WanaChat w. Bethany Holmes

Join Wana + Bethany Holmes to learn how to release your fears and become the most vibrant version of yourself.

What led you to practicing holistic health and wellness?

In 2015, after a year of many doctor's appointments and undiagnosed symptoms, it was discovered I had a malformation of blood vessels in my brain that had been slowly bleeding. A month after this discovery, the malformation hemmorhaged and I needed emergency brain surgery to save my life. From that experience came so much fear and anxiety of what the future would bring. The recovery was difficult and the resources for support were small. I felt scared and alone in my journey.

How has your health experience affected your relationships?

When you have a health trauma, your life changes and with that comes changes to your relationships. Some people really show up and are there for you. Others are not. It puts life into perspective and it makes you realize who is really there for you and who isn't. Those who are not there for you may not mean they do not care about you, they may just not know how to handle the change either, so they may retract. Open communication is so important when it comes to relationships. Voicing what you need from your friends and family for support is crucial. If after that conversation, people still do not show up, then you know where you need to put your energy and it's with those who support you

How has your experience turned into advocacy on a larger scale?

I choose to use my journey to inspire others. I learned that everything is happening FOR me, not to me. This was the most difficult obstacle I have experienced, and I choose to look at what it has taught me and how I can use my trauma as my power. I went back to school to become a health coach, created my own business and currently work with individuals who have gone through health traumas or have been diagnosed with a chronic health condition and I create a safe space and support for them while they are navigating this new life.

What is your best coping mechanism?

Meditation daily and breathing exercises. Mental health is so important and I believe your thoughts can help heal your physical body.

About Bethany Holmes

Bethany Holmes is a Certified Holistic Health Coach, Reiki Practitioner and Wellness Blogger. Bethany received her coaching certification from The Institute of Integrative Nutrition based out of New York City. Prior to becoming a health coach, Bethany earned her degree in Communications from Michigan State University and worked in Human Resources for 6 years before entering the health and wellness world. In 2015, Bethany underwent emergency brain surgery to save her life from a hemorrhage. From that experience, Bethany started on a healing journey and was inspired to put her focus into health and wellness and help others live their best lives. Currently, Bethany works with individuals both one on one and in group settings guiding them to release their fears, heal their traumas, practice mindfulness and become the best vibrant versions of themselves.

Wana does not directly support any claims made within this content. These are the views of the individual/organization represented.