Tag: overcomer

Posted in Autoimmune the dis-EASE, The Role of the Immune System, Understanding Autoimmune dis-EASE

Understanding Autoimmune dis-EASE: The Role of the Immune System

Posted on by HOLLY STEVENS

The Importance of the Immune System

The immune system is a remarkable network of cells, organs, and processes that protect our bodies from harm. It is our front line defense against viruses, bacteria, parasites, and toxins, ensuring we don’t constantly battle illness.

Its significance goes beyond defense; it recognizes threats, mobilizes resources, and remembers past encounters to strengthen future responses. Understanding its workings helps us appreciate the balance that keeps us healthy.

The immune system is not just a static defense mechanism. It is a dynamic and highly adaptable system. It evolves to face new threats. It regulates inflammation and influences chronic conditions like cancer and autoimmune disorders. By exploring its components and functions, we gain insights into how our immune system interacts with other systems. This exploration leads to exciting advancements in medical research. Let’s celebrate and nurture our immune system for a healthier future!

Components of the Immune System.

The immune system comprises diverse specialized cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against harmful agents. White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, are at the heart of this intricate network. They are the primary actors in the immune response. Understanding their roles and functions is crucial in comprehending the immune system’s operations. 

There are several key types of white blood cells, each with its unique role and job. Lymphocytes, like T and B cells, recognize and respond to specific threats. Phagocytes, including macrophages and neutrophils, engulf and destroy foreign invaders. Other immune cells, like natural killer and dendritic cells, play crucial roles in the immune response. 

These immune cells are found throughout the body. They circulate in the bloodstream and lymphatic system. They live in specialized organs like the spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes. These organs serve as hubs for immune activity. They offer the necessary infrastructure for the coordination and execution of the body’s defense mechanisms. 

Besides the cellular components, the immune system relies on a complex network of chemical signals and regulatory pathways. Cytokines are signaling molecules. They help orchestrate the immune response. Antibodies are specialized proteins. They neutralize or mark specific threats for destruction. 

We can gain a deeper appreciation for the remarkable ways our bodies work to protect us. We achieve this by understanding the diverse and intricate components of the immune system. This knowledge empowers us to take control of our health. It can enhance our understanding of how the immune system interacts with other physiological systems. This leads to new medical research and treatment avenues. 

Immune System Functions

The immune system is an incredible network of functions vital in protecting our bodies and enhancing our overall health! Its primary mission is to identify and remove potential threats. These threats can disrupt our well-being, like harmful pathogens, abnormal cells, and other foreign invaders.

A fascinating aspect of the immune system is its ability to recognize these dangers. This recognition occurs through a process known as the immune response. When a potential threat is detected, the immune system enthusiastically mobilizes specialized cells and chemicals to combat the intruder. This dynamic response involves various strategies. It activates phagocytes that engulf and remove pathogens. It produces antibodies to mark threats for destruction. Additionally, it recruits more immune cells to strengthen the defense.

Beyond its crucial role in fighting infections and illnesses, the immune system contributes significantly to our general health and vitality. It helps regulate inflammation, a natural reaction to injury or infection. It plays a role in the onset and progression of chronic health conditions like cancer, autoimmune disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.

One of the immune system’s most remarkable abilities is its capacity for learning and memory. This ability helps the body to respond more effectively and target familiar threats. This phenomenon is known as immunological memory. This fascinating ability is the foundation of vaccinations, which harnesses the immune system’s learning to protect against specific diseases.

Exploring our immune system’s diverse and intricate functions can help us better appreciate our body’s efforts. Our bodies work diligently to keep us healthy and secure. This understanding can lead to exciting new medical research. It can also inspire confidence in our journey toward better health.

Up and coming to you soon:

Understanding Autoimmune dis-EASE:

The Role of the Immune System: Autoimmune disorders and immune system dysfunction 

Posted in My Journey

Unexpected things happen, have Gratitude!

