A Conversation with Life Coach Dr. Reba Hoffman

Patricia Bradley Writing 16 Comments

Did you ever wonder what a life coach does? Well, today is your opportunity to find out as I welcome Dr. Reba Hoffman to my blog.

I met Reba back in 2010 at Susan May Warren’s Deep Thinker Retreat in Melbourne, Florida, and my life has never been the same. This wonderful, full-of-life woman has encouraged me and dared me to dream ever since.

At last years Deep Thinker Retreat, I discovered her book, Dare To Dream in my retreat bag. That night I read the first chapter and almost cried. It spoke straight to my heart. I want to share some of her insights with you.

Why did you decide to write Dare to Dream?

Dare to Dream was birthed out of what I saw to be a need among writers. They have a dream of being a published author and maybe even take a step or two. But then so many writers stop there. Sometimes it’s out of fear. Other times they realize writing is very hard work. Regardless of the reason, the bottom line was they checked out of living their dream. That’s tragic not only for the writer, but for the world that would miss out on reading their books. I knew I had to do something so I wrote Dare to Dream to help motivate them, uncover hidden emotional tethers that held them back, and give them the courage to boldly go where they’ve never gone before.

Who encouraged you early on?

I would love to say I had a group of mentors, family and friends who encouraged me but unfortunately, that is not the case. And because of that, I took two steps forward and three steps back. I never seemed to be able to gain any traction. And I was miserable. Not to mention unfulfilled, depressed and sick.

At that point, I figured I had two choices. I could either figure out a way to overcome and to become the person I knew I could be, or… I could die. I decided to uproot the emotional chains that bound me, remove them once and for all and pursue my passion in life… to encourage others.

Yes, I do find it ironic that I was so discouraged when God has given me the gift of encouragement. But that only strengthened my resolve to move in the direction of my dreams. I encouraged myself. It was difficult, particularly at first but one day I made the decision that, if I died trying, I was going to pursue my dream.

I don’t want anyone else to have to walk that lonely road alone. That’s why I went back to college and earned a doctorate degree in clinical counseling and why I became a life coach. I truly believe your dream is too important to remain unlived. Anyone who reads my blog, Finding True North, knows they get a daily dose of encouragement, motivation and challenge to be all they can be. That’s what Magellan Life Coaching is all about. It’s what I do.

I love your website, Magellan Life Coaching. What does it mean to be a life coach?

I’m glad you asked this. People get the wrong idea about life coaches sometimes and I’d like to clear that up. I can’t speak for other life coaches, but I believe everyone deserves the right to pursue happiness and their dreams.

I also know our world has changed so much in the last decade. The gold retirement watch is not longer the coveted treasure it once was. I dedicate my life to helping people finding their purpose in midlife and beyond. That true north that guides them into fulfillment of using their gifts, talent and wisdom to help others.

As a life coach, I help individuals explore what those gifts are, map out the course that will get them there, and provide a compass (True North) for them as they take the journey.

Is there a dream lurking in your future?

I find no greater pleasure in life than to help others live their dreams. I’m working now on developing a product that will help people explore the possibilities and their dreams. It’s a self-paced program that individuals can use in the comfort of their own home. And of course, there will be coaching available as well.

I’m so glad Reba came to visit today. You can catch Doc Hoffman over at My Book Therapy where she’s the Member Care Coach (What else!)
Have you ever had a dream you’ve been reluctant to pursue? Share it here and we’ll encourage you to go after it!

Comments 16

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  1. Melissa Tagg

    Yay, I love Reba! I wouldn’t say I’ve necessarily been reluctant to pursue my dream–well, my writing dream anyway. But I know without a doubt, I would not have the energy and patience to keep working at it without the amazingly encouraging people in my life. People like both of you, Reba and Pat. And it’s possible I’ve got other dreams tucked away I’ve been hesitant to get determined or even vocal about. So Reba’s book has been encouraging for both my writing and other aspects of my life.

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    P. T. Bradley

    I love Dare To Dream Whenever I get discouraged, I read one of the chapters and get fired up.

  3. Cheryl Meints

    What an encouraging post, Pat. I will forward this post to our daughter. who is now a board certified advanced life coach. Reba–right on and I think you and my daughter need to communicate. Glad I know you both.

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  5. Paula

    What a wonderful post, Pat! Yes, Reba is an extraordinary woman. So compassionate and considering the fiery hoops she’s come through, her attitude alone is a powerful, powerful Christian testimony; a true North model for the rest of us.

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    P. T. Bradley

    I love her True North posts! Reba is truly a-ma-zing! I’m honored to call her a friend. As I am you, Paula.

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  8. Reba J. Hoffman

    Thank you all for the kind words. My soul’s desire is to encourage others and help them find their true north. Your comments have helped me find mine today! You are all so gracious!

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      P. T. Bradley

      Reba is great at helping others find True North–like tonight on the MBT chat! Thanks for stopping by, Lisa.

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