All posts by Karla

How to manage your chronic illness during family crises

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Living well with a chronic illness such as an autoimmune disorder involves intention, attention, and self-care. But what happens to your routine when unexpected, potentially catastrophic, life events occur in your family?

Unfortunately, things don’t always go as planned and things can change in a moment. How do you keep your health from declining during these times?

Recently, my family experienced a sudden huge change in our home when my son suffered a major medical event. He was subsequently hospitalized for almost 3 weeks, including ICU and inpatient rehab.

Because my husband and I did not want to leave our son alone in the hospital in this vulnerable state, our temporary home became whatever hospital room our son was in for the duration of his hospitalization. (And I would do it the same way all over again!)

My major concern was to make sure my son was well taken care of; however, due to my autoimmune disorders, I also needed to continue to take care of myself to avoid a flare up.

I want to share a few tips that have helped me as our family adjusted to this medical crisis.

  1. Pray – From the moment I realized my son was having trouble I began praying a lot more. In addition to praying for him to be okay, I had to pray that I would not have panic attacks! I also asked for a lot of other people to pray for us! It has helped me to stay calm. (for the most part)
  2. Breathe – I have been practicing a lot of deep breathing exercises to help keep myself centered and not become overwhelmed. This helps to clear the mind and bring a sense of peace.
  3. Eat nutritious food – Because I was in a different environment from my home, I had to be intentional about the food I was eating to make sure I continued to eat in a way to support my health to stay well. So, I continued to eat a lot of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and drank a lot of water.
  4. Rest – My husband and I spent the nights in the hospital with our son but we would take turns during the day to go home for a few hours to freshen up and just allow ourselves to try to relax. Honestly, it was hard to relax at home because I felt I needed to be at the hospital.
  5. LET PEOPLE HELP YOU!!! Whew! I can’t emphasize this enough. Not everyone will be able to help you in the same way, and some people may not be able to do much at all for you. HOWEVER, there were people who were willing and able to do what they could to make the load a little easier for us. I am forever grateful for the different ways people showed their love for us. Support of your community is so valuable.

If you are a woman struggling with chronic illness such as autoimmune disorders and ready to invest in yourself for a high level of personalized support to reclaim your health, I invite you to make an appointment with me for a free Overcome Autoimmunity Discovery Call to see if and how I can help you!

Click HERE to schedule your call today! I look forward to speaking with you!

3 Reasons To Get Help With Your Chronic Illness

wellness

A few days ago I saw a fire truck pass my window and stop in front of a house across the street from my home. Shortly thereafter, an ambulance arrived to the same home.

I’m not sure of the exact nature of my neighbor’s emergency but it reminded me of how important it is to get timely, appropriate assistance when needed.

There are several reasons why we should invest in appropriate help when we are living with a chronic illness. Today I want to share 3 of those reasons.

  • Sometimes we don’t know what to do to help ourselves and someone with proven experience in how to take control of one’s health can make it easier for you to do so.
  • Appropriate assistance can help alleviate some of your fears surrounding your illness such as wondering if you can get better and live an abundant life.
  • Enlisting help can keep you accountable and boost your confidence in staying the course so you don’t give up on yourself.

These are just a few good reasons to reach out and get help in taking control of your health so you can fulfill your God-given purpose.

If you are a woman, struggling with chronic illness such as autoimmune disorders, and ready to invest in yourself for a high level of personalized support to bounce back, I invite you to make an appointment with me for a free “Overcome Autoimmunity” Discovery Call to see if and how I can help you.

Click HERE to schedule your call. I look forward to speaking with you!

4 Great Benefits of “Green” Eating; especially if you’re sick!

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One of the recommendations that people often hear when they are trying to adopt a more healthful nutrition plan is “eat green leafy vegetables”.  There are several benefits to eating a lot of “greens”.

Chlorophyll is a substance found in green plants.

  1. It acts as a blood detoxifier.
  2. This in turn helps increase circulation to your body’s organs.
  3. It is also thought to help reduce offensive body odors.

Super green foods include the young cereal grasses like wheat, barley, alfalfa, rye, oats, kelp, and chlorella. 