Posted on by HOLLY STEVENS

My life plans changed, a fork in the road I was avoiding. I saw and acknowledged it; the warning signs were there! Plan “B” was in place. Still, there wasn’t a plan “B” exit.

I continually strive to live above the line with integrity, honesty, and transparency. I believed that and would be enough. Then the ‘unexpected’ opposing stronghold began challenging my well-being; I have chosen to STOP, CHALLENGE, and CHOOSE.

I genuinely am grateful for the obstacles blocking plan “B.” I believe if plan “B” had a clearly marked exit, I would have missed it. I am ready to take control of my life. I will live my purpose intentionally. I have the passion I was created to have.

Sometimes we get squandered and don’t even realize it, and we go through the survival motions and just exist. I will admit that I am embarrassed with the “wake-up” call it took for me. The awareness is changing the trajectory of my life. The growth is changing it too. The changes it is forcing me to make are definitely having an impact. Showing me the value of myself and those who genuinely care for and about me.

When we choose to not reach out to our real tribe. When we decide to try and handle things on our own, we feel embarrassed, weak, or unworthy. This takes us to a place in our journey going backward.

There is no such thing as just maintaining. We are beings of energy, and energy is in constant motion. Ahead or backward, positive or negative. When the universe wants or needs us to MOVE, we will be given what it takes to make it happen. Be it a nudge or a slap of reality that can lead to embarrassment if need be. It will happen!

On July 7th, 2022, that is precisely what happened to me. A big ole’ slap of uncomfortable reality. That I am and will be forever grateful for. It is not something I wish upon anyone, and it is not easy to deal with or face. Still, it was something done TO ME. It was a negative choice of another human being. How I choose to respond is how I choose to let it affect me.

I am worthy of my rights and my boundaries. I am worthy of justice for my rights and my limits. Moreover, I am worthy of the lesson and the growth from the situation. I am worthy of self-love and receiving genuine love from others. Love is not earned; love is given.

As I go through this transformation in my life, I am grateful for the tools I have available to me. As the ugliness of the situation arises, I gain the ability to STOP my thoughts. I can CHALLENGE those thoughts. I can CHOOSE how to respond to MY THOUGHTS that I have 100% control of. I stay conscious of my ability and power to STOP, CHALLENGE, and CHOOSE MY response to ALL THINGS.

What have I learned thus far? I have a voice. I have a right to be heard when it comes to my well-being. I do NOT have to “abide and provide.” I am created to Enhance and Empower those put on my path in my life. Life is a journey, not a destination. People and things change; we must choose to GROW with life.

I am grateful for everyone in my life, whatever season I spend with them. Some will stay, some will go; I CHOOSE to GROW. I CHOOSE to MOVE AHEAD for the greater good. This detour in my journey is a tough one. I have immense gratitude for my faith, my program, my tribe, and my strength. I use these as a springboard to share my story. I want others to know they do not have to go it alone!

Confidence #4
Posted in Confidence

Becoming a Clear Decision Maker: Confidence #4 Insights

Posted on by HOLLY STEVENS

Once you make a decision, the Universe conspires to make it happen

Ralph Waldo Emerson

You can discover that you are MORE than any failure you have ever had. Feel renewed knowing that you have the power to overcome any obstacle that comes or is put in your way. Having that amazing feeling knowing you are GREATER than ANYTHING you ever face. Consider this thought. You wouldn’t be here if you weren’t given, or didn’t have access to the ability to be an “over-comer.”

We have the ability to connect with an inner source to allow us to be a clear, confident decision maker. We have access to our own GPS. It is a guidance system that we can turn to and listen to any time. It helps us with choices that guide us to our purpose with passion.

When we explore our Intuition and let our inner voice guide us, we will automatically feel it. We will know when a choice we make is in harmony with our highest good. Learn to pay attention to your inner voice. It will give you the confidence to make any decision in your life.

We are all given a purpose in this life. This is a purpose that serves our highest good. We are given the true Authentic Self-Confidence to pursue discovering that purpose. When we discover this purpose, we develop a passion and love that fills us from within. No one or anything can give us this from the outside. Unlocking confidence in our decision making is yet another stepping stone in our path to our purpose, passion, and dreams.

