What was your life like before SWIHA? What led you to SWIHA and to your particular program of study? Why are you passionate about this modality?
Life before SWIHA was somewhat challenging to find direction. I was led to SWIHA by a need to stay in the healing profession and was able to secure my spot via the Vocational Rehab program offered by Veteran Affairs. I chose this program to try and bridge the gap between health and wellness and whole foods for my clients. I firmly believe food can be medicine and hope to spread that belief to others through transformations in their behavior around food and their food choices.
Is there a “defining moment” you’d like to speak about? When did you know that you were on the right path?
I feel the defining moment was during a coaching session with my spouse where she realized that her needing to make schedules and lists was a form of self-care for her. Watching that moment happen before my eyes solidified how much people can see just by sharing their journey in a safe space. I have watched aha moments happen before yet when I was able to experience this with my wife I knew I was put in the right place and can’t wait to bring safety to others.
Has your life significantly changed? If so, how?
My life has gotten SIGNIFICANTLY busier, however, I have been able to use the skills I have learned to manage that time. Finding balance in the chaos of work, school, launching a business, moving across the country and being a new parent has been a lot easier with the skills I have learned and practiced. I have developed and used the skills I have learned in my program and have more confidence about using them with clients because of that.
What are you up to now—professionally and personally?
Professionally I am still in the larval stage preparing to form my cocoon. I have started to create my website and will finalize it once I establish my business in Illinois. I am also working on revamping/creating my social media accounts and expect to have those up and running prior to the conclusion of my program. Personally, I am navigating a new living arrangement, infant, job transfer, and my final module for Holistic Health and Wellness Coaching, and I couldn't be more excited.
If you own a business or private practice, tell us all about it! What inspired you to start your own business? What services do you offer? How do you powerfully impact clients? How are the skills you learned at SWIHA supporting your work?
I will own a private practice promptly after relocating, and currently plan to provide coaching services as well as cooking demonstrations on TWITCH, which is generally a video game streaming platform, although it extends its reach into the demographic I would like to work with.
I plan to offer Holistic Health and Wellness services with a focus on reconnecting with whole foods as a base for Health and Wellness. The skills I learned at SWIHA have allowed me to see the impact on clients during reflection and reframing conversations, such powerful AHA moments form in a safe place. I continue to refine both coaching and cooking skills that I have learned at SWIHA in hopes to provide continued support to clients.
What was the greatest lesson(s) you learned while at SWIHA?
Without spoiling the journey for others, I would say the 3 greatest lessons I learned were that perfection isn’t perfect for every situation, everything about GRIT was wonderful, and pretty much anything that was covered by Brene Brown in our class material. The effect these topics have had on my growth has caused a ripple effect in my life and others.
Who were your most impactful teachers while you studied at SWIHA? What were your favorite classes?
I would say the most impactful teachers I have had at SWIHA were Sharlene King Nordquist – for pushing us to coach outside of our box, Susanne Thomas – for her attention to detail and accountability, and Dee McCaffrey – for her excitement about cooking and sharing nutritional information.
My favorite classes have been all the Whole foods classes as well as the Content/Influencer classes. Both forced me out of my comfort zone when sharing with others.
If you could give advice to future SWIHA students, what would it be?
Don’t wait to change your behavior until you feel no resistance, sometimes that is what we need for growth. Use resistance to develop resilience and eventually you will be stronger than you ever imagined.
What else—if anything—would you like us to know about you, your work, and/or your personal journey?
As I navigated health concerns it became more evident that now is the perfect time. Now is the perfect time to take that baby step, that huge leap, or even a sidestep. Now is the time to be present in your reality. Now is the time to chase the dream you still dream or the goal you want to achieve. Now is here, tomorrow may not be.
Connect with Michael
Instagram: @Medicannmanwellness
Twitter: @MedicannMan
