Dear Growing Friend,

Thank you for joining me on this journey to better health! I started this newsletter to share what I've learned about living a fuller, healthier lifestyle and to create a community of people who are also on this journey to feel less alone and have support.

My Story

My journey began in 2017 when I was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (cluster of clots in my lung) and two DVTs (blood clots in my leg). Doctors attributed this to birth control pills combined with the sedentary nature of tax season – as a tax accountant, I was working long days with minimal movement.

That's when I realized those long lists of prescription side effects aren't meant to be ignored. They're crucial information for making informed decisions for yourself and your family. I might have still chosen that medication knowing the risks, or I might have chosen something different. But I never had the chance to have that conversation – it was simply "here's your birth control, see you next time."

After this scare, anxiety about my health took over. I'd always struggled with illness:

• At 18, I had my tonsils removed after they became "permanently infected"

• I'd experienced mono, bronchitis, laryngitis, and strep throat within months of each other

• When I caught colds, they'd last 2+ weeks

• Even after my tonsillectomy, the frequent illnesses continued

• On top of that, I had terrible gut issues and chronic stomach pains

I suffered terrible stomach pains, irregular bowel movements, and chronic constipation. Doctor visits became frustrating – they'd take an X-ray, tell me I was "backed up," recommend laxatives or Tums, and send me on my way. When I explained I was eating a simple diet of chicken and peas, they had zero answers.

I was desperate – bent over in my work bathroom, crying from pain, unbuttoning my pants just to breathe. It was miserable.

The Turning Point

In 2021, I reached my breaking point: I CANNOT live this way.

I began researching everything I could find about gut health, the microbiome, and how environmental factors disrupt our gut and hormones. My husband and I started implementing changes one by one. Four years later, we're still making adjustments! But the results have been LIFE-CHANGING.

This doesn't mean we're perfect. We still enjoy ice cream and eating out – but we support our bodies most of the time, so when we do indulge, it doesn't trigger acid reflux, bloating, or stomach pains. And those weeks of being sick are no more!

Remember: this is a four-year journey – not an overnight transformation. It takes time, patience, and self-compassion. Small, consistent changes build into substantial growth.

The Results

Since beginning this journey:

• I haven't needed antibiotics once

• I haven't taken a single Tums (after previously living on them daily)

• I haven't caught a cold in two years

• My chronic headaches disappeared (no more living on ibuprofen)

And I say this but the goal isn't to never get sick. It's being able to build your immune system, eliminating digestive issues, and supporting your body enough that it can heal itself. So our days aren’t spent in pain and exhaustion.

How This Newsletter Works

We'll explore a monthly topic over two issues:

First Issue (First Wednesday of the month):

• A relevant chapter from my personal journey

• Science-backed insights on the month's topic

• Practical first steps you can implement immediately

• A spotlight on a mindful business aligned with our theme

• Our monthly challenge and an invitation to submit questions

Second Issue (Third Wednesday of the month):

• A check-in on your challenge progress

• Answers to your most thought-provoking questions

• Celebration of community wins and shared experiences

• Carefully curated resources to deepen your journey

• Preview of next month's focus and how it builds on our current work

This approach moves beyond surface-level tips to create lasting change. You'll have time to implement what you learn, ask questions based on your experience, and connect with others on the same path.

Coming Soon

The first full newsletter launches Wednesday, June 4th.

Our focus is gut health – the fundamental transformation that changed my life when doctors couldn't help and health issues were consuming my days. Come to find out our gut is responsible for up to 80+% of our immune cells. This was mind blowing to me! So not only did helping out my gut help with my stomach issues, it also helped my immune system! Not being sick for weeks on end is game changing.

I'll share more on how this became the cornerstone of my recovery and why it might be the missing piece in your wellness puzzle too.

Ready to begin? Let's take this first step together.

Thank you for being here! I look forward to being on this journey with you!

Rooted in wellness & rising together,
Erica