Who Is CJ Harlan?
CJ (also known as Christie to some family and friends) accredits her great grandmother, Margaret Harlan, as the strength and guiding inspiration behind her innovative and insightful work as an international strategic life coach, consultant, speaker, writer and artist.
In CJ's words, "My great grandmother always encouraged and nurtured my imagination, often rolling up her sleeves to assist me in developing my vision without ever limiting me. Her ability to see things for what they were, and all that they could be...was one of the most precious gifts anyone could have ever given me...a gift that carries over into everything I do."
Little did CJ know that the same qualities that her grandmother helped her develop at a young age, would be the same qualities that would equip her in helping others to face, confront, and eventually overcome personal loss and pain in order to reach for "MORE", to create more, and to achieve more...just as she had to do for herself.
Although CJ's life story is NOT one that parents would read to their children at bedtime, she does hope that her story will inspire many people, of all ages, to rise above ALL that challenges them, leading them towards abundant happiness and success in life, love and work.
In CJ's words, "My great grandmother always encouraged and nurtured my imagination, often rolling up her sleeves to assist me in developing my vision without ever limiting me. Her ability to see things for what they were, and all that they could be...was one of the most precious gifts anyone could have ever given me...a gift that carries over into everything I do."
Little did CJ know that the same qualities that her grandmother helped her develop at a young age, would be the same qualities that would equip her in helping others to face, confront, and eventually overcome personal loss and pain in order to reach for "MORE", to create more, and to achieve more...just as she had to do for herself.
Although CJ's life story is NOT one that parents would read to their children at bedtime, she does hope that her story will inspire many people, of all ages, to rise above ALL that challenges them, leading them towards abundant happiness and success in life, love and work.
CJ, like many people, had to face, confront and overcome many hardships in her life. It is her personal life long work towards achieving awareness, understanding, clarity, acceptance, forgiveness and balance...as a survivor of sexual, physical, verbal, financial and emotional abuse, that fuels her mission as a coach. Her insurmountable compassion for others and their challenges; her extensive knowledge in living beyond a multitude of pain and loss; and her ability to create innovative strategies and artistic progressive methods for each individual and group she coaches, gives CJ Harlan the opportunity to live her life, every day, in a way that can truly...Make A Difference.
"All my life, children, women and men have opened up and shared their stories with me...many without even knowing me. They found comfort in my ability to listen without judgment and found security in my acceptance. Personal experiences aside, I strongly believe that it's the character traits that my great grandmother instilled in me that allows others to see in me, what I see in them...endless possibilities." CJ Harlan
Great compassion, acceptance and understanding are all qualities that are present in CJ's work as a certified Strategic Life Coach. Although two of the three qualities have always been easy for CJ, it wasn't until much later in her life that "understanding" came into clear view. As she learned, the hard way...acceptance is important but does not come without significant self compromise, if a healthy dose of awareness, support and understanding are not influencing your decision to accept.
Conditioned from an early age to cope and accept her abuse; bouncing from one destructive relationship to another, often surrounded by substance abuse and other addictive behaviors, CJ clearly knows the difference between enabling and empowering behaviors...and is eager to help you make this distinction in your life, too.
Distinction is important and is often the first step towards awareness and understanding of anything in life. Defining the differences between empowering and enabling, healthy and unhealthy, dependant and independant, positive and negative, is something you will learn during your work with CJ. She wants her guidance and support to help boost awareness, educate, empower, and eliminate old messages and habits that do not serve you and your goals to succeed.
"All my life, children, women and men have opened up and shared their stories with me...many without even knowing me. They found comfort in my ability to listen without judgment and found security in my acceptance. Personal experiences aside, I strongly believe that it's the character traits that my great grandmother instilled in me that allows others to see in me, what I see in them...endless possibilities." CJ Harlan
Great compassion, acceptance and understanding are all qualities that are present in CJ's work as a certified Strategic Life Coach. Although two of the three qualities have always been easy for CJ, it wasn't until much later in her life that "understanding" came into clear view. As she learned, the hard way...acceptance is important but does not come without significant self compromise, if a healthy dose of awareness, support and understanding are not influencing your decision to accept.
Conditioned from an early age to cope and accept her abuse; bouncing from one destructive relationship to another, often surrounded by substance abuse and other addictive behaviors, CJ clearly knows the difference between enabling and empowering behaviors...and is eager to help you make this distinction in your life, too.
Distinction is important and is often the first step towards awareness and understanding of anything in life. Defining the differences between empowering and enabling, healthy and unhealthy, dependant and independant, positive and negative, is something you will learn during your work with CJ. She wants her guidance and support to help boost awareness, educate, empower, and eliminate old messages and habits that do not serve you and your goals to succeed.
What can CJ Harlan cover through her coaching and support, and how?
CJ's extensive knowledge, guidance and support is passed on to you through her: individual and group sessions; healing circles; writing; art therapy; on-going guidance and maintenance programs in person, online or by phone; and at any retreats or speaking event. Her schedule consists of pre-set and custom designed sessions for individuals or groups. All sessions and presentations are arranged by her personally, following an initial two-part consultation. Organizations and companies can book CJ as a keynote speaker or hire her to design a program that helps increase effectiveness and productivity at work. For more detailed information, Contact CJ.
