I would love to introduce you to the power of a growth mindset.
This will equip you with knowledge to shift from “surviving” to fully thriving no matter what health challenges you may be encountering.
Being a Certified Integrative Health Coach, Holding Space Consultant, and Certified Spanish Medical Interpreter, I have worked in many facets of healthcare for the past 23 years. I love supporting others through life transitions, health challenges, and thresholds.
Through working in hospitals and clinics for two decades, I have first-hand experience in conventional medicine and understanding the medical setting. Yet, I am passionate about integrative health and wellness and seeing the WHOLE picture of a person’s health when it comes to root-cause approaches to healing.
Therefore, my intention is to empower you to shift out of chronic “dis-ease” and move into greater ease, emotional freedom, and well-being. I know this is absolutely possible!
My own healing journey from Stage 1 breast cancer taught me that there is often a gift from adversity we encounter in our health when we get curious about the deeper message coming from our body. It is usually an indicator that something is out of balance. So, rather than seeing chronic “dis-ease” as the enemy, we can see it as an opportunity to clean up blind spots that need to be addressed.
The first shift I made was to create a GROWTH MINDSET.
By making this shift, I was able to get curious about my own blind spots and address them head on. For example, learning about the importance of detoxification to clear out harmful estrogen. I also took proactive steps to rebalance my gut and get rid of pathogens, like Candida, that were contributing to poor gut health. This included a food sensitivities test to identify which foods were causing chronic inflammation and eliminating them from my diet.
These are just several examples of how I shifted from “surviving” to fully thriving.
However, most important, I saw breast cancer as an opportunity to heal emotional wounds. I have learned that there is often an emotional component to any “dis-ease” we encounter in our health. By the time it manifests in the physical body, it has often been inside of our emotional body for years.
As the saying goes, “Our issues are stored in our tissues.”
Many of us carry unexpressed grief, post-traumatic stress, and/or other forms of trauma in the body without being aware of it. Therefore, it is essential to turn towards these parts of us rather than away from difficult emotions to fully heal. I believe that emotional trauma is the #1 toxin in our environment. So, as we find the courage to integrate these emotions and create deeper meaning, it propels us forward.
We create a much larger story of courage and empowerment.
So, what is a growth mindset? And how is that different from a “fixed” mindset?
The first step when facing any chronic health issue is to reframe it as an opportunity for growth. So, what makes this perspective unique from other ways of thinking and what sets it apart?
Let’s dive in.
A fixed mindset holds onto thoughts and limiting beliefs such as “I’m always overwhelmed,” “Why do bad things always happen to me?” or “I’m all alone in my struggle.” It’s coming from a place of scarcity and fear, to be specific.
However, a growth mindset seeks new opportunities. It desires to bounce back better than ever because of the adversity and challenge presented. Rather than looking at struggles and setbacks as an obstacle, it sees them as an opportunity to grow and transform from the experience as a result. Therefore, the adverse event actually becomes a catalyst to propel us forward.
So how do we turn this all around? How do we shift into a healing mindset after a setback when we’re feeling terrified and overwhelmed?
First, identify your self-limiting thoughts and beliefs that are running the show.
For example, if you’re feeling overwhelmed and hear yourself saying “I’m always overwhelmed and can’t possibly do that.” Stop and take a deep breath. Ask yourself, “Is that really true?” What is the deeper truth about my ability to receive support and manage this situation effectively? There is usually a reframe involved that can open up new possibilities.
Your mind is powerful!
After identifying which limiting beliefs are running the show, start to interrupt those beliefs with positive affirmations and greater self-love. For example, if you’re feeling all alone in your struggle, notice where those emotions land in your body. Are you scared and afraid? Does it feel overwhelming to be facing a chronic health issue on your own?
Rather than turning away from those emotions, turn towards them and identify where they are coming up in your body. Breathe deeply into that part of you with love and compassion -- the same way you would give your love and compassion to a best friend. Hold that emotion tenderly and build a sense of inner safety and rapport through affirming the deeper truth.
“Life has my back.” “I am deeply loved and supported by all of life.” “As I tune into what my body needs, the right people and situations show up to support me.”
I invite you to gently place a hand on that emotion held in your body while taking some deep abdominal breaths. This is a wonderful way to interrupt those negative thoughts of a fixed mindset and begin to plant the seeds of healing and growth.
The final step is to create an inspired vision that pulls you forward towards vibrant health.
As you begin to trust in your body’s innate ability to heal from the inside out, the right people and situations will show up to support you.
Your healing process is a journey, not a destination. Therefore, EMBRACE this healing journey with curiosity for what it is here to teach you.
Stay grounded in hope and healing, and all that brings you a sense of love and joy.
Once you are anchored into this place, use your imagination to create an inspired vision of your best self. Moving beyond simply “surviving” this chromic health issue to now fully THRIVING. How do you feel in your body fully thriving again? Who is with you in this inspired vision for your life? How are you spending your time and using this experience as a gift? One that propels you forward into your greater purpose.
Know that you have the power right within you to create a growth mindset. So, it becomes a catalyst for personal growth and transformation.
Allowing you to benefit from ALL that life has brought you, despite any setbacks, continuing to flourish and thrive.
