Penelope Rosener not only gained an education at SWIHA, she also gained a whole new perspective on life. After losing her dear father, Penelope was in a hard place and knew that there were aspects of her life that were no longer serving her. Eventually, she started her journey at SWIHA, enrolling in the Holistic Health & Wellness Coach program with the specialty of Whole Foods Culinary Specialist. Today, Penelope shares what this journey meant to her, and what she has planned next!
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?
Before SWIHA, I was struggling through some very difficult times. I had just lost my dad to Alzheimer’s disease and felt a little broken with uncertain health issues of my own. I also felt like I had reached the point of occupational burnout in my prior career and needed more fulfillment in my life. I was in search of answers to the misfortune in my life, and I chose a path of holistic healing. That’s when I answered the call to my SWIHA student journey.
I was drawn to the nutrition aspect of the program initially, as I learned that most chronic disease is a result of chronic inflammation related to nutrition and lifestyle. I am passionate about this modality because, by adopting a holistic health and wellness lifestyle, most chronic diseases can be prevented and healed. The coaching aspect of the program was a new concept for me. It’s taught me a whole new way of engaging and communicating in all aspects of life.
Is there a “defining moment” you’d like to speak about? When did you know that you were on the right path?
There have been more like a series of defining moments for me. It’s the moments when I hear my children talking more openly about health and wellness…when they’re showing more of an interest in food and how it’s affecting their bodies. It’s having more conversations about how we’re feeling and why…and it’s being able to work through tough times with a strong sense of autonomy and self-worth. Overall, it’s learning to live life in a more conscious state of mind, together.
For me, learning how to live mindfully with intention and taking the time to reflect has been a life changer. By integrating the knowledge and skills I’ve gained into the real world, I was able to adopt a fresh, new perspective on life. I knew this path was right for me when I realized the impact I’m making on the future of my family and on the greater good of generations to come. The possibilities are endless.
Has your life significantly changed? If so, how?
Yes! My life has become incredibly meaningful. I feel more alive and connected than ever, and I’ve learned how to better regulate my emotions and work through pain and adversity.
What are you up to now—professionally and personally?
Currently, I am focused on completing my program and preparing to launch my business. While I continue working on personal and professional growth, I work with special needs children at the local high school. The following steps in launching my business will be to start growing herbs for profit and to create herb mixes and specialty products to sell locally while I’m putting together a coaching program of my own.
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 am not seeing clients, yet. However, the practical skills I’ve learned at SWIHA support me in my everyday life, and I know they will be the very foundation for building a successful private practice and culinary business from startup to fully functional and efficient.
What was the greatest lesson(s) you learned while at SWIHA?
The greatest lessons I’ve learned are that with each journey we take, we are exactly where we need to be, and when we show up as our authentic selves with compassion and live life moment by moment, we can and will make all of our dreams come true; the power of possibility is right inside our own mind, body, and spirit.
Who were your most impactful teachers while you studied at SWIHA? What were your favorite classes?
Each one of my instructors had their very own unique approach to educating, and I could go on about each one of them for I appreciate them all. However, I want to acknowledge the great effort that both Dee and Gisele put into engaging with us on Yellowdig, providing us with extra support and resources, and taking the time to offer detailed feedback on assignments.
My favorite classes were definitely the nutrition and culinary classes, as I enjoy cooking, and nutrition has become a new passion of mine. I also really liked the psychology of well-being and addictions classes, the mindfulness classes, and the wellness coaching classes.
If you could give advice to future SWIHA students, what would it be?
I’d advise future students at SWIHA to find a system of organization that works for them and then integrate that into daily practice. This is something I wish I had been better at from the start.
Also, anytime you’re feeling lost, or are overwhelmed by the “I can’t do this” gremlin, try to reconnect with your purpose and passion, and let that be your guide. When you have so much going on, it’s easy to get lost and discouraged. Try and trust the process and take time to reflect on your experience. It will be over before you know it.
What else—if anything—would you like us to know about you, your work, and/or your personal journey?
I am so excited to graduate! This part of my journey has been amazing, and it’s just the start of endless possibilities for my future. I love the SWIHA community!
