Sonya Tyese - Certified Holistic Health Coach, IIN Graduate

My Philosophy:  As the proud founder of Tip Top Health, it is my mission to help as many people as possible become the author of their own path to healing. For some, this may sound like an impossible task, but with the right tools, strategies, and resources the impossible becomes possible for all of us. When you begin designing your path to healing, it simply means that you are taking control of your health and advocating for your well-being. Let’s face it - we know our bodies better than anyone else, so outsourcing our health should not be the norm for us.  I will always believe in the body's innate ability to heal itself - if we give it half of what it needs. But, we must be willing to shift our daily habits into habits that ultimately serve our bodies.

My Path of Healing & Transformation:  As I reflect on my journey of transformation and healing, it is only fair for me to be transparent.  Illness started for me at the age of 2 years old and continued well into my adult life. I spent most of my young life on prescription drugs which led to a myriad of other issues.  I was in and out of doctors offices and hospitals or I was at home on a breathing machine. Being sickly had become my norm and I thought that would be the case for the rest of my life.  It was very difficult for me to visualize being healthy because I never knew what it actually felt like to be healthy.  "Most people have no idea how good their body is designed to feel" is a quote I could definitely relate to at that time; but, it didn't end there for me.  When I experienced a debilitating digestive illness several years ago, it became clear that placing the power of healing my body in my own hands was necessary.  I went to five different doctors before finding one who could help me.  When I saw Doctor #1 and described the symptoms of my stomach feeling irritated, raw and “prickly”, he immediately requested lab tests.  He called me the very next day to tell me I was a healthy 34 year old woman based on the results of the tests.  Anyone would be happy to hear those words, but not me, because I knew I was ill.  Doctor #2 prescribed acid reflux medication and gave me a faded xeroxed copy of a high fiber diet plan.  By the way, all of this was done without any testing.  He was simply prescribing me a “cookie cutter” treatment.  I recall Doctor #3 laughing at me when I inquired about stool testing.  His exact response was, “Stool testing is only done on patients who have Cancer or AIDS.” Of course, my mouth fell to the floor in disbelief.  Doctor #4 was a naturopathic doctor and found stool testing to be an integral piece to my very puzzling condition.  Obviously, she did not know how to properly treat what the stool test revealed.  The protocol and supplements she recommended did absolutely nothing and my health continued to decline.  My weight went from 118 pounds to 95 pounds in a matter of weeks.  I began to feel defeated; however, I continued to push forward.  Soon after Doctor #4, I moved on to Doctor #5 who focused on treating you based on blood type.  Although Doctor #5's methods may have worked for some, it was simply not what my body needed.  After all of the back and forth, a year later, I finally found Doctor #6.  We worked together to restore and heal my body.  Honestly, I shudder to think what would have been the outcome of my life had I not made a decision to operate with the understanding that I was the one fully in charge of my healing journey.  

Healing, Happiness & Hope:  Currently, I am not as healthy as I would like to be--but I have come a long way.  I have learned that healing is not a goal. It is truly a lifestyle we are seeking to cultivate and the choices we make each day either lead us down a path of illness or a path of wellness.  It is my hope that my story will inspire others to take charge of their health.  If my body can heal from all of the damage caused by tons of prescription drugs, bad dieting, excessive stress, and a debilitating digestive illness, then know that there is hope for you as well.  The habits I now incorporate involve herbal supplements, nutrition focused on healing, and mediation/yoga to help manage stress levels.  Remember, optimal health and wellness is possible for all of us.  Let's work together to design your own path to healing.