Hi, I’m Nicolette! I’m a plant-based, gluten-free yogi who is obsessed with movement, mindfulness, meditation, and celery juice. Despite the fact that these might be “buzz words” or “fads,” I am very passionate about the lifestyle I choose to live and sharing how it is that I even got to this place.
It all started when I was 12 and experiencing extreme acid reflux and nausea on a weekly basis. These episodes would culminate in inevitable headaches, with me upside down on my couch and crying as I struggled to find some form of relief (anyone else cope with headaches by putting pressure on their head?). I was diagnosed with an “ulcerated gut lining” — try explaining that one to a kid — and was prescribed various antacids. As I got older, Prilosec was a constant staple in my purse, and my diagnosis was just the prelude to a variety of digestive issues that I would continue to deal with well into my 20s.
Like most people with digestive issues, I was totally embarrassed, not to mention confused. I wondered, ‘why me and not any of my other five siblings? We have the same genes, so why don’t they feel this way after dinner?’ Although I dealt with these issues for years, from day one, that feeling of embarrassment and wanting to keep this problem to myself never went away. My mom has told me that I was very private about my diagnosis, even as a kid. Some reasons for this are that it isn’t very cute or common to talk about digestive problems, and women are raised to not partake in “bathroom talk.” But for me it went deeper.
Acid reflux doesn’t always cause you to be stuck on the toilet for hours. It is more of a silent killer, like a really bad migraine or menstrual cramps. All of which can lead to things like throwing up — and yes, I have certainly had those days and nights — but otherwise, there aren’t many “external symptoms.” No one could see my acid reflux, so sometimes I felt (slash knew) like no one believed me, which lead to me feeling like I needed to “power through” or adhere to that “mind over matter” mentality society instills in us. This was not only extremely upsetting, but I also have no doubt in my mind that it made my symptoms worse (I later learned that stress can cause acid reflux — go figure). And my fun didn’t stop there.
At age 15, I had what one could only describe as an Adam’s apple — it was a nodule on my thyroid. At first, the doctors said it was not cancerous, but after the first surgery, during which they removed half of my thyroid along with the nodule, they discovered otherwise. But I was in luck. My thyroid cancer was extremely curable and only required radiation, not chemotherapy. This did mean, however, that my whole thyroid would need to be removed. While one might think we can live without this little gland and not experience an impact on our overall health, that's not the case. The thyroid creates hormones that regulate the body’s energy and metabolism. As a result of my surgery, I welcomed in hormonal issues like thinning hair, ovarian cysts, constant changes in energy levels, body temperature issues, irregular periods, brain fog, and more.
Once again, while some of these hormonal issues can develop into “external symptoms” that people can see, most hormonal imbalances cause unseen problems like brain fog, adrenal fatigue, and energy/temperature fluctuations. Even when I had ovarian cysts, it wasn’t until I went to the gynecologist, got an ultrasound, and had proof that there were golf ball-sized cysts on my ovaries that people finally give me the, “Oh, wow... yeah... I am so sorry, that must be so painful.” Um, yeah… ya think?! Yet again, I experienced the feeling of needing to “power through” any pain, keep quiet about what I was feeling, and just deal with it.
Fortunately, I had two people in my life who supported me and absolutely believed in my every ailment and pain — my parents. My dad is a doctor of osteopathic medicine (a D.O.), and my mom is an angel. My mom exposed my family to alternative forms of healing, and even my dad was open-minded enough to explore holistic practices. After many doctor and hospital visits over the years, throughout which my mom and I both felt like we were not being heard, she was fed up. She already had been seeing a holistic doctor for her own thyroid issues, so she decided it was time to take me as well.
And that is where my magical transformation began. I saw firsthand how holistic practices and lifestyle changes could affect my health. Having these various health issues and parents like mine who exposed me to alternative forms of healing all contributed to my interest in health and wellness. So it is no surprise that in March 2015, when my friend told me she was taking an online course to become a holistic health coach, I immediately joined. I already had an amazing job in fashion PR, but I didn’t care. I thought, if anything, it would be interesting for me to learn more for myself.
I became hooked. I wanted to learn more and grow more, but was stuck in my “fashion PR+NYC” life. During my course with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, I also met my meditation coach. Through our work together and by implementing a daily meditation practice, I found clarity on my purpose to heal both myself and others. I learned that, more than the food we eat, our relationships, careers, exercise routines, and spirituality all feed into our overall health. As I realized how these factors were affecting me, I knew I had to make another change.
In October of 2017, I moved to Los Angeles to get certified in yoga. Once again, I didn’t think much of my choice and thought it could be good for me to deepen my yoga practice and possibly offer it as a supplement to potential clients. But I fell in love with the practice on an entirely new level. After, I went on to get certified in ThyroidYoga® and, most recently, in Reiki.
I share all of this to show that I am not living this way or eating this way because it is trendy or the newest fad. Eating a plant-based diet, having a daily spiritual practice, and making movement a priority have changed my life in so many ways. Aside from no longer needing antacids, finally having a regular menstrual cycle, and energy levels that continue to surprise me on a daily basis, I am overall more at peace within my own body.
I no longer care if someone does not understand me, my pain, or why I eat the way I do. I no longer suffer from severe anxiety or stress. Instead, I have found tools and techniques that allow me to live a balanced life rooted in mindfulness and feeling the healthiest I ever have. And the best part? You have the power within you to do the exact same thing.
I am 28 now, and while this journey took me years, you don’t have to wait that long. Listen to your inner intuition, seek a second opinion if something feels off, and, most of all, trust yourself. Even if no one else believes or understands your pain, your fatigue, or your suffering, trust and honor yourself. Know that there are people out there who will understand and listen, but also know that you do not need any external validation.
So even if that means drinking celery juice, ordering the gluten free option when out to dinner, or eating animal protein at every meal — WHO CARES. Make the choices that feel in alignment with your best and highest good. You truly hold the power within to unlock your ultimate health and happiness. So what are you waiting for?
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