There are those times in the life of a woman when we all wonder; "what am I doing going around this circle (or mountain) again?" or, "I just feel so stuck, how can I ever move on, or up?" It is usually accompanied by loss of energy, frustration and a sense of not being clear about what direction to take, much less the next step. Welcome to the opportunity in Life Coaching. My name is Terri Cadiente, an Associate Certified Coach. These were the questions I had as well, when I first came to coaching. I had a successful career, yet I was not satisfied doing what I was doing. "There had to be more" I insisted, and through the process of coaching, I connected with the value of who I was being and what choices I could design toward my desired outcomes. As a 14 year World Record Holder, former Factory Race Team Rider for Team Kawasaki and Hollywood Stuntwoman, I "get" how to set goals, put action plans in place, focus, strategize, accomplish the never ending "to-do" list, and face fear.

What I was lacking was joy, connectedness and fulfillment in life when everything seemingly looked great and yet, I am unsatisfied in the place it matters most; my heart and my life. Coaching is about asking questions from a place of curiosity - not advice. Through this process, I discovered new perspective in choosing my actions. Language creates action - behavior comes out of what we believe and what we tell ourselves about certain situations- what does yours say?

I specialize in women by identifying the affects of fear, shame, powerlessness and esteem. It is my joy to champion women in healthy, whole identity. ~And yes, there is more!

Watch for my "Woman to Woman" column beginning next month!
I invite you the reader to send your real life situations to SCV Publications 24000 Creekside Drive, Valencia 91355. Attn: Woman to Woman and I will respond with the process of Life Coaching.

Friday October 27, 2006
Ragdoll Restoration Fdn. Created from Personal Pain
By Anne Marie Mills, Contributing Writer

Imagine the life of a stuntwoman - the demand for physical fitness, intense focus and extreme confidence. Now imagine the life of stuntwoman who holds world records for jet ski racing on behalf of Kawasaki, who is a mother of two daughters, and who is married to a stuntman. You are beginning to get a snapshot of Terri Cadiente, of Saugus. But that's not all. Cadiente is also a life coach, an author, and the force behind a new philanthropic organization that has the power to change the lives of many young women - The Ragdoll Restoration Foundation.

"The Ragdoll Restoration Foundation is a California recognized 501 (c) (3) non profit organization that benefits girls ages 8-17 who have a parent in prison. The Foundation is meaningful to me because of the way it came to be. My niece, Tiffany, and I found ourselves heartbroken in a situation that we determined to turn into encouragement and discovery for ourselves, and for others," Cadiente said.

Cadiente is candid about the sad and troubled life of her sister, a woman who battled addiction for years and was in prison for the first seven years of her daughter's life. That daughter, Tiffany, was placed in Cadiente's arms only hours after she was born and the two have shared an enormous bond ever since. They now share a dream to help others through the founding of The Ragdoll Restoration Foundation.

"We wanted to show others, 'you can walk without a limp,'" Cadiente said. "We always say, 'your past is no indication of your future.' We learned this is an often overlooked, forgotten, unheard population and we want to be a voice to change the record."

According to Cadiente, her mission extends beyond serving just children with a parent in prison - Cadiente wants to see all young women have the tools of empowerment from self-confidence and poise to knowing personal boundaries and self-defense through a specialized program, "Raising the Bar," offered through The Ragdoll Restoration Foundation.

A kick-off gala event to formally launch The Ragdoll Restoration Foundation and the "Raising The Bar" program will be held on Friday, Nov. 3 at The Paseo Club of Valencia beginning at 6 p.m.

"This particular evening is sure to be filled with celebration," said Cadiente, who is hoping to see a large turnout from the community. "We are having the original Boogie Knights perform from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., we have a VIP section that will include a wine cabana sponsored by Valencia's Loose Goose, an arrangement of food sponsored from the new Chandaretta Restaurant, a champagne and chocolate fountain cabana sponsored by Bruce's Catering, a Martini cabana sponsored by RSVP Specialty Catering, a Tequila cabana sponsored with hor d'oeuvres from Dream Dinners, and finally a cigar and cognac cabana sponsored by Payne & Mason who will send their own cigar 'roller' to attend the event," she said.

Cadiente said she has received a large amount of support from actor and director Lou Diamond Philips who will attend the event along with director John Cassar of "24."

According to Cadiente, proceeds will support the needs of the girls ages 8-17 with a parent in prison.

"This will range from immediate food, blanket and shelter needs, to assistance in support of adequate child care, to purchasing eyeglasses, clothing, shoes. As soon as a facility is secured, the Ragdoll Restoration Foundation is set up to provide transportation with class B drivers and arrange for children to participate in mentoring programs, seminars, opportunities for teaching and training that encourages and exposes this demographic to unlimited possibilities," she said.

