My Story
I was drawn to health coaching after overcoming my own autoimmune disease by addressing the root-cause through food, faith, and with the help of a Functional Medicine practitioner. But this is glimpse into a fraction of my story!
In my early 20’s, I struggled with sinus, ear, urinary tract, bronchial infections, dental problems, and I ended up taking different rounds of antibiotics. I struggled with acne, stomach ulcers, depression, infertility, miscarriage, hypothyroidism (and all the symptoms that go along with low-thyroid like weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, cold intolerance, dry skin and eyes, and poor sleep).
Midlife was an exercise in weight management but despite my on and off efforts at diet or exercise, I kept gaining weight. I even completed a marathon at my heaviest! However, my physical health continued to deteriorate. I knew something was wrong. I ended up seeing a gastroenterologist and was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, an autoimmune condition. I wanted to know what caused it and how to prevent or reverse it. The doctor just wanted me to come back when I was worse to talk about medications that could help with symptoms. I wanted to know the root cause so I could make different choices and prevent the acceleration of the disease.
BEFORE Size 16
It all boiled down to my gut health. All those antibiotics, medications, stress and poor food choices along the way ruined my gut lining and put my immune system on high alert. Eventually, I also ended up with Hypothalamus, Pituitary, Adrenal Axis dysfunction (aka adrenal fatigue), multiple food sensitivities, small-intestinal-bacterial-overgrowth (aka SIBO), macrocytic anemia, absorption issues and even heavy-metal toxicity!
Despite my friends, family and faith, I felt hopeless and alone.
My road to healing started with my choices: how I organized my life and what I put in my body. I hadn’t been as pro-active in my health as I could have been.
I began researching how foods can affect your body and did an elimination diet to discover what foods might be immune system triggers for me. In doing that, I discovered numerous food sensitivities. I changed my diet. This changed my life. I went from a size 16 to a size 2. Most of the digestive issues I was having resolved themselves after avoiding the foods my body was reacting to and taking time to heal my gut. I sought the help of a Functional Medicine practitioner to help with the fine-tuning, supplementation and lab testing. I became myself again and got back my energy and life! But, it can be a difficult, long and sometimes lonely journey.
AFTER SIZE 2
Every step of the way, the ups and downs, God has been there. Sometimes I turned to Him; sometimes I was too busy doing my own thing. As I grew in my faith, I learned when to wait on Him, when to walk with Him, when to stand my ground, and how to abide in relationship with Him.
It is similar to our physical health. It takes deliberate choices everyday. The truths I have learned and applied have made me stronger and allowed me to walk in the purpose he designed me for. There is nothing more exciting than partnering with God in this journey! Every day is an adventure.
I have learned that the small choices you make everyday in the areas of mind, body and spirit, wash over your genes and express themselves in healthy or not-so-healthy ways. And, that changing your habits takes more than willpower. By calling on God’s power, using his natural principles and having a faithful friend walking it out with you, change is possible.
A balanced, healthier lifestyle, more energy, joy and confidence are all possible for you! Get yourself back on track doing the things you enjoy most and by honoring God with your whole self!
To tell me about your story, schedule a free call and let's see if health coaching would be a good fit for you!
TODAY
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Proverbs 29:18
The name Refreshed Vision Health Coaching spoke to me while thinking about how God called me to partner with Him here on earth. Part of that mission is helping other women become the healthiest version of themselves. When I forget that I am His partner on earth, I make choices I wish I hadn’t, that take me off my path and distract me. But, when I remember His calling on me, I have a compass. I have a map and destination of where I am going. I can then plan my steps and make deliberate choices.
Your life is a series of the small daily choices you make. These choices take you down paths. Those paths either lead to your goals or far from them.
God made you for a purpose.
Do you know your purpose?
What gifts and talents God has given you?
What are you passionate about?
I believe God is calling his people to rise up and do what we’ve been called to do. Part of what will help us do His will, is feeling great in our physical bodies and stewarding what He has entrusted to us - our bodies, health, gifts, talents, and resources.
You need your health in order to do those things!
Do you have a vision of where your life is going?
Who is God calling you to become?
What small steps do you need to take in order to make that happen?
If you need a Refreshed Vision of your future, to remember who God is calling you to be, let’s talk.
Health coaching can help you reenergize your vision and guide you in making the healthy and life balancing changes that get you there.
“Dixie will help you dig deep in your life and see areas where you can improve so that you can feel more in control of your health! She helped me to realize areas that needed attention and helped me set reachable goals that improved my days!” Candice W.
Other Interesting Facts
I am also a contributing writer to HealthMeans.
I was a featured speaker for the 2021 AIP Summit's monthly, live webinar. I shared tips and tricks for traveling while thriving on AIP.
If you have questions about how health coaching can support you today and give you hope for healthier tomorrow, schedule a FREE 30-minute call!