4. These super greens have many nutrients to help support your body’s functions including supporting your immune system.

If you are not already doing so, try adding different leafy greens and super greens to your diet to help you regain and/or maintain your health for good.

Adopting a practical, doable, and enjoyable nutrition plan for health is one of the areas in which I give support to my private clients. 

If you are a woman struggling with chronic illness such as autoimmune disorders and ready to invest in yourself for a high level of personalized support to take control of your health, I invite you to make an appointment with me for a Free Overcome Autoimmunity Discovery Call to see if and how I can help you.

Click HERE to schedule your appointment. I look forward to speaking with you!

How To Practice Gratitude and Help Your Body Heal!

wellness

This morning during my private devotional time I set an intention to be grateful today. Any day can bring its set of challenges which can lead our mindset to a downward negative spiral if we allow it.

It’s important to remember that challenges and victories or blessings can co-exist. We can experience situations that cause us distress and discomfort during the same time frame in which we encounter occasions that bring us joy.

I’m so glad I decided to focus on being grateful this morning because I had to drive into the city today for a meeting for my consulting contract . For the past almost 3 years I have been doing a lot less driving due to mostly working from home since April of 2020.

When I initially left the house I had to come back inside because I realized I didn’t have my car key because I had taken my keys out of my purse when I went out of town over a week ago. I couldn’t remember right away where I had put them so my husband gave me his car key. I’m GRATEFUL he had his key handy so I didn’t have to waste time looking for my keys.

The city is becoming more crowded and there is a lot more traffic now than previously. The slow down in the traffic as I neared my destination started to cause me some distress and I felt like complaining. However, I REMEMBERED MY INTENTION! Instead of complaining I chose to be GRATEFUL that I have a consulting contract that allows me to make an income that contributes to my family’s financial well-being. I also chose to be grateful that I NO LONGER HAVE TO DRIVE INTO THE CITY on a regular basis. THANK YOU LORD!

As I rehearsed my gratitude, I could feel myself calm down and was able to walk into my meeting on time and with a cheerful spirit. When I arrived back home, the sun was shining brightly and the temperature was comfortable. I expressed by gratitude for the sunshine and took a walk with my Terrence (my husband). I have so much for which to be grateful.

It has been shown the negative emotions tend to depress the immune system and positive emotions help to boost or support good immune function. A properly functioning immune system is important for good health, therefore it is a good thing to do what you can to help your body work properly. Practicing gratitude is one way to help you experience positive emotions and support your immune system for good health.

Set the intention to practice gratitude, especially when you are facing difficult challenges. The more you practice, the easier it will be to find something for which to be grateful! It is a good idea to write your gratitude and look back over what you have written when you need to encourage yourself.

I’m grateful I have the opportunity to help women with chronic illnesses, such as autoimmune disorders, take control of their health through my Overcome Autoimmunity 90-Day Private Coaching program. If you are struggling with chronic illness and ready to invest in yourself for a high level of personalized support to reclaim your health, I encourage you to make an appointment with me for a free Overcome Autoimmunity Discovery Call to see if and how I can help you.

Click HERE to schedule your call today! I look forward to speaking with you.

The Power of Investing in the Right Community

wellness

Sometimes it can be difficult asking for help, even if you have been trying to accomplish certain goals but facing obstacles. Perhaps it’s a pride thing.

Well, maybe it’s just me who has trouble asking for help. However, as I have continued to “mature” through the years, I have learned that at some point we all need help. It’s better to swallow your pride and secure the resources that will help you get where you want to go.

Over the last few years I have had to reach out to get assistance with my physical health, emotional/mental health, spiritual growth, and business/entrepreneurial ventures. I realize that I am worth the investments made in myself because I am valued by God, my creator.

In order for us to fulfill our God-given purposes we need to do all we can to be our best selves. IT IS OKAY TO GET HELP! Often it is crucial to get the support we need, to not only survive, but thrive.

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of attending the Manifest Your Vision 2023 conference in Florida. This event provided a much needed break and time of relaxation and rejuvenation for me and the other attendees.

