Dr. April Moreno - Self-Care Series 3
Autoimmune Conditions, Wellness and Self-Care
… that doesn’t sound very sexy, does it? But it just might be!
In this week’s Self-Care Post I am super excited to have had the chance to interview Dr. April Moreno!
This talk is a great example of how self-care looks different for all of us.
It all depends on which areas we’re struggling with ourselves.
If you’ve ever dealt with an autoimmune condition, this might resonate with just you.
Enjoy:)
“I went through the journey of coming to terms with the diagnosis and deciding to be proactive in designing what my “new normal” would look like. This “new normal” turned out to be much more amazing than what life was before my diagnosis.“ - Dr. April Moreno
What is your name?
Dr. April Moreno
How long have you been working in your field?
I started my autoimmune wellness coaching business almost 2 years ago.
Why did you choose this career?
I was a public health researcher and graduate student when I experienced the autoimmune journey firsthand. I experienced the journey of not knowing what the symptoms meant, to having a relapse and being diagnosed.
I went through the journey of recovery over several months and navigating what it means to have a disability.
Then, I went through the journey of coming to terms with the diagnosis and deciding to be proactive in designing what my “new normal” would look like.
This “new normal” turned out to be much more amazing than what life was before my diagnosis.
Despite this challenge, I was more determined than ever to defend my dissertation and graduate on schedule. When I was offered a research position in public health, I decided that although this was great, that it was not enough.
I decided that I needed to connect individually with women going through the autoimmune experience and became an autoimmune life wellness coach.
This means that I guide them through the path of developing a positive perspective and building their self-efficacy to be proactive in their health experience, and to get back in touch with their life dreams and goals, which are still very achievable despite the autoimmune condition.
I decided that I needed to connect individually with women going through the autoimmune experience and became an autoimmune life wellness coach.
What did you struggle with the most in the beginning of your business?
Not knowing anything about business was a huge challenge!
In fact, getting a PhD was easier than navigating the unknowns of business, such as knowing how and where to start, and what advice to follow.
Learning how to build a business and break down the personal limitations to business success is a tough mountain to climb and an individual life journey.
This is because business is a journey of insight and truly understanding oneself in taking ownership and creating one’s own world and livelihood.
How do you balance your work/life?
I manage my work and life through daily meditation and visualization - and staying in touch with self-care needs as a priority. I enjoy rest times and the occasional nap in the middle of the day.
What does self-care look like for you?
Time in silence and contemplation, scheduling in time for relaxation, spending time with positive and nurturing communities. Hugs with my giant schnauzer.
How did you overcome your struggles?
I am very pleased with the completion of my public health doctorate in 4 years, despite a health relapse and diagnosis during that time.
Through a sense of acceptance and answering the wake-up call to my health and life, I have been able to overcome daily challenges to navigating the autoimmune condition.
If you met yourself 3-5 years ago in that struggle, what is the one thing you would tell yourself that could help?
I’m not sure that I would believe that I am currently in the situation I'm in now. It is a blessing to have found that all that I hoped for in my health is possible, and that it is happening in the best possible way.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years when all your dreams come true?
In 5 years, when all my dreams have come true, I am a bestselling author of several books on autoimmune mindful wellness, leading international retreats and conferences.
I have reached the lives of over five million women around the world and have contributed to changing the narrative of autoimmune living from suffering and misery to insight and limitless living.
What are you working on that you want to share?
I’m currently working on a few books on mindfulness and autoimmune wellness. At this time, I am pre-launching my first book, Autoimmune First Aid.
Where can people learn more about you?
On my website or through my Facebook group, Sisterhood of Limitless Living.
MINDFUL MODERN NOMAD, EMPOWERMENT COACH, EMOTIONAL BODY MAPPING COACH/TEACHER, LMT.
I can happily say that my dreams came true with both my mindset and holistic business coaching and with my bodywork and emotional body mapping teaching. I feel I am finally fully able to be there every step of the way with my client's needs and be a witness to the process.
ARE YOU A HEALER, A GIVER, WORKING IN A SERVICE-BASED BUSINESS (WHETHER IT’S YOUR OWN BUSINESS OR NOT)?
Are you forgetting to make space for your personal expansion, healing and growth? Do you put YOUR wellness on your calendar? Stay inspired doing the thing you do for other people by joining our EMOTIONAL BODY MAPPING ACADEMY, created for people just like you and I, who serve to be reminded that holistic care starts with holistic self-care.