was in a toxic relationship, she was stagnant. Couldn’t see past what was directly in front of her. More worried about what other’s would think instead of what made her happy. Until one day, she woke up and desired more. She prayed. She gave herself permission to release herself from a situation that was no longer serving her. It was not only about her, but she had to worry her son. What lesson was he learning by watching her stay in an unhappy situation? This is when she finally got her wings, became that beautiful butterfly. That’s free to be.. Free to do… Free to live… Have the freedom to become. Shannon went from surviving to thriving each day by first breaking the mold of conformity.
In efforts to give back, Shannon now host a variety of workshops to assist others in their journey and wrote a book entitled Transformation. In addition, Shannon created the Dare to be You Foundation to empower women to discover their strength, skills, and talents to pass on the next generation. The foundation aims to help men and women who have been victims of abuse become victors of their circumstance. Help rediscover his or her own sense of self –worth, like caterpillar inside a cocoon, to emerge as a stronger, wiser beautiful creature.
Strut in Shannon’s shoes! Don’t allow your circumstance to break you. After struggling with a eating disorder, growing up without a father, and being in a toxic relationship Shannon pushed through all the pain, took a deep breathe and said “it is what it is”. Shannon realized to grow and emerge into a butterfly you have to struggle on your own with God as your guide. Success is not a free ride. There must be a struggle, a test. Like Shannon, share your transformation. Turn your test into a testimony. In the words of Shannon, “You can’t lead people where you haven’t been and you can’t teach people what you don’t know.”