Focus on Fundamentals
For the past few years, I had the pleasure of working for a local herbalist and nutritionist. During that time I was privy to hundreds of clients' health issues and daily struggles both big and small. And, while it is absolutely true that no two people are the same, as humans we tend to follow fairly predictable patterns. In my often brief interactions with these clients, so many of the same health complaints came up again and again. These clients plead with me to point them in the direction of a magic pill or herb to rid them of their pain and if there was one - I PROMISE you, I’d be handing it out on every corner.
We all know, there is no magic pill.
And we know that, like most things in this life, we have to give something to get something.
The good news is, like our human tendencies, our bodies also follow patterns. Our bodies WANT to be healthy. They are made to constantly be self correcting and striving for natural balance. Those health issues that come up again and again can almost ALL be significantly improved with minimal physical effort and little or no money. Read that again! What a fantastic and empowering notion! You now have the knowledge that if you or your child are in pain, if you can’t sleep or focus or if you feel crummy for some unknown reason, you can begin to change the course of your life TODAY.
Now, I know I sound like a hype man or like I’m trying to sell you something - but truly I’m not. I want so badly for people to understand that they are in control of their OWN health. I need for my clients to understand that the absolute FIRST step in healing is to focus on fundamentals. Supplements, health coaching, functional testing and sometimes bloodwork and western medicine all have their place and all can play a role in your health journey. However, none of those things will do what they are best at if you don’t first decide that YOU are in charge of your body and your health and healing is 100% up to you.
Where do you start?
You believe.
You believe that you know better than anyone what is best for you.
You believe that you are in control and CAN heal.
You believe that you deserve to live a life of vitality and peace.
When you get out of your own way and give your body the fundamental building blocks needed, you WILL feel better and you WILL heal.
I Ran Today
I ran today.
I mean, I REALLY ran. I ran until my cheeks were rosy, and my heart was pounding in my ears. I was chasing my 3-year-old. We laughed and shrieked, sprinting through the cool mountain air, with not a soul in sight. Whenever we paused to catch our breath, we marveled at small creatures or nibbled on purple geraniums. Then, my sweet and creative son would find a 'power stone' to give us energy, and off we'd go again.
The simple beauty of it all is something I won't soon forget.
You see, three years ago, I truly believed I'd never be able to run and chase my baby. I was terrified and depressed, envisioning a future where he grew up with a weak mom, a mom in constant pain, unable to guide him through a fulfilling life filled with the joy of movement.
This might seem a bit dramatic to you, but when you're in the grip of chronic pain, it consumes your every thought.
At that time, I knew I had to change something, "fix" myself. And, like many of you, my journey to better health began with education. I read and researched obsessively, changed jobs to be closer to the healthcare industry, saved up for expensive schooling, and I knew I had finally found where I belonged. My wild and crazy life had led me back to healthcare in a way that made perfect sense and just clicked for me. Moreover, I knew I could help others heal. I could teach them all the things I was learning the hard way. I could help others in the way I needed help!
But...
Imposter syndrome had me in its grip. My lips were sealed tight. My own health didn't seem to be improving. In fact, it felt like things were getting worse! I thought I was eating the right things, taking the right supplements, and drinking ALL the herbal teas. So, I dove deeper... I invested in more schooling, absorbed every book, podcast, article, and Instagram account about healthcare that I could get my hands on.
I was absolutely certain that people could heal. I KNEW our bodies were naturally seeking balance and equilibrium, and with the right tools and building blocks, they'd get there. But I was missing one crucial piece - I didn't believe that I could heal.
We all have a story to tell. We're all the heroes of our own stories.
I ran today. I laughed and laughed, and then I cried. I cried with gratitude for those simple things. I cried because I am healing, and through all the ups and downs, I didn't give up. I am strong, smart, and brave. I am my own hero.
Your journey will be unique, different from mine.
I can guide you,
I can be a helpful resource,
I can be a sounding board or a shoulder to cry on.
But, at the end of the day, YOU are the only person who can decide to change. You must be the one to show up and do the work.
It will be both more challenging and more rewarding than you can imagine. And it will be worth it.
Please reach out if you have questions about the next steps in your healing journey... you deserve to feel like yourself again.