We had the good fortune of connecting with Michele Guzy, C.Ht. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michele, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking

International author, Brene Brown asks, “What’s the greater risk? Letting go of what people think or letting go of how I feel, what I believe and who I am?” Risk is an innate part of being human. It is with us every second of the day, from the moment we are born, until the time of our transition.

Every time you drive your car, fall in love, start a new job or make an investment, you take a risk. Any and all of which could have positive or negative consequences in life. To risk is to face your fears. And, as the Nike slogan says, “Just Do It”. Risk comes from one of the most powerful mindsets a person can have and it can open doors to surprising new adventures. Learning how to navigate the challenge of taking risks has been a big accomplishment in my own life.

While it has not always been an easy journey, as a result, I have become one of the Top Certified Hypnotherapists in L.A., a motivational speaker and featured guest on numerous TV and Radio Shows. The most recent was performing a past-life regression on “Expedition Unknown” with Josh Gates.

My story of success began in 1986, when I took the first of many personal risks, and set a course that I never knew would be possible. At the age of 19, I moved to Los Angeles from Anchorage, Alaska with a friend of mine from high school. We did not know a single person in L.A., yet we were ready to take on the world. Everyone told me not to go and said that I would be back in a few months. I knew that once I made my decision to leave my hometown, I could never turn back.

Arriving in the City of Angels was a huge shock! I had never been around millions of people, miles of endless freeways, and a mix of so many cultural backgrounds. Gritting our teeth, we decided to take a drive around the valley and get familiar with the area.

As we drove down Ventura Blvd., we were sideswiped by a speeding car. We were lucky to escape the accident with no major injuries, but our car was totaled. I remember walking to a car-rental office we found just up the street. We thought we could just get a temporary car until ours was replaced, but we were underaged and out of luck. Within a few hours of arriving in L.A., I found myself sitting on the floor of a car-rental lobby, crying hysterically. When the customer-service rep asked us where we lived, I broke down again and said, “We just moved here from Alaska and we are lost!” To which she replied, “Welcome to L.A., ladies.” At least she was kind enough to give us her old Thomas Guide and have someone drive us back to our apartment.

The first few years of trying to make it on my own were the hardest. I had no career direction and usually held 2 to 3 jobs at a time to make ends meet. I really had no clue what I wanted to be, now that I was all “grown up”. One day, I found an ad in the Whole Life Times Magazine. It read: “Are you a natural people helper? Would you like to earn $75/hour? Become a Certified Hypnotherapist Today!”

I could not believe my eyes! I started reading about hypnosis and past-life regression when I was 9 years old. I had no clue there was actually a school for this. So I cut out the ad, and within a few days, I found myself in the admissions office at HMI, The College of Hypnotherapy. After my interview, I was so impressed by the training that I told the Director that, not only did I want to be a Hypnotherapist, I also wanted to teach and that, someday I would have her job.

One week later, I took the second greatest risk of my life and enrolled. A year later, I became a Certified Hypnotherapist and the youngest instructor at the college. My new career in Hypnotherapy opened many doors for me, and I furthered my studies to include NLP, EFT (emotional freedom technique), Reiki and Past-Life Regression Therapy.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned from my mentors was that there is no such thing as “try” when taking a risk. Either you “do or you don’t.” And if you want to achieve success, happiness and prosperity in life, follow these 3 simple risk-taking strategies.

1) Evaluate the Pros and Cons: Before you take any sort of risk, carefully think through everything that is involved and ask yourself, “Could I handle it, if the going gets tough and it does not work out”.

2) Set Goals: Take the time to write down, in specific detail, what you want, and set a reasonable time frame to reach them. Create a vision board and affirm your goals each day, with the end result in mind.

3) Take Charge: Once you decide on opening the door to risk, hold your head up high and take a leap of faith and walk through that door into your adventure! They say that change is inevitable. Growth is optional. As we go into the new year, let’s remember to face our fears head on and be open to change. The greatest risk is to do nothing! The world is your oyster Be Bold. Be Brave. RISK IT ALL… and have the adventure of a lifetime!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

As a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist with 30 years of experience in the field of behavior modification and Neuro-Linguistic Programming, I specialize in helping clients make mental, physical and emotional changes in life. I am internationally known as “The Mind Coach.”

My teaching methods show people how to harness the power of the subconscious mind by moving out of the fear of the unknown. One of my specialities is past-life regression therapy. This modality allows me to break through the barriers of reality, and explore lifetimes in which we may have lived. People find this helpful when seeking answers to common questions such as: “Why are we here? Who am I? What is my propose.”

Hypnotherapy is still an untapped approach to mind/body healing. Most people don’t realize that hypnosis is just a heightened state of suggestibility. We go into hypnosis every day and our mind works like a computer. What we learn from the world around us becomes our internal programming, and forms our behaviors, beliefs and habits. My motto in life is this: “All answers lie deep within your mind you just have to be willing to look inside.”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am pretty laid back when it comes to entertaining. My family is from Alaska. When they come into town, our favorite thing to do is pack a lunch and head to Malibu beach for the day. It is a real treat to go boogie boarding in the California surf and enjoy some fun in the sun! On Sunday you might find us at the Sagebrush Cantina, in historic Calabasas, eating good food and dancing it up on the outdoor patio! And, when our good friend and world renowned guitarist from SuperTramp, Carl Verheyen, is headlining at “Bogies”; we head out to the Westlake Village Inn to hear him play some cool tunes with his band.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

My journey as a Hypnotherapist began at a young age. I was molded for success by my mentors and instructors at the Hypnosis Motivation Institute. I am forever grateful for the exceptional training I received, and words of wisdom along the way.

I can honestly say, Shirley MacLaine was my first famous mentor in the metaphysical world. I was captivated by how she risked her acting career, and took a deep dive into New Age philosophies. I have every book she wrote, and I had the privilege of meeting her in person a few years ago at my office. It was literally a dream come true! I am also deeply grateful for my friends and family for believing me.

A big shoutout to my inspirational soul sister, Faigy Avnon. She keeps me on my writing toes and never misses a beat to help me sound my best.

Website: www.themindcoach.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michele.guzy
Other: 818-446-MIND

Image Credits
Michael Harley Photographer

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