mission, story and beliefs
Hey there! I'm Dara Poznar, and I'm thrilled to be your Certified Life Coach & Relational Strategist. My approach to coaching is a unique blend of coaching, teaching, and mentoring, infused with inspiration, empathy, and playfulness.
Mission:
My mission is to help you build the safe and strong relationship of your dreams. I want you to experience the joy of being healthy, happy, and energized as you achieve your goals and fulfill your deepest desires. In a world filled with relational pain, I'm committed to helping my clients flourish and thrive in life and love, creating a solid foundation for flourishing societies.
My broader mission is to restore a sense of commitment and foster healthy interdependency in a culture that often promotes extreme independence. True wellbeing and happiness thrive when we connect and support one another.
Story:
From an early age, I've been a seeker of deeper understanding. I'd lie beneath the stars, pondering the mysteries of life, love, and the universe. My journey, however, began with challenges. Growing up in a family battling alcoholism and later immersed in extreme religiousness, I lacked authentic self-expression and safe relationships. Discovering who I truly was, learning to love and accept myself, and forming secure bonds with others became my mission.
For years, I struggled with self-consciousness and self-hatred, unable to find inner peace, enjoy life, or connect genuinely with others. After leaving the faith I was raised in, I faced loneliness and anxiety as my family and friends shunned me. It was a tough time, but it sparked a transformative journey of self-discovery. I studied, traveled, and lived in different places, battling depression, anxiety disorders, and emotional imbalance.
On the quest for a healthy partnership, I experienced a long-term pattern of dysfunctional and toxic relationships. The rollercoaster of intense highs and devastating lows taught me valuable lessons. Determined to understand what was happening and eager to make a change, I immersed myself in personal development and studied the top relationship experts in the world. My biggest dream and burning desire was to experience a happy, healthy relational life.
With newfound self-awareness and self-mastery, I applied my knowledge to my then struggling relationship. I discovered the power of recognizing and shifting our negative patterns of pursuing and distancing, punishing each other for mistakes, making up but never fully resolving anything, and starting the whole cycle over again—exhausting & draining!
By managing our minds and emotions, mastering a relational mindset, learning powerful communication skills, and fostering shared agreements, my partner and I transformed our dynamic. It only took one of us going first in changing negative behaviors, and soon we both were growing into better partners.
Though it seemed impossible for so long, today we enjoy a secure-functioning relationship marked by respect, protectiveness, loyalty, humility, and playfulness. It’s truly my greatest accomplishment to date and has made me healthier, happier and more capable on all levels of my being and life.
As a Certified Positive Psychology Coach & Relational Strategist, I consider it a privilege to help people worldwide gain insight into themselves, understand their partners, and create safe, loving bonds. It's a joyous journey that I'm grateful to embark on with you.
When I'm not guiding others on the path to relational mastery, you'll find me spending time with my husband and our insanely cute dog, Lula. I also love planning beach trips, going for long walks, immersing myself in podcasts and music, and indulging in reading and writing.
Beliefs:
My personal mantra is "No Mud, No Lotus." Just as the lotus blooms from muddy waters, our struggles in life lead to growth and transformation. Embracing difficulties allows us to discover our strengths and embrace our core selves. It means being confident, successful, and purposeful, regardless of external circumstances. I believe that struggle is the soil from which we blossom into the extraordinary beings capable of fulfilling our visions for life.
True growth and development come from practicing self-love. By loving and accepting ourselves and others, nurturing our well-being, and allowing others to love and nurture us, we find wholeness. Living with purpose, cultivating deep connections, and prioritizing our health and vitality form the foundation of a satisfying life.
Lastly, I firmly believe that we are not meant to succeed alone. I owe my progress to my loved ones, my faith, and my coaches. If you're seeking someone you can trust to guide you toward positive changes, I would be honored to support you on your journey.
Sending you love and support on your path to relational mastery!
XO,
Dara