Today we’d like to introduce you to Siobhan “Bonnie” Patterson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Like many single moms looking stability, I pursued a career in the medical field. I was one of the first students accepted into UCF’s new concurrent BSN / nursing program back in 2010… But the semester began the same week of my first mission trip to Nicaragua.
Luckily I was able to start the following semester without having to reapply. Divine timing was in full effect Bc I honestly had zero interest in nursing or healthcare. I was extremely fascinated with how the human body worked… but tbh I only pursued this career for the financial stability.
Upon returning from Nicaragua I had a renewed vision and fresh passion for ministry and serving others. (Convenient considering I’d been a server for five years at that point… and unbeknownst to me, another ten years was in the forecast!). Nonetheless, I withdrew from the nursing program and immediately enrolled at Southwestern Assemblies Of God University to study Ministerial Leadership and Theology.
I was currently serving/volunteering as a youth minister and did so from 2009 to about 2016. I’d been invited on high school campuses to speak, lead multiple small groups was an Integral part of the youth ministry of which I was involved. I received multiple awards and recognition and had strong references from the pastoral team at the megachurch served. I was eager to pursue my career as a minister – to lead, serve and help change lives for the better… but the field wasn’t ready for me.
Despite my experience, passion, references and personal recommendations… finding a church that paid me more than $200 a week, let alone finding a church at all that wanted to bring a single mom with two kids who clearly had different fathers… was practically impossible.
I was crushed. Embarrassed. Hopeless. And confused. Everyone told me I was going to great things. Everyone told me I’d be leading a large congregation and that I’d change lives. Everyone except an elderly women at church who practically laughed and mocked me for believing that our denomination would actually let that happen. She knew. But I remember at the time telling her…
“My ministry, my calling, the work that God wants me to do… isn’t confined to the four walls of a church.”
Even though I knew my calling was bigger than what anyone else could see, I still fell deep into depression from 2016-2018. I left church and cut just about everyone off that wasn’t close to me- even some who were. I started drinking heavily and made sure to be high every moment I was awake to numb the pain. I was angry with God, with church and anything connected to them. I went through the darkest and longest depression I’d ever experienced. I gave up on my dreams after every church door was shut… It was the darkest time I’d ever experienced. But after so long of not making any progress in my life… I woke up and realized… this ain’t it sis. You are not settling in life when you know you were put on this earth to change lives...
I hired my third coach (3rd times a charm ) to help with me lose the extra 30 lbs I gained from server life and self-medicating with my nightly bottle of wine… I knew it would be a reason to get out of bed besides work and making sure my kids had food. I wasn’t prepared for what else would happen though… She helped me believe in myself again. She reminded me of who I was and what I was capable of doing and she didn’t let me make excuses for myself. She lit a much-needed fire under my ass and I am forever grateful for her and the role she played in reviving me back to life. Her coaching and guidance helped get me find my way again.
Jan 2020, I quit my serving job at CityWalk after five years and left the industry as a whole after 15 years. For 15 years, I felt my purpose would never come to fruition. But finally, I was back on track. I got certified in just about everything I thought would help me become the best personal development coach ever: Health coaching, personal training, Behavior and change in exercise, Weight loss specialist, Corrective exercise specialist, Life coaching, Nutrition specialist.
Not to mention the years of mentoring and my background in ministry. I used my experiences, my education to start my coaching company Bodybybons. I now virtually Coach men and women all over the world on how to embrace their inner badass, build their confidence and build the life and body of their dreams. I’m currently a member of my local toastmaster’s club to sharpen up my speaking skills so I can reach my life goal of being a motivational speaker. It took a long tome to get here but every obstacle. Every setback. Every disappointment was a part of the journey.
Launched my podcast “The Boss Life with Bons” itunes and spotify after hitting my first major financial milestone in my business, The podcast is for those on their personal development journey – whether its weightloss motivation, entrepreneurship, or just working on mental toughness to overcome lifes obstacles.
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?
My biggest obstacle was my mindset…. I knew i could and should do great things… I just struggled to see myself doing them The doubt, the fear, the worrying about what other people thought… that can really hold you back and for most people – that’s what holding them back… their mindset… you can create the life you want.. but only if you believe you can.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an online Life & Fitness coach. I help my clients create the body and life of their dreams through fitness and overall wellness. My clients learn to love their bodies. Gain confidence and energy to do the things they love by creating a healthy and active lifestyle. I offer virtual fitness and nutrition coaching. Life coaching. Lifestyle coaching – a combo of all three.
As of recent I have been focusing heavily on mindset coaching and am working to move my life coaching to a virtual course to make it easier to obtain and more affordable .
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I was ALWAYS told I talked too much by adults.
And one kids actually said… I think talking is your talent Bonnie! At the time I thought he was also telling me I talked too much .. but looking back … i see he knew something I didn’t!
if you’re doubting where your passions and gifts lie… look back to your younger years at what you did well naturally… what you enjoyed doing that you didn’t get paid for… its a great start 😉
Contact Info:
- Email: bodybybons@gmail.com
- Website: https://tap.bio/@CoachBons
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bodybybons?igshid=p1jyrjial24r
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Bonb1987?ref=bookmarks
- Twitter: Coachbons
- TikTok: Bossbodbons
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC-jTw13ALpPruR7vg8HzyNg
Image Credits
https://instagram.com/richsoulproductions_?igshid=t1omxjsi0r70 https://instagram.com/janayevaliscephotography?igshid=z5ft3kirhs4e