Being really clear on what we would love our life to be, making confident decisions from that very place. We must realize, there are many different types of decisions we make in any given day. These decisions can and will impact our self-confidence. This provides a new level of understanding. It builds trust in how making those choices can help our purpose, passion, and dreams.

We develop an understanding and trust. This development guides us to know when we are operating for our highest good and when we are not. We discover two secret keys to get in touch with our inner voice. These keys help us know with Authentic Self-Confidence that we are making the best possible decision. This assurance applies no matter the situation or circumstance we face in that moment.

So, what do we do when we want a bowl of ice cream? We get up and go to the freezer. We grab the container of vanilla and the ice cream scoop. Sometimes, we grab a bowl and a spoon. We are ready to enjoy! We made a decision and took the steps needed to achieve the goal. That was a simple one. Yet, if the chocolate ice cream had also been in the freezer, the decision would have been made more challenging. We make decisions every day of our lives; some are easy, others more difficult.

We have all found ourselves in situations where we had no clue what to do. We didn’t know what direction to take or what move to make. We just couldn’t decide what the best thing to do was. We all feel that way at times. We have options and opportunities before us. We just don’t know what the right choice would be. We get stuck in the “thinking” about decisions. This keeps us stuck. We do not move ahead to our purpose, passion, and the life we love living. This is NOT the place we would like to stay for any time. Instead, we want to connect with the source within us that will help us become clear, confident decision-makers.

As part of the human experience, we all make decisions. Most of the decisions we make are done without thinking about them, they come out of habit, or by default. Some decisions need much more consideration and planning. We debate with ourselves back and forth on what the “right” thing to do is. We even turn to others for advice. During all this, there is ONE (GPS) guidance system. We can each turn to it at any point and time. When we really listen, it helps us make the choices. These choices propel us in the direction of being the person who CAN, DO, and BE whatever we choose.

The key is strengthening our personal relationship with the part of us that already knows ALL THE ANSWERS, our Intuition. When we allow our Inner Voice to guide us, we sense when a choice aligns with our highest good. We can tell when a decision matches our best interest. We become more aware of what the cues are. When we pay attention to them, they will guide us toward freedom. They lead to happiness in all areas of our life.

There are times that we feel that we haven’t made the best choice or decision… We just need to take a breath. Send a kind glance toward that thought. Look at life through a new lens, the lens of clarity. Focus on our inner Self, Intuition, the one who is here to give us confidence. We need this confidence to make any choice or decision, whether great or small.

Here is a recap of what I have learned, utilizing myself and also want to share with you so you can do the same:

  • I have the ability to make a snap decision, or a considered decision.
  • Confidence in decision-making comes with knowing what I really want, and serving it with my time and attention
  • The most important decision I will make is to choose where within myself I find the place to make choices. These choices must matter to me.
  • If I make a decision that matters to me, it is okay to get it wrong. It is part of the process on the way to getting it right.
  • No one else can know what my Inner Voice is telling me. Not even a trusted advisor, or someone close to me.
  • Deep down, there is only one thought that really matters: “I would really LOVE to do this.”
  • The voice that assists me in making decisions about an idea offers guidance. It provides either feelings of greater expansion or contraction.
  • Confidence in my ability to make decisions is something that can absolutely be grown and developed.

There are three things that were suggested that I do to help me become a Clear, Confident Decision Maker:

  1. To consider some decisions I am making and notice the feeling I get while making them. Am I feeling expansion or contraction? What do I sense about those feelings?
  2. When I am making a decision, I lean in to the voice of truth. It is the part of me that already knows the answer.
  3. Each day, I pay attention when I am making decisions. I notice if there is a gravitational pull toward the familiar. I also observe if there is a feeling of contraction or one of expansion.

