Chronic wellness is my life. I thrive every day living with and through my own chronic pain. Through the years, I have come to find that it was necessary and imperative to rebuild my way of life in a way that allows for the most hope to thrive again. I have finally found sustainable and tangible ways of finding and loving with myself and I want to share my journey with others who are in similar situations as I am. Invisible pain is such an isolating one.
For those who are suffering with chronic pain with me, I would introduce the following perspective:
Your pain is a gift. You will live through this. You are meant for more.
For those who are reaching the end of their life, or are the loved one of someone reaching their sacred transition time, I would be honored to provide a safe and emotionally secure space for this time.
Honor your life and loved ones by exploring what a "good" death looks like for you.
Chronic Wellness is the concept that acknowledges that wellness can vary day by day. Chronic wellness emphasizes the importance of self-care, resilience, and community support to help individuals cope with the challenges of chronic conditions while striving to achieve optimal health and happiness.
Let's not beat around the bush, chronic pain sucks and it feels untouchable. It feels infinite. Those of us who are here still, chose to stay in this beautiful life despite the consistent physical and mental agony. I made that choice too. I decided I will choose to figure out how to live with and alongside my pain, rather than not at all.
Years ago, when I made that choice, I was catapulted by my pain to find my new path and sense of purpose. Everything I've ever been through, has forged me into this resilient and valuable person; the abuses, the heartaches, the shortcomings, the pain. When I leaned into my final lesson of pain, I felt hope restore within me and solidify. This is my wish for others like me.
I am not your average wellness coach. I will be your partner in pain, your colleague and assistant to constantly choosing life. You do not have to be alone through this. We will cry together and be accountability buddies without finally feeling so misunderstood. My never ending curiosities and extensive knowledge 15+ years in holistic health and alternative healing paired with my Bachelor's education in Sociology and Psychology will be at your fingertips. I know it has helped me. I know you can get through this too.
A death doula, is a person who assists in the dying process, much like a midwife or doula does with the birthing process. It is often a community based role, aiming to help families cope with death, recognizing it as a natural and important part of life.
There is never a 'good time' to die, no matter how expected or unexpected it may be. However, what does a 'good death' look like for you?
The doula provides emotional, spiritual, and physical support to those nearing death as well as their loved ones. We can hold sacred space, use music, nurturing touch, guided imagery, ritual, and more, to help the dying person have the kind of death that honors who they are, how they lived your life, and how they've hoped the final days and hours unfold. Those same tools help loved ones cope with and embrace their experience as caregivers and witnesses to this final process of dying.
There is no denying that death is hard on us all for different reasons, and there is no 'right' way to process through the closing in one's life chapter. Doula's hold sacred space for one to sort through it all; the good and the bad. You don't have to try an sort through the negative emotions, regrets or possibilities of unfinished business that may arise inside. As your doula, I am here to offer you and your loved ones rest and respite; to advocate for your personal wants and needs through your end-of-life journey. We all deserve grace, respect, choice, and dignity during our final transition if we get the chance and time to know when it may come.