As someone who has spent over a decade navigating the ups and downs of chronic illness, while also supporting others on their health journeys as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, I’ve learned some powerful and transformative lessons. These lessons have shaped my approach to healing, coaching, and living a balanced life. If you’re facing health challenges or looking to create meaningful changes, here are five key takeaways that have been game-changers for me—and for my clients.
The Healing Journey Is Never Linear
Healing is not a straight path. There are days when you feel amazing, followed by days when you feel like you’re back at square one. I’ve had moments of triumph and moments of frustration, but over time, I’ve realized that the healing journey is filled with ups and downs. What I’ve learned is this: patience with yourself is key.
Progress in health often takes time, and it’s not always a linear experience. It’s easy to feel discouraged when things don’t happen as quickly as we hope. But embracing the process, understanding that setbacks are part of the journey, and trusting that you’re still moving forward will help you stay resilient. Healing is about progress, not perfection.
Nutrition is Everything
What we eat directly impacts how we feel, how we heal, and how our bodies function. Through my personal journey with chronic illness and my work with clients, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of food. Nutrition isn’t just about weight loss or dieting—it’s about giving your body the nourishment it needs to thrive.
Eating whole, nutrient-dense foods helps support immune function, balance hormones, improve digestion, and even enhance mental clarity. When we fuel our bodies with the right nutrients, we empower ourselves to heal from the inside out. It’s amazing how food can be a powerful tool in managing chronic conditions and promoting overall health.
Choosing anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense foods can have a huge impact on reducing and even eliminating symptoms of an autoimmune condition. Begin by adding in foods like:
- Omega-3-rich foods (e.g., fatty fish like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts)
- Colorful fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants (e.g., berries, leafy greens, peppers)
- Fermented foods (e.g., yogurt, kefir, kimchi) to support gut health, which has a significant impact on immune function.
- Herbs like turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties and can be included in meals or taken as supplements.
Progress Over Perfection
There was a time when I thought I needed to be perfect in everything I did for my health. The truth is, consistency is far more important than perfection. Small, positive changes, practiced every day, lead to big results over time.
Perfection can create unnecessary pressure and frustration, making it harder to maintain healthy habits. Instead, focusing on consistent effort—whether it’s in your meals, exercise, or self-care routines—creates lasting, positive changes. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection.
This picture was taken during a very difficult time in my healing journey. I was in a lot of pain here, felt very weak and had very swollen joints. I distinctly remember standing and “smiling” for this photo trying my best to enjoy a beautiful vacation.
Healing Takes Longer Than You Think
One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that healing doesn’t happen overnight. Especially when dealing with chronic illness, it can take longer than we expect. I’ve had to learn to honor my body’s pace and trust the process—even when the results feel slow or non-existent at times.
In today’s world of instant gratification, it’s easy to expect fast results. But true healing is a slow, steady process. It requires time, patience, and respecting the rhythms of your body. Healing isn’t rushed; it’s nurtured, and the outcomes are more sustainable when you allow the process to unfold naturally.
Embrace the Power of Self-Advocacy
Become your own advocate. This means educating yourself about your condition, exploring different treatment options, and working alongside your healthcare team to make informed decisions about your health.
You know your body better than anyone else. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek second opinions, or explore integrative approaches that resonate with you. Taking an active role in your care helps you regain a sense of control.
Final Thoughts
These five lessons have been pivotal not only in my personal healing journey but also in how I support my clients on their path to health.
When you’re living with chronic illness, it’s easy to get caught up in feelings of frustration, guilt, or self-blame. I’ve learned that being kind to yourself during the “bad” days is just as important as following the latest health strategy or treatment plan. Be gentle with yourself. You deserve it.
If you’re struggling or navigating your own healing journey, remember this: healing is possible! Every step counts. Keep going with patience, compassion, and commitment.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward your own transformation, I’d love to help you get there. Feel free to reach out to learn more about how we can work together to create a personalized plan that supports your health and well-being. There’s no need to go through this alone!
With Love,
Kristy Crandell