I was able to reconnect in person with my business coach-mentor, Rosetta Thurman, and be enlightened by her and the guest presenters. It was great to meet up with my 6 Figure Queen Mastermind Alumni sisters.

A super special bonus for me was meeting my Accountability Partner, Dr. Shola Ezeokoli, in person for the first time. We have been meeting just about once a week by phone for over almost 2 years.

I’m so grateful for having invested in myself, even though I didn’t really want to travel alone, to get valuable support, knowledge, motivation, and encouragement in an environment that felt like “home”!

If you are struggling with fatigue, pain, and discouragement due to chronic illness such as autoimmune disorders, I invite you to make an appointment with me for a free Overcome Autoimmunity Discovery Call to see if and how I can help you.

Click HERE to schedule your call today. I look forward to hearing from you!

The Beauty of A Great Community!

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I’m so blessed to have connections in different cities and I don’t take the kindness and hospitality of others for granted. Whenever, I am the beneficiary of the generosity of others, it encourages and reminds me to be kind to others as well.

I recently traveled to Florida to attend a conference for women entrepreneurs. While I was looking forward to meeting with the other attendees and learning from the various workshops and activities during the conference, I knew there would possibly be some challenges as it related to eating the way I wanted.

My autoimmune disorders are controlled and have been in remission largely due to my nutrition and lifestyle regimen. It can be a challenge finding the proper foods when you are traveling out of town, staying in a hotel, and don’t have a car.

Often, when dining at a restaurant, I can usually find “sides” to order if the restaurant is not known specifically for being “vegan”, “vegetarian”, or “plant-based” friendly. There were not many choices at the hotel restaurant where I was staying, but I was able to manage okay.

HOWEVER, I was so grateful to be able to reconnect with my friend, Denise, who a few years ago had moved with her husband to the city where the conference was being held. Denise came and picked me up to attend Sabbath church services where her husband is pastor. Then she invited me over to enjoy a home cooked “plant based” ‘Sabbath lunch.

Getting ready to enjoy Sabbath lunch!

But she didn’t stop there. My girl had me fix myself a “to-go” plate. She even gave me stuff to share with my conference roommate. Ya’ll, I had my “to-go” food the next day for breakfast and lunch. It was soooo good too! I’m grateful and so glad I reached out.

I’m reminded of the scripture in James chapter 4:2 that says, ” you have not because you ask not”. Now, James may not have been talking about the scenario I just described but I’m still glad I was not too afraid to get in touch with Denise. She and her husband, Pastor Fred, helped to make my visit to Florida a great experience.

As we move forward in 2023 and beyond, let’s look for opportunities to be kind to others. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

If you suffer from chronic illness, such as autoimmune disorders, and are ready to take control of your health so you can fulfill your God-given purpose, I invite you to make an appointment with me for a free Overcome Autoimmunity Discovery Call to see if and how I can help you! Click HERE to schedule your call today! I look forward to speaking with you!

The Holy Spirit Empowers You For Healing

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One of my daily prayers is for God’s Holy Spirit to dwell in me. I realize I need CONSTANT HELP! Because I have been praying this prayer to have an intimate relationship with God, I decided to do some in-depth study regarding the Holy Spirit.

My goal was/is to improve my spiritual life and I continue to seek that. However, I came across something in my study that I wanted to share as it relates to physical healing. (Y’all know I’m trying to fulfill my purpose in helping us get well from “CROWN TO SOLE”!)

I’ve been reading this book, Your Best Helper The Holy Spirit, by John L. Shuler (Pacific Press, 1983). On page 40 he states, “Much is said today about various factors contributing to robust health. This emphasis is good. But very few take into account that in addition to all the physical factors listed, the Holy Spirit gives health. ‘Joy in the Holy Spirit is health-giving, life-giving joy. In giving us His Spirit, God gives us Himself, making Himself a fountain of divine influences, to give health and lift to the world.’ – Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 273 (Ellen White)”

The Holy Spirit will give us the power to make wise choices when it comes to making lifestyle changes to transform our bodies for wellness. God promises to give us His Spirit. Thank you God! I’m grateful for this Power.

