Today is the 10th anniversary of my first autoimmune symptom. I didn’t know what it was at the time. My book, Faithful Autoimmune Remission, is my memoir story. It begins on that day and goes through the next eight years as I dealt with my life’s upheaval. I call it “The Weird Event.”
I was perplexed but not overly concerned. I thought it was simply a weird blip that would never return. I had no idea that I was minimizing it or that my life would be forever changed from that point forward. It would test me, transform me, and ultimately lead me to healing while I found a new life path God directed me to. It’s a story of hope and transformation!
What 10 Years Has Taught Me
- Healing is not linear — setbacks are part of the process.
- Hope is powerful medicine.
- Lifestyle changes really do matter.
- Faith and mindset carried me when nothing else could.
- God used my struggle to give me purpose.
The 9 Pillars in Action: How I Got Here
During my healing process on the road to remission, I accidentally discovered 9-pillars of health-whole-person health. Every part of my life affects every other part. This is the recipe I found, but I found it one ingredient at a time. After I reached remission, I realized that each ingredient played a vital role in my overall health and wellness; therefore, I collectively named them my 9-Pillars of Health.
I’m sharing each of the pillars and how they have impacted my life over the past ten years.
First growth mindset, which isn’t a pillar but a foundation required for each of the pillars. Mindset is like the utensils used to follow a recipe. The utensils are not an ingredient but tools to bring the ingredients together to make something yummy and worthwhile. They are foundational much like a growth mindset is the basis of the 9-Pillars of Health.
Growth mindset is believing that you CAN change your habits and you CAN do everything within your power to heal. It also involves showing up for yourself, making a plan and commitment, and then following through. It’s not always easy, so it involves being uncomfortable at times. Remember, “Comfort is the Enemy of Achievement.” We must get out of our comfort zone to grow.
- Movement — Even when my body hurt, gentle daily movement built strength and confidence. It also improved my mood and I felt good about myself. Gentle yoga feels so good.
- Stress Reduction — Learning tools like breathwork, prayer, and boundaries. Learning to say “no” when necessary and prioritize my personal well-being.
- Nutrition — Discovering how food either inflamed or healed my body. Food is medicine and this pillar was extraordinary in my healing.
- Community — Relationships with family, friends, and seeking to expand my network of friends. We are not created to do life alone.
- Spiritual Health — Trusting God with my circumstances and future, and finding strength in His Word. Knowing that “….all things work together for good for those who love God….” Romans 8:28
- Sleep Hygiene — Protecting rest as a cornerstone of healing. The body and brain heal during sleep.
- Financial Health — Making choices that reduce stress and align with freedom. Having choices is liberating, but being stuck in debt is stressful.
- Outdoor Therapy — Fresh air and nature became medicine for my soul and body. Vitamin D from the sun helps my body heal and makes me happy. Practicing movement outdoors is a bonus.
- Intellectual Health – Challenging my brain keeps it sharp and develops new neural pathways when I learn new things. It’s also key to good brain health as we age.
Today: Living in Remission
Today, my life looks very different from how it did 10 years ago when I first experienced autoimmune symptoms. It hasn’t been easy, but my life now is much better! I’m on a very different path that God guided me to. I no longer have the chronic stress that troubled me for years. Now, I get to help others find their dream life and support them in achieving it. How wonderful and fulfilling that is!
Although I’ve been blessed to find remission, it’s not a “finish line.” Getting healthy and staying healthy is an ongoing process that requires attention and commitment.
I am grateful for my difficult journey that has taught me so much about myself and life in general. I am responsible for my health and life. I take responsibility for my actions. I get to explore new learning and continually work to improve myself in every way. I’m a lifelong learner and there is no end to my continuous improvement.
Your Best Life
Whatever you are dealing with, there is a path forward. I encourage you to stay positive and live with a growth mindset that believes anything can change, because it can!
Taking good care of yourself begins by acknowledging that it is a priority. It’s not selfish. God expects you to honor your body for it is His temple. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 tells us, “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”
How Can I Help You?
I’m passionate about the power of lifestyle medicine and my 9 pillars because I have experienced transformation in my life! I want YOU to have this too! In addition to telling my detailed story in my memoir, my online course, Thrive 360: The Complete Blueprint for Whole-Person Autoimmune Wellness, is designed to directly support you in your journey with love and empathy. Alternatively, I’m available to work with you one-on-one if that’s more comfortable for you.
If you’d like to learn more, subscribe to my email list, and you’ll be the first to know when Thrive 360 opens for registration. By clicking the link below, you’ll also get a free bonus: a Weekly Planner for Optimum Energy Management.
https://mailchi.mp/healthy-you/weekly-planner-for-optimum-energy-management
Life is good despite circumstances and you can live your BEST life. I hope you are willing to put in the work to find it.
With love and gratitude,
Terri
