Meet Bonnie Rigsby | Director of Sunshine and Compassionate Care Champion

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bonnie Rigsby and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bonnie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always felt the drive to be an entrepreneur, and make my own path. Work/life balance, creativity and thinking out of the box were always important to me. So logistically, it made sense to go my own way instead of following the norm. The most important thought process behind starting my business was much more than that. I started my business to help “break the chains” of unnecessary human suffering due to chronic stress. My own personal experience and that of those dearest to me has taught me the importance of managing our stress to help avoid the toxic state of disease. When my own father died of lung cancer (I believe in large part from unresolved chronic stress), I decided to honor him by honoring others in his name. I always wanted to be of service to others, but his death was a catalyst to action. I moved forward in an attempt to help every person I could avoid the same negative end-result. I believe the world could be a better place, if I could help even one person learn how to release old emotional wounds, so they can live a more joyful, peaceful, disease-free life. I’m passionate about empowering others with relaxation, education and guidance while teaching them how to remain authentic along their paths. Gathering realistic, stress management tools that can be learned early on, even at elementary school levels, helps to proactively reach our younger generation so that their futures are much less burdened by stress. This allows them to thrive in their unique purpose as intended! Contrary to most adults today who have carried toxic stressors for far too long, the next generation has a chance to shine if we can convince our society to take notice and provide emotional resilience tools for our kids with mandatory curriculums in our schools. We need to be proactive with healing and learning to manage our emotions so that we can react in a healthier way. I help both children and adults let go of what doesn’t serve them.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m most proud when I witness my clients’ complete transformations from misery to peace, from struggle to joy! My clients understand that I’m a blended coach; one who will be their greatest support and cheerleader, but will also hold them accountable to do the necessary work to get where they want to be. This is not a fast process, so it takes diligence and commitment to get there. It’s not easy doing the “you” work necessary to heal, because you must face hard things to do so. Therefore, when I witness my client go from a daily experience of severe anxiety (so severe they couldn’t hold down food/water) to being a thriving, joyful, healthy college student kicking butt and taking names is “earthshatteringly” awesome!

What sets me apart from others is my compassionate care, and ability to make others feel safe and comfortable, even when they’re experiencing difficult times and are exposing their deepest vulnerabilities. I care deeply about others and my work reflects that. Of course, I also have the education, experience and tools as an expert in what I do. I simply choose to focus on how I make people feel, because that’s what provides the most comfort when they’re feeling vulnerable/having a hard time trusting others. They need me to hold space for them to heal.

Getting to this point was quite difficult, definitely not easy in the least! The drive within was easy, but the world’s circumstances have battled my type of work for years because our culture wants most people to fit into a “box.” I broke out of the that box decades ago, and refuse to be a robot. Everyone deserves nothing less than to be themselves; The beautiful humans they were born to be! It has taken a while for cultural beliefs to shift and welcome things they may not yet understand. Open-mindedness is important for this type of work. Covid actually helped us in the respect that mental and emotional wellness is finally being given a front row seat to assistance, and this was a necessary cultural mindset shift! I have overcome my own challenges with pure grit and because I KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt that living my purpose is the only choice.

I consider myself a lifetime student. Not because I’m a bad student, I’m actually a good one. I simply care enough to keep growing and learning, so I choose to continue educating myself so I can pass helpful things on to others. A few things I’ve learned in the world of business include not to put all of my eggs in one basket, adaptability/change is a constant, I’m my own best marketing, slow and steady wins the race, and that the essence of all pain is a poorly developed view of our own selves. Faith is also a crucial element along my journey. On the days when I was concerned where my next student/client would come from, I drew from my faith reserves and the student/client appeared every time. They always do! Sadly, our culture has pushed the “suck it up buttercup” mentality for so long, people have buried toxic pain instead of dealing with it as they go along. Thus, the state of our society, is overflowing with negativity, judgement and violence. There is a better way; I have found it and want to share it. We can choose temporary pain or permanent pain. It’s truly up to us!

After working one on one with many clients over the years, I’ve discovered a common theme. No matter what background you have, where you come from, how you were raised, etc., most people suffer from the same pains that simply manifest in various ways. The root theme behind the pain is they have lost love for themselves somewhere along the way. They’ve placed themselves last in the pecking order of life. They lack self-care because society taught them it was selfish and then made them feel guilty for it. They lack belief in themselves because someone or something taught them they weren’t worthy of good things and then social media feeds that limiting belief. Our youth is told they must dress, look or be a certain way in order to be accepted or respected in society. A positive mental shift is necessary for healing and is the greatest factor in the recipe of true healing!

I want the world to know that it’s ok to be vulnerable and trust others. It’s ok to admit that you’re struggling within and ask for help. It doesn’t make you weak, it makes you human. To me, the move that shows your strength the most is to ask for help when you are struggling to do so. It’s a crucial first step.

There are many resources out there to help based on individual preferences. I always tell my clients to “leave no stone unturned” on their healing journey. Try something different if what you’re doing isn’t working for you. Pick up that stone and check it out. Does it resonate with you? If not, put it back and grab another until you find yours. There are roughly 7.9 billion people on our planet, each with unique souls and purposes. I challenge people to keep looking until they find what works for them. Never give up!

I’m all about authenticity and empowerment. I want people to “rock their genuine vibe!” I’m here to let your soul breathe, so that you can find your way back to peace, joy and purpose. Come as you are, and I’ll offer heartfelt help to the best of my ability!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

This is a tough question because Arizona has so much to offer! During the 10 years I’ve lived here, I have found an enormous amount of joyful experiences. I personally believe that variety is key when visiting, to give a well-rounded view of what’s out there. Since I adore nature and Arizona is full of beauty and sunshine, I’d include a lot of outdoor experiences.

