Today’s guest blog post is written by former RCWMS trustee, Solita Denard. Solita is a certified integrative health coach, and she is currently volunteering in support of the RCWMS program Ministry of Black Women’s Self-Care led by Kim Gaubault.
My only “memories” from that time are the stories repeated by my family and friends. In a coma and completely oblivious to my critical state, there is a small slice of my life I have experienced only through the recollection of others. In contrast, I have clear memories of the time it took for nerve endings to reconnect, muscles to strengthen, and my full voice to find me again. The work required for eating and walking demanded my full attention. I often think of the moment I decided to measure progress by the ability to display my full signature smile again long after the weather-related car accident in early 2014.
“The gift of trauma is the opportunity to focus our awareness and wake up!” This quote by Thomas Hübl resonated at a cellular level when I heard it. Some of the gifts I have invited into my healing experience are awareness, creativity, and choice.
Six years after a traumatic brain injury, reclaiming wholeness has unfolded as an intuitive reflection, balancing, and integration sequence that I’ve repeated again and again. My early work to heal was supported by traditional medical interventions, complementary health practices, and the love and care of community. As my personal agency increased, the journey from “stillness to movement” created a natural next step. I followed the invitation to train as an Integrative Health Coach, and I now work to support others in improving their health through a person-centered approach.
Poor health, chronic disease, and compromised wellbeing can limit our unique expression in the world by keeping us locked in patterns of survival and coping. Consider for a moment all the ways your body works to keep you alive. What can you do to better support this natural bend toward health and wellness each day? I invite you to begin co-creating your health story by asking three questions:
Reflect: What is no longer serving my goal for a healthy life?
Balance: What do I need now?
Integrate: How will I support life with my choices today?
I am willing to bet that your answers will be different from mine and everyone you know. In fact, your answers may change as you change and I encourage you to keep checking in with yourself.
In Health,
Solita A. Denard, M.S.W., Certified Integrative Health Coach–Trained at Duke IM
Health Integration 629, LLC – Coaching & Consulting Services
It’s 629, Rise and Thrive!
*Equity-based pricing options are available to reduce the barriers associated with integrative health coaching for Women of Color, low-income households, retired persons, and students. Connect with me at healthintegration629.com or via email at 629health@gmail.com to book a complimentary consultation to discuss your unique health story and begin creating a new chapter to serve your life!
Integrative Health Coach Bio: Solita is committed to the work of supporting individuals as they create new health stories most aligned with the vision, values, and goals for their lives. She effortlessly combines her training and natural skills in active listening, empowered partnering, and health coaching to support clients moving through the process of behavior change. As a former board member, Solita contributed to the sacred and timely work of RCWMS by holding office as Treasurer and continues to participate as a volunteer often. Her current and previous professional work includes grant and contract administration, program development, research, and training.
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