Vanessa Woodburn

Stay tuned for a new podcast episode on January 4 with A Battle Within ! Thank you Drew and Terry for inviting me to this conversation with you

Here’s a fun twist for those who are doing some reflecting on 2020 and visioning for 2021... If your 2020 were a book title, what would that title be? Now, what is your vision for your 2021 book title?

A few weeks ago my friend and mentor @Reneewalkerwellness and I had a wonderful chat about ways to invite more compassion into the holiday season. The video is shared in the comments for you. Today, I’m reflecting on how far I’ve come because last year my goal was to survive Christmas. Just to get through it in one piece after the loss of my Mom. ... This year I know many are grieving and suffering through loss and sadness. And Christmas will be different for everyone. I see you and I am sending you love Be kind to yourself Be and gentle Ask for what you need and Don’t force yourself to make everything the same as it always was. If your heart is broken, let it be. Do what you need to do to get through. In that tenderness you may also discover moments of joy. Let those moments in too. Give yourself permission to do things differently. Create new traditions. For me, I discovered that reinventing how we celebrate and gather, creating something new, feels empowering and playful Wishing you all moments of joy, love and hope this year wherever you are. See more

A big thank you to @courageouslyyoucoaching for inviting me to her podcast ... We discussed whether it’s normal to wonder ? after a concussion or other big setback in life and I also write about this in my book . When you come apart, for whatever reason, it normal to feel like you’re reinventing yourself as you put the pieces back together. ... Thank you Rachel for the conversation about how to do this with compassion, kindness and curiosity See more

Interview with Author Joy Stone

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Sometimes the road ahead seems blocked and we feel stuck. But what if clearing the path is the healing work that will help you write a new ending to your story? It’s worth it [ credit @galenwoodburn_aerials ]... #healthcoach #support #selfcompassion #resilience #iinhealthcoach #concussion #braininjury #tbi #concussionsupport #concussionawareness #postconcussion See more

Today is Concussion Awareness Day and #thisiswhatconcussionlookslike ...but only after months and months of being my own case manager looking for treatments that would help and playing whac-a-mole with symptoms. And then I heard these words yes, your brain works differently but that doesn’t mean you aren’t . This fueled me with hope about the possibilities and potential that lay in front of me AND eventually sparked my journey to writing a book to help others ...reclaim their life after a concussion. If you or someone you love could use a little hope please leave me a in the comments and I would love to email you a copy of my book . See more

Anniversaries of traumatic experiences are hard. They can feel like the annual clock is wired to trigger emotions that are painful to re-live like fear, guilt and shame. I feel so guilty that I let this happen. What / have done differently? ... In my book I share the story of my concussion. This week is the 4 year anniversary of that day, and yes, I carry some of these feelings with me, still. That’s normal, and human. I notice now that every year, my holding on to the -’ and -’ is less. I notice a shift as I am learning to pay attention to all the possibilities, joy and hope that I have in my life . I am more accepting and loving of the new me that I am becoming because, well...she’s come a long way. I know it can feel like a long haul when you’re still struggling months later, wondering how long this will last. If this is you or a someone you know, please leave me a in the comments and I would love to email you a free copy of my book. Credit for the beautiful artwork to @morganharpernicols

I am excited to announce that my book : has been picked up by a publisher and will be available in bookstores next spring! I wrote this book to help people who are tired of the roller-coaster and hiding the struggle, who are missing their old life and asking who am I?, now that everything has changed. I lived this story for a long time after my concussion until one step at a time I learned to welcome the new me, t...he me who reclaimed her life My book will be in bookstores in 2021 and I am so excited to share that day with you. But if you don’t want to wait...if you are ready now to welcome healing and growth leave me a comment and I will email a free copy of to you while we wait for the print books See more

One powerful way to nourish your body is to move. What kind of movement is best? + Whatever you will do + Just begin ... + Wherever you are + Ask yourself...what feels good? Start there Jacob Postuma on Unsplash

