Rebuilding Myself: How a Health Crisis Sparked Transformation After a Life of Change
Introduction
Thirteen years ago, my life was in chaos. I was a new mom of twin girls, navigating the overwhelming responsibilities of parenthood while grappling with profound changes in every area of my life. I had just moved countries—leaving behind my home and career in Switzerland to start over in the U.S. Everything that had once defined me—my career, my sense of identity, my physical vitality—seemed to vanish almost overnight.
On top of it all, my body felt unrecognizable after carrying and birthing twins. I was in survival mode, clinging to any sense of normalcy, when my health began to deteriorate. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, presenting as adult-onset asthma and relentless rashes. My body, mind, and spirit felt utterly broken. It was as if the intense changes I had undergone had manifested in my body, demanding my attention.
A Period of Change and Challenge
The transition from my structured, high-achieving career to becoming a stay-at-home mother was disorienting. In Switzerland, I had thrived in a professional role that gave me purpose and confidence. When I left that behind, I lost a part of myself. My new reality in the U.S. was filled with sleepless nights, the physical toll of caring for two newborns, and an emotional reckoning with who I was beyond my career.
This period of massive change—new motherhood, the move, and the loss of familiar routines and identity—created the perfect storm. My sense of self was adrift. The things that had once made me feel capable and successful—my career achievements, structured routines, and strong sense of purpose—were gone. My health crisis felt like the physical manifestation of this internal struggle.
Searching for Healing
Over the course of three months, I visited countless doctors and specialists. By the end, I was prescribed seven different medications to manage my symptoms. While the medications offered some relief, I felt far from healed. I was exhausted, emotionally fragile, and physically unwell. I didn’t just want to manage my symptoms—I wanted to understand why my body was failing me and how I could truly heal.
In my search for answers, I discovered Ayurveda—a system of holistic medicine that looked beyond my symptoms to address the root causes of my imbalance. This ancient practice felt like the missing piece in my journey to reclaim my health and sense of self.
The Role of Ayurveda in My Transformation
Ayurveda, meaning “the study of life,” views the body, mind, and spirit as interconnected. It offered me something western medicine hadn’t: a path to address not just my physical symptoms, but the deeper disruptions caused by the seismic changes in my life. Over six months, I worked with an Ayurvedic practitioner who guided me in:
Dietary Changes: I tailored my nutrition to heal inflammation and restore balance.
Herbal Remedies: Healing herbs supported my immune system and reduced stress.
Cleansing and Energy Work: Treatments removed toxins and realigned my energy.
Relaxation and Reflection: Meditation, breathwork and self-reflection helped me process my emotional upheaval.
To my amazement, these practices healed me. I no longer needed the medications. My asthma and rashes disappeared, and I felt a renewed connection to my body, mind, and spirit. Through Ayurveda, I began to rebuild myself—stronger, more resilient, and deeply attuned to the interplay between my inner and outer worlds.
What I Learned About Transformation
This experience taught me that healing requires addressing the whole person. The challenges I faced—new motherhood, the loss of identity, and the emotional strain of starting over—weren’t just psychological. They had deeply affected my body and spirit. Ayurveda helped me see how interconnected these layers are, and it offered tools to bring them back into harmony.
Bridging Eastern Wisdom and Western Science
While Ayurveda gave me the tools to heal, I also value the role western medicine played during my health crisis. I needed medication to stabilize my symptoms when they were at their worst. However, it was the holistic practices of Ayurveda that allowed me to address the root causes of my illness. This experience inspired me to integrate the best of both worlds—eastern holistic approaches and western scientific advancements—into my life and work.
For example:
Western Science: Modern neuroscience explains how chronic stress affects immunity, brain function, and emotional health.
Eastern Practices: Techniques like meditation, breathwork, and movement optimize the mind-body connection and emotional resilience.
The Intersection: Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), a modern field of science, mirrors ancient insights by studying how the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems are influenced by emotions and stress.
The alignment between these two perspectives reinforced my belief that true transformation lies in integrating them.
Reclaiming My Identity Through Coaching
The journey from illness to healing inspired me to help others navigate their own periods of change, challenge, and growth. As a coach, I guide clients in rebuilding their lives by integrating:
Eastern Holistic Practices: Tools to address the root causes of imbalance, improve resilience, and restore harmony.
Western Scientific Insights: Evidence-based techniques for managing thoughts, emotions, and stress to achieve personal growth.
Personalized Transformation: Helping clients rediscover their identity, strengths, and purpose after major life transitions.
Key Takeaways
Life’s greatest challenges often create opportunities for profound transformation.
Integrating eastern and western approaches offers powerful tools for healing and growth.
A holistic approach—addressing body, mind, and spirit—can help you navigate change and rediscover your potential.
Your Journey to Wholeness
If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or disconnected, know that transformation is possible. My own journey—from a health crisis brought on by profound life changes to a place of balance and vitality—has shown me that healing and growth go hand in hand. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of parenthood, a career transition, or personal upheaval, there are pathways to rebuild and thrive.
Let’s Start Today: Book a free consultation to explore how holistic coaching can help you rediscover your purpose, resilience, and balance.
