I began experiencing anxiety at an early age and had my first major panic attack at age eleven while giving a speech. That set me up for years of anticipatory anxiety, fears of expressing myself and mastering the art of avoidance when it came to public speaking of any kind. Holding in my voice and expressions of who I was took a toll on my self-esteem and my physical health. During these years of anxiety and panic I experienced
multiple health issues, pain, inflammation, and fifteen major surgeries.
My body was screaming at me to pay attention, but I wasn’t getting the message. When doctors said there was no connection, I started researching for the link between my anxiety, my mind, and my body’s breakdown.
I spent most of my career in textile design, but while on this path I worked on my issues with panic and public speaking and became a ‘CTM – Competent Toastmaster’ and wrote and taught my own program called ‘Finding Your Voice’ to help others overcome the panic of public speaking. I was on television several times which was huge for me considering my journey to get there. I also wrote many gift books, guided journals, workshops and study guides that accompanied films, and web articles.* All my writings were uplifting and gave ‘voice’ to my inner passions. During this time, my health was much better.
I looked good, felt good and stayed out of doctors’ offices and away from surgeries!
Sporadically my anxiety and panic attacks re-surfaced making me feel like a fraud. How could I help people if I wasn’t perfect? I backed away from trying to help empower others. During a time of ‘no voice’ I got divorced, raised two children, went back to designing textiles, and put my personal voice and pursuits on hold. Once again, my voice was stifled
and physical issues started to return.
I lost my Mom to Alzheimer’s, lost my ex-husband to Multiple Sclerosis, got Lyme disease, had a hip replacement, was laid off from my VP job, followed by a continuous break-down of systems in my body. In succession I had Vertigo, IBS, Shingles, UTI, Eczema, joint pain, migraines, SIBO, panic attacks, dizziness, sinus issues, weight gain,
inflammation, and many other immune system issues.
At the time, I kept saying that my immune system was failing me and breaking down. I don’t think that way anymore. I like to think that when all of this was happening, my immune system went into overdrive to try to combat every assault! I like to believe that my immune system was ‘kicking ass’ and course correcting every time it was hit with yet another challenge. Because, after all, ‘I’m still kickin’!!!
During all these challenges and assaults, I went to many specialists who looked at each part of me with blinders on and narrow focuses. I tried Ayurveda, saw Naturopaths and the Medical Medium, following each one’s recommendations of supplements, diet, and vitamins for years. I went to a Functional Medicine doctor who said, ‘I’m not a magician’. It was then that I realized, I am the only one who can help myself. I need to be my own magician,
find my own answers, and find my voice again.
I went back to years of research and study of mind/body connections and decided to heal myself. At this time, my Dad passed away from heart disease and I started walking every day at the beach to clear my head and get some exercise. I added strength and core exercises daily. I went gluten, dairy, and alcohol free and took control of what I was putting into my body. I greatly lessened the amount of sugar that I ate and reduced processed foods to a minimum. Not surprisingly I lost over 25 pounds, cured my eczema, reduced inflammation in my body, lowered my cholesterol,
and have improved my bone density scores.
I became a certified health and life coach, graduating from the Health Coach Institute’s Become a Health Coach program which is accredited by the International Coach Federation (ICF). I also became a Nutritious Life Certified Nutrition and Wellness Coach, completing the Foundational Nutrition and Wellness Coach Program.
I’ve learned to master habit change, gaining the knowledge to assist others in their journey.
Finding my voice again has put me on a path to educate and motivate others. I believe that the more you express yourself through words, actions, deeds and voice, the healthier you’ll be. I’ve found success working with clients who realize that I walk the talk and can relate to them from a place of ‘I’ve been there’ and I’m here to assist you in moving from your stuck place to your ideal healthy self. I am a Health & Life Coach who is passionate about helping you
to navigate toward your soul’s compass.
With compassion & kindness,
Janet