The gala event is only part of The Ragdoll Restoration Program's presence in the community.

"One hundred girls will be taught by fellow stuntwomen, they will learn the value of personal boundaries and self defense. After the self defense training, there are several classes being taught by our own community volunteers including nail, skin, hair care, poise and posture, communicating your value with interview skills, the value of money with a youth/teen spin, the value of a healthy self image taught by Valencia Pediatrics' Dr. Lorraine Stern," Cadiente said. "Tiffany and I will speak on the value of each one as an individual and the value of their choices. Tiffany will speak openly from the heart of a child of a parent in prison through identifying certain behaviors."

Cadiente said it is important for the community to support the foundation because it impacts lives in the SCV.

"Right in our own community we have an opportunity to make a difference in a child's broken life," Cadiente said.

Cadiente, and her husband Jeff Cadiente, who was nominated at the most recent Emmy Awards for Outstanding Stunt Coordination of Fox Television Series "24" moved to Saugus from the San Fernando Valley nearly two years ago.

"Our family chose to move to Santa Clarita simply for the education and school system. In my humble estimation, these are the finest educational facilities offered to the youth of today," Cadiente said.

Cadiente met her husband after working on the film "Titanic."

"I always like to say my ship came in," she joked.

Active in the community, Cadiente is a member of the Santa Clarita Valley chapter of Soroptimists International.

"I have belonged to many female organizations, but being a member of Soroptimists is an extraordinary experience. First, the meaning of the word: Soroptimist is 'best for women', the mission is to be a voice for women through awareness, advocacy and my favorite, action. Being a member is both an honor and a privilege. I am proud to be a sister Soroptimist because belonging to this club of outstanding women, is belonging to a force that extends itself into this world to make an impact and a difference," she said.

Cadiente has also overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles in her life and has developed her own personal mission statement of empowerment from which she believes others can benefit.

"I believe in the effort or inclination to increase human well being through action and courage is the heartbeat of change for our world," she said. "I intend to be a change agent, a voice for those who otherwise are overlooked, unheard, and unseen. I was the unlikely one that experienced a life changing moment when I became aware, I was at choice. In discovering that single distinction, my life made a complete turn around and serves as an example that: 'Your past is no indication of your future and by your choices, you frame your world'. This is the message when I go to speak with the youth of today. We may not be able to take you out of your environment, however, we can put something inside of you to change the atmosphere. And that is knowing, you are at choice."

Cadiente shares her strong passion for life and resolute belief that even the darkest circumstances in life can be overcome through her profession as a life coach.

"A life coach is one that is invited into another's life as a coach of sorts. A life coach is one that accompanies another person through getting unstuck and reflecting back ... what is working, by simply being present," Cadiente said. "How often do we take time to ask ourselves, 'What do I want?' - that is the biggest question I will be asking along with, 'How's that working for ya?' These questions bring much discovery to move a person from where they are to where they want to be."

Cadiente is also writing her autobiography, "Strong Woman Hiding."

TLC Coaching is often recognized in the media.
by: Terri Lee Cadiente
Published in Santa Clarita Magazine
02/01/06

Love and Fear
As a Life Coach, I have seen that, regardless of the season, people make decisiions based in love or fear. In love, they are coming from a heart filled with abundance, grounded, and able to risk being transparent with themselves and others. If not, they are defensive, always on guard, and concerned with what others are saying and doing (notice the exterior focus). The first is obviously better. The focus and questions in asking your self honest questions like; "am I accepting myself so I can accept others?" and "am I honoring my values so I can value others and what is important to them?"

The old English word for love is freon from which the word friend is derived. This is ironic given the fact that most of us would think of something cold and unfeeling because of the meaning of that word today. The structure of the language implies that love and friendship are freeing. Love and friendship must empower those we love to become their best according to their own wants, values, and desired outcomes for thier lives. The essential contribution of love is clear: Your love must empower those you love to love themselves.

Our hearts have been expressly planned, created and endowed with different strengths. They are capable of receiving, giving, and enjoying love. It is only when we are deeply connected to our own hearts that we feel most alive. What would your life be like led by that kind of heart connection?

I am convinced that we are meant to live at peace with ourselves, and that in our hearts, there is opportunity for life and celebration. Everyone is born with a unique and unconditional value. The question is, "how can we learn to love ourselves and ultimately give that gift to others?"

True love of others starts with true love for oneself - your own heart is a great place to begin your love connection.