My Story
Awakening
One day my art student left the studio crying because she felt her work was not good enough. Despite mastering complex art concepts and creating a beautiful painting, she couldn't see her progress. It wasn't her skills that needed improvement …it was her “mindset”…her perception of life that was holding her back.
“Perfectionism is fear in disguise.”
I began to notice this judgmental pattern in some of my clients, they…
Focused on the external results missing the joy of learning.
Believed they had to be “good at painting” to enjoy it.
Felt “not talented enough,” comparing their work to everyone else.
Thought they had to color inside the lines and play it safe.
I realized that my teaching skills did not answer their dissatisfaction.
“Discontent is the sign that your imagination has not given up on you.”
— G. Doyle
Discovery to Breakthrough
To understand the needs of my students, I sought a coach. During our sessions I discovered that I too carried limiting beliefs: You are not enough. Work harder. Do more. Prove yourself. While this belief system had fueled my success, it also left me perpetually tired and dissatisfied. I was too busy chasing a goalpost that kept moving.
Unexpectedly, illness forced me to stop…and listen.
Life happens for you, not to you.
My pause came in the form of a cancer diagnosis. For the first time in my life, I stopped. I listened. I asked, "What wants to be revealed?"
I lay in bed, managing pain and listening, while my children were at camp and my husband and parents handled everything else.
I felt like a caterpillar dissolving into mush inside a chrysalis…awaiting transformation.
Learning to Heal
Each day I journaled, meditated, took many baths a day, and asked myself “What is life trying to reveal?”
Connection and creativity come to the rescue:
Music Therapy: During radiation, I closed my eyes, trusted the doctors and technicians. escaped into classical music & I repeated, "I trust my doctor, I trust the technician, I trust the beam of radiation. I trust my body; I trust the universe." The music transported me to magical fields of light and beauty… expanding my spirit.
Art & Nature: Shuffling through the hospital hallways, the nature photos on display urged me to heal and to hike again.
Interconnection: Nurses cared for me with kindness and wisdom. I was able to recognize and thank them for their compassion and their brilliance. This filled my heart.
“Healing does not mean going back to the way things were. ”
- Marianne
Transformation
I emerged from my treatment transformed.
I was finally still and quiet enough. I learned to listen deeply to my heart and relax deeply into connection with life. I received the power of art and the insights that it offers… This led me to realize that I love being with people… What inspires me most is to inspire and be inspired by others.
The letters of love and the gestures of kindness revealed to me that I am lovable just as I am. There is nothing I need to prove in order to become more worthy. My self-worth is not on the table. I am inherently lovable.
Creativity is not just making a pretty picture; it's about connecting to each other, to the purpose of our lives, and connecting with ourselves.
I had been holding my creativity hostage in my art studio. Cancer forced me to allow my creativity to expand and permeate every aspect of my life.
Creativity is about creating a masterpiece with our life. Little did I know that I was exploring the blueprint for my next chapter.
My New Chapter
I arrived in NYC, balding and tired but ready to start anew, ready to become a life coach. My chemo ended, and my coaching training began in the same month. I trained in the best coaching school in the country. I have worked hard to bring my connection with people and the power of the arts into one experience. To paint a new picture with my life.
When we tune into our natural curiosity, the possibilities are endless. To be driven by curiosity and passion rather than pushed by fear. This is freedom.
BIO
Marianne Gargour, Founder of MG Coaching & Creativity LLC, is a Certified Life Coach, a recognized visual artist, and a cancer survivor. She is the creator of Surviving to Thriving, a therapeutic art workshop for UT Southwestern Simmons Cancer Center patients. This unique program blends art, coaching, and conversation. Marianne offers a supportive environment that inspires growth and healing.
Marianne brings a bold imagination and innovation to all challenges. She is an accomplished artist with 30 years of painting experience, showing work in galleries & teaching. She has designed and currently facilitates an innovative life transition outpatient program at UT Southwestern Cancer Center.
Marianne has brought her vision to many settings as a 3-D animator, an advertising art director, and as a teacher and life coach. Her curiosity led her to study with the world-renowned philosopher Charles Taylor at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. She earned two master's degrees, one at Parsons and Texas A&M.
A graduate of the CoActive Training Institute (CTI) and a certified life coach (PCC) recognized by the International Coaching Federation, she is also certified with the Institute for Women Centered Coaching.
Married to a Unitarian minister, she lives in Dallas with two adult sons. She is fluent in French and Spanish.
Ready to live an authentic and inspired life?
Let’s talk... Join me for a free discovery call.
What People Are Saying …
“Marianne is a well-traveled, intelligent, thoughtful and energetic soul who brings an infectious enthusiasm to art and life…it’s a rare person who creates a safe environment which also let’s you get in touch with your creative spirit.“
— David P., Wealth Manager
"Marianne shows you how you can
see creativity and use it as a doorway to a freer you;
a more collaborative you at home and in the workplace…She makes getting in touch with your creativity fun."
— P.C., Federal Employee
“Make a masterpiece of your life! ”
- Marianne
