There are moments in our lives that call into question and refocus us on what holds value, meaning and purpose. Eight years ago I met Anastasia who was in the frightening place of just having discovered a breast lump and anticipating the worst-a cancer diagnosis. At the time Anastasia was self-employed as a wedding photographer in high demand, a mom of two and her energies were being pulled in multiple directions-mostly directed outwards to her family and her clients. Her health was far from the top priority, but when, unfortunately, her cancer diagnosis was confirmed, she fearlessly stepped forward towards empowerment in her wellness. She understood that the road forward would be challenging but was assured that she was undergoing curative therapy and decided to use conventional and integrated treatment strategies to ensure the best possible outcome.
Under my guidance we designed a plan that included nutrition and lifestyle changes to support her health. We also used a rotation of supplements, herbs, repurposed medications and IV therapies that were appropriate at the various stages of her conventional surgery and chemotherapy plan. Anastasia was diligent in the application of these therapies, but what really impressed me was the deep personal dive she took examining life stressors pre-diagnosis that she felt were detracting from her health. She adjusted her focus, placing herself as the foundation and began building a base that supported her wellness. From this position she could then support those around her. She realized that her health, something she had previously taken for granted, needed to be valued and new habits and rituals that served this needed to be formed.
Fast forward and today Anastasia is cancer-free and thriving! She continues her work as a visual storyteller but has expanded into the role of mentor and retreat leader. Her personal journey as a cancer survivor has profoundly shaped her understanding of holistic healing and personal growth, instilling in her a deep commitment to wellness and self-discovery. Conversations that started in our appointments around daily nourishment and stress nervous system management flowed out into daily routines and life patterning.
This is a reminder that we do not need to wait for a health or personal crisis to adapt and make changes that are in better alignment with our wellbeing. Often times our bodies begin to give us signs that we may want to reassess our lifestyle.
Are you feeling?
Fatigue or Low Energy:
Chronically feeling tired or low energy could be a sign that your body isn't getting the nutrients, rest, or exercise (or type of exercise) it needs to function optimally.
Frequent Illness:
Frequent sickness or lingering low grade infections might suggest your immune system is weakened, possibly due to poor diet, lack of sleep, or excessive stress.
Weight Fluctuations:
Rapid weight gain or loss without a clear reason can indicate imbalances in diet, metabolism, or activity levels.
Sleep Issues:
Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling unrested after sleep could signal that your body is not in a balanced state, and might be related to stress, hormone balance, or a lack of physical activity.
Shortness of Breath: If you find yourself getting winded easily, even with minimal physical exertion, it could suggest a lack of cardiovascular fitness or other health issues that need attention.
Digestive Issues:
Chronic bloating, constipation, or indigestion can point to a need for better nutrition, hydration, or stress management.
Persistent Pain or Aches:
If you're experiencing frequent muscle aches, joint pain, or back pain, it might be related to poor posture, lack of physical activity or the wrong type of activity, or an unhealthy weight.
Skin Changes:
Unexplained breakouts, dry skin, or other changes in your skin can reflect imbalances in your diet or hydration, hormones and detoxification mechanisms.
Mood Swings or Irritability:
Mental and emotional health is closely tied to physical well-being. Stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise can all contribute to mood changes.
Increased Blood Pressure, Cholesterol and Blood Sugar:
If your blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugars levels are elevated, it’s a sign that your metabolic and heart health could benefit from lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise.
Reduced Mobility or Flexibility:
Difficulty moving, bending, or stretching, or feeling stiff could indicate a lack of physical activity, recovery and flexibility.
Sometimes these changes occur gradually and at first, we may want to ignore them. These signs don’t always mean something is seriously wrong, but they can be important indicators that your body is deviating from optimal health and is trying to give you a signal to make some changes. Addressing symptoms early can help prevent progression into potentially more serious conditions. Often times the best strategies to address these types of concerns involve assessing lifestyle and focusing on healthful nutrition, quality rest, therapeutic movement and stress management.
In our upcoming Ritual + Science Retreat Anastasia and I look to draw on our personal experiences to help you connect with your vision of health and wellness. A retreat setting provides the time and space that we often need to reestablish balance and return to our foundation. Join us from April 3-6, 2025, on beautiful Galiano Island for an immersive 4-day/3-night experience that weaves intuitive healing practices with modern medical understanding. Together we can set intention, practice mindfulness, explore therapeutic moment and create a space to honour both body and spirit.
