How Adversity Was My Secret Weapon- (and can be yours, too!) 😮
I come from a long line of hard workers. My father a confident, self-made man created several businesses in his 20’s. My mother- a creative, pillar of strength. 🙏 As a shy and quiet child, my propensity toward introversion make life seem difficult at times. I learned from an early age that grit, tenacity, and self-determination can pay off.
Fast forward to my mid-40’s, it seemed life was perfect. Having spent my whole adult life in the healthcare field, I had finally realized the successes of hard work, longevity, and perseverance.
All seemed well. I had a great job. A family, home, friends. Life WAS perfect. 🙌
I struggled a little bit with my weight—we all do that at some point---right? My knee joints --working harder than necessary-- ached most of the time.
As sore joints slowed me down, the weight gain steadily increased.
At one point the scale tipped an all-time high---nearing 200 pounds.
Unfortunately (or fortunately!) for me, at about the same time the weight gain was becoming increasingly evident, I had a personal introduction to breast cancer.
Years of routine screening mammograms often showed signs of increased density, but this one looked different—quite horrible, in fact.
The surgeon was using the ‘Stage' language to prepare me for worst case scenario.
The multiple biopsies were incredibly painful. 😨 I distinctly remember that day—stepping out of the radiology suite on a blustery, winter, late-afternoon-- my chest tightly wrapped in a bandage. I remember the unforgettable day—stepping out of the radiology suite on a blustery, frigid winter, late-afternoon-- with my chest tightly wrapped in an ace bandage. I was told by the radiologist to leave the compression dressing in place to help stop bleeding. Later that same evening I conjured up the courage to remove the dressing. To this day I vividly remember the panicked expression on my face as I looked at the mirrored reflection of red-purple bruising from neck to waist.
My husband and I were wholly terrified. Days went by at a snail’s pace as we awaited results.
Finally, the surgeon called. The multiple biopsies all came back negative---thank God.
The sheer fear generated by the experience spurred action. I could no longer stay on the same pathway.
I made small, and then a bit bigger, lifestyle changes. I watched what foods I put into my body. I started paying close attention to how different foods made me feel. 👌🖐
Having loved running in my teenage years, I began to move more. I became present with myself and others. A day came when the scale reflected a loss of 60 pounds!
Fifteen years later I continue to maintain optimal body weight and stay within five of the 65 pounds shed. I am healthier now than at any other point in my life.
Since experiencing this adversity, I have an unstoppable passion for helping others BEFORE the point where life is turned upside down by fear and stress. I wish I had the tools then, that I have now. 😊 But the journey was totally worth it because now I help many. I share the tools leading to personal wellbeing. My science-backed weight loss program eliminates the trial-and-error-- granting YOU the experience of health and renewed vitality through whole-being empowerment!
You are not alone. I understand. What I know with certainty is that it is possible for anyone to achieve and maintain optimal wellbeing through weight loss--including you!
If you would like to know about the LAST approach to weight loss you will ever need, DM me, or simply indicate via comment in this post. Or visit https://www.ironcruciblehealth.com/wholebeing-empowerment to learn more.
Blessings of Wellness and Whole-BEING to You!
Holli, Iron Crucible Health Coaching