#wcw | Libby McGowan

 

When I first met Libby…I felt instantly connected to her.  Her smile…hour southern twang ;)…her contagious laugh…the way she would make you feel so comfortable even if you had never met her.  It was at our Turning Tides retreat and I knew within minutes we would be friends.  But there was also something else.  I felt like she was carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders.  Like behind that beautiful smile there was a sadness that she so desperately wanted to let out.  Fast forward a few years and I saw her again in Mexico at the What If conference.  She doesn’t even know this but as we were checking in I saw her walking through the lobby and from several feet away I could see it.  She had this glow about her…like each step was a little lighter.  And before I could put my finger on it she was gone…but I realized…she was happy.

 

Libby is the perfect example of someone that makes you better by knowing them.  Even in the little time I’ve physically spent with her…she is someone that I am so grateful to have in my life.  She is brave and fearless (even if she thinks otherwise).  She fills up the room with so much happiness when she is in it…and builds people up without even trying.  She is so incredibly inspiring because she took a time in her life when most people would just settle…and decided to make it everything she ever wanted it to be.  She inspires me just by knowing her and is without a doubt a woman that I am so proud to call a friend.

 

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LIBBY MCGOWEN

 

I want to travel the world.

I want to fall in love, like head over heels/best friend kinda love and I’m scared that’s never going to happen.

Crossfit has changed the way I view myself, I never ever thought I was this strong or could do any of this.

I am an emotional eater.  I eat when I’m happy, I eat when I’m sad.

I wish I could have been a better sister.

I am coming to accept that at 44, I will never be a “Mom.”  I always hated babysitting anyways.

I only ever wanted my father’s approval, pride and unconditional love and never had it.

I am tired of taking care of every man that comes into my life.

By the time I was 17 we’d moved as a family 15 times.  Not military.  We lived in West Virginia for thirty days.  It snowed every single day and I hated it.

I am horrible with a budget but when I have to I can save like crazy.

I tell people all the time that “You are beautiful” but I can’t even tell it to myself.

I love to cook but hate cleaning house.  I would be a horrible homemaker.

I cry during The Biggest Loser episodes.  I can relate to so many of their stories.

Music feeds my soul.

I think I was a mermaid in a past life, I can sleep in the bathtub and feel completely relaxed in water.

My animals are my children.

I am working on transforming my body and soul after years of self abuse.

I am a wedding photographer and am so inspired by how my couples love each other.  It just reiterated how bad my own relationship was.

I’m really good at leaving relationships.

I’ve never felt truly loved by a partner, unconditionally.  I wonder sometimes if I’ve ever given that back.

I have a paralyzing fear of failure.

I’m funny, at least people tell me I am.  🙂

I’m so incredibly sensitive and have mastered the art of masking it with a smile.  I smile A LOT.

44 when you feel 24 is invigorating and frustrating.  I totally love when people guess my age as much younger.

I procrastinate so much I bought a mug telling me “don’t fucking procrastinate.”  It doesn’t work but I love drinking out of it!

Working for Apple was the turning point in my career.  I would never be here without my 4 year experience at Apple Retail.

My mom told me just today “I’m so glad you’re finally taking care of yourself instead of everyone else.”  She took out the “finally” part but I put it right back in.  Finally.  Finally it’s my turn.