Today I want to share with you my journey to becoming a health coach for special needs moms. It’s not an easy story to tell, but I believe that being vulnerable and sharing our struggles can inspire and help others. So, here goes!
My path to becoming a health coach (and personal trainer) began long before I even knew it. At 40, I can honestly say that I feel better about myself and my body than I ever have before. But it hasn’t always been this way. My struggle with weight and body image started early, as I desperately tried to fit into the same clothes as my smaller-sized friends in 7th grade. By high school, this obsession turned into a full-blown eating disorder, and I battled bulimia for about six years.
Then, during my junior year of college, something significant happened. I traveled to Italy for four weeks and stayed with a host family in the Italian countryside. In a place where my old destructive habits were impossible to continue, I was faced with a pivotal moment. I had to make a choice: go back to my self-destructive behaviors or move forward and live without them. Miraculously, I managed to resist my old patterns during that month in Italy, and it became a turning point in my life.
Returning home, I realized that my journey was far from over. I replaced my food obsession with an exercise addiction, spending countless hours on the Stair Master, treadmill, and elliptical machine throughout my 20s. If I felt like I ate too much, I punished myself with even more intense workouts the next day. It was an endless race with no finish line in sight.
Then, on January 11, 2010, my son Logan was born, and my world changed forever. As soon as I held him in my arms, I knew something was different. In November of that year, Logan was diagnosed with Mowat-Wilson Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder with various effects on the body and resulting in intellectual disability. His diagnosis was devastating, and I went through a whirlwind of emotions, grieving the loss of what I had imagined for his future.
As time passed, my priorities shifted, and I left my job as a teacher to care for Logan full-time. Around the same time, I joined a wonderful group of moms who worked out with their kids. The experience was empowering, and I became a group fitness instructor, combining my passions for fitness and teaching. I learned from these amazing women how to be a good role model for my children, especially my daughter Lucy, who was born in 2016.
Looking back, I vividly remember making a promise to myself when my daughter Lucy was born. I vowed that she would never be exposed to the negative self-talk and body image issues that haunted me for years. No diets, no calling myself “fat” – instead, I wanted her to see exercise as something that empowered me, making me feel good and strong.
As Logan grew older and heavier, it became even more crucial for me to be physically capable of caring for him. I knew I needed to be strong and healthy, not just for myself but for my family too. This realization marked the beginning of a transformative journey towards self-improvement.
Through ups and downs, I learned to embrace self-love and acceptance. And let me tell you, it wasn’t an overnight process. But with determination and the support of incredible individuals who crossed my path, I reached a point where I can proudly say I am the happiest and healthiest version of myself.
Then, in June 2021, a moment of serendipity occurred. I stumbled upon the Health Coach Institute, either through a pop-up ad or perhaps through divine intervention. I clicked on the link, and it opened up a whole new path for me. Becoming a health coach felt like the natural progression of my experiences, struggles, and personal growth.
Now, I’m incredibly passionate about helping other special needs moms and anyone facing similar challenges to achieve their health and life goals. I know what it’s like to fight battles, both internal and external, and I want to be there for you, offering support, guidance, and understanding.
Remember, you are not alone in your journey. There is hope, and together, we can navigate the hurdles that life throws our way. As I’ve experienced firsthand, it’s never too late to start anew and create a healthier, happier life for yourself and your loved ones.
That’s why I’ve created a 12 week 1:1 coaching program called HealthE 360, making the process of improving your health easy and enjoyable. Learn more by clicking here.
A fellow special needs mom who understands the challenges you face every day. I take a holistic health approach, empowering you to prioritize your well-being, reignite your passion for life, and prevent burnout.
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Jackie Arnold Coaching embraces a holistic health approach, empowering special needs moms to prioritize their well-being, cultivate resilience, and create a happier and healthier life.
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