My Teachers
I know only two of these humans in real life. But each of them has impacted me in profound, meaningful, and deeply spiritual ways. Their words and voices have comforted me, inspired me, helped me face my fears, confirmed that I’m not alone, and reminded me that I am enough.
I recognize that there’s not a lot of diversity on my list. There are SO many amazing people who I’ve been (un)learning from, from all backgrounds—see the Resources section for more. While the folks below have affected me most deeply, I will keep looking for inspiration and connection everywhere.
Friends had been telling me about Brené Brown for years, but I wasn’t ready yet for that kind of wisdom. When I finally was…whew. She blew me away. I have devoured each of her books more voraciously than the last, and listen to her podcasts religiously every week. Her unending curiosity about human nature, emotions, and connection has taught me to be curious about myself, and not to believe everything I think. And her humility has shown me that being vulnerable is actually one of the bravest, and strongest, things you can be.
Reading Untamed changed me. In ways I’m not even sure how to articulate. Glennon’s life is messy, and complicated, and she’s struggled with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and who knows what else. But she is real and honest about all of it, even when it’s hard. She chooses herself over society. She freely admits that “humaning” is sometimes too much. She navigates her life out loud. She is a goddamn cheetah.
I discovered Rachel’s Fill Your Cup podcast shortly after a health coach suggested that my “problematic weight gain,” despite eating 1100 calories and working out obsessively, might actually be signs of disordered eating. She was one of the teachers who led me toward Intuitive Eating, and by sharing her own struggles and healing journey with body image, eating disorders, depression, self-trust, self-acceptance, letting go, and so much more, she’s been an anchor that I keep coming back to. I’m in awe of how she’s evolved over the past few years I’ve been following her, and her evolution (and vulnerability in sharing every step of it) continues to inspire me.
Amazon must have been collaborating with the universe when it sent me a “You might also like…” recommendation for Kimberly’s first book, Know What You Want Next. As soon as I read it, I connected with so much about her story, and wanted to connect with her, too. I reached out, and she’s been coaching me 1:1 since October 2021. I’ve learned so much about myself, my feminine energy, manifesting, presence, and asking for what I want. I’m not always great at all of it, but I’m practicing, so that’s a hell of a big deal.
Shelton Davis
Instagram (Empathy Lab)
Instagram (personal)
Empathy Lab website
Personal website
Shelton is the founder and creator of Empathy Lab, a company designed to teach humans how to be more human. Amazing, right? Shelton’s background is in product design and UX, so when I joined his Empathy Standup sessions in early 2020, we immediately clicked over our creative industry background. But the connection was more than that. Shelton brings his whole heart and soul to his work. He built EL because he believes in the power of listening, understanding, and empathy to change cultures, organizations, and individuals. He wrestles with his own challenges out loud, and by doing so, creates a safe space for everyone else to do the same. I’m so grateful to call him my friend.