Life’s challenges can leave us feeling fractured, as if the weight of our experiences has chipped away at our very essence. Coach Beth Close sees brokenness not as an ending, but as an invitation to transformation. Through her own journey from hardship to healing, she has discovered that every crack, every scar, and every moment of struggle can be a wellspring of strength and beauty. She draws inspiration from the Japanese art of Kintsugi, in which broken pottery is not discarded, but repaired with gold, turning its fractures into radiant lines of resilience.
Imagine a shattered vase, once destined for the trash, now meticulously pieced back together. But instead of disappearing, the cracks are celebrated, filled with shimmering gold that transforms the flaws into a breathtaking design.
This ancient practice teaches that our imperfections do not diminish our worth but instead enhance it, making us more unique, more whole. Beth carries this philosophy into her work, reminding us that we are not broken beyond repair, we are whole, even in our brokenness.
A Journey of Transformation
From navigating the painful realities of divorce and co-parenting to overcoming dyslexia and the lingering impact of being raised by “broken parents,” Beth faced a gauntlet of challenges. Instead of succumbing to self-doubt or succumbing to victimhood, Beth actively chose to heal, forgive, and learn from every experience, transforming adversity into a powerful source of empathy and understanding.
“I don’t look at the word broken as a negative. I look at it as part of your story—one that makes your light shine brighter” — Beth Close
Brokenness can manifest as crippling self-doubt, the sting of past traumas, or the lingering weight of unfulfilled dreams. It whispers that we are not enough, that our scars are too deep, our flaws too glaring. When we examine these parts of ourselves we sought to hide, we can see that beauty lies within. This beauty may be in the lessons that we learned, the resilience that we embraced, or the empathy we cultivated for others walking a similar path. When we embrace these aspects of ourselves, we realize we are not defined by our perceived imperfections, but rather by the strength and wisdom we have gained in overcoming them. These experiences become integral to our story, adding depth, color, and a unique brilliance that shines through our “cracks,” illuminating the world around us.
This shift in perspective is at the heart of her mission. Beth believes that by embracing our past and acknowledging our pain, we open ourselves to profound healing and transformation.
Seeing Beauty in the Broken
Beth’s journey led her to a profound understanding: our struggles do not diminish us—they shape us into who we are meant to be. Every scar tells a story of perseverance, every moment of pain becomes a lesson in resilience, and every experience of brokenness lays the foundation for newfound strength. Rather than allowing hardship to define her, Beth embraced it as a catalyst for growth, using her challenges as stepping stones on her journey toward wisdom and inner fortitude. She believes that adversity is not the end of the road but a powerful force that refines us, helping us emerge stronger, wiser, and more compassionate.
“All those little cracks and fractures inside of us, kind of like Kintsugi, just make us stronger and more beautiful.” — Beth Close
She encourages people to shift their perspectives, to stop seeing their hardships as failures, and instead, recognize them as evidence of resilience and growth. Life’s challenges are not meant to break us but to reveal our inner strength and capacity for transformation.
Beth teaches that every setback carries a lesson, every struggle builds character, and every moment of adversity offers an opportunity for self-discovery. By reframing difficulties as stepping stones instead of roadblocks, she inspires others to embrace their journeys with courage and optimism. She reminds us that true strength is not found in avoiding hardship but in rising above it, going around it, learning from it, and allowing it to shape us into the best versions of ourselves.
Leading Tens of Thousands
Beth’s belief in the importance of communication and connection in relationships was developed during her work with the U.S. Army, where she taught a communication course that impacted tens of thousands of military families. The course was designed to help families reconnect after long deployments, providing essential tools to bridge emotional gaps and navigate the changes that come with separation and reunion.
She recalls, “When service members returned home, they expected life to be the same. The reality was different. Their children had grown, their spouses had adapted, and the emotional landscape had shifted. Teaching communication skills to these families gave them a way to rebuild their relationships and truly see each other again.”
Her experience with military families reinforced her conviction that communication and connection are the foundation of healing. Whether within families, friendships, or self-reflection, the way we express and interpret emotions shapes our ability to connect and move forward.
A New Way Forward
Beth Close is more than a coach or speaker, she is a visionary who invites us to redefine the way we see ourselves. By embracing our past, communicating with authenticity, and finding strength in our struggles, we can transform our lives in ways we never imagined.
Beth Close’s message is not just for those who feel broken; it’s for all of us. It’s a reminder that our stories are not defined by our struggles, but by our capacity to rise above them, to find beauty in the broken, and to transform our scars into badges of honor.
Take a moment to reflect on your own journey. What “cracks” are you trying to hide? What “gold” can you use to transform them into something beautiful? Consider Beth’s work and see if her insights can guide you on a path of healing and self-discovery. For in the art of Kintsugi, as in life, the imperfections are not erased, but celebrated, becoming an integral part of the masterpiece.
Angela Legh is an International Freelance Author, an International Bestselling Author, and Motivational Speaker. She is passionate about promoting emotional intelligence with her book series The Bella Santini Chronicles.