Each week, “Friday Night Wives” recognizes a coach’s wife by asking her the same five questions. We go through lots of submissions to find entries we think are especially encouraging or insightful. We hope this gives our readers a chance to connect with others’ through their struggles and hardships, as well as learn from someone who has come out on the other side.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. Who are you and what do you do?
I am from the coast of North Carolina and have a back ground in Social Work, but in recent years have become a certified life coach and now run my own practice called Unveiled Life Solutions. I am mother of two amazing children, a four-year-old boy and a one-year-old girl. I walk through this life living to support my family and bring hope to others.
2) How many years have you been a coach's wife and what schools have you been to?
I have been a coach's wife for almost 8 years and have only been at 2 schools, North Greenville University and Appalachian University, but have made 3 moves as we came back to Appalachian after being at NGU for 2 years.
3) If you could go back in time and have a conversation with yourself as a first year coach's wife, what's one thing you would tell yourself?
Wherever your coach takes you, God will meet you there. One thing I have learned is that when I trust and unite with my husband’s dreams the provision for my needs and dreams will not be left out. Knowing this from the beginning would have allowed me to be a better positive support to my husband.
4) How do you find balance between supporting your spouse and supporting yourself so that you don't lose your mind?
I set boundaries for my time during the week. There are some things I know I need, like quiet time with the Lord and exercise, and I map these into my week as they are my non-negotiables. Once I had a clear direction for my dreams I also mapped in time to work on these weekly. Taking care of my needs through the week has allowed me to be more present and loving to my children and more supportive of my husband.
5) What encouragement do you have for a fellow coach's wife who currently finds herself in a difficult season and doesn't feel like she's measuring up?
My greatest desire for coaches' wives is that they find a space for their own ambitions and dreams in the midst of their husbands' dreams. You may not be able to get there as fast as you would if he weren't a coach but you none the less can get there. You can live a life with your eyes up and forward. Undoubtedly, you'll be tired, especially once you have kids, but with one little step at a time you can live out your passions and nothing can refuel you like exercising your passions.
** If you would like to nominate someone awesome to be our “Friday Night Wife of the Week” email lnipaver@bellsouth.net. If you would like to be featured yourself, just answer the five questions above and email your answers with a few photos to lnipaver@bellsouth.net. **