We are moving into the final step of Authentic Self-Confidence. This is Confidence #5. I will be sharing about Freedom From the Opinions of Others. This was a huge one for me. We have built a belief in ourselves. Anytime we face criticism or discouragement from outside sources, we CAN STAND TALL, STRONG, and CONFIDENT anyway. Many powerful people have utilized this secret formula to grow their authentic self-confidence. Now, we are unshackling and developing ours too!

Here’s to listening and hearing our inner voice!!

Holly

I am a Heart Centered Life Coach.

With heart centered life coaching, I believe that everyone has infinite potential to be, do, give and have whatever they desire.

I know that my clients are connected to a power that’s greater than any circumstance or problem they are currently facing, no matter how big those problems may seem, or how long the problem has existed.

I have a fundamental belief in the goodness of people, and I help my clients to get in touch with that goodness, and work with it, to bring forth a life they love living.

I will help you to tap into the wisdom, greatness and infinite potential that is already inside of you. I will do this instead of telling you what you can do and be, who you are, and what you should do.

In our coaching session, you will learn about yourself (as I will learn about you too) and what you want to be, do and give. You will realize that you are more empowered than you’ve ever realized you were and are liberated and set free to live a life you love living.

I have a purpose that inspires me to make the world better.

I believe that people deserve to have the life of their dreams, and that they can create that life.

I believe that everyone is placed on this earth with a divine purpose, and they have a burning passion within them that they may or may not be aware of.

I believe that no matter where we are in our life’s process, we have been given the stepping stones to discover our full potential and purpose, with pure passion.

I understand and believe that there is a power in all of us that is far greater than any circumstance, situation or condition!

I will give you the gift of committing to your vision regardless of conditions, regardless of how impossible it may seem to achieve, giving and empowering you the ability to create the life of your dreams.

I will empower you to open up to infinite possibilities.

I will empower you to tune to the wavelength of possibilities.

I will empower you to make your dream come true.

I will open you up to the possibility of the infinite ways you many not even realize yet. Giving you the gift of brave thinking, which is how extraordinary results are created with unprecedented ease and speed.

YOU inspire me, to EMPOWER YOU, to move forward and towards the results YOU WANT to create YOUR LIFE of unshackled happiness and freedom. To grow where YOU are planted and to BLOOM BEAUTIFULLY!

Empower Your Dreams: Heart Centered Life Coaching Benefits

Quote• Posted on by HOLLY STEVENS
Posted in Life Coaching

Empowering Others: Why I Became a Life Coach

Posted on by HOLLY STEVENS

Life Coach my why for becoming a certified life coach

I’ve clarified  what is a life coach?

I’ve shared a general prospective about Life Coaching… How does the process work?

Now, I want to share with you MY WHY of becoming a Certified Life Coach.

When I was in high school I had thoughts of being a mental health practitioner, however they were only fleeting thoughts. I began cosmetology school, to be ended by an ATV accident leaving me with medical advice that long hours on my feet and my arms elevated it would not be the career that I would physically be able to do. My heart was shattered in a million pieces. I loved the idea of helping others feel good about themselves and everyone loves getting their hair cut, colored, or done up for a special occasion. It just gives you that little “boost” and I was going to be able to do that for others.

A few years later, I became an advanced EMT and certified fire fighter, continuing on to paramedic school. This was a very fulfilling “duty”. I was helping others, and in some cases, after our job was done could only pray for these individuals not always knowing their final out come. After having my two daughters, choosing to not put myself in harms way, so I could be there for my girls. I was offered an opportunity to continue my education further, becoming a certified Whole Health Counselor. Providing me the ability to be of greater help in understanding and caring for my girls, and extended family members with chronic illnesses.

In 2004 I choose to leave my marriage that I had fought long and hard to keep, and believed in my heart could be made to work for our family’s sake. Ending up with a significant hospital stay due to stress related issues in 2003, marriage counseling, individual counseling, etc. I had to accept that “letting go” was the best and only option. One of the hardest things in life sometimes is letting go of what you feel and believe was the “dream” come true for your family.

