Embracing Change: My Journey to Wellness
Do you know what you SHOULD be doing for thriving health and wellness but struggle with consistency? Maybe you attended a wellness event or a festival this year (I was at The Big Retreat Festival in Wales) and embraced yoga and mindfulness for a short while, inspired by the event, but found it unsustainable. I understand. I’ve been where you are and know that the shift to ‘healthy living’ is not as easy as it seems.
Several years back, while working in corporate IT, the stress of my career triggered a flare-up of Crohn’s disease. The debilitating symptoms were not just physical; they were a signal—a call for change that I could no longer ignore. With symptoms so severe I could barely leave my house, I was forced to stop and reconsider my direction in life. I surprised everyone by quitting my job and travelling the world, ultimately landing in the jungles of Costa Rica.
You know what you should be doing to improve your health but struggle to stay consistent.
The Duality of Life in Costa Rica
Living in this vibrant place was a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it offered an endless array of holistic wellness practices, drawing me into a world of yoga retreats, mindfulness, and energy healing. On the other hand, I found myself in a constant state of survival, working hard to make ends meet while indulging in parties and a hedonistic lifestyle.
While in Costa Rica, I trained as a massage therapist, became a Reiki Master, and delved into the intriguing world of shamanism. Yet, it took years to fully integrate these practices into my life. I often walked a narrow path between the party lifestyle and wellness, watching as many others struggled with similar challenges. My biggest struggle was with alcohol and despite knowing it triggered the symptoms of Crohn’s disease, I indulged daily.
Your Gut Health Guide
Nikkie Windsor UKIHCA-RHC
Certified Nutritionist, Health Coach & Breathwork Coach
Nikkie empowers individuals to overcome digestive issues, low energy, and brain fog by focusing on mindset shifts and consistent wellness practices. A Certified Nutritionist, Health Coach, and Breathwork Coach, Nikkie also has over 35 years of personal experience managing Crohn’s disease.
After leaving a high-stress corporate career, she transformed her life in the jungles of Costa Rica, studying massage therapy and medicinal plants and becoming a Reiki Master. Nikkie’s unique approach combines holistic wisdom with formal training, empowering clients to achieve vibrant, sustainable wellness through deeper connections between gut health, energy, and mental clarity.
Embracing Change: My Journey to Wellness
Do you know what you SHOULD be doing for thriving health and wellness but struggle with consistency? Maybe you attended a wellness event or a festival this year (I was at The Big Retreat Festival in Wales) and embraced yoga and mindfulness for a short while, inspired by the event, but found it unsustainable. I understand. I’ve been where you are and know that the shift to ‘healthy living’ is not as easy as it seems.
Several years back, while working in corporate IT, the stress of my career triggered a flare-up of Crohn’s disease. The debilitating symptoms were not just physical; they were a signal—a call for change that I could no longer ignore. With symptoms so severe I could barely leave my house, I was forced to stop and reconsider my direction in life. I surprised everyone by quitting my job and travelling the world, ultimately landing in the jungles of Costa Rica.
You know what you should be doing to improve your health but struggle to stay consistent.
The Duality of Life in Costa Rica
Living in this vibrant place was a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it offered an endless array of holistic wellness practices, drawing me into a world of yoga retreats, mindfulness, and energy healing. On the other hand, I found myself in a constant state of survival, working hard to make ends meet while indulging in parties and a hedonistic lifestyle.
While in Costa Rica, I trained as a massage therapist, became a Reiki Master, and delved into the intriguing world of shamanism. Yet, it took years to fully integrate these practices into my life. I often walked a narrow path between the party lifestyle and wellness, watching as many others struggled with similar challenges. My biggest struggle was with alcohol and despite knowing it triggered the symptoms of Crohn’s disease, I indulged daily.
