A Guide on the Side

Over the last several years, I’ve been on a health journey. In 2014 I had my first challenge with digestive issues that required a trip to the hospital and a heavy dose of antibiotics. I followed up with my regular doctor, integrated the recommendations she had, and went on with my life.

And then it happened again in 2016. After that, I was more thoughtful about my diet and worked on getting healthier, meeting briefly with a nutritionist and cutting back on sugar and adding more fruits and vegetables to my diet. As time went by, all seemed well, and my digestive challenges became a non-issue.

Until December of 2021, and then again in June of 2022. After June’s bout, I was DONE. Cleary the things I had been doing to address this issue had not worked. I had been trying SO hard to solve this problem--following the recommendations of my doctors and changing my diet, but there I was, sick again.

I believed there had to be a way to address this that didn’t involve continual antibiotics or eventual surgery. What was causing these problems? And what was possible to prevent them and get to the other side of this health challenge for good? I didn’t know the answers to these questions, and I didn’t know how to find them either.

Once I committed to figuring out how to shift this, I started talking to friends and colleagues to get ideas; I did some reading and some research and finally decided I needed a health coach. I needed someone who had expertise and knowledge I didn’t have who could be a guide for me, offering feedback and support as I worked to address my health challenges.

After getting clear about what I wanted, I began my search. There were some initial possibilities, but none were the right fit. This search was not without its frustrations, but eventually a colleague referred me to a functional health coach. This is a coach who looks for the root causes of health issues through testing and addresses wellness through five key pillars of health: nutrition, sleep, fitness, hydration, and stress reduction. After the initial consultation, I knew Robby could help get me to where I wanted to go, so I began my wellness journey.

Although this work was challenging, it was ABSOLUTELY worth it. I was able to understand what was going on and create better habits to address my health issues. I discovered I had significant food sensitivities (gluten played a big role in my gut issues) and I learned how to eat healthier to give my body what it needs and avoid what it doesn’t. I learned to create meals that taste delicious and aren’t hard to make (and that’s saying a lot, because anyone that knows me knows I HATE to cook.) I also lost a few pounds, built some muscle, gained more energy, and got my middle-aged acne under control. My digestion is much better now, and the shift in my habits means my family is getting healthier too.

My health coach was a key factor in my success. He provided information that aligned with my doctor’s recommendations while adding additional pieces I didn’t know I was missing. He helped me shift my mindset around health, diet, cooking, and nutrition. He adapted his coaching to meet me where I was, ensuring my goals were the focus of our work together. He also affirmed my hard work and helped me recognize and celebrate the results I was achieving.

A few weeks ago, I shared with my sister-in-law that engaging in this coaching program was one of the most impactful things I’ve done in my life. At the start of this, I certainly didn’t expect to be saying that, but it’s the truth. I have transformed my health and well-being in the ways I wanted to, and in so many unexpected ways too.

I was completely frustrated and stuck, and I needed a “guide on the side” to help me get unstuck. For me, it was a functional health coach; for you it could be a leadership/executive coach or a life coach, a therapist, a personal trainer, a mentor at work, a friend or colleague, or even an author or favorite podcaster. Ideally, it would be someone you can connect with individually for guidance, but if you commit to going all-in on whatever guidance you choose, you will experience transformation.

Bottom Line: If you’re stuck, look for a guide on the side to help you get unstuck.

By the way, if you’re interested in learning about the health coach I worked with click on “Robby Gustin” here https://crossfitsouthbend.com/about/meet-the-coaches/ or reach out directly robby@crossfitsouthbend.com