What Inspires Us to Help?

Organizers and coaches are in helping profession industries. Our clients reach out for our help in a variety of ways from navigating challenges to organizing space, thoughts, and time to discovering new perspectives. We are passionate about helping our clients succeed and grow. I was curious about what early influences encouraged my colleagues to enter their profession. To understand more I reached out to this generous, compassionate group of organizers and coaches – Andrea Sharb, Aby Garvey, Ellen Delap, Yota Schneider, and Seana Turner. I asked them, “What childhood influences led you to enter a helping profession?” Their responses are inspiring. My deepest gratitude goes to each of them for sharing their personal stories with us.

I asked my colleagues . . .

What childhood influences led you to enter a helping profession? . . .

Watching Others

“My parents were definitely the biggest influence.  As a child my mom volunteered in my school and for various non-profits.  As I grew, I watched both mom & dad volunteer at church and for organizations like the United Way.  Now in their seventies, they still value volunteering and still give countless hours in support of organizations and causes important to them.  I watched and learned.  When I left my previous career to become a full-time mom I began a regular practice of volunteering myself and the volunteering provided for a very natural progression into a helping profession eight years ago.”

Andrea Sharb, CPO-CD®, ACC®, COC®, CPO® – Professional Organizer & Productivity/ADHD Coach

Cultivating Interests

“I don't recall any particular person or outside influence that led me to enter a helping profession. Instead, I remember being innately interested in two particular helping careers, teaching and nursing. As I child I also loved organizing my closet and rearranging my room. Today I have combined two of those early interests, teaching and organizing, into a career that allows me to help people learn new skills and make meaningful changes in their lives.” 

Aby Garvey – Professional Organizer, Author & Online Class Instructor 

Modeling Values

“From as early as I can remember, serving and helping others has been a focus of my family.  As a child and teen, my parents always suggested ways for us to be involved, including Girl Scouts and Candy Stripers.  In college there were many ways to ‘give back’ including Gold Key Guides giving tours to perspective students.  My parents were committed community members, modeling involvement.  Giving back and philanthropy are a family trait.”

Ellen Delap, CPO® – Certified Professional Organizer, Productivity Consultant & Blogger

Overcoming Adversity

“Where do I begin? Maybe with the heartache of growing up with a twin sister who was handicapped. I spent my childhood trying to somehow set things right for everyone. That turned out to be quite an impossible goal and a heavy burden that I had to contend with my entire life. Eventually, and after many years of inner work, I realized that helping isn't about setting things right for others. Instead I could use my skills, creativity, and personal experience to help my clients own who they are and blossom.”

Yota Schneider – Life Coach, & Mentor & Blogger

Practicing Joy

“I was lucky enough to have adults in my young life who gave me the opportunity to bless others: by bringing a meal, holding a door open, sharing clothes, or simply visiting a homebound person. What I observed is that few things lift our spirits like getting our focus off of ourselves and onto someone else! Discovering that the very thing I LOVE doing brings pleasure and relief to others is frosting on the cake.  It is the unwritten law of the universe – in doing what we do best, and sharing it, we find our deepest joy.”

Seana Turner – Professional Organizer, Blogger & Life Coach

It’s fascinating how deep the desire to help runs and the obvious joy we derive from helping others. What have your experiences been? Are you more comfortable giving or receiving help? Are you equally comfortable in both roles? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Come join the conversation!