WOMAN TO WATCH

LKNW RECOGNIZES A WOMAN DOING EXCEPTIONAL WORK IN THE LAKE NORMAN COMMUNITY, A LEADER WHO IS PAVING THE WAY TO CHANGING OUR ATTITUDES AND INSPIRING CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE.

FAMILY MATTERS CHRISTIAN COUNSELING

M c CORKLE mi

on FOLLOWING HER FAITH: I worked in investment banking for many years before making a career change at age 37. I left fi nance to follow my passion for “help ministry.” I began working with non-profi t ministries and enrolled in the GCTS Christian Counseling program. After graduating in 2014, I started Family Matters Christian Counseling the following year. I had to rebuild my career through volunteer opportunities, networking, and sometimes providing services without pay. The work has paid off in so many unexpected ways! My life’s mission is to help people see themselves as God does—through a lens of love and grace. I pray that God working through me will positively impact others to seek the purpose and plan for their lives.

on EMBRACING ME TIME: Having a healthy work/ life balance is so important. I do this by setting boundaries, starting my day and ending my day with prayer, surrounding myself with healthy friendships, and staying connected to my church family. I exercise regularly with a friend, eat reasonably well, and attend therapy monthly. As for my hobbies, I absolutely love music. I collect vinyl albums, and one of my favorite things is attending live music and comedy shows. I also love to dance, cook, and host dinners for my family and friends.

on CELEBRATING WANDERLUST: I love to travel! I have visited Thailand, China, France, England, Italy, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico, and Dominican Republic, to name a few. My most memorable trip is traveling with my son to France and England. My goal was to expose him to as many places as possible before he graduated high school, and the Europe trip was the grand fi nale before he entered college. I will always treasure those memories!

on FEELING THE LOVE: My parents were my biggest inspiration. They were both hard working, honest, wise, and generous people. My parents did more for others than for themselves. My husband is incredibly supportive, and I have mentors who have been signifi cant sources of wisdom and support. The people in my care also inspire me with their resilience and strength.

on MOVING MOUNTAINS: Years ago, I heard a teaching by Joyce Meyer where she said, “Just because you feel fear doesn't mean you can’t do it. Do it, afraid!” This statement has been my mantra ever since, and I realized how many opportunities I had forfeited due to fear. I now face challenges “shaking in my boots,” and my worst fears never really happen. Starting a new career at 37 years old was frightening and exciting. It was a true leap of faith, and I've never regretted my decision. With fear, failure, mistakes, and setbacks, I have accomplished just about every goal I’ve set for myself. w

Michon McCorkle, MA, MBA, LFMT-S, is a Diplomate Pastoral Psychotherapist and AAMFT Approved Supervisor and Marriage and Family Therapist at Family Matters Christian Counseling. She can be reached at 704.840.6555 or via www.family-matterscounseling.com.