My Wellness Safari

Fast-forward five countries and driven by a longing for change and a craving to up my health and fitness know-how, I swapped recess duty for a stack of fitness and nutrition textbooks and went back to school myself. Over time, I gathered and cultivated a tribe of super women in various cities and we worked together to bring our best selves forward in every fitness class, nutrition challenge, or personal coaching session we did together. I loved my big, fit, fabulous life!

Then, out of the blue, my health took an unexpected detour. Surgery after surgery became the new normal—too many to keep track of! Disillusionment crept in. I thought I had the whole fit and healthy thing nailed! But it didn't stop there. A trifecta of Big Crap (in quick succession), splat on my universe. Unable to exist on a cocktail of heavy meds any longer, I geared up for an unexpected fourth hip surgery—this time, the inevitable (but life-changing) joint replacement on my second hip. While planning for the surgery in Singapore, I witnessed a friend's near-fatal accident while visiting  Jakarta. Then, only two weeks out of the hospital, and still on crutches, I learned of my terminally ill, dear dad. I jetted back to New Zealand to care for him for two months. My sweet little body, heart, and spirit were mush.

Anticipating setbacks became a horrible, unwanted routine. Little did I know, amidst all my travels, that the real journey was just beginning. 

Pretty sure the universe was shouting something at me—loudly! Hints scattered everywhere, leaving me feeling like a puzzle with a few vital pieces missing.

So I stopped.

I just bloody stopped. And only when I did, I noticed it. What had happened to my sass and sparkle? How—and when did that materialize?

I wanted them back with a vengeance!

And so I hatched a plan for a soul-inspiring makeover. It took time. I became my own guinea pig, uncovering little secrets that could lift me out of the darkness. It was a time of deep soul-searching, a real exploration of my wellness beliefs. I slowed down, tuned into my body, and took stock of how I handled stress. I expanded my professional repertoire. I revamped my exercise routine to embrace strengths and work around limitations. I cared what I put into and onto my body. Self-care became a priority. Through daily rituals and focused intentions, I slowly came back to life. And found that sassy sparkle.

My clients noticed and were fascinated by my newfound energy. They wanted it too! Which has led me to this moment in time.

This gorgeously, messy moment of NOW.