My Health Journey

Ten years ago, I started to go through some health issues that challenged me to take a deeper look into what was happening in my body. I have always been really healthy and active, I thought I was doing a lot of things right, this was totally new for me. I worked really hard in life and in all capacities, I stressed a lot, but pressed on. I realized my body was telling me differently and it was time to start listening to it.

My menstrual system was off the charts, my anxiety and depression levels were out of control. I went to doctors, but I didn’t agree with what they suggested I try to implement. I have a passion for a more natural lifestyle and covering up issues with medications doesn’t work for me. Then life changed as I began caring for my mother-in-law, who was living with Alzheimer’s disease. Trying to allow her to live independently as long as possible.

This was a huge challenge and stress for me, while also being fulfilling to give her the care that she needed, managing her house and affairs. It also caused many physical issues – including headaches, debilitating migraines, sleep issues, and extreme stress. Six years ago, my Mom had a massive stroke at my home ultimately caused by high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and stress. This was her second stroke and dramatically changed the course of her life, now partially paralyzed, wheelchair-bound, and requiring 24-7 care. She has made a lot of progress over time, but it has been a challenge emotionally, psychologically, and physically in this caregiving role.

In my personal health, I began taking a deeper look at my body and found I was disconnected from it entirely. My mood, energy, and joy were depleted. I was stressing, having frequent panic attacks, and the roller coaster of anxiety and depression was gripping my life and relationships. I was living on auto-pilot, but that was no longer serving as a good strategy as my body was telling me. Every day was a struggle.

It was time to take make changes and take charge of my health.

Physically, I began to rebalance my body with nutrition and supplements and also discovered some naturopathic remedies to help with PMS symptoms. I worked on educating and healing myself by focusing on holistic "whole" health. I identified habits that were no longer supporting me and that I wanted to change. I also looked at my environment and ways to eliminate toxins as a potential issue affecting my health. I learned to rest my body and I don’t have to be doing something all the time, rest is just as beneficial as is physical exercise or constantly busy. This was huge for me!

Internally, I began to discover who I was and tapped into who I wanted to be in this life. My spirituality awakened as I grew my relationship with the Lord and began to identify the fears that gripped my life. I found healing in old wounds, hurts, overcoming self-doubt, and body image issues. I’ve worked hard on emotional health and a positive mindset.

This is a journey.

In this journey, I have had the most personal growth in discovering my purpose and that is to connect and serve people, which I have always had a desire to do I just wasn’t there yet. This internal work led me to this calling to become a health coach, this is exactly what I did as I coached myself through these challenges to where I want to be.

Why am I so passionate about this work?

This is where my passion and motivations are rooted in the desire to connect and serve people.

• To help people make the small changes in their habits and lifestyle to overcome challenges they face, whether it be learning about lifestyle, nutrition, managing stress better, harnessing hormones, or weight loss.
• To help people like my mom with multiple health issues that have changed the course of her life
• To help people with prevention and take a proactive approach to their health and well-being
• To help people face their emotions and heal
• To help people turn off auto-pilot and start living their optimal life
• To move beyond survival and learn how to thrive no matter the circumstances

Getting well for me was the starting point. I made small, consistent changes in my habits and lifestyle. It wasn’t easy and it didn’t happen overnight. I discovered myself and reclaimed my personal power and joy. I want to help others to do the same.

It's not about perfect. It's about effort. And when you bring that effort every single day, that's where transformation happens. That's how change occurs. ~ Jillian Michaels