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Hello! Who are you?
Hello, my name is Kathy, and I reside in San Jose, California. I am a certified Empowerment Health and Life Coach, specializing in supporting women who face self-doubt, endometriosis, mental health challenges, and infertility.
My purpose is to help these women discover their true selves by aligning their body, mind, and soul with their life goals. Through my own journey of overcoming these struggles, I have acquired valuable tools and insights that I now use to guide others toward resilience and confidence.
In my personal life, I am married to the love of my life, and we were blessed with a beautiful miracle rainbow baby daughter who is now 10 months old. This joyous addition to our family came after enduring a two-year battle with infertility. The experience has given me profound gratitude and a deep appreciation for the miracle of life.
Spending quality time with my loved ones is something I cherish. They are my anchor, providing support and strength throughout the ups and downs of life. Without their presence, I wouldn’t be the resilient and determined person I am today.
Living with endometriosis, an incurable disease that affects my entire body, has presented physical and mental challenges. However, despite these difficulties, I consider myself a genuinely happy, kind, and loving individual.
I have always approached life with a positive mindset and a sense of humor. Making people laugh brings me immense joy because I believe laughter is one of the best remedies for happiness. One of my life missions is to spread happiness and empower women to embrace their authentic selves.
Through my coaching work and personal experiences, I strive to create a positive impact, helping others overcome obstacles, find their inner strength, and live their lives to the fullest.
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What is your struggle and when did it start?
Throughout my journey, I have been struggling with infertility caused by endometriosis. The symptoms I experienced included depression and anxiety, which were deeply intertwined with my desire to conceive.
When my husband and I started trying for a baby in 2019, we encountered numerous obstacles on our path to parenthood. After two years of unsuccessful attempts, I received my endometriosis diagnosis in 2021, which shed light on the root cause of our fertility issues.
The struggle with infertility took a toll on my mental well-being, leading to feelings of despair and anxiety. Every month, I would anxiously await the results of a pregnancy test, only to be met with disappointment as I saw a negative result. It felt like life was being unfair to me, and I often found solace in drowning my sorrows with alcohol.
Seeking medical help also became a source of anxiety and depression for me. I felt let down by the healthcare system, struggling to get timely appointments, and feeling dismissed by doctors.
A particularly difficult moment was during Thanksgiving in 2020 when I experienced an excruciating endometriosis flare-up, leaving me curled up on the bathroom floor in agonizing pain. The subsequent trip to the emergency room only resulted in the discovery of a cyst on my ovary, with no acknowledgment of my suspicions of endometriosis.
In January 2021, I finally had the opportunity to see an OBGYN, but my concerns about endometriosis were initially dismissed. However, as the months passed, regular ultrasounds revealed the presence of endometriomas, also known as chocolate cysts, confirming my long-suspected diagnosis of endometriosis.
This struggle with endometriosis, infertility, and the emotional burden of being gaslit by doctors had a profound impact on my mental health. It took 20 years for me to receive a proper diagnosis, and this delay, coupled with the emotional rollercoaster of infertility, only intensified my anxiety and depression.
The frequency of this struggle varied throughout my journey, with heightened emotions and distress during the attempts to conceive and the diagnostic process. However, the impact on my mental well-being persisted until I sought appropriate support and began managing my condition effectively.
Navigating the challenges of infertility caused by endometriosis has been a difficult and emotionally draining experience. It is crucial to prioritize my mental health and seek specialized care from healthcare professionals who understand the complexities of endometriosis and fertility issues. By doing so, I can receive the guidance, support, and appropriate treatment options needed to navigate this journey with resilience and hope.
How did this struggle make you feel at your worst moments?
This struggle has deeply impacted my happiness, causing significant emotional distress. I experienced profound sadness and found myself constantly in tears. The weight of infertility and the associated feelings of failure and self-pity created a cloud of negativity in my life.
It became challenging to find joy and contentment, as I battled with the reality of my situation and the uncertainty of whether I would ever become a mother. This struggle had a profound effect on my overall happiness and well-being, as it consumed my thoughts and emotions on a daily basis.
It was evident to those around me that I was going through a difficult time. Despite my attempts to conceal my emotions, the depth of my struggle was apparent to my family and loved ones. They could see the impact it had on my mood, behavior, and overall demeanor.
Even though I tried to hide my feelings, my family was perceptive enough to recognize that I was wrestling with something significant. They witnessed the toll it took on my mental and emotional state, and their understanding and support played a crucial role in my journey toward healing.
In an effort to maintain a sense of normalcy, I tried my best to hide my struggle from others outside of my immediate circle. However, those closest to me could see through the facade. The intensity of my emotions and the difficulty in engaging authentically during joyous occasions such as my sister’s pregnancy announcements and celebrations made it clear that I was grappling with something profound.
Acknowledging and addressing my struggle became essential in finding a path towards healing and reclaiming my happiness. The understanding and support of my loved ones, who recognized the depth of my emotional turmoil, were instrumental in providing the compassion and empathy I needed during this challenging time.
