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Healing is a journey—and for me, this year has been the hardest yet.

Between navigating an overactive immune system, addressing generational trauma, and deepening my understanding of how the nervous system and mind work together, I’ve been stretched to my limits. But amidst the struggle, I’ve found immense growth and clarity.

A Personal Legacy of Resilience

My family’s story is one of both challenges and strength. My mother, diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at 50, continues to inspire me. Now 70, she’s still walking, driving, and practicing yoga despite her condition. Recently, she faced another episode with her optic nerve, and being so far away from her in Switzerland has been heartbreaking.

Health challenges run deep in my family. Both of my grandfathers passed away from heart disease before I ever met them. My parents both have osteoporosis, and I share my dad’s dyslexia. My grandmothers suffered from Alzheimer’s and dementia, and our family tree is dotted with autoimmune conditions, eczema, asthma, food allergies, and more. Many of us, including myself, are neurodivergent.

But here’s the beautiful part: today, we have the knowledge to work with these challenges, if we start early and tune into our bodies. My brother and I are both 40, and this past year, we’ve been to the doctor more than ever before, uncovering the deep connection between childhood trauma, stress, and our immune systems.

Doing the Hard Work to Heal

On paper, we’re what most would call “healthy” people—we exercise, eat well, and stay active. But the hidden layers of stress and trauma have taken their toll. Our nervous systems are catching up to years of unaddressed emotional baggage. Healing isn’t just about eating right or moving your body; it’s about regulating your mind and nervous system. Without this, no amount of exercise or nutrition can truly set us free.

This year has forced me to dig deeper than ever before, facing resistance, fear, and even physical symptoms as I work through brain retraining and nervous system regulation. This process—rewiring my thoughts, patterns, and triggers—has been messy, overwhelming, and, at times, almost too much to bear. But it’s also been transformational.

Healing Isn’t Linear

Here’s the truth: healing often looks like getting worse before you get better. It’s a rollercoaster of anxiety, physical symptoms, and moments where quitting feels like the only option. But this is part of the process. To heal, we must let go of everything familiar and comfortable. We must embrace the discomfort of becoming who we were always meant to be.

As a health coach, it’s hard to share these struggles, especially in a world where social media often shows polished perfection. But perfection is a myth, and the truth is, everyone struggles. Sharing our struggles—our messy, imperfect journeys—helps others see that they’re not alone and that real transformation is possible.

The Importance of Brain Retraining and Nervous System Work

Brain retraining is a cornerstone of my healing. It’s about rewiring the neurons in our brain to change how we interpret and respond to our thoughts and triggers. As the saying goes, “Do you have thoughts, or do your thoughts have you?” Most of us live as if our thoughts control us, but with practice, we can learn to shift that narrative.

Yet brain retraining alone isn’t enough. Trauma lives in the autonomic nervous system, which is why body-based practices are essential. True healing happens when we work on all levels—mind, body, and spirit.

What’s Next? Our Journey to Healing

If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone. Healing takes time, courage, and a willingness to dig deep. Here are some places to start:

1. Shift Your Mindset: See your illness or struggle as a catalyst for growth, not just something to fix. Focus on what you want to build, not what you want to avoid.

2. Take Responsibility: Transformation requires structure, self-honesty, and new habits. Let go of the parts of yourself that no longer serve you.

3. Build Daily Practices: Look at how you spend your time and energy. If your routines aren’t supporting you, make changes that align with your goals.

4. Dive Into Parts Work: Explore your inner world by remodeling old beliefs, emotions, and memories. This helps integrate your past and present, revealing your true self.

5. Lean on Community: Healing is not a solo journey. Surround yourself with others committed to growth and transformation.

A Message of Hope

My body remembers the pain my mind forgot, and that’s okay. Because now I’m doing the work, and I know that you can too. Healing isn’t easy, and it isn’t linear, but it is possible.

We are not alone on this journey. Together, we can rewrite our stories and create lives filled with resilience, connection, and joy.

Let’s keep going—one step at a time.

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