Obviously, we cannot choose how we want to be when we are born. There are some people who are born with situations that are inherited, that is, that are already in our genes, however, if we can change for the better, look for a way to turn that situation that we inherited us into something that is beneficial and helps us to have a better life, we can also help others who may be suffering our same situation. Brittney-Nichole Connor-Savarda, is a woman who was diagnosed with GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) at age 15, a trait she inherited from her family.
“I come from a dysfunctional family that lacks effective communication skills and suffers from chronic stress, anxiety, and depression that spans three generations. All my life I was told that anxiety and depression were part of the ‘genetic makeup’ of our families. So, when I was diagnosed with GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) at age 15 and placed on anti-anxiety meds, it came as no surprise. ” Brittney-Nichole recounts.
She spent over 10 years of her life allowing the beliefs of others around her, and her negative speech to control her, which caused her to have problems with her studies. Since her grades were not good enough, she had to attend a community college which she could not finish.
“I found myself emotionally dependent on others and hyper-critical and judgmental of anyone who disagreed with me and my perspective of reality. On top of all this, I was a terrible student and was labeled by educators and psychologists as someone with “special needs.” Because my grades were so bad, I was unable to attend college and instead went to community college for 3 years before leaving due to a mild nervous breakdown.” Brittney-Nichole explains.
By the age of 22, Brittney-Nichole met someone new and he exposed her to a world that was new to her – a world she said was an opportunity for a new beginning.
“I started dating someone outside of my hometown (a small and remote country town outside Salisbury, NC). He was educated, successful and lived in the city of Charlotte, NC. It exposed me to a whole new world. Shortly after the relationship, I moved to Charlotte. I was excited! I thought, here’s a chance for a new beginning.” Brittney-Nichole exclaims.
However, Brittney-Nichole’s toxic behaviors began to be reflected in her, which led to the end of her new relationship and, more importantly, brought her to a point where she either had to make a decision to continue to be herself, which would not lead to anything positive, or she would take matters into her own hands and deal with the problem until she overcame the difficulty. She took the second option.
“A few months into the relationship, I began to notice the same toxic behaviors that always occured. I became controlling, critical, and quick to react. He tried to be empathetic, but got tired of making excuses for me. I had to make a decision. I could continue to play the victim and dismiss the blame for my behavior or I could face my personal demons and live a more stable and satisfying life. I chose the latter.” Brittney-Nichole says.
Brittney-Nichole turned her whole life around and went back to school and on to graduate with honors. Brittney-Nichole believes that our society is operating unconsciously in an emotional pandemic, i.e. an emotional intelligence deficiency, which she describes in her book “The EQ Deficiency”. Currently, Brittney-Nichole runs a business called Catalyst 4 Change LLC, which is a service-based business that specializes in solving people’s problems through the practice of emotional intelligence and effective communication strategies.
“My specialty is working with high performing, entrepreneurial men who want a life of success and satisfaction. I tell my clients that nurturing their desire to excel does not have to lead to burnout, chronic stress, or strained relationships. I also offer emotional intelligence programs to organizations to help improve their culture, communication, branding, retention, employee engagement, and much more. The service includes: Programs | Consulting | Coaching | Talking.” Brittney-Nichole comments.
Seeing the impact that emotional intelligence had on her life, Brittney-Nichole was inspired to enter the self-help industry, so she founded her company Catalyst 4 Change LLC.
“Being aware of our inner self and the benefits it brings to all aspects of our lives is not something we are taught. For me, emotional intelligence was the catalyst for my personal growth and transformation. And when I saw others around me unknowingly suffering from the same symptoms I experienced before developing my EQ, I couldn’t bear to sit back and do nothing when I felt I had the solution to their problems.” Brittney-Nichole added.
Brittney-Nichole is not only an author and coach, she also has a podcast/show called “Living and Leading with Emotional Intelligence” which is available on podcasting platforms and on YouTube. “Among the guests on the podcast are people who have appeared on Joe Rogan’s podcast, The Hidden Brain, and have written the NY Times bestsellers.”
If you want to know more about Brittney-Nichole, click here.