Sedona is an obvious must! The beauty of the red rocks, the magnetic energy of the area provides a magical day that’s hard to put into words. Visiting Tlaquepaque, immersing yourself in a vortex hike and experiencing spiritual journeys are fun and a source of great healing. After 2 full days in Sedona to recharge our batteries, we’d head to the small, artistic mountain town of Jerome. We’d stay at the grand hotel for some ghost hunting fun! The next day we’d ride the Verde Canyon railroad on a day trip.

Our next drive is to the Grand Canyon to float the Colorado River and see this ancient wonder. We would make stops to see dinosaur tracks in Northern Arizona, and see Montezuma’s Castle to honor the ancient American Indian cultures who resided here. We’d spend a day at the Musical Instrument Museum in Scottsdale, which is a true treasure. Learning so much about other cultures here really opens our eyes to new things. We’d have a meal in Old Town Scottsdale, on a mission to try something new like a peanut butter and jelly burger, YUM!

Next stop is in Casa Grande to pet/feed the animals at Rooster Cogburn’s Ostrich Ranch. This is a small town family experience that relies simply on the precious creatures that inhabit our planet. It’s immersive and amazing without all the unnecessary bells and whistles of a tourist spot. Then, driving down to explore bits of Tucson’s Catalina State Park, a gunfight reinactment in the ghost town of Tombstone, and eating at Big Nose Kate’s saloon. Next on to Bisbee to peruse the quaint shops and tour the Copper mine.

On we go, taking a ride to Arizona Wilderness, on cruiser bicycles in Chandler. This area provides a beautiful escape that brings many back to childhood freedom. This homegrown brewery has amazingly delicious blends, created by artistic brewmaster Patrick Ware from his adventures in nature. Even the food is incredible, and we have to order the “Mama Ware’s Artichoke dip.” It’s off the chain!

Down the road a bit, we visit Apache Junction, “cowboy town” to hit thrift stores and find items with character and stories to tell. We hit the “Hitching Post” saloon, where locals still ride their horses to dinner. We stop for an outdoor picnic to see the “Elvis church” and witness the stamp mill running at the Superstition Mountain Museum. Down the road a bit, we hike Lost Dutchman’s State Park Treasure Loop and then on to Goldfield mines to pan for gold and hit the zipline.

Next we peruse the town of Florence, where I take my friend offroading in my jeep to learn to rockhound for minerals like Amethyst and Chrysocolla.

We stop in Gold Canyon to visit my business suite, see the immaculate golf courses and old “Apacheland” area. We proceed to hike Hieroglyphics Trail, seeing the ancient American Indian petroglyphs on the rocks and a multitude of saguaro cacti. We head to the town of Superior to grab a delicious burger! Then, we drive to “Top of The World” to see the red rock formations and then on to Roosevelt Lake for some jet skis. Next we visit Salt River Canyon, a combo of Sedona and Grand Canyon in one for some exploration.

Next day we head to Canyon Lake for a nature-filled pontoon boat ride, where we see bald eagles and powerful rams on the cliff edges. We make a stop at Tortilla Flats, where we enjoy having a beer on bar stools made with horse saddles, reading the fun dollar bills on the walls, and eating prickly pear gelato at the corner store.

The next sunny day, we float the Salt River on inner tubes. We wade in the water with wild horse families feeding next to us and may participate in a marshmallow fight with strangers floating beside us!

After all of that adventure, we stop at a local reflexologist in Mesa to soothe and relax us from the fast paced days. We relax while feeding ducks by the water at the Riparian Reserve in Gilbert. On to Whiskey Row to go line dancing and then a night walk on the canal.

Back to Gilbert the next morning to see a show at the “Hale Theatre” and and eat lunch at Joe’s BBQ for incredible brisket, greens and cornbread. Whew, are you tired yet? Worth it though! 

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have many people who have supported, nourished and encouraged me along my path to creating wellness for myself and others. Quite frankly, enough to fill a novel! In short form, I would say that my greatest cheerleaders have come in the form of my mom Beverley, my husband Rob and my son Hunter. My mother greatly sacrificed her own desires in order to support my move to Arizona in 2012 to pursue my dreams/live my greater purpose. Doing this so soon after my father passed was a huge sacrifice and she didn’t hesitate, knowing how much it meant to me to live my life the way I wanted to, providing service to others in his honor. My husband Rob has been a tremendous support! He has believed in me and my mission since day one, and has provided significant financial support as I’ve worked to build my business from the ground up. He’s also my sounding board on the toughest of days, providing space for my own necessary healing. This is crucial in order for me to give my best to others! My son Hunter has been the wind beneath my wings. He continues to inspire me in so many ways! Although I’m sure he must feel the “oh Mom, really?!” embarassment from time to time with my public “quirkiness,” he has wholeheartedly been behind my dream all the way. He has volunteereed his time and energy for my business needs and truly cares about my success. His own strength, wisdom and enormously loving heart of service makes me super proud too! Finally, my closest friends, Eileen and Alana, have held sacred space for me and have given me the necessary love, guidance, unwavering support and understanding that allows me to be a more pure channel for serving others. These beautiful humans and so many others have provided a safe space for my foundation, so that I can continue to spread my wings and empower others to do the same. I’m so very grateful! 

Website: letyoursoulbreathe.com

Instagram: letyoursoulbreathe1111

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-rigsby-853b28b0/

Facebook: @letyoursoulbreathe1111

Youtube: Let Your Soul Breathe LLC

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