I finished my schooling and graduated as a single mom. I spent the next 11 years focused on my priority of raising and advocating for my girls. Working in the health and human services field, and in an agriculture based job as my primary employments and several part-time jobs a long side to make ends meet. I continued keeping up with my whole health research, and continuing education to stay current not to loose what I’d worked hard to accomplish as I felt it was an answer to a prayer. I just wasn’t always sure what I was to do with it, knowing I needed to wait until my girls were graduated from high school before perusing a career change.

I consciously choose to challenge myself to always be the best me/mom I could be in any given moment, in any given circumstance or situation. To always try to be a better me/mom today, than I was yesterday. If that didn’t work out for me on any given day, I knew in my heart that I was doing my best! At the end of the day I “let go”, praying for forgiveness, and the grace to have the opportunity to give it my best shot tomorrow.

NOW! Now is when that answered prayer from many years back, has became VERY CLEAR to me! 15+ years I have had the time to “see” what my life’s journey to this day has been preparing me for, and a moment sooner would have been, a major life detour. During these years of learning and struggle, there has been an intense discovery of my life and purpose. Looking back, all the tears, struggles, doubt, literally screaming “WHY ME”?, hearing and saying “when there is a will, there is a way”, crying myself to sleep at night and more days than not feeling as though I was a failure to myself and my girls. The relationships that didn’t work out, the friendships I’ve been hurt by, the friendships that I have been blessed with, and the knowledge and experience is more than any text book can or ever will provide.

I discovered the Who, What, When, Where, and HOW of ME! I discovered my family of origin issues, faced them, dealt with them for ME, learning it wasn’t because of me it was what they knew best in dealing with situations and it wasn’t my place to take it on and/or fix it. This in turn allowed me to discover the why to my relationship issues, and that I could not rescue, enable, love others to their happiness, nor save them. I discovered that I was more than capable of taking care of myself physically, emotionally, environmentally, and spiritually. I was (am) a good mom and that my choices may not always of been the right ones, but they were the best ones I could make in the given moment. I have raised two amazing daughters, who are very authentic, strong willed, independently interdependent, and successful. They are full of Love, Compassion, Empathy, Care, and capable of conquering anything they set their mind to.

In 2016 post my second daughters high school graduation, I enrolled in my CE classes for whole health counseling. I was offered the opportunity to apply to Life Mastery Institute and was accepted into the Life Coach certification program. I can say I have literally traveled coast to coast to get the signed papers stating that I am educated, qualified, and accredited to provide professional services to and for others. However, the true education comes from the life experience that has been laid before me now behind me to fulfill a God given mission. I take on this mission with much passion, as I have spent my life HELPING others, and I will be the first to admit, it has not always been in the healthy means of helping.

I have learned through my life education, verified through my academic education, that I am here on this earth with a deep passion to EMPOWER others. Providing others with the knowledge, resources, belief and empowerment to be the best they can be in any given moment, circumstance or situation. Resting assured that there is no circumstance nor situation that is greater than themselves!

We can label, name, blame our situations and circumstances that have put us where we are today in this very moment. However, labels can possibly create some understanding as to the how we got here and why we are where we are. Naming can possibly give some clarification. Blaming, truly isn’t an option. Blaming is only displacing the issue that WE HAVE, and in reality we are the ONLY one who has control over the issue. The ONLY reason we Label, Name and Blame, is because we are HURT and uncertain how else to attempt to overcome, get rid of, or move on from an these issues that comes from dealing with others. Weather family, partner, co-workers or friends.

My Life Coaching mission and passion is to EMPOWER others to live A SPLENDID LIFE NOW! Teaching others how to UNSHACKLE their happiness, being happy who they are right now! Utilizing what they have went through or are going through to know they have been planted in the garden of grace and they will bloom! Living from the inside out.

