Welcome to Amanda Michelle Wellness
Integrating faith-forward practices and science-backed lifestyle strategies to optimize wellness efforts.
So "Faith-Forward" Means What, Now?
The term "faith-forward" highlights the idea that the belief in something greater than ourselves - whether it is God, nature, source, or the universe - is an important component of any wellness journey.
That, in fact, this connection serves as the foundation upon which we can layer all other approaches.
Because, we can be doing all of the things (focusing on sleep, stress-management, nutrition, exercise, etc.) and still feel anxious, stressed, overwhelmed, and disconnected - a "faith-forward" approach fills the void.
⇉ From a practical perspective, the term also suggests that your personalized wellness plan will include a (secular) component of faith or spirituality, which is fairly uncommon in today's wellness world.
The combination of a "Faith-Forward" and "Evidence-Based" approach allows us to draw upon the proven benefits of spirituality and science to promote holistic, whole-person wellness.
This approach is not about religion, it is about the well-established biological and neurological benefits of practices that are driven by the belief in and connection to something greater than ourselves.
About Amanda
I am an enthusiastic mama, wife, author, speaker, and wellness coach.
I am a less-than-enthusiastic cook.
And though it's still wildly uncomfortable for me to say out loud and despite a deep skepticism (some might say cynicism) around organized religion, as of about 8 years ago, I am ride-or-die for Jesus (yes, you read that correctly and I do mean the one from the Bible).
Just so you know, I state the latter for context, I'm not here to sell you Jesus... :)
If you're still reading, I'm super curious to know if it is because you can relate to one or more of the above OR if you simply can't look away from what might turn out to be a spectacular crash and burn situation (or both).
Let's move on. For what it's worth, my resume indicates a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Purdue, a clinical practice residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore), and a fellowship at Eli Lilly (Indianapolis), as well as about 2 decades in pharma/biotech. It also reports I that am a certified wellness practitioner as awarded by the National Wellness Institute.
What is not in my resume (but is a large part of the reason I do what I do now) is a 25-year battle with Major Depressive and Generalized Anxiety Disorders, a 2-year stint of terrifying exhaustion and hopelessness, and a lifetime's search for peace.
Ten years ago you could not have paid me to entertain the idea that faith or spirituality could play a key role in my physical, emotional, and mental wellness.
Then eight years ago (during a frighteningly dark time in my life), I stumbled upon a faith and spirituality that delivered the peace and wellness I'd been chasing my whole life.
In the years between, I left my corporate job and dove into spiritual practices, wellness training, and neuroscience research...
I knew I had to figure out how to try to convince skeptics (like me) and potentially faith-averse (like a lot of folks) that it is the powerful combination of evidence-based lifestyle and spiritual practices that will bring us the peace, purpose, and renewed energy that is so critical for true wellness.
It worked for me and I have ALL THE FAITH it will for you as well. xx
Okay. But just in case...
If you are skeptical (even cynical!) and only mildly turned-off by all the talk of "faith" and "spirituality" - perfect, I'm your person!
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Even if you are wholly turned-off by all the talk of "faith" and "spirituality", I could still be your person. I'd argue there's not much to lose outside of 20 minutes on the phone (in the spirit of trust and transparency, of course I'd argue that because I want to get you on the phone with me).
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If you are already deeply rooted in faith and spiritual practice and you're feeling pretty good about your lifestyle situation, I might not be your person... unless you feel like you want to tweak a few things (or just have a little fun).
Speaking Engagements
Body Ethos Podcast
"Menopause & Me" (Denver)
Erie Wellness Podcast
Erie Wellness Podcast
"Menopause & Me" (Denver)
Erie Wellness Podcast
"Menopause & Me" (Denver)
"Menopause & Me" (Denver)
"Menopause & Me" (Denver)