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Was there a moment when you started to turn things around?
There was a pivotal moment in my journey when I felt a significant shift in my mental state. It happened when I decided to explore my spiritual side and underwent an Akashic reading. Prior to this, I had never considered myself a particularly spiritual person, although I believed in something greater.
However, my desperation for answers and a glimpse into my future compelled me to try something new. I came across an Instagram post about Akashic readings and was intrigued by the positive feedback, so I decided to give it a try.
During the hour-long session with the practitioner, she guided me to prepare questions that my spirit guides could help answer. Naturally, one of my pressing questions was whether I would ever become a mother. To my immense joy, she affirmed that I would indeed have a daughter and even mentioned that I would produce ample milk for her.
Although I didn’t fully embrace her words immediately, it sparked a renewed sense of hope within me. This newfound hope served as a catalyst for change and encouraged me to take proactive steps toward realizing my dream of becoming a mother.
I would attribute 25% of the positive shift in my mindset to the Akashic reading itself. Hearing about the possibility of a future with a child instilled hope and ignited a sense of purpose within me. However, the remaining 75% of the transformation was a result of my own actions and choices.
Inspired by the reading, I became determined to take control of my well-being and do everything in my power to create a fertile environment for conception. I focused on improving my lifestyle by adopting healthier eating habits, incorporating regular exercise into my routine, and actively managing my stress levels. It required a conscious effort to let go of the need to constantly take pregnancy tests, which often led to emotional rollercoasters.
While the akashic reading played a significant role in shifting my mindset, I also sought therapy for a period of four months, which provided some additional support. Being able to talk to someone completely impartial and unbiased allowed me to release my frustrations and pent-up emotions. I would attribute around 15% of the positive change to therapy, as it provided a safe space for me to express myself and gain perspective.
Overall, my struggle persisted for a considerable period of time before I discovered these sources of help. It was a challenging journey filled with disappointments and uncertainties.
However, once I found the spiritual guidance through the Akashic reading and supplemented it with therapy, I felt a notable shift in my mindset and took significant strides towards reclaiming my happiness.
What steps did you take to overcome your struggle?
To overcome my struggles, I took several important steps, and I would recommend others facing similar challenges to consider the following actions:
1. Seek professional help
Recognizing the need for support, I reached out to a therapist who specialized in anxiety and depression. Working with a mental health professional provided me with valuable guidance, coping strategies, and a safe space to express my feelings and thoughts.
Through therapy, I was able to gain insights into the underlying causes of my struggles and learn effective techniques to manage my emotions and navigate the challenges I faced.
Alternatively, working with a Health & Life Coach who specializes in areas such as infertility and women’s health can also be beneficial. They can provide valuable insights, motivation, and a holistic approach to well-being, helping you set achievable goals and make positive lifestyle changes.
2. Educate yourself
I took the initiative to learn more about anxiety, depression, and endometriosis. Understanding the nature of these struggles empowered me to navigate them better and make informed decisions about my well-being.
3. Build a support system
I surrounded myself with a supportive network of friends, family, and fellow individuals who faced similar challenges. Connecting with others who could relate to my experiences provided a sense of belonging, validation, and encouragement.
4. Practice self-care
I made self-care a priority in my life. Engaging in activities that brought me joy, relaxation, and a sense of fulfillment helped me manage stress, enhance my well-being, and build resilience. This included practices such as mindfulness, exercise, journaling, and pursuing creative outlets.
5. Challenge negative thoughts
I actively worked on identifying and challenging negative thoughts and self-limiting beliefs. By questioning their validity and replacing them with more positive and empowering perspectives, I was able to shift my mindset and cultivate a more optimistic outlook.
6. Embrace self-compassion
I learned to be kinder and more understanding towards myself. Embracing self-compassion allowed me to acknowledge my struggles without judgment and treat myself with the same empathy and care I would extend to a loved one.
7. Set realistic goals
I set achievable goals and celebrated even the smallest victories along the way. Breaking larger challenges into smaller, manageable steps helped me maintain motivation and a sense of progress.
8. Seek balance
I learned the importance of finding balance in my life. This involved setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and making time for activities that nourished my mind, body, and soul.
If others find themselves in a similar situation, I would recommend reaching out for professional help, seeking support from loved ones or support groups, educating themselves about their struggles, practicing self-care, challenging negative thoughts, embracing self-compassion, setting realistic goals, and striving for balance.
Remember, everyone’s journey is unique, and it’s important to find what works best for you. Be patient and kind to yourself throughout the process, and never hesitate to ask for help when needed. It’s essential to be patient and kind to yourself throughout the process, and reaching out for support is a sign of strength.
Have you shared any of this with people around you in real life?
Sharing my struggles with those around me in real life played a significant role in my healing process. I felt comfortable discussing my journey with my immediate family, including my parents and siblings. They provided unwavering support and understanding, and I knew I could confide in them without judgment.