When we live from the inside out, we can live with grace and peace no matter what we face. We allow ourselves to be all that we can be and allow others to do/be the same (in their own garden). We will learn that just because they may have weeds in their garden doesn’t mean they are/can/will plant weeds in ours, nor is it our responsibility to keep the weeds out of theirs. We know we will always have enough grace and peace for ourselves, we will know how to take care of our garden, harvest our supply when we need it, and know there is always more growing. When we take care of what we sow, we will always have a bountiful harvest when we need it.

It is when we become unshackled, we are free to pursue who we really are, what we are truly passionate about, and fulfill our purpose here on earth. After we unshackle ourselves from allowing others to hold the key, we are not always clear what or how we should “move on”. What we are truly capable of. What that looks like, with or without the support of our spouse or family.

I would love to share my garden harvest and my belief in YOU! Teaching and guiding you, empowering you, supporting you, and walking beside you in this journey of discovery. It is with great honor that I have been gifted this journey in life, and it would be of great honor to walk along side of you guiding you in your unleashing/unshackling process. Email me I would love to hear from you!!

If you would like, I would love to share 30 minutes with you unshackling, shoot me an email and we will set up a time that works for you!!

Here’s to UNSHACKLED HAPPINESS!!

Holly

Posted in Life Coaching

Understanding Life Coaching: What a Life Coach Does

Posted on by HOLLY STEVENS

life coaching what is a life coach

Life Coaching… What is a Life Coach?

A life coach is a professional mentor who helps you to:

  • Identify the dreams and desires that are aligned with your soul’s purpose, and that will make you feel authentically happy and fulfilled.
  • Remove the mindsets, habits and other obstacles that hold you back from activating and realizing those dreams.
  • Create a plan to turn your dreams into reality.
  • Take consistent, productive action on that plan, improve the plan when necessary, and overcome any setbacks or obstacles that appear along the way.
  • Master Invisible Laws of Success, so that reaching your goals becomes practically inevitable.

A life coach is someone who finds joy in using their gifts to help people create the lives of their dreams. Your life coach is the light that helps you see the answers you already have inside yourself and find the courage to pursue those answers, even when your circumstances tell you to just give up.

Life Coaching… What it is NOT!

  • A life coach is NOT like a Self-Help Book!

Self-help books often offer a one-size-fits-all solution. Even if they do allow some wiggle room for people to implement their teachings in a way that fits their personality and life, very few of them effectively help their readers implement the process in a way that creates real change. Self-help books become ‘shelf-help’: things that people read, are impressed by, use just a little bit, and them put away on the shelf without ever fully applying the tactic or strategies to their lives.

Even if people DO use their teachings, many books also fail to guide their readers through the process of coping with the old wounds and new obstacles that inevitably arise when a person attempts to change the status quo.

The ego and mind seldom allows the familiar to change without a fight, so life coaches provide their clients with ongoing support and tools to prevent them from slipping back into their old patterns, and to help them through the sometimes frightening transition from who they are right now to who they want to be.

  • A life coach is NOT a Therapist!

Therapy emphasizes getting people to talk about their problems, repeatedly bringing their focus back to their wounds, and trying to heal them. It doesn’t usually teach them how to stop the behavior that leads to those wounds, and to attract the life they want to live instead.

Life coaches help people understand why they went through the pain that they did, why they’re still  suffering, and why the same bad things keep showing up in their lives, but they DON’T focus on the wounds. Instead, they help their clients heal their emotional scars, regain faith in themselves, in the world, and change the habits and mindsets that have continued to attract that pain over and over again.

  • A life coach is NOT a Psychologist!

While both professions help people understand the human mind, life coaches go far beyond that. We use our understanding of the mind to unleash our clients’ inner power and creativity, to help them tap into wisdom that they didn’t know they had, and to turn their minds into powerful magnets that attract the people and circumstances they want, with far less time and effort on their part than conventional thinking would believe possible.

As Henry David Thoreau once wrote:

“If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”

We understand that the human mind works in conjunction with powerful and universal laws, and these laws govern whether you’ll succeed in any area of your life. Because of this, it is vital to know how to make your mind work in your favor, and life coaches show their clients how.