Welcome to my Second Acts Series!
Today, we have Christy Johnson talking about the desperate request that led to the emergence of unexpected healing abilities.
Here’s Christy!
I loved languages and writing but my parents’ unwillingness to fund such studies combined with my aptitude in math and science led me to major in chemical engineering at Purdue University. I hated chemical engineering but I persisted through the program. Despite my reluctance, I went on to receive my chemical engineering doctorate at University of Michigan in 1990, returning to IBM where I’d worked seven semesters as a co-op student. I later declined the executive fast track when it was offered.
In my final position in an analytical lab doing microscopy, the closest match to my interests and aptitude I’d found during my tenure at IBM, I felt increasingly under-challenged and underemployed over the years. My job content felt empty and meaningless and so my substantial salary felt like blood money. I knew the corporation well by then and no other position tempted me yet I could not give myself permission to quit.
In 2007, I desperately “asked the universe for a change” which caused unexpected and stunning intuitive healing abilities to surface. A couple years later, I learned about Jin Shin Jyutsu®, a healing art combining intellect and intuition. Within a year, I completed the practitioner certification requirements and quit IBM two weeks later, seven years short of retirement. Next I discovered an unexpected aptitude for reading the Akashic Records, a way of viewing your life from your soul’s point of view. I now offer clients healing world-wide with these three modalities, inviting harmony and wholeness on all levels.
I wouldn’t have consciously chosen any of this, especially considering I’d never heard of any of the pieces before they presented themselves, but I love my work, my clients, as well as my return to writing via my blog. My work reflects my authentic self and is meaningful in a way IBM never could be.
If you’re considering a second act, I suggest you view each act as a separate lifetime. My grandfather was a grocer all his life, my father a professor for his, but many people today deviate wildly from their original trajectory. What you’ve done, no matter how tangentially related to where you want to go, built a foundation of life experience supporting your evolution into who, what, and where you are today. Leave the past behind but don’t discard its substantial gifts.
Also remember, you can’t cherry-pick the positive parts of your prior act. Retaining my desirable IBM salary, benefits, and relative job security would mean continued unabated misery for me. Trust your own knowing around what does and doesn’t satisfy you and remember the dissatisfying aspects were part of the package.
Finally, if you start feeling stuck, return to “How can I serve today?” In serving, we can find ourselves and get centered. Honoring who you are is the greatest gift you can give and receive.
Where to find Christy…
Website: http://www.intuitiveheal.com
Blog: http://www.intuitiveheal.com/blog/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/intuitiveheal
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntuitiveHeal
Joanne here!
Thank you for sharing your extraordinary journey, Christy. I would encourage everyone to visit Christy online for more of her amazing advice and insights.
Through reading your story, Christy, it really made me think that anything is possible. Such an interesting beginning to a very spiritual 2nd Act. Love this:
“How can I serve today?”
Anything *is* possible, Lori, especially when it resonates at a deep level and beckons us. Narrowing it down to today or even the next hour or minute can sometime reduce our incessant mind chatter, I highly recommend it. Thanks for reading my story and for your comment!
Christy, your story proves that reinvention comes in different packages. Moving from math and science to an open perspective on life, healing, and the creative arts is normally unheard of in the educational world. Your grit and determination to follow your calling is inspiring.
Thanks for your kind words, Carol! I continue to be startled by the magnitude of realizable shifts within a lifetime, including my own. It definitely energizes me for what’s possible for each of us. So glad to we’re second act companions!
Oops – typo – meant to write “So glad we’re second act companions!”
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I’m honored and humbled your dear readers found my story inspiring. Being objective about one’s own life is challenging!
Thank you again, Joanne, for inviting me to participate in your fabulous series. I’m enjoying getting to know all these incredible fellow travelers and appreciated the opportunity to remind myself yet again how my choices made sense and continue to do so. I’m deeply grateful.
A fascinating and inspiring story. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for dropping by, Nas. I’m glad to hear that Christy is inspiring others with her story.
A fascinating life story, much to consider here.
Thanks for dropping by, Magda. I am so glad I’ve had this opportunity to share Christy’s amazing journey with all my followers.
Incredible and inspiring.
Thanks for dropping by, Mandy. Hope you’re having a good summer 🙂