Meet Doree O’Neal: Health and Spiritual Coach & Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Doree O’Neal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Doree, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
Spirituality is not scary or woo woo. When I start talking about spirituality and spiritual growth, I can sense an uncomfortableness from those that really have not delved into what it means to be spiritual. The conversation can get a bit clunky or worse the conversation may send the other person to the offense. When this happens, I smile, politely exit the conversation and just let it go. I know they are not ready. Part of the scariness is confusion. For over half of my life, I often confused religion and spirituality. Religion and spirituality can co-exist. Religion has history and is sacred. It is beautiful rituals and the foundation of faith for so many people. When I think of religion, I think of a beautiful building, a leader teaching the practices of that religion and a congregation that form a community or family. Spirituality is different. The journey is individualistic. To do the work you must go inside yourself and find what the “it” is and who you are. You must also find how you and the “it” are connected. In the beginning of my quest, I was afraid. I was diving into myself and discovering the unknown. It was like swimming to the bottom of the ocean; afraid I would not be able to hold my breath. I soon learned there was no need to hold my breath. As I started to swim deeper, I found a beautiful. uncharted world inside of me. I began to look at the good, the bad and even the ugly. And the more I learned, the more the outside world began to become a little brighter, a little more hopeful. I believe we are all innately programmed to find the “it”. You do not have to read tarot or burn incense grow spiritually, though that is the path for some. The beautiful thing about being spiritual is it is not a one size fits all and can be customized to fit the individual. 

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
There was a hole in my soul. And I tried filling it with everything under the sun to find wholeness and to fill complete. I was miserable, sad, off-center. What I realized was that what I was looking for was inside of me all along. My life’s work is to help others to find their spiritual path and to tap into what that “it” is. Getting here has been a journey in addictions, abusive relationships and fear and doubt. I had to overcome old beliefs about money, work and relationships in order to step out into the unknown. I had to forgive others but more importantly, I had to forgive myself. I do not regret any of it. My path (good and bad and sometimes downright scary) created who I am. I am still learning who I am but the one thing that I know is that I am unapologetically, uniquely me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Being a newly wed, I keep thinking of date night! Atlanta is a city that has something to offer everyone and outside the Perimeter has some really cool downtown areas. Downtown Roswell has a ton of fantastic restaurants from tapas to sushi. We try to go to different place every time we go there. Our favorite is Noca. In fact, it was where Ken and I had our first date and where he later proposed. Their food is amazing and the atmosphere is cozy. Piedmont Park is a great place to get some fresh air and people watching. You can bring a blanket and have a picnic under the warm Georgia sun. While you are there, grab a King of Pop! It’s an Atlanta staple, started by 2 brothers selling popsicles out of a cart. They are handmade, all natural and delicious!! And finally, one of the most highly recommended experiences is to have a private cooking lesson with Chef Luca Barolli. My husband and I just recently took a class at his home. The food was amazing and Chef Luca was entertaining! Was one of the best dates my husband and I have ever had!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Where to begin? I will start with my husband, Ken. He accepts my quirkiness and loves me for me. He has supported me every step of the way. When I came to him and told him I wanted to go back to school to get my PhD in Metaphysics and start my own spiritual coaching business, he encouraged me to go for it. My friend Sharon and her husband Mark for taking me in when I was broken and allowing me time to heal and get back on my own two feet. My journey was started with the vision and work with my coach and mentor Jess Riedell (ageless Jess). I was sinking in the corporate world and had lost my lust for life. Working with Jess turned my world on its head and I have not regretted it for one moment. I am still in Corporate America, for now, but the vision of continuing to build my clientele excites me and carries over into my 9 to 5 job. Finally, Brian + Lindsey Photography. Our photo session was life changing for me. You helped me to see past some old beliefs that I had about my body image and uncaged the lioness that was within. Here me roar!!

Instagram: @therealdoreeo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealdoreeo

Image Credits
Brian + Lindsey Photography