Stepping Into Leadership

Jocelyn Brown is a board-certified holistic health coach and natural health educator. She believes that everyone should look, feel, and live vibrantly, the way nature intended. She received her training in holistic nutrition, health coaching, and preventive health from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Drawing on this knowledge, she works with clients to help them make lifestyle changes that produce real and lasting results. 

Stepping into a leadership role has been a challenge for me. As an introvert, the last thing I relish is the spotlight; but I have come to accept myself as a leader, especially in the health and wellness field. 

Six years ago, all I wanted was to get on disability. I had migraines, insomnia, headaches, digestive issues, chronic hip pain, and chronic tendinitis in my wrist (it was so bad at times I couldn't even hold a coffee mug); I was always tired and had no energy. I had to sit down while I showered. Every day was a struggle, but I wouldn't give up. I took matters into my own hands and started studying natural and alternative health, there had to be something that could help me! 

I studied dietary theories, acupuncture, yoga, rested, went gluten-free, tried all sorts of supplements. I went to a naturopath, saw an Ayurvedic practitioner, went vegetarian, meditated, painted, gardened, got a dog, spent more time in nature, studied herbs, used essential oils.... and slowly but surely I got better. I remember the day I realized I had so much energy that I started jumping up and down in the shower. What a transformation!

It was only natural that the next step in my journey was to take what I've learned and share it with others. This led me to the holistic health coach program at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and now I have the best job in the world! I coach other women on how to find thriving health and feel great! I know how bad it can feel to be sick, and I know how great it can feel to be happy and healthy. From sitting down to shower, to singing and dancing in the shower - this is the transformation I want to share with other women. 

I honestly feel that the worst thing I could do would be not to share my knowledge with others. Every time I want to avoid being a leader in the spotlight, whether it's teaching a class, speaking, or writing a blog post, I think instead of how my knowledge can help people.

My journey started with a single step. 

It doesn't matter how long the journey has taken, I know that I am exactly where I need to be. I am grateful for every step, including the experience of being sick. I know exactly how important my health is now, and I know how important it is to be a leader in health and wellness. 

You can connect with Jocelyn here on her website. 

Today's post is the fourth of the SOS Leadership Austin Leading Ladies' Blog Series. The purpose of this blog series is to share the stories and insights of women who are answering the call to leadership in their lives. Come back each Friday to read more!