CJ Harlan's guidance spans many areas of expertise, covering:
changing and developing perspectives
effectiveness and productivity training
increasing self-expression; confidence; worth; and values
finding your voice; healthy communication; assertiveness training
facing, confronting and living past physical, verbal, financial, emotional and sexual abuse
establishing safe boundaries
body image; the mindset behind eating disorders; sexuality
sex, love and relationships after abuse
facing, confronting and overcoming personal and professional fears, failures; insecurities and obstacles
living and loving without lies, jealousy, guilt, shame and anger;
increasing significance; regaining trust and respect
pre and post marital strength building
identity development and transformations
setting, achieving and maintaining goals
parenting beyond your past; understanding your child; empowered parenting
addressing labels, including: ADD, ADHD, OCD, PTSD
addiction and addictive behaviors
facing and overcoming pain and loss
insights into hoarding; living with and overcoming hoarding; support for families of hoarders; organizational support
basic and advanced hoard training for life coaches and professional organizers
establishing, or re-establishing, personal and professional strengths that define your purpose, passion and power
CJ Harlan Books
In 2006, more life changing transitions took place in CJ's life. This new layer of awakening and personal growth launched CJ further forward into developing more healing techniques while writing her first book. Although writing has always been a part of CJ's life, she quickly found out that the amount of content she had to share would not fit into one book. Her writing came to a screeching hault, until CJ divided her book into what would eventually become eight. She has focused much of her time for nearly seven years, organizing, revising and editing her self-help books. To learn more about CJ Harlan Books, click on the "Books" tab under "Core Coaching".
CJ's extensive knowledge, guidance and support is passed on to you through her: individual and group sessions; healing circles; writing; art therapy; on-going guidance and maintenance programs in person, online or by phone; and at any retreats or speaking event. Her schedule consists of pre-set and custom designed sessions for individuals or groups. All sessions and presentations are arranged by her personally, following an initial two-part consultation. Organizations and companies can book CJ as a keynote speaker or hire her to design a program that helps increase effectiveness and productivity at work. For more detailed information, Contact CJ.
CJ Harlan's guidance spans many areas of expertise, covering:
changing and developing perspectives
effectiveness and productivity training
increasing self-expression; confidence; worth; and values
finding your voice; healthy communication; assertiveness training
facing, confronting and living past physical, verbal, financial, emotional and sexual abuse
establishing safe boundaries
body image; the mindset behind eating disorders; sexuality
sex, love and relationships after abuse
facing, confronting and overcoming personal and professional fears, failures; insecurities and obstacles
living and loving without lies, jealousy, guilt, shame and anger;
increasing significance; regaining trust and respect
pre and post marital strength building
identity development and transformations
setting, achieving and maintaining goals
parenting beyond your past; understanding your child; empowered parenting
addressing labels, including: ADD, ADHD, OCD, PTSD
addiction and addictive behaviors
facing and overcoming pain and loss
insights into hoarding; living with and overcoming hoarding; support for families of hoarders; organizational support
basic and advanced hoard training for life coaches and professional organizers
establishing, or re-establishing, personal and professional strengths that define your purpose, passion and power
CJ Harlan Books
In 2006, more life changing transitions took place in CJ's life. This new layer of awakening and personal growth launched CJ further forward into developing more healing techniques while writing her first book. Although writing has always been a part of CJ's life, she quickly found out that the amount of content she had to share would not fit into one book. Her writing came to a screeching hault, until CJ divided her book into what would eventually become eight. She has focused much of her time for nearly seven years, organizing, revising and editing her self-help books. To learn more about CJ Harlan Books, click on the "Books" tab under "Core Coaching".
CJ Harlan Designs
In addition to coaching...teaching a variety of art forms and designing has been a big part of CJ's life for over 25 years. Art, once used as an escape, has proven to be an amazing source of therapy for CJ. The positive results that she has experienced first hand and observed in others, led her to design and offer up art therapy as a healing option in some of her coaching sessions.
CJ's main focus in the arts has been primarily on photography, multi-media exploration, fiber arts and jewelry design. CJ still sets aside a little of her time to teach, design, consign and sell her jewelry. To learn more about CJ, The Artist, or to view her designs click the links provided or visit: CJHarlanDesigns.com
In addition to coaching...teaching a variety of art forms and designing has been a big part of CJ's life for over 25 years. Art, once used as an escape, has proven to be an amazing source of therapy for CJ. The positive results that she has experienced first hand and observed in others, led her to design and offer up art therapy as a healing option in some of her coaching sessions.
CJ's main focus in the arts has been primarily on photography, multi-media exploration, fiber arts and jewelry design. CJ still sets aside a little of her time to teach, design, consign and sell her jewelry. To learn more about CJ, The Artist, or to view her designs click the links provided or visit: CJHarlanDesigns.com
Harlan Circle Gifts
CJ's inspiration to combine two of her loves, art and coaching, is helping her fulfill her vision to develop two new programs and form the structure for a new empowerment group. The first program she created is the Harlan Circle's "Art That Makes A Difference" Program. The second, is her Guidance Gift Program, otherwise known as GGP. The group she has structured is called The Harlan Circle's EAC, or Empowerment Artist Collective. CJ, with joint efforts combined, has found a way to support other artists while she makes innovative therapy techniques and coaching more affordable.
CJ's inspiration to combine two of her loves, art and coaching, is helping her fulfill her vision to develop two new programs and form the structure for a new empowerment group. The first program she created is the Harlan Circle's "Art That Makes A Difference" Program. The second, is her Guidance Gift Program, otherwise known as GGP. The group she has structured is called The Harlan Circle's EAC, or Empowerment Artist Collective. CJ, with joint efforts combined, has found a way to support other artists while she makes innovative therapy techniques and coaching more affordable.
CJ acknowledges that no matter what life dealt her, she grounded herself by drawing strength out of her experiences and from the many blessings she has in
her life. Her mission is to help you to do the same.
Choose to live your life with even greater success.
Contact CJ, today.
her life. Her mission is to help you to do the same.
Choose to live your life with even greater success.
Contact CJ, today.
