We were lucky to catch up with Suzy Wood recently and have shared our conversation below.

Suzy, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I’m an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and owner of True Wellness Within where I work with people to get control of their lives and their health espcially after they enter midlife, are trying to heal from stresses such as becoming an empty nester or going through divorce. My clients achieve their goals by addressing both food and lifestyle choices. Together, we look at all areas of their lives to see what’s out of balance all the while focusing on proper nutrition because certain foods can help with mood, stress, sleep, anxiety, hormones, weight gain/loss, etc. Divorce, for example, can be a calling card to have a do-over, re-launch yourself and live your best life. After my divorce, I left my career in high tech marketing, re-educated, started my own business and am now living my best life ever.

Big stress events can lead to physical ailments and a host of issues. For me it was back pain from the stress of my divorce which led to poor sleep which led to brain fog and lack of motivation to exercise or do much of anything! I went to the doctor for the back pain and was given muscle relaxers that were way too strong and caused me to get into a car accident! Many of my clients end up with thinning hair, acne or digestive issues because of their divorce stress. Having so much stress puts at risk for health issues later so addressing it now is critical.

I learned to de-stress my life by reducing stress-inducting factors and I cleaned up my diet and environment and I’m now loving myself and living my best life.

Suzy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

After living abroad for over 10 years, I returned to the US, left my job in high tech marketing, and launched True Wellness Within where I help people find more balance in their lives, eat better, and regain the vitality they used to have.

My clients achieve their goals by addressing both food and lifestyle choices. Together, we look at all areas of their lives to see what’s out of balance all the while focusing on proper nutrition because certain foods can help with mood, stress, sleep, anxiety, hormones, weight gain/loss, etc.

I love seeing my clients make new healthy habits that give them the power to live a longer, more fulfilling life. They realize they’re stronger than they think. They just need a little hand holding and accountability to move them forward so they can live their best life.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Three weeks after I moved out and settled in my new home, it was my ex’s birthday. He had not yet seen my new place and I was not ready to invite him in. I wanted a very clear boundary. This was my home, not ours.

He knew I wasn’t going to be home when he dropped our teens off after their celebration but instead of saying goodbye and continuing on his way, he followed them inside. I only found this out when I saw his leftover birthday cake in my fridge. My kids said he put it in there in case I wanted some. He knew damn well I wouldn’t want his cake. He used our kids as bait to come inside.

I was livid. I felt violated. He had been in my space and selfishly spied on my new life and living arrangements.

When I confronted him about it he said “I wanted to see what I’m paying for“ – since our settlement includes him giving me maintenance (alimony). I felt all the blood in my body flush to my face in anger. Another belittling assault; I really shouldn’t have been surprised.

Years later, he’s only been in my home a handful of times. Once was this week when our college age son was home sick and urgently needed medicine. I was out for several hours picking up a friend at the airport and had no one else to call. He picked up the prescriptions and brought them to our son who was laying in bed in his room.

Again, I wasn’t home when he came but this time I didn’t feel violated. Time had passed. I had moved on. Our son was sick and my ex wasn’t being selfish.

It took a long time to get to this point. We each live our own lives now. We’re able to focus on the important things like helping our kids when they’re struggling or sick. It’s no longer about him or me.

Signing divorce papers doesn’t always mean removing the person forever from your life. It just means you live your lives and parent your kids from two different homes. Navigating this dynamic was not what I imagined when I got divorced.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I took a business class where we learned how to run a 5 day challenge. By doing that, I was able to start my private Facebook group and email list which I never dreamed of doing. Now I send them regular communication and my confidence and reach have been growing steadily.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.truewellnesswithin.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TrueWellnessWithin/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1634325603620269
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-wood-true-wellness-within/