The Call for Change
As time passed, the late nights, hangovers, and constant pain lost their appeal, prompting me to question my purpose in life. However, familiarity and my social circle kept pulling me back to poor lifestyle habits. But the seed had been sown, and I gradually understood that my journey was not merely about changing locations; it was about embracing a transformative way of living. Here, on my doorstep, was the community and knowledge I needed to shift my mindset and embrace change.
You know your triggers but struggle to let them go.
How many of you can relate? You know your triggers and recognise the behaviours that stop you from feeling your best, but you keep doing them. You may have attended wellness retreats or festivals, experiencing a profound transformation—a sense of coming home. The connection with like-minded individuals and the uplifting vibe made you feel invincible, convinced you could do anything.
Knowing, Even Feeling the Power of Healthy Habits is Not Enough
Yet, once you returned to daily life, your motivation faded. You started strong—regular yoga classes, breathwork techniques, mindful activities—but then life took over. You found yourself trying to fit wellness into your busy schedule instead of making it a priority. The festival feelings dwindled into a fun memory and you started counting down the days until the next one to recapture that feeling.
People Who Focus on Mindset Shifts are 2.5 Times More Likely to Maintain Positive Health Outcomes.
Make Space for A Mindset Shift
So, why does this happen? The answer lies in mindset. Transformative experiences at events like the Big Retreat Festival can ignite a spark, but sustaining that change requires more than enthusiasm. We need to shift how we view our wellness journey. It’s about embedding these practices into our daily lives, making them non-negotiable habits rather than just nice-to-haves.
It’s not just about what you eat or how much you sleep; it’s about shifting your mindset and breaking free from the patterns that have kept you stuck.
Finding Community Among Solo Travellers
The Big Retreat Festival offers immersive experiences that connect us with ourselves and others on a similar journey. It’s the perfect opportunity for solo travellers looking for change but afraid to explore alone. The festival recognises this need, bringing solo travellers together to support each other on their journey. I’m still connected with a beautiful group of ladies I met two festivals ago, who are supportive and inspire me.
Join me at The Big Retreat Festival Next Year
Get Ready To Go Beyond The Gut and Make A Mindset Shift
As I prepare for next year’s Big Retreat festival, I’m excited to explore the mindset shifts required to make lasting change.
Whether you join me for my sessions or connect with others, remember that every day can be a Big Retreat Festival day. Together, we can support each other in making wellness a daily priority.
Ready to make every day a Big Retreat Festival day? Book your tickets now and embark on a journey that nourishes your gut, body, mind, and spirit. Let’s transform our experiences into lasting habits!
I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment on the blog post with your thoughts, questions, or personal experiences, and let’s keep the conversation going.
Ready to Make Every Day a Wellness Festival Day?
Book your tickets now and embark on a journey that nourishes your gut, body, mind, and spirit. Let’s transform our experiences into lasting habits!
Your Gut Health Guide
Nikkie Windsor UKIHCA-RHC
Certified Nutritionist, Health Coach & Breathwork Coach
Nikkie empowers individuals to overcome digestive issues, low energy, and brain fog by focusing on mindset shifts and consistent wellness practices. A Certified Nutritionist, Health Coach, and Breathwork Coach, Nikkie also has over 35 years of personal experience managing Crohn’s disease.
After leaving a high-stress corporate career, she transformed her life in the jungles of Costa Rica, studying massage therapy and medicinal plants and becoming a Reiki Master. Nikkie’s unique approach combines holistic wisdom with formal training, empowering clients to achieve vibrant, sustainable wellness through deeper connections between gut health, energy, and mental clarity.
Are You Ready to Change Your Gut Story?
Stop planning life around your digestive issues and get back to living life fully.
I just wanted to express my gratitude for the valuable insights you provide through your blog. Your expertise shines through in every word, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from you.
Thank-you, I’m pleased that you find valuable from my blog.
If you are looking for more support, you are welcome to join my Facebook Group ‘Gut Healthy Living’ where I help people trying to overcome digestive issues and make lasting changes that improve their quality of life.