There I was, once again, sitting through an appointment as my mom discussed more medications with the doctor; the feeling of defeat was nothing new. With each new failed prescription came an overwhelming sense of hopelessness; I just wanted to be like the normal kids. They looked happy and free, yet I was held hostage by my own body. I had dealt with chronic illness and the myriad of symptoms that follow; my entire life was consumed by it. At the age of fourteen, I decided that I had had enough, and I wanted to take back control of my body. My dad has taught me more than any teacher could attempt to, and his most important lesson is that nothing is ever worth doing if you don't give it your all. This mindset always followed me, and I decided to apply it to my health. Little did I know I had just lit a spark that would change my entire life. I began to research incessantly, and eventually, I found people just like me who were seeking a solution; I no longer felt alone. In most cases, chronic illness correlates to lifestyle. This new perspective on chronic illness gave me relief, but it left me feeling angry. We are all taught to go to the doctor to heal, yet a lifestyle change is typically not suggested. My body was constantly crying out for help, and the medication only suppressed that communication. While furthering my research, my view of health changed drastically, and I decided to take a holistic approach. The process of transforming my health was not without difficulty. Due to the overwhelming amount of so-called health influencers, it was essential to know where to get credible information. I also learned how important it is to be patient and take it one step at a time. I started the process by developing small habits, and once they began to feel normal, I added more. First, I started incorporating more whole foods into my diet and lowered the amount of processed food. I developed the ability to read and understand the ingredients on food labels. I also made it a goal each day to spend time outdoors, which often could look like a walking, hiking, or kayaking trip. Spending time outdoors can be an underrated aspect of health, but it allowed me to connect with nature, which further helped me connect to my mind and body. Lastly, I decided to journal each day, but only what was necessary to clear my head. Holistic health is more about enjoying life and healing from every aspect: mentally, physically, and spiritually. Each step requires grace and understanding. Growing up in a society that is dependent upon covering up the pain rather than curing the pain can be discouraging. I have spent years of my life feeling as though I would never be at peace with chronic illness, but today, I am. By advocating for myself and being persistent, I took back control. In a way, I am grateful for all that I went through as a kid because it allowed me to develop a passion for the planet. Connecting with nature has allowed me to create a mind-body connection to heal from the inside out. The Earth has done so much for me, and I want to return the favor by working towards a more sustainable environment. By obtaining my Environmental Science Degree, I will be able to use my passion to advocate for a healthier planet.

There I was, once again, sitting through an appointment as my mom discussed more medications with the doctor; the feeling of defeat was nothing new. With each new failed prescription came an overwhelming sense of hopelessness; I just wanted to be like the normal kids. They looked happy and free, yet I was held hostage by my own body. I had dealt with chronic illness and the myriad of symptoms that follow; my entire life was consumed by it. At the age of fourteen, I decided that I had had enough, and I wanted to take back control of my body. My dad has taught me more than any teacher could attempt to, and his most important lesson is that nothing is ever worth doing if you don't give it your all. This mindset always followed me, and I decided to apply it to my health. Little did I know I had just lit a spark that would change my entire life. I began to research incessantly, and eventually, I found people just like me who were seeking a solution; I no longer felt alone. In most cases, chronic illness correlates to lifestyle. This new perspective on chronic illness gave me relief, but it left me feeling angry. We are all taught to go to the doctor to heal, yet a lifestyle change is typically not suggested. My body was constantly crying out for help, and the medication only suppressed that communication. While furthering my research, my view of health changed drastically, and I decided to take a holistic approach. The process of transforming my health was not without difficulty. Due to the overwhelming amount of so-called health influencers, it was essential to know where to get credible information. I also learned how important it is to be patient and take it one step at a time. I started the process by developing small habits, and once they began to feel normal, I added more. First, I started incorporating more whole foods into my diet and lowered the amount of processed food. I developed the ability to read and understand the ingredients on food labels. I also made it a goal each day to spend time outdoors, which can be an underrated aspect of health, but it allowed me to connect my mind and body while also connecting with nature. Lastly, I decided to journal each day, but only what was necessary to clear my head. Holistic health is more about enjoying life and healing from every aspect: mentally, physically, and spiritually. Each step requires grace and understanding. Growing up in a society that is dependent upon covering up the pain rather than curing the pain can be discouraging. I have spent years of my life feeling as though I would never be at peace with chronic illness, but today, I am. By advocating for myself and being persistent, I took back control. In a way, I am grateful for all that I went through as a kid because it allowed me to develop a deep passion and willingness to never give up. Connecting with nature has allowed me to create a mind-body connection to heal from the inside out. This has brought me immense peace, and I want to help others feel the same by becoming a holistic health coach. Chronic illness holds a multitude of aspects that can seem extremely confusing and ultimately defeating; I wish I had someone to guide me along my healing journey. By becoming a holistic health coach, I will be the guide I wish I had; I will transform lives.

There I was, once again, sitting through an appointment as my mom discussed more medications with the doctor; the feeling of defeat was nothing new. With each new failed prescription came an overwhelming sense of hopelessness; I just wanted to be like the normal kids. They looked happy and free, yet I was held hostage by my own body. I had dealt with chronic illness and the myriad of symptoms that follow; my entire life was consumed by it. At the age of fourteen, I decided that I had had enough, and I wanted to take back control of my body. My dad has taught me more than any teacher could attempt to, and his most important lesson is that nothing is ever worth doing if you don't give it your all. This mindset always followed me, and I decided to apply it to my health. Little did I know I had just lit a spark that would change my entire life. I began to research incessantly, and eventually, I found people just like me who were seeking a solution; I no longer felt alone. In most cases, chronic illness correlates to lifestyle. This new perspective on chronic illness gave me relief, but it left me feeling angry. We are all taught to go to the doctor to heal, yet a lifestyle change is typically not suggested. My body was constantly crying out for help, and the medication only suppressed that communication. While furthering my research, my view of health changed drastically, and I decided to take a holistic approach. The process of transforming my health was not without difficulty. Due to the overwhelming amount of so-called health influencers, it was essential to know where to get credible information. I also learned how important it is to be patient and take it one step at a time. I started the process by developing small habits, and once they began to feel normal, I added more. First, I started incorporating more whole foods into my diet and lowered the amount of processed food. I developed the ability to read and understand the ingredients on food labels. I also made it a goal each day to spend time outdoors, which can be an underrated aspect of health, but it allowed me to connect my mind and body while also connecting with nature. Lastly, I decided to journal each day, but only what was necessary to clear my head. Holistic health is more about enjoying life and healing from every aspect: mentally, physically, and spiritually. Each step requires grace and understanding. Growing up in a society that is dependent upon covering up the pain rather than curing the pain can be discouraging. I have spent years of my life feeling as though I would never be at peace with chronic illness, but today, I am. By advocating for myself and being persistent, I took back control. In a way, I am grateful for all that I went through as a kid because it allowed me to develop a deep passion and willingness to never give up. Connecting with nature has allowed me to create a mind-body connection to heal from the inside out. This has brought me immense peace, and I want to help others feel the same by becoming a holistic health coach. Chronic illness holds a multitude of aspects that can seem extremely confusing and ultimately defeating; I wish I had someone to guide me along my healing journey. By becoming a holistic health coach, I will be the guide I wish I had; I will transform lives.