Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendi Gordon.
Hi Wendi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m a former pastor who left that career in 2021; I’m now a mental and spiritual health writer, speaker, and coach. My personal experience of depression and anxiety has made me passionate about helping other people cope and giving them hope. I do that by sharing my story and the resources and practices that have helped me change my life. I started my “Changing Lives” newsletter/podcast in 2022 and later began doing private coaching via Zoom. I also offer online and in-person presentations, workshops, and groups about mental health and spirituality. I’m not a medical or mental health professional, nor am I a spiritual guru who claims to have all the answers. I help people find and trust their own answers and create lives that reflect their authentic values and desires.
I’m also a volunteer NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Connection support group facilitator and an on call “peer listener” for another organization.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely NOT been a smooth road. The biggest challenges have been surviving a severe treatment-resistant depression with suicidal ideations that lasted for more than a year and adjusting to the unpredictable income and other financial realities (like no health insurance or paid time off) of self-employment after years of receiving a steady paycheck.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a mental and spiritual health writer, speaker, and coach. As a coach, I specialize in helping people find their path through the challenging terrain of major transitions, especially faith deconstruction and midlife career changes. My presentations, workshops, and groups focus more broadly on mental and spiritual health resources, practices, and coping strategies for dealing with challenging times. I’m known for my “Changing Lives” weekly blog/podcast and articles I’ve written for other publications, most notably The Texas Observer.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
LOTS of other people deserve credit. At the top of the list would be my husband Steve Brauner; we’ve been married since 1991 and he has always been my biggest supporter and cheerleader. Another would be Mistee Jefferies, the wonderful mental health provider who helped me recover from my depression and continues to help keep me sane and remind me of how far I’ve come. And of course my mom, who has supported me in multiple ways, including by providing emergency financial help.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wendigordon.substack.com
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/wendi-gordon
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wendigordonchanginglives
