We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Caroline Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Caroline, appreciate you joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

There were a few defining moments on my career journey, but the one that stands out the most was actually a personal defining moment. It was my 2020 diagnosis of a rare pancreatic condition. As a health coach and yoga instructor, I liked to think of myself as pretty healthy. I’m also a recovering addict who used holistic health as the foundation for my recovery. Despite all the changes I made, there were still some health issues that I just couldn’t get under control. None of the doctors I saw were able to help me feel better. I went on with symptoms for eight years before being properly diagnosed. The diagnosis shifted my focus for my own health coaching practice and overall focus. I was determined to heal from the condition and eventually help others do the same. It took three years, but I no longer show signs of having the condition. I’ve been able to use my own experiences to help other people get symptoms under control and feel empowered to take full control of their own health journey.

Through this journey, I’ve learned the importance of focus, self-motivation, doing my own research, and trusting my body fully. Taking on this health issue actually gave me more confidence in all areas of my life. I think that’s why it has become such a defining moment for me professionally and personally. I’ve also learned the importance of community. I started sharing my experiences back in 2021 on TikTok. I have connected with so many wonderful humans struggling with the same condition. It’s been neat to share, grow, and heal alongside other people doing the same thing.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I enjoy hiking, gardening, foraging, bird songs, and learning about nature and from nature. I also like DIY projects and making spaces cozy. In addition, I have two dogs and a sassy, black cat. I feel like I live in my kitchen, and I’m always up for frolicking.

As for how I got into Health Coaching, I’ve been a certified yoga instructor since 2010, blending yin, hatha, and kundalini yoga practices and philosophy for the classes I teach. I was introduced to health coaching through working in yoga studios, starting with Health Coach Institute in 2017. I immediately connected with the coaching process, as it provides so much space for clients to discover their own power and use it. Initially, I worked with women on body image, confidence, and self-care. However, after being diagnosed with EPI, I shifted my focus to the digestive and nervous systems. I began teaching breathwork and meditation classes and tailored my coaching to manage EPI symptoms. Recently, I completed an NBHW-C accredited coaching program that deepened my passion for coaching around EPI even further.

My offerings include 1:1 coaching for people with EPI and other digestive disorders, a workbook based on the lifestyle shifts I made to heal my digestive system and regulate my nervous system, and movement classes supporting digestive health. Everything I offer is focused on creating changes that support digestive health and overall wellbeing, and these can be found on my website.

What sets me apart is my passion for spreading the idea that EPI can be put into remission and that individuals don’t have to rely solely on medication. I was initially told I would be on medication for life, but after three years of work, I no longer need it to digest properly. I love that this journey has deepened my appreciation for the Gut-Brain connection, and my passion for the nervous system’s role in digestive health also distinguishes me. I can combine personal experience, Eastern modalities for wellbeing, and coaching techniques into a supportive system for those going through a similar struggle.

What I’m most proud of is the person I’ve become and the relationship I’ve created with myself throughout this journey. There have been tough days and years, but I kept going and didn’t stop mid-process. My life is significantly better because of that perseverance.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I’m here to support your journey without leading, dictating, or directing it. I believe I’m an expert in my experience, and you are the expert in yours. I would love to connect, collaborate, and create with others who share this belief.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I’ve really come to appreciate the pivots or redirections in life. The pandemic served as a catalyst for two significant shifts. The first pivot revolved around work. Due to the pandemic, I lost my work in studios, facilities, and in-person settings. For most of 2020, I didn’t have paid work, which prompted me to reassess my marketable skill set, explore virtual opportunities, and utilize available resources. During this period, I began assisting with classes for a new corporate wellness company, which eventually evolved into a job that allowed me to refine my skills, acquire new ones, and build confidence as a wellness professional.

The second pivot was personal, as my long-term relationship ended in 2021. This event forced me to take greater responsibility for my career and life path. I started working as an education coach while addressing my health issues and navigating the aftermath of the relationship. The experiences at the nonprofit and with the corporate wellness company motivated me to establish my current coaching practice. The confidence and resilience I gained during 2020 continued to grow over the next three years.

While all my life experiences have contributed to shaping who I am today, I would consider these moments in 2020 and 2021 as two of the major pivots that have led me to where I am currently.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

I wouldn’t change my profession for anything. If given the chance to go back, I would choose it sooner, more passionately, and with greater determination. Originally, I majored in Health Promotion and Behavior in college because I wanted to become a health educator. However, I faced challenges due to both mental and physical illnesses, which derailed my path temporarily. Once I found my way again, I rediscovered my passion for health and well-being.

Even during my toughest times mentally and emotionally, I would still gravitate towards the things that interested me back in high school: yoga, healthy cooking, exercise, and natural health remedies. I haven’t strayed far from these original interests, and I believe this is where I’ll stay for a long time to come.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cohelocoaching.com
• Instagram: @cohelocoaching
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-smith-10bb7227b
• TikTok: @cohelocoaching

Image Credits
image #1: Kelly Truitt