Sharing my struggles with close friends also proved to be immensely helpful. They offered a listening ear, empathy, and encouragement, which made me feel less alone in my journey.
However, there were certain individuals with whom I did not feel comfortable discussing my struggles. This included extended family members, such as aunts, uncles, and more traditional-minded relatives. I felt apprehensive about their potential judgment or lack of understanding regarding mental health issues.
In our cultural context, mental health was not openly discussed, and it was often seen as a taboo topic. I chose to keep my deeper struggles hidden from them, engaging in surface-level conversations to maintain a sense of privacy and protect my emotional well-being.
Initially, I found it challenging to openly share my mental health struggles with others due to fears of judgment and stigma. I worried about how others would perceive me and whether they would understand or dismiss my experiences.
However, as I started opening up on platforms like Instagram, sharing my journey became a cathartic outlet. Surprisingly, I discovered a supportive community of like-minded individuals who had faced similar struggles.
Their empathy, encouragement, and shared experiences helped normalize my struggles and provided me with a sense of belonging and validation.
Over time, sharing my mental health struggles became easier as I found the courage to be vulnerable and embrace my journey. It allowed me to connect with others on a deeper level and receive the support I needed.
While there were still moments of hesitation, opening up about my mental health ultimately played a crucial role in my healing process. It fostered a sense of empowerment and contributed to my ability to overcome my mental health challenges, infertility, and endometriosis.
If you could give a single piece of advice to someone else that struggles, what would that be?
If I could offer a single piece of advice to someone else who is struggling, it would be to embrace self-compassion. In the face of challenges, it’s crucial to treat yourself with kindness, understanding, and patience.
Recognize that you are human and that struggles are a natural part of life. Instead of judging yourself harshly or dwelling on past mistakes, practice self-compassion by offering yourself empathy, forgiveness, and encouragement.
Remember that everyone’s journey is unique, and it’s okay to ask for help. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or professional who can provide support and guidance. Surround yourself with a supportive network that uplifts and inspires you.
Additionally, practice self-care and prioritize your well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy, reduce stress, and promote overall mental and physical well-being. This could include practicing mindfulness, exercising, pursuing hobbies, or engaging in creative outlets.
Lastly, remember that healing takes time and progress may come in small steps. Celebrate even the smallest victories along the way and acknowledge your resilience and strength. You have the power within you to overcome challenges and create a life filled with resilience, self-acceptance, and fulfillment.
What have been the most influential books, podcasts, YouTube channels, or other resources for you?
Jay Shetty’s podcast, On Purpose, has been incredibly influential in my journey towards mental health and happiness. His insightful conversations and practical advice helped me gain a new perspective on life.
Through his episodes, I learned valuable lessons on personal growth, mindfulness, and finding purpose. Listening to this podcast reminded me that I have the power to shape my own well-being and inspired me to take positive action in my life.
- Learning about Taoism
Exploring the teachings and philosophy of Taoism has had a profound impact on my mental and emotional well-being. Taoism emphasizes harmony, balance, and surrendering to the flow of life.
By studying and applying Taoist principles, I gained a deeper understanding of acceptance, resilience, and the interconnectedness of all things. It provided me with a spiritual perspective that helped me navigate challenges with greater equanimity and find inner peace.
- YouTube Channel – Dr. Joe Dispenza
Dr. Joe Dispenza’s YouTube channel has been instrumental in introducing me to the power of meditation and its potential to transform anxiety and depression. Through his scientific approach, Dr. Dispenza explains how meditation can positively impact our brain, emotions, and overall well-being.
His teachings and guided meditations have empowered me to integrate meditation into my daily routine, resulting in a calmer mind, reduced stress, and increased self-awareness.
- YouTube Channel – Guided Meditation
Incorporating daily guided meditations from various YouTube channels has been a game-changer for my mental health. These guided meditations provide soothing and calming practices that help me relax, release tension, and cultivate mindfulness. By following the guidance and focusing on my breath, I am able to quiet my mind, reduce anxiety, and nurture a sense of inner peace.
- Breathwork from HCI
Learning and practicing breathwork techniques from the Health Coach Institute (HCI) certification school has been transformational for my overall well-being. Utilizing simple yet powerful breathing exercises, I can quickly calm my nervous system and shift into a state of relaxation. These techniques have become essential tools in managing stress, improving my mood, and promoting a sense of balance in my daily life.
These resources, whether podcasts, philosophical teachings, or practical techniques, have all contributed significantly to my mental health journey. They have provided me with valuable insights, practical tools, and inspiration, allowing me to cultivate greater self-awareness, inner peace, and overall well-being.
Where can we go to learn more about you?
You can read more about me here, or on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Facebook.
💡 By the way: If you want to start feeling better and more productive, I’ve condensed the information of 100’s of our articles into a 10-step mental health cheat sheet here. 👇
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