I joined up with a woman (well-known in the health and nutrition world) who gave me 1/2 pay in year one and less than 1/3 pay in year two to be applied toward a “partnership” which she never took action to form. She called me “partner” yet made all financial decisions without me (and even shifted direction behind my back on decisions we made together!).

After my investment advisor warned me that my personal finances were on shaky ground (I had been dipping into my retirement monies to carry me – AND HER BUSINESS), and I would have to put our newly renovated home on the market, I left her to set up my own company to attempt to recover my losses.

She claims I do not “deserve” financial remuneration for my 50+ hour work weeks since we were “partners,” yet no partnership was ever put in place.

So, now without a partnership share, no pay for my work, a loosely structured agreement (read: non-enforceable contract), a house on the market, I find myself licking my wounds but determined to make a go of my new business. I've lost tens of thousands of dollars. She, on the other hand, has a successful book launch, TV show the Fall, and is making a big splash in her industry.

And what do I hear through the grapevine? Because I decided to leave her, she is trashing my reputation, and attempting to undermine my new business launch.

This has been the most painful experience in my life.

This is EXACTLY why I have been turned off by folks who even mention “The Secret” in any of their marketing material.

“Spirituality” is something that is so sacred to me, it's always put up a big red flag when someone tries to use it as part of their platform.

I believe you can tell a spiritual person by the fruits in their life– fruits such as patience, kindness, generosity, not material fruits such as nice cars, big homes, large followings.

As soon as a person tells you they are “spiritual”, you can pretty much be assured that they are not.

I've met amazing small business owners– such as landscapers,bakers, accountants– that never once told me they were “spiritual” but by the way the treated me, their families, and the community at large you could tell they had a deep connection with Something Greater.

The world online is a strange and beautiful place. There are opportunities to earn a living and create freedom and help others. There is also a lot of hogwash with “Spiritual Manipulators abound.

I am so sorry you had to go through this difficult and expensive lesson.

For me I wish that spirituality would stop being marketed all together. Closeness to God was never meant to be a 'niche' or a platform, and when it becomes one it becomes “icky”…. to much room for spiritual scammers…If living our lives “spiritually” is so important to us, I believe we should stop trying to sell it or advertise it….the fruits of our spiritual practice will show up and we will not have to say one word to point them out.

Thanks for this post. I admire your transparency. I have experienced similar pressure from certain big names when trying to sell me their services. I have been told that my “resistance” was not letting me invest in what they claim was the exact program that would solve my obvious problem.

After the horrific sweat lodge incident in Sedona, I was once again reminded that we must hear our heart and the yellow (or red) flags that we sense. The Divine does lead if we will but tune in.

Your brave story is inspiring and a breath of fresh air. I remember several months ago when Brian wrote to his list and said he was parting ways with Steve. He said there were problems there but did not detail.

I hope they decide to fly right. Redemption is available to everyone, after all!

Bless ya!
Catherine

Thanks for this post. I admire your transparency. I have experienced similar pressure from certain big names when trying to sell me their services. I have been told that my “resistance” was not letting me invest in what they claim was the exact program that would solve my obvious problem.

After the horrific sweat lodge incident in Sedona, I was once again reminded that we must hear our heart and the yellow (or red) flags that we sense. The Divine does lead if we will but tune in.

Your brave story is inspiring and a breath of fresh air. I remember several months ago when Brian wrote to his list and said he was parting ways with Steve. He said there were problems there but did not detail.

I hope they decide to fly right. Redemption is available to everyone, after all!

Bless ya!
Catherine