It is interesting how things come full circle.
A traumatic experience breeds fear, sadness, grief, shame, and guilt. But positive adaptations to trauma are birthed as well. Adaptations such as resilience, the ability to “bounce-back” after stressful life events.
Giving birth to my daughters at the age of 15 and 17, I was embarrassed, afraid, ashamed, and insecure. Fifteen-year-old April could not understand how this could be her life. She knew that she had so much more to offer. After all, she was smart, talented, and well-loved.
How could this be?
You see the seeds planted in my womb at the tender age of 15 and 17 provided much strength, love, and compassion for years to come. I did not understand it then, but I understand it now. The highs and lows of being a teenage mom were training to get me to where I am today.
The strength I needed to overcome the barriers of being a teenage mom was the same strength I needed (and more) to fight for my life!
Breast cancer came knocking at my door at the age of 34. My husband and I were getting excited about being “young empty nesters,” now here comes cancer.
Why does cancer have to be a part of my life plan!? Geesh, can I just BREATHE?
“Cancer, I do not have time for you! It’s time for me to live my life now.”
This is where the rebirth began…
The same day I received my cancer diagnosis, I left the doctor’s office and immediately went to Whole Foods on a quest to heal thyself holistically from the disease that was just proclaimed over my life.
Before shopping, I went to the book section and picked up a book to discover all the herbs needed to heal from cancer naturally. I left the store with turmeric, flaxseed, wheatgrass, green tea, ginger, and astragalus root.
With my faith and herbs in place, I was determined to fight and win. But ultimately, my quest to heal thyself holistically failed. However, that did not stop me from introducing herbs into my daily plan. I realized that healing is trifold, mind, body, and spirit. All need to be in alignment for optimal results.
By taking control of my health, I took my power back from cancer. I changed my eating habits, adding more veggies and herbs. I also discovered a love for fitness-walking, cross-training, yoga, dance fitness, and my new favorite-hiking!
I will take the outdoors over anything! Nature and I have a thing going on (giggle).
Most importantly, let us not forget thy spirit. I spent a lot of time praying, meditating, and journaling. I am comforted knowing that my Creator loves and protects me daily.
I have overcome and deflected numerous side effects that come with undergoing cancer care. In fact, my medical team was astonished I did not encounter known side effects that come with chemotherapy, radiation, and multiple surgeries.
I am a survivor of breast cancer and grateful to say that I am healthier than I have ever been.
I believe the passion to heal naturally is embedded in my DNA. Similar to my initial refusal of conventional cancer treatments, I also refused anesthetics during the birth of my children. I gave birth to both of my daughters naturally. Brave move? Yes! It was the beginning of this path that I am on now.
It is so interesting how things come full circle.
At first, being a young mom of two, the health crisis all seemed like my life was setup for failure. But it was the opposite; it was a divine gateway into my healing, recovery, freedom, and rebirth.
After years of making healing teas, tinctures, and concoctions for my family. I have decided to master my skills, deepen my knowledge and become a Master Herbalist.
I will act as a guide to help heal our community, mind, body, and spirit. My journey led to the birth of “na’tea by nature”. With a focus on women’s health, na’tea by nature specializes in organic, loose-leaf herbal tea blends supporting wellness, changing lives, and making a positive impact. Our mission is to simply heal and provide guidance along your wellness journey.
My hope is that our herbal blends will help to encourage you to live a healthier lifestyle and continue to practice self-care and self-love.
