We recently connected with MaKenzie Byram and have shared our conversation below.
MaKenzie, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
In life, we often encounter moments of profound darkness—times when the weight of our struggles feels unbearable, and the path forward seems obscured by shadows. For many, these moments are not fleeting; they linger, casting a long shadow over every aspect of daily life. I know this reality all too well, as my own journey through mental health challenges has been marked by such darkness.
It began in high school, a time when the world felt both vast and suffocating. The loss of my cousin, a cherished friend and confidante, shook me to my core at the tender age of 16. Grief, that insidious thief of joy, crept into my heart and refused to loosen its grip. Despite attempts to seek solace through counseling, I found myself grappling with questions of faith and purpose, seeking refuge in the numbing embrace of alcohol.
As the years wore on, my struggles with anxiety and depression deepened, yet the true magnitude of my inner turmoil remained hidden beneath a facade of laughter and revelry. It wasn’t until I faced the devastating loss of my father to suicide that I was forced to confront the demons that had long haunted me.
His passing served as a harsh awakening—a stark reminder of the legacy of pain we inherit and the urgency of our own healing. In the wake of his death, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and renewal, determined to break free from the suffocating grip of mental illness that had held me captive for so long.
Yoga became my sanctuary, a sacred space where I could reconnect with my body and spirit. Meditation became my anchor, offering moments of stillness in a world consumed by chaos. And through the gentle art of self-reflection, I began to unravel the tangled threads of self-doubt and self-loathing that had long ensnared my soul.
With each breath, each mindful movement, I reclaimed a piece of myself that had long lay dormant—a sense of worth, of purpose, of belonging. I learned to nourish my body with wholesome foods and gentle movement, to nurture my mind with positive affirmations and compassionate self-talk.
June 2023 marked a turning point—a moment of profound awakening and transformation. It was the moment I finally learned to love myself—to embrace my flaws and imperfections as integral parts of my being. From that moment forward, I ceased merely existing and began to truly live—to savor each precious moment, to relish in the simple joys of everyday life.
Today, my journey continues—a winding path marked by both triumph and tribulation. But armed with the tools of self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-love, I face each new day with renewed hope and resilience. And though the road ahead may be fraught with challenges, I walk it with head held high, knowing that I am never alone.
My story is but one among millions—a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of healing. May it serve as a beacon of hope for all those who walk in darkness, a reminder that even in our darkest moments, the light of healing shines bright.
Together, let us break the silence surrounding mental illness, let us shatter the stigma that keeps so many suffering in silence. For in sharing our stories, we not only find healing for ourselves but offer a glimmer of hope to others in need.
Remember, dear reader, you are not alone. Your story matters, your voice matters. Together, let us illuminate the path to healing and wholeness, one step at a time.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My brand is rooted in a deep passion for holistic wellness and a commitment to supporting women on their journey to optimal health and happiness. As a Gut Health Coach specializing in pre and postnatal care, I offer a unique blend of nutritional guidance, mindset coaching, and unwavering support to help women navigate the transformative phases of conception, pregnancy, and postpartum.
My decision to pursue this path was born out of a desire to make a meaningful impact on mental health without pursuing traditional avenues like psychology. Having personally experienced the challenges of motherhood with two little ones, I understand the profound importance of holistic well-being during this pivotal time. It’s not just about nutrition and fitness; it’s about cultivating a positive mindset and nurturing the body from the inside out.
Feeling isolated and overwhelmed in my own journey, I am deeply committed to creating a supportive community where women feel seen, heard, and empowered to thrive. Through my programs, I aim to provide comprehensive education on the vital role of gut health in every aspect of becoming and being a mother.
As a Certified Gut Health Coach, I draw upon my training and personal experiences to educate and empower women, emphasizing that gut health is not just a piece of the puzzle—it’s the cornerstone of overall well-being. Together, we work towards a future where every woman feels confident, vibrant, and fully supported on her journey to motherhood and beyond.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges has been crucial. In the face of adversity, maintaining a resilient mindset allowed me to persevere, learn from failures, and continue moving forward. To develop resilience, I recommend cultivating a growth mindset, practicing self-compassion, and seeking support from mentors or a supportive community.
Self-awareness: Understanding myself, my strengths, weaknesses, values, and triggers has been invaluable. Self-awareness enabled me to make informed decisions, set realistic goals, and navigate various situations with greater clarity. For those early in their journey, I suggest practicing mindfulness, journaling regularly, and seeking feedback from trusted peers or mentors to enhance self-awareness.
Continuous learning: Embracing a mindset of lifelong learning and growth has been transformative. Staying curious, seeking out new knowledge and perspectives, and being open to feedback have fueled my personal and professional development. To foster continuous learning, I encourage others to read widely, attend workshops or courses, engage in skill-building activities, and actively seek out opportunities for growth and development.
My advice for those early in their journey is to prioritize these qualities and skills:
Cultivate resilience by reframing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
Invest in self-awareness through introspection, feedback, and reflection.
Embrace a mindset of continuous learning, curiosity, and adaptability.
By honing these qualities and skills, individuals can navigate their journey with greater confidence, resilience, and effectiveness, ultimately achieving their goals and realizing their full potential.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
“Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself” by Dr. Joe Dispenza is indeed a transformative book that has had a significant impact on my personal development journey. Here are a few valuable nuggets of wisdom from the book:
Understanding the power of the mind-body connection: Dr. Dispenza explores the intricate relationship between our thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and physical health. He emphasizes how our habitual thought patterns and emotional responses influence our biology, including our health and overall well-being.
The concept of neuroplasticity: One of the key insights from the book is the idea that our brains have the remarkable ability to change and rewire themselves throughout life. Dr. Dispenza explains how we can intentionally harness the principles of neuroplasticity to break free from old habits, patterns, and limitations, and create new, empowering neural pathways.
The importance of meditation and mindfulness: The book highlights the transformative power of meditation and mindfulness practices in reshaping our brains and lives. Dr. Dispenza provides practical guidance on how to use meditation to shift our consciousness, reprogram our subconscious mind, and create positive changes in our lives.
Becoming the architect of our reality: Dr. Dispenza empowers readers to take control of their lives by becoming conscious creators of their reality. He encourages us to let go of victimhood and embrace our innate ability to shape our destiny through intentional thought, emotion, and action.
The role of intention and visualization: The book emphasizes the importance of setting clear intentions and using visualization techniques to align our thoughts and emotions with our desired outcomes. Dr. Dispenza offers practical exercises and meditations to help readers clarify their intentions, visualize their goals, and manifest their dreams into reality.
Overall, “Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself” offers profound insights and practical tools for personal transformation, empowering readers to break free from limiting beliefs, habits, and patterns, and step into their highest potential.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://motivationwithmakenzie.systeme.io/
- Instagram: MotivationwithMaKenzie
- Facebook: MaKenzie Bryam
