YES YOU CAN
You know what's funny? I didn't learn how to swim until I was 9 years old. I spent most of my childhood in the shallow end, or in depths that allowed my head to stay above water, which isn't much, because I've always been really short. I was always way too afraid of drowning, and feeling the floor leave my feet beneath me once I got too deep. But when I was 9, I spent the night at my friend Kara's house and their family had an above ground pool in their backyard. So on a hot summer day, mid July, Kara and her sister taught me how to jump in without holding my nose. They taught me how to relax, exhale and hold my breath. They taught me how to tread water. They even taught me how not to be afraid of doing a handstand in the pool.
Ever since that day I've been a "jump into the deep end" kind of gal. Forget wading into the water from the zero depth side. Just jump in. You know it's probably going to be cold and uncomfortable at first, but you also know that your body will adapt to the temperature shift faster if you just submerge yourself right out of the gate.
That said, when I decided to start building Full Circle Wellness, I went head first, all in. And while I’ve adjusted my ideas around healing and seeking wellness ever since (everyone moves at their own pace), I’m still asking you to jump in with me nonetheless. Jump into the waters of becoming the best version of yourself, FOR YOURSELF, because you CAN. Take my hand. It's going to be uncomfortable, but we're going to adapt quickly.
When I started my own healing journey I went all in. And that meant I was going to need the guide of a therapist. I knew it in my bones. I knew I had deeply held beliefs and unhealthy patterns to unlearn, and I knew I couldn’t do that on my own. Having heard about the BetterHelp platform (this is not an ad, I’m not that cool, but HEY, BetterHelp, if you want to partner, I’m in!) from various podcasts I'd started to listen to, and knowing my insurance wasn't going to cover anything substantial for me with in-office visits, I decided to give it a shot. Fortunately, I was not disappointed. In fact, I was paired with an excellent therapist that has held space for me through meditation and EMDR sessions, she has guided me on the path of IFS therapy, given me book recommendations, and much more. I know she would tell me it’s because of the work that I continue to put in that I have truly scaled the mountain of healing from childhood trauma, ending generational violence, and living a life of freedom and joy, but I could not have done this without her. I would not be here without her guidance and support. Thanks, Sharon.
It’s important to note that my healing journey didn’t start with therapy. Though arguably, it is in fact where the hard work began, it started even before taking that first small right action of getting into therapy. It started with a WILLINGNESS to change.
My healing journey actually began with a gentle plea to the Universe… “There has to be another way.” Only from that place of choosing, a place of surrender, a place of saying, “I can’t do this on my own anymore, but I CAN DO THIS”, could real healing truly begin to take place.
And that’s what I’m asking you believe today. THAT YOU CAN. Because you can.
If you believe you can’t, you won’t. If you believe you CAN, you WILL.
We ALL have backstories. Backstories that turn into excuses and reasons why we “just can’t” heal, or grow, or move past that one thing, or let go of another. Everyone has something. And I’m here to tell you that despite all of THAT… yes, you can. You can heal, you can grow, you can move past the trauma, you can let go of the thing, you can put a stop to generational violence and drama, and choose a new path. That’s why I have to say, I don’t know you, but you know you, and if you’re here with me it’s because whatever backstory you have, has led you here. Maybe you’re here to see how someone else’s story played out. Maybe you’re here to see if I can help. I hope that I can.
Back in 2017 I was only at the beginning of my own version of “rock bottom.” I was overweight, sliding very quickly down the slippery slope of alcoholism and substance abuse (marijuana), I was having regular breakdowns, I was severely depressed, anxious, and little did I know how disregulated my nervous system was, and I would regularly think about ending my life.
I felt stuck in old patterns, trauma stories, and limited mindsets that I feared I would never break. I was trapped in an unhealthy cycle of binge eating, binge non-watching (the same shows & movies over & over), and doom scrolling through social. I could not look myself in the mirror. I resented everyone. I had an excuse for everything. I was always tired, I had chronic migraines, regular bowel issues, and I could not focus.
And then I made a choice.
When I put that prayer out into the Universe… “There has to be another way.” Everything began.
Books, podcasts, people, tools and resources started to show up left and right, and I chose to reach for those things, and help myself, because I also knew an uncomfortable truth... that no one was coming. It is our job, each and every one of us, to take responsibility for our lives, our health and wellness, and go after the dreams that we have on our hearts.
Today... I am at PEACE. I am a cycle breaker of generational trauma and violence, having worked with a therapist on my childhood wounds utilizing EMDR and IFS therapeutic modalities. I found answers in my PMDD diagnosis, sought solutions, and am now a #PMDDWarrior. I am rarely angry. I lead a sober lifestyle. I ask myself what’s possible everyday and leave my excuses at the door. I validate myeslf. I love and take care of my body. I regularly tend to my nervous system with somatic practices. I am present in my life and I want that for you too. I want this for every soul I can touch.
I could not be more passionate now, about sharing what I’ve learned with those who are where I was... suffering, hurting, seeking healing and in true need of Full Circle Wellness.
If that sounds like you, get in friend... we’re going on a healing journey!
