My Story ~ A Holistic Health Journey
First off, let me start with the why. My mom had health problems, and soon thereafter I found out I was on the same path. At the time I had 4 little kids and an amazing man, I knew I had to take the bull by the horns and do what I could to get better. I was already a pretty 'healthy' person. I exercised, ate pretty good, and was very active. But I saw room for improvement. I started doing a ton of research and along with changing my eating habits I started to incorporate herbs, supplements, and essential oils.
Then I got even more serious about it. After a lot of research, I started making my own cleaners and health & beauty products. I learned that what I put on my skin is just as important as what I put in my body. (No, you don't have to make your own cleaners and health & beauty products, but there are healthier options out there.)
The next step was refining the process. I was working with my PCP, my gynecologist, and my naturopath to hone in the things I was learning. I found wonderful Dr.'s that were all willing to work together so I could implement a holistic lifestyle.
I started a good exercise routine, better than the one I had. I was able to refine my meal planning and feed our whole family of 6 with healthier options of some of the same food we all love.
But this seemed like so much! How do I keep it all together and not give up a habit because it takes effort and I'm tired? This is where I needed someone like me to coach me along. I figured it all out through a lot of trial and error and struggle, but that is exactly what I want to help people avoid. Ready for the more specifics of my story? Well, here you go!
MY DECLINING HEALTH
It all started with a diagnosis of cervical dysplasia. I had many other symptoms and health issues I wasn’t aware of yet, because some people around me would tell me my symptoms were related to having 4 small kids back to back, that I was just tired. Guess what, I would’ve been a more rockstar mom looking back if I would’ve listened to my body, but I just accepted ‘tired mom’ and didn’t think anymore about it. After all, I was a busy young mom. After my diagnosis (which the nurse brushed off because it’s common) I started paying attention to my body. Oh, it’s not normal to not have eyebrows when I generally have thick healthy hair and full eyebrows. Chronic hives aren’t normal? Huh. Oh, and my hair shouldn’t break off in a short period of time where I have to cut my hair from my waistline into a short bob.
The wheels started turning. I won’t bore you with all the gory details, but this is where my research started. Was there anything I could do naturally? The Dr was telling me I should have a full hysterectomy, but I wasn’t ready emotionally. I was also told that my hormones were within healthy levels, but my Dr also told me that the ‘healthy levels’ are too broad, and thyroid problems are underdiagnosed. He said even though I was within normal levels, I definitely had thyroid issues.
To the drawing board. What was I going to do? After doing some research, i went bac to my Dr and showed him what I found. To my surprise he didn’t roll his eyes at me, but he told me that I had a little time to try the natural route and that he would monitor me. So, that is what I did. I started teaching myself about herbs and essential oils, how they work, and how they interact within the body and with each other. I went to my Dr every 3 months during this process.
He was amazed! He said: ”Whatever you are doing, keep doing it!” I said: ”Yes sir!”
This is where my journey began. Now that I am fully aware of my health, I have dealt with fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s, chronic fatigue, kidney stones, bladder infections, prolapsed uterus and bladder (the cause of infections), and other piddly things.
WHAT METHODS DID I USE?
As I mentioned earlier, I started with herbs and essential oils. I have been around herbs all my life, but essential oils were new to me. It took a lot of study, but I am certified as an Essential Oil Specialist. I have also studied nutrition and am currently in the process of being board certified as an Autoimmune Nutritionist. I have taken a holistic approach. Don’t be scared by that word. Holistic means comprehensive or all-encompassing. So, I see my PCP, Naturopath, Nutritionist, etc. I incorporate healthy foods, essential oils, and supplements as well as a good fitness routine. I also am big on time-management. You can’t successfully incorporate these things in your life without a plan, or it will just take over your life. You don’t want it taking over!
Fitness? But you have fibromyalgia and other issues. Yep, it’s all about the knowledge. Pilates and low impact workouts keep me feeling good without triggering my fibro.
HOW AM I DOING NOW?
So, where am I now, and how can I help you? Most days, I can function like a normal person. I still will have a crash day with pain, fatigue, etc. The weather and stressors can really get to me. But now, I have a plan for when that happens, and I have a routine that I keep up to minimize when and for how long this happens.
I want to share what I’ve learned with you! I have over a decade of experience, and I have helped others with their time management and wellness goals. The key is finding someone to help you with your wellness plan. That is why I have a naturopath & a nutritionist that helps me. Book a free consultation with me and we can see if we are a good fit. You need someone who you can feel comfortable with, and someone you feel will get you the results you want & need!
If you'd like to meet fill out the contact us form and let me know you'd like to enjoy a free consultation to build a wellness plan.