MY HEALTH STORY

Life is always guiding us, revealing the areas that need our attention and healing. At least this has been my experience with my own health and healing journey.

My health journey started back in college, marked by “gut issues” ranging from bloating to acid reflux. I experienced major discomfort on a daily basis. I had an outwardly healthy lifestyle and was always considered the healthy and fit person in my friend group. Yet, concealed under the surface was a reality steeped in stress, survival mode and a major disconnect from my true self. Unhealthy coping mechanisms like drinking and partying, lack of self worth and disconnection from my body and emotions further fueled the dis-ease within.

Post college, a semblance of stability occurred for a few years until my symptoms escalated — hair loss, chronic fatigue, unregulated hormonal cycle, cystic acne and unrecognized anxiety and depression. Finally I learned I had an autoimmune disease, which has no cure according to Western medicine. However, I wouldn’t accept that answer. So I delved into extensive research, adopting natural approaches, from dietary changes to alternative therapies.

Despite my best efforts, I still felt unwell and stuck and a pervasive sense of hopelessness lingered. I was learning there isn’t a map for this stuff or a 10 step process to heal yourself. It really is a journey that you need to go on and find the answers for yourself. There was something deep inside of me that wouldn’t give up my dream of how I wanted to feel.

I took a leap of faith and left my 9-5 job guided by a singular intention — to uncover true health and happiness. The type that transcends superficial appearances or external circumstances. This decision marked a pivot in my healing journey allowing me to heal more deeply than ever before.

I uncovered repressed emotions and stored negativities through working with a coach and studying Vipassana meditation. I listened to my body more deeply than ever and cared for it from a place of compassion and curiosity. This process was transformative and I began actually becoming the person I had always aspired to be and the healing followed.

Meditating daily, traveling solo in my self converted camper van and transitioning my career to coaching, my symptoms began subsiding and I would tasted bite sized servings of the way I had always wanted to feel. There were still ups and downs with my health, yet I could feel the the impacts of the little changes I was making adding up.

Now, I don’t worry about my health. I feel unrecognizable to how I used to feel. Not just because I found the foods that work better for my body or am consistent with my self care practices (although those things help a ton), it is a deeper more everlasting shift. While, I am still learning and healing and will be for the rest of my life it no longer feels like a daunting or overwhelming task.

Reflecting on my health journey, I recognize it as an invitation to return back home to myself — deepening my connection with my mind, body and spirit. I am grateful for this journey and how it has allowed an opportunity for me to support and relate to those going through something similar.