The real start to my evolution began in March 2016, as a fit and healthy 28-year-old, I suddenly had my whole life turned upside down. Out of nowhere, I became seriously unwell with painful stomach cramping symptoms, nausea, and other strongly descriptive toilet habits. In that month I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis (a form of inflammatory bowel disease). Resulting in an 8-hour lifesaving operation, leaving me with a stoma (ileostomy) bag.

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This led to months of both mental and physical recovery. Adapting to my new body. Overcoming the new physical change of wearing an ostomy bag on my stomach. Building up my strength again, after losing 55 pounds in weight.

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Mentally this was the hardest challenge of my life. I asked so many questions. Why me? What did I do to deserve this? Is my life over? When, can I get back to normal? I soon came to realise there was never going to be a ‘normal’ again, and you know what? That’s OK. I had to find acceptance in what had happened and move on. I had no choice. It’s what I choose to do moving forward that would define me as a person and therefore, my future. So, I decided to start owning my life again. Taking back control. Earning my blackbelt in Jujitsu, 9 months after surgery. Joining volunteer groups, raising awareness and helping others going through the same condition.

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I was then fortunate to have that all empowering breakthrough in finding acceptance in my condition. That it’s ok to embrace a new normal. It was my literal second chance in life, and this time, I wasn’t going to waste it. I was going to become the person I truly wanted to be. It’s time to make a real difference. To change the world. This is when I decided to become an Empowerment coach and speaker.