If you are struggling with chronic illness such as autoimmune disorders and want additional personalized support to help you take control of your health, I invite you to make an appointment with me for a free Overcome Autoimmunity Discovery Call to see if and how I can help you! Click HERE to schedule your appointment today. I look forward to speaking with you!

Four easy tips you need to move forward when you want to quit!

wellness

Prior to my developing autoimmune disorders, I was fairly diligent about strengthening and toning as part of my physical fitness routine. While it was not perfect, I was satisfied with where I was. However, after I became ill, I had to restart my strengthening/toning when my health improved.

Sometimes, my progress feels imperceptible and I feel like quitting. What helps me to keep going is 1) Remembering my why; 2) Celebrating my wins; 3) Reframing my negative thoughts; and 4) Seeking support and accountability.

When I remember why I embarked on this journey and think about my desired results…I decide to go ahead and do my squats and biceps curls even when I don’t feel like it! I looked at my self in the mirror recently and thought (or maybe imagined) I saw a “little bulging”. So, I celebrated and texted my coach. LOL! Instead of dwelling on how long it is taking for me to see the progress, I decided to reflect on the fact that at one point I didn’t have the energy or strength to start a strength/toning program but, now I do. My coach has been an inspiration and knowing that I will be meeting with her regularly helps me to stay on track.

Whatever your goals are, I want to encourage you to keep moving forward. Trust the process and don’t quit! 1) Remember your why; 2) Celebrate your wins (big and small); 3) Reframe your negative thoughts; 4) Seek support/accountability

If you are are struggling with chronic illness such as autoimmune disorders, and ready to invest in yourself for high level of personalized support to take control of your health and get well, I encourage you to make an appointment with me for a free OVERCOME AUTOIMMUNITY Discovery Call to see if and how I can help you! Click HERE to schedule your appointment today! I look forward to speaking with you.

How to repurpose your pain so you can thrive!

wellness

What do you do when you are in pain? If your pain is physical do you immediately reach for medication whether over-the-counter or prescribed? What about emotional pain? What is your go to, immediate response?

Honestly, I don’t like being in pain. My first thought when encountering pain (physical, emotional, or spiritual) is that I want it to GO AWAY! Sometimes, in our attempts to make the pain go away we do things to mask the pain, not realizing that the source of the pain remains. Therefore, the pain is likely to come back if the cause is not removed (if possible).

I want to share with you a few lessons I have learned, and continue to learn, about dealing with pain.

  1. Pain is generally a danger signal that something is “wrong”.
  2. Ignoring the pain may cause the problem to get worse.
  3. Acknowledging the pain is an important step in the healing process.
  4. Discovering the reason for your pain will help you find solutions to remove the pain or at least to deal with the pain in a way that is productive.
  5. Doing the work to move through the pain to healing may be challenging but is worth the process to find your joy!
  6. Your journey through pain to abundant life can be used to encourage someone else who is suffering.

If you suffer from pain and fatigue due to chronic illness such as autoimmune disorders, and are ready to invest in yourself for a high-level of personalized support to reclaim your health, I invite you to make an appointment with me for a free Overcome Autoimmunity Discovery Call to see if and how I can help you.

Click HERE to make your appointment today! I look forward to speaking with you.

Choose Joy and Live Well!

wellness

Recently, I was out in the store and saw a lady who remarked to me, “I like your mask.” I was a little caught off-guard, but then I remembered what mask I had decided to wear. 

I deliberately wore the, “I choose JOY” mask as a reminder to myself that I have to power to make choices. I’m glad it also brightened someone else’s day. 

We may not be in control of everything; however, we can choose our behavior, responses, and attitudes. Remember, you are royalty. Your body is God’s temple. You can choose to create a life of joy, abundance, and holistic wellness! 

If you are living with chronic illness such as autoimmune disorders and ready to invest in yourself for a high level of personalized support to take control of your health, I invite you to make an appointment with me for a free Overcome Autoimmunity discovery call to see if and how I can help you! Click HERE to schedule your call today!