Sometimes life is joy and heartache, at the same time. And it feels very true and brave and beautiful to allow both #heartsparkwellness #healthcoach #holistichealth... #selfcompassion #mind #body #spirit See more

When life is swirling and old familiar patterns show up, remember that you can choose how to respond. Be mindful of the precious real estate in your head and your heart. You get to choose what to allow in . . . #heartsparkwellness... #healthcoach #selfcompassion #mindfulness #tellmeyourstory Melissa Askew on Unsplash

One way to help yourself spiral up is to notice how you speak to yourself. Words matter Are your words kind or discouraging? A powerful way to support yourself when you’re feeling low is to shift the words you use... I’m such a mess. I am human. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes. ... I am overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. I have a lot on my plate. What is the next right thing to do? Do that one thing. This feels impossible. I can do hard things. Why is this happening to me? What is this teaching me? Choosing to speak to yourself in a kind way is one way to nourish yourself. #heartsparkwellness #selfcompassion #healthcoach #tellmeyourstory See more

When you are going through a rough patch try asking the question What would nourish me, today? What do I need, today? Maybe for you it’s... healthy food moving your body ... talking to a friend stillness and quiet Choosing to nourish yourself with what you need to gradually get back to good is worth the effort. All the little things matter. They are pieces of the puzzle that will help you move in the direction of feeling well in your body, mind and spirit. #heartsparkwellness #healthcoach #selfcompassion #resilience Markus Spiske on Unsplash See more

Self-compassion is an empowering inner resource that you can draw support from to help you spiral up when you need a little help. #heartsparkwellness #selfcompassion #resilence #mindset #healthcoach... : Bogomil Mihaylov on Unsplash

A great night with the folks @crunchburloak talking about food and nutrition options for people on the move Thank you for having us! #healthcoach #holistichealth... #heartsparkwellness #isagenix #crunchfitness #crunchburloak See more

I am excited to invite you to this event on June 13! Come join us for dinner or ’s and an evening of inspirational storytelling at Aw Shucks Bar & Bistro in Aurora.

Experience in life has taught me that when I can gather the courage to greet change with curiosity rather than fear, the outcome is often... surprising positive and welcome This approach can serve someone who is trying to rise back up after a fall, the loved ones who support them and the practitioners who work to help and heal.... A good place to start nurturing curiosity is with questions like "What if...?" or "I wonder..." ~ #heartsparkwellness #healthcoach #tellmeyourstory #selfcompassion #mindfulness #resilience See more

I heard some wonderful news today. Someone I know who has been struggling with persistent concussion symptoms for almost 5 years participated in a triathlon last weekend!He didn’t finish first and I bet there was no champagne at the finish line, but he showed his family what courage looks like - being vulnerable enough to try ~ #heartsparkwellness #healthcoach #concussion ... #tellmeyourstory #resilience #mindset #selfcompassion See more

Essentials for growth for anyone and especially for those healing from a concussion. My favourite one? "believe that you can change" I love the hope in this statement. Hope is what fuels the baby steps forward.... ~ #heartsparkwellness #healthcoach #concussion #concussionrecovery #selfcompassion #mindfulness #resilience Thank you Yung Pueblo for sharing your wisdom.

Treatment for concussion is evolving quickly! Awareness leads to greater understanding of how to support people as they progress through the stages of recovery. Thank you Mollyparkerpt for keeping us up to date

This is a part of my story and a huge piece on my motivation to do this work. During my 2 year healing journey from persistent concussion symptoms I worked with many practitioners who treated my symptoms but who did not have the time or training to be compassionate listeners. My mission as a Health Coach is to help people feel seen and heard ~ #heartsparkwellness #healthcoach... #concussion #pcs #persistentconcussionsymptoms #selfcompassion #mindfulness #resilience See more

I am excited to launch my work as a Speaker, Educator and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach! I offer coaching, workshops, talks and seminars focused on nourishing self-compassion, mindfulness and resilience. ~ #heartsparkwellness #healthcoach #tellmeyourstory... #selfcompassion #mindfulness #resilience ~ Photo Credit: Wes Hicks @ Unsplash See more