When introducing oneself, it dawns on you in an overwhelming way that you have lived quite the story to get where you are today. I am sure it is that way for everyone, but I believe that is what makes the world so beautiful; hearing different stories, resonating with people and their experiences, and building relationships from that.
So, buckle up and join me for the ride of what I will call a short synopsis of how I ended up here… starting a business from home in the middle of a pandemic. There were no guarantees, there was no financial stability on my end, and I had kids running circles around me at home.
Seven years ago, I lost my dad. After I helped care for him during the longest 9 months of my life (and his). He eventually thought I would be okay without him, and he checked out. I told him a million times it was okay to stop fighting, even though I was never really ready to let go. He was an amazing father, husband, boss, and friend. He always did right by people and gained so much respect in the process. I looked at him everyday and thought if one day I could turn out just half of what he was; I would really be something.
I took time to grieve the loss, but do we ever finish grieving? I think not. We learn to live differently than before though. I had to learn how to live without the guy that told me what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. It was hard. Really hard. I struggled for a while, but then eventually came to terms with the fact he wasn’t coming back. I could take one of two approaches. First, I could go down the spiraling black hole of depression…super tempting, seriously though. Or, I could actually try my absolute hardest to be a badass like him. I chose the second and that is where I think my adult life really began. I had no idea the hardships I would face in the coming years, but I did know one thing; I had just survived one of the worst times of my life. That’s right. I am a survivor. So, I better do this shit up right. Shall we?
I had worked for a major hospital system in my community for many years. I worked my way up from a medical assistant, to a primary nurse for a specific physician, scribing, and then to a practice manager. I loved what I did. I loved the patients, the physicians, and of course the financial stability with insurance. However, when you have a position of power in any job, you also realize behind the scenes, just how replaceable you could be. It’s unfortunate of course, but honestly the corporate world just wasn’t for me. I know that my dad had big plans for me in that setting, but I just couldn’t seem to fit in quite right.
During the time my dad was fighting for his life, I had to sit on the other side of the fence in the medical field. I was being given the information, told what he had to do to get better, dealing with insurance companies that refused to pay for a necessity when they didn’t even know him. It was hard. Was there no one else that could help me fight these battles? Who could help me dissect all the information I was given to know he had the best medical plan? He needed an advocate.
On paper I had everything I could have ever wanted. I graduated at the top of my class with my Master’s in Business and Psychology, I had a great job with steady income, and “friends”. It didn’t look like that though in my mind though. I had an education that was being underutilized. I had a job that left me exhausted at the end of the day with no energy leftover to give my children. The money was nice, don’t get me wrong, but at what cost was my mental health exactly? It was time for a change. I put in my 2 weeks and not a word from anyone. Turns out, you are most definitely replaceable.
I didn’t have a back up plan besides survival. I worked for a couple of functional doctors after my time at the hospital, it was eye-opening. There was a whole world of treatment out there I didn’t know about. Plans that didn’t always involve medicine and actually focused on prevention of disease processes. Wouldn’t it be great if everyone knew there are actually options in health and wellness?
Then fast forward to Covid-19. Something I thought would only last a few months at most. I found myself at home with kids virtually learning, and just in case you didn’t get to experience that part, it was hell for me personally and I really don’t recommend it. Individuals that home school are amazing humans but I am positive I am not built for that.
I did however realize that this was a situation that was not going away anytime soon. Covid seemed as if it was here to stay. As the kids started back up school in the Fall virtually again, I knew that I had to figure out a way to keep busy at home to maintain my sanity and feelings of self-worth. Although not ideal, I really wanted to use my education and experiences to help others in some way. I missed that aspect of my life, just problem solving for patients and finding a way to improve their health. The only problem, I had to be home constantly and working a 9-5 job didn’t fit anywhere.
I went on a few trips alone to Florida. The ocean is a place very special to me as I remember walking those beaches with my dad for years. A friend went with me on the last trip and she was talking about how people were out there coaching other individuals on how to become the best and healthiest versions of themselves. Let me tell you how shocked I was to hear that. That is a dream job, surely? There is no way that is actually possible? This friend reassured me again that it was a legitimate option for me to pursue. A week later, I signed up for an eighteen week certification course for functional health and wellness. I completed the modules in 6 weeks. I wanted this to work. In fact, I wasn’t making a plan B because I knew this HAD to work.
I took on a handful of local clients and really enjoyed it. I loved watching their stories unfold, dreams becoming realities, confidence improving, and so much more. I love the connections and relationships that I have built and that I can treat each client as an individual and they get their own specific plan. Could this really be what I do with my life? It’s fun. I enjoy it. I get excited when clients tell me their vision of health and wellness. I am doing it. I am here. I am a survivor.
So, there you have it. Now, I am here, working with people to bring this dream into reality every single day. All I ever wanted was for patients to not just feel like another number, another chart. I wanted them to feel important enough to have a conversation with, to understand their circumstances, to help them in whatever area they chose that feels most important to them. I wanted every single patient to have a voice in the care they receive. I am honored that I get to help guide some of those journeys and experience building meaningful relationships with people.
That is what keeps me….well, me.
