Meet Amanda Dolin | Professional Coach, Podcaster, Advocate, and Mom

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

Hi Amanda, what matters most to you?
At my core, I value relationships most. To have those powerful connections that matter to me, I need success is crucial. But this is my definition of success, which is different from every other person’s. Success is not about making millions of dollars, having the fanciest things, or being famous; I wouldn’t complain about those things, but that’s not how I define it.

Instead, success means having the resources I need to provide for my family, time to spend with the people most important to me, and the ability to travel several times a year. In addition, I want to share memories and experiences with people and show them how much I value them. So, while I value success, the foundation of my success is relationships and experiences; work and money are a means to that end.

I love that we can all have a value that is named the same but can be so different for each, which is why I always get excited talking about values. What matters most to us guides us in how we spend our time, energy, and money and is often created as a response to our early life experiences. We can learn much about ourselves and others when we learn what is most important to us.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a professional coach helping moms let go of the idea that they have to do it all, find their identity beyond their role as moms, and create time for the things they love by identifying their core values. I landed in coaching after 11 years as “just a mom.” I wanted a career that would give me flexibility, use my master’s in psychology, and where I could help people.

While building my business, I discovered how important it is to step out of my comfort zone to connect with people. Focusing on what I value always helps me grow professionally.

While helping others focus on what matters most, I realized I wanted to share more of my mental health journey, hoping that others wouldn’t feel as alone as I did. Almost seven years ago, after decades of searching for answers and coming close to ending my life, I received a diagnosis of bipolar. Then, I saw others struggle with their mental health, often shamefully alone. I knew opening up conversations about the impact of mental health on society would help end the stigma and show others they are not alone in their struggles. And that is how The Mental Society was born. A podcast, website, and community created for open conversations, asking hard questions, and learning how mental health impacts our world.

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 live in Denton and love sharing all the hidden gems that Lil D offers. Start with brunch at Seven Mile Cafe, and get one of their incredible cinnamon rolls. Next up, a visit to the Square to explore some of the fun local stores, and when the weather is nice, the courthouse lawn is a perfect place to relax and people-watch. Be sure to check out Atomic Candy for fun nostalgic treats, Patchouli Joe’s Books & Indulgences, where you can find a new book to escape into, or Recycled Books, where you can hunt for the perfect vinyl to add to your collection. A quick walk away from the square will lead you to great bars with beautiful outdoor spaces, food trucks, and craft beer lists a mile long. You can’t go wrong with Harvest House, Eastside, or Miss Angeline’s, some of my favorites. I love visiting the Denton Community Market to find treasures from local farmers and artists. The Chairy Orchard is an excellent place for an impromptu photoshoot, and I love enjoying the outdoors by hiking one of the easy trails at Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center. Some of my favorite local spots to eat are Komodo Loco, Thai Square, Pepitas, El Matador, GreenHouse, and Cartwrights.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have been so fortunate to have an incredible group of women supporting and encouraging me. Whenever I doubt myself, feel overwhelmed, or want to throw the towel in, I can count on my crew to lift me up and talk me through my doubts. I also want to give my mental health treatment team a shout-out. I would not be alive without their expertise, support, and providing me excellent comprehensive care.

Website: www.thementalsociety.com, www.igniteyourbeacon.com

Instagram: @igniteyourbeacon @mentalsocietypodcast

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadolin/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/igniteyourbeacon/ https://www.facebook.com/thementalsociety/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thementalsociety

Other: https://thementalsociety.podbean.com/