Why is this subject, “The Glass Angel,” important in the world?
I have found we all present an image we want others to see so that we can be accepted and not judged so that we can be the “same” and not separate. The challenge is that we HIDE the truth of our stories, even from ourselves. This impacts our mental health and our ability to be agile, and mostly it isolates us and, I believe, locks us in a place of loneliness and emotional emptiness. This means we never heal; we try and show ourselves and the world how STRONG we are. Through this, we start trying to fill our lives with copying behaviors that harm ourselves and those around us. I want to shine a light on our ability to HEAL from our stories; we can’t outrun them, I have tried and failed, so facing and freeing myself has been my only choice. I want to inspire those who are tired, frustrated, and totally exhausted so we can shift the dial for ourselves. Finally, why it is important, we have the highest rates of mental health challenges in our world today. Domestic Violence, workplace bullying, suicide, and sexual crimes are rising. It’s not gender-specific. It’s a rising pandemic of a new kind. So the time to give people tools, hope, guidance, and remove the SHAME of our stories has arrived.
What is the pressing issue, right, and how are you addressing it?
In my work, the pressing issue is that people can’t see each other, connect, and work together! They/we are so wrapped up in their own stories, perspectives, fears, and protection behaviors that they struggle to show who they really are. That is the key, you see. How can I ever work better with you when I am in a place where I need to protect myself from my own fear stories? How can I show you kindness, compassion, and connection, and how do we work together to make a difference in our companies, communities, and families? Can you see how we isolate? This means we can’t hear and see others but here is the greatest challenge, we are not connected to OURSELF, which means we are the ones suffering. You can’t give what you don’t have. If we want to rebuild our societies, connection, and businesses post-COVID and in an economy that is demanding change, maybe the change has to start in each one of us; we become the answer, so we need to be willing to recognize we are valuable, worth it and the place where the transformation starts.
Christina Foxwell Biography
What is your background in this subject?
I have a background as an Executive Coach, Positive Intelligence facilitator, Organizational growth and performance consultant, and now, I would say a transformation coach. I have over 20 years of experience in Executive leadership, Human resources, and people development. I have worked for international research and training companies. I have found that we can teach people a rational way to communicate and reason, yet, we can’t “teach” people the art of connection. That comes through a willingness to do the work in themselves and to be brave enough to place themselves as their first priority. I have led my practice (ignite Purpose) for over ten years and have supported local and international clients in their team and leadership transformation. My greatest insight and expertise have come through the transformation in my life, business, and family.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I can sing! I used to sing with my family and lead our church worship. I also love Nat King Cole and soul music.
What are your passions outside of your career?
My husband and I Love to travel. I love history, and when we can’t travel, I watch documentaries on people and events. I am a granny, and my grandson lights up my life! I also love painting, sewing, and creating.
Are there any social causes that you believe in and support?
I dedicate money and time to people who can’t afford a coach or mental fitness program. Some need it, and if I can, I support them. I also support various charities that invest in homeless women who need shelter, children who need support when they have lost their homes, and their parents trying to put their lives back together. These are donations of funds, and where I can, I donate my books, programs, and tools, and of course, I speak and share my message. One of my most memorable sessions was with a group of Afghan refugee women who had fled Kabul and were simply overwhelmed and hopeless. I can’t tell you how many tears we shared with each other that day. I shared my hopeless story and how I chose peace and acceptance to find my way in a new country.
What is next for you?
I am already planning my next book, and as I love my work, I hope to continue to see how we can transform people, organizations, communities, and families. We are also looking to expand our work into different countries with a new office in the United Kingdom. Of course, I will keep working on resources and tools to help others grow. (I will no doubt keep healing and growing)
The Glass Angel
Tell me about your book.
My book is part metaphor, part memoir (with practical examples) of how to shift the story and heal, and the final part is a guide to help the reader starts the journey for themselves. I wanted to use a metaphor to help readers see themselves in the story of the Glass Angel, I have gone through so much healing that I believed it was time to use my story as a light for millions of people who are suffering on how we can change the story of our life versus trying and outrun it. (That is impossible, I have tried). I share my journey of sexual abuse as a child, domestic violence as an adult, and the coping behaviors of needing to be loved and how and why it comes about as a way to share my journey. I wanted to create a real, raw and passionate guide that would allow others to use their voice and find their healing.
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Where can people buy the book?
My book is available on Barnes and Noble and Amazon. If anyone wants to purchase a copy from me in Australia, they can check out our website at www.ignitepurpose.com.au
Author – Christina Foxwell
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