I am Mary Knarr and this is my health and wellness journey. Along I have my furry friends, Hannah, Azora, Hedwig, and Gretel because we all need a support system.
During the summer of 2024, I appeared to have life together. A happy family. A stable job as a learning and development manager with over a decade of experience in training, learning, and supporting high-performing teams. I thought I was healthy despite some chronic issues. Those recurring issues had to be caused by stress or age (my favorite explanation). Then the seemingly calm seas became turbulent….
Work stability crumbled with in-office mandates and relocation requirements. The stress worsened, and so did the physical ailments. Joint pain caused severe agony, preventing me from completing basic tasks. Daily, deep fatigue kept me exhausted and too tired to even lay on the couch. Concentration was nearly impossible, and I struggled to find words or complete a thought.
My physical strains were aggravated by the stress at work. Maintaining my high performing team’s cohesiveness, morale, and focus as we all faced the turbulence of a quickly changing job environment. I had successfully lead through organizational change multiple times before. This was different. We were all facing job loss and a looming insecurity about the future.
I was scared and too tired, I thought, to go on.
But… I knew there was more; there had to be…
After doctor appointments, many tests, and much waiting, I was diagnosed with Sjogren’s Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis. More appointments with different specialists and more medications followed. The medicines led to some more energy, and I dove into my own form of wellness. Growing herbs and plants to help inside and out through food, salves, and oils.
Throughout this journey I found space helping others through professional and life changes. Digging into my experiences managing, shaping, and leading teams, I was able to help leaders and professionals find balance, direction, and reignite passions.
In all, I learned health, happiness, wholeness are not found or given. They are hard won through intention, reflection, and the combo of speaking aloud and listening. I navigated my rough waters and learned more about myself. I learned to lean into my love and passion for helping others realize their own gifts and unique qualities that allow them to make their way forward.
I offer you that space to find wholeness. Whether you have learned of a new diagnosis, are dealing with a known diagnosis, are a leader or individual struggling to find that balance in work and life or the myriad of other things that keep us from feeling fulfilled, or if you are stuck, overwhelmed and need helping pushing away from the shore, I would love to speak with you.
Are you ready for the journey to a happy, whole, and healthy you?
Book time with me through the contact button.
Knarr Coaching 