Today, we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Z. McDonough.
Hi Elizabeth, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The birth of You First Now (previously Strength &Happiness occurred during a rebranding process). I was with a therapy group operating as an independent contractor and was feeling empty and not attracting the clients I wanted. During a run, it hit me like a bolt of lightning to my head. You First Now is the answer! No more waiting on or blaming others. It’s my time to take action and choose my life NOW!
What later proved to be a blessing and contributor to my heart space in my company was my battle with postpartum anxiety, depression, and OCD. My battle was untreated for three years, and to say it was anything less than brutal would be an understatement. Women need a safe and secure space to be heard without judgment. It became my mission to narrow my focus to women (and their partners if they have one during perinatal/postpartum stages.
As hard as I tried to be a “good mother” without proper tools in place, my rage would get the best of me. It was imperative I took responsibility for filling my own internal cup. YFN’s motto is “give the world the best of you instead of what is left of you.” When your internal cup is full, the surrounding people get the overflow, the best of you. I sincerely believe if each person commits to raising their vibrations higher and being the healthiest version of themselves, in turn, the world will change into a more loving place.
You First Now created its very own Self Care Program and accompanying workbook to help ALL people, including new mothers, access healthier thinking and behaving. The modules are designed as building blocks for a healthier life. We offer in-person and virtual groups alongside a monthly membership to maintain community support, updated education, and coaching.
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD) are now gaining the attention they need. Though still considered taboo, women are coming forward and receiving the help they deserve. I am proud to provide the services I so desperately need and can continue to use throughout my life’s journey.
As a result of life’s challenges, I became creative and had more opportunities to grow. You have a choice to be the victim or the CEO of your life; what do you choose? Trusting my intuition, believing in myself, and having faith and patience are among the top keys to my success. Enjoying the process and celebrating the small wins add to the reinforcement I need to keep focused.
We recently moved to an awesome location 1/2 mile from the coast in Boynton Beach. This expansion has provided YFN space to accompany reiki circles held by Morgan Schultz, parenting classes conducted by our in-house doula, Victoria Rose, and educational groups led by Jackie Birch, YFN’s Self-Care Master.
Through my constant curiosity for growth and education and my deep desire to be of service, I chose to become a Master Practitioner in NeuroLinguistic Programming, Hypnotherapy, and Mental and Emotional Release® through the Association for Integrative Psychology. I have been helping more people drop their baggage and break through limiting beliefs. I am constantly amazed at how powerful and effective these techniques are. All the money in the world can’t buy you the satisfaction of connecting and helping a fellow human being.
Through the founding principles of Integrity, Courage, Empowerment, and Fun, You First Now is committed to building a supportive community where connections can be made with others who share their passion for self-care, personal growth, and elevating collective consciousness. My most recent achievement is the launch of the Back Pocket Wisdom Podcast. With co-host Jackie Birch, we are filling the generational gap through helpful coping techniques, real-life stories, and a lot of laughter.
I am excited for the YFN community to be a safe space to find support, where we can express our thoughts and experiences without the fear of judgment. Our mission is to lift the world through conscious responsibility. By showing up in a higher vibration and encouraging choice and possibility, you are embodying YOU FIRST NOW while living your best life!
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The struggle is all from your perspective. In hindsight, each of my struggles was the Universe’s way of teaching me exactly what I needed to handle the task next on the list. Mindset is key. If you think you can’t, you won’t. I was afraid to expand on my own.
The excuses were plentiful. I had no money, my clients wouldn’t travel to me, I wouldn’t have flexibility, I wouldn’t have a steady income, and the list could go on. Once I realized I was the ONLY person holding myself back, I jumped in with both feet. I still have the same concerns, but I feel more alive and proud of myself. I am fueled by the successes and the new projects in the wings.
Now, my most difficult struggles have been keeping balance, maintaining focus, and consistency. I am driven by FUN and SERVICE. My brain has so many ideas, and I find it challenging to implement patience and realistic time frames for my ideas. I have a husband of 20 years whom I love to date. Still, I have children that I adore and can’t get enough of, I have my own dreams and personal care I attend to, and I want to help everyone! There doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day for the amount of energy I have.
You First Now encourages Self Care (mental, physical, & spiritual health) as a daily practice. Every day has its own challenges, and I am human. Often, I will remind myself to speak kind words to myself, practice patience & gratitude, and keep in flow by enjoying the journey.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about You First Now?
I am proud of the integrity of my brand. You First Now is your ultimate guide to discovering your best life. With over 20 years of experience, You First Now takes an integrative approach to treat the WHOLE person through their customized program designed for optimal results.
Self-care is the canopy of You First Now, and its branches remain distinct in mental health counseling services, coaching, and complimentary services. Mental Health Counseling Services include individual and couples counseling, therapy for therapists, perinatal/postpartum mental health, and “Dude” sessions (therapy/coaching for guys who cut right to it).
Coaching Services include Breakthrough with Mental and Emotional Release (using NeuroLinguistic Programming to drop limiting beliefs and become laser-focused in a limitless world of possibilities), Self-Care mastery (personalized coaching through the YFN Self Care program), 3-D living for spiritual beings (for all the wonderfully dialed in souls that struggle with the day to day living), and YFN Community (monthly coaching membership and support).
Complimentary services are essential. There are many avenues to receive help and guidance. My motto is “Take what you want/need and leave the rest behind.” You are the CEO of you! Design the program that fits you best. Add reiki & breath work with Morgan, Doula Services & Support with Victoria Rose, Soul Purpose Coaching with Jackie, or sound bath with Sara, and don’t forget about the Back Pocket Wisdom Podcast, bringing you wisdom and laughter to real-life circumstances.
If you have the luxury to join us in person, you’ll understand exactly what it means when clients say “Walking into You First Now is like receiving a big hug, a dose of healing energy, and a shot of fun! You know you’ve arrived at your best LIFE.”
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Be patient, take care of yourself, stay focused on what feeds your soul, and non-negotiably always have fun!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.youfirstnow.net
- Instagram: @youfirstnow
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ezmcdonough/
- Other: @backpocketwisdom_
Image Credits
Alexus Hoechst Photography (@alexus.hoechst.photo)
