my story

Growing up in a far away land of Kyrgyzstan I was a sensitive kid. Since early childhood I intuitively learnt to care for the emotional needs of others. My parents worked really hard all their lives to provide access to the best education. We’ve never felt deprived of anything yet I was taught life was about survival and one has to get a “prestigious” job in order to do well. It made sense as both of my parents are children of the Soviet era where you had to blend in, live like everyone else and never challenge the authority. With the end of socialism and adoption of the market economy it seemed they endured the toughest lessons of both. Fast forward to 35 years I’ve moved countries, gone to get 2 university degrees, a couple of reputable jobs at multi-nationals yet I felt so empty and numb inside. By that point I’ve earned a title of a chronic perfectionist chasing yet another certification, promotion or accolade. I thought that’s how I find my happy place yet the more I tried the farther it seemed. In 2015 I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition, associated with compromised thyroid hormone production. I felt extremely fatigued, depressed, and lost. I felt like my body let me down and the prognosis of life long synthetic hormones and suboptimal health was scary. I was told there is nothing I can do and I am just 1 of 1.5% population who gets it. The rebel in me refused to believe this and I thought surely there is another way. Since then I’ve learnt that our bodies are resilient yet fragile when neglected. Given the right approach we can nurture ourselves to vibrant health and my 9 years of journey is a testament to that. We cannot expect a plant to flourish when deprived of nutrient dense soil and pure water. Our bodies are very similar and what we feed is extremely important. I don’t follow any popular trends or diets but rather focus on healing and anti-inflammatory foods as well as foundational aspects that will become lifelong habits. In hindsight my chronic condition is the best thing that ever happened to me as it taught me more about myself than I ever imagined. My body communicated when I couldn’t say No. Since 2020 I’ve been fortunate enough to discover Breathwork. Following Hashimoto’s remission Breathwork took me to the depth of my being, created a safe space for my emotions to express and connected to my essence through the heart. I’ve learnt that in order to feel Joy or Happiness we should allow all spectrum of emotions without “blocking” so called negative ones. It can be very painful at times however there is freedom, peace and authentic power on the other side. I have completed 2 years of Naturopathic Nutrition course at the College of Naturopathic Medicine in London and currently on my final year. I have also trained with David Elliott, Level 3 and qualified to offer 1:1 as well as group Breathwork meditations. When I am not at work I am a mama to a mischievous toddler and enjoy deep conversations with my hubby.