Hi everyone, how are you? Going into 2024, when I was thinking about the year and what I wanted to do, I wrote down start a newsletter. Towards the end of last year, a friend reminded me that I used to write frequently, expressing myself through various mediums and sharing my thoughts with friends and family. When I decided to start a newsletter at the beginning of this year, it was with the intention of reigniting my passion for writing and providing a platform for sharing, both for myself and for others.
But the thing is, I feel like everyone has a newsletter and all our inboxes are spammed. I hesitated to begin, thinking, "Do we really need another newsletter?" But ultimately, I realised that my goal is not just to add to the noise, but to cultivate a community and to reconnect with my love for writing and sharing. So, here it is—my newsletter.
My name is Alex Davis, and I am a healer. I firmly believe that my purpose in life is to help others. I am a certified health coach, having graduated about two years ago. My journey into health coaching stemmed from my own struggles with food and body image. Growing up, I battled with eating disorders, using food as a means of control. I faced severe bullying during my teenage years, which contributed to my depression and anxiety. Consequently, whenever I felt overwhelmed or distressed, I would turn to restricting my food intake, believing that being thin equated to beauty and acceptance. This harmful cycle led me to seek help from therapists and nutritionists, where I realised the detrimental effects my actions had on my well-being.
My quest for healing led me to a job at a wellness company, where I discovered my passion for understanding the connection between gut health and overall well-being. Two years later, covid hit I thought there was a no better time to pursue a formal education in health coaching. It was one of the best decisions I have made in my life, it was such a healing grounding knowledgable experience.
A significant motivation for my journey into health coaching was my mother's diagnosis of diabetes when I was thirteen. It was really scary because both of my grandparents passed away from diabetes, when I was really young. My mom is my favourite person, she is my best friend and honestly the strongest women I know. I was determined to equip myself with the necessary tools to support her. Now my family jokes that I am the family health coach, a title I happily accept.
As a black woman from the Caribbean, I am acutely aware of the lack of representation in the health coaching field. However, rather than allowing this disparity to deter me, it fuels my determination to break barriers and offer a unique perspective. I firmly believe that my differences—my cultural background, personal experiences, and expertise—enrich my ability to connect with and support others on their wellness journeys. I want to help all women feel their best by showing them, guiding them, and letting them see they have the tools. I aim to make them feel less alone in whatever they are going through by showing up for them, cheering them on, and helping them realise that their goals are within reach.
Over the past two years, I underwent an abortion and had my fibroid removed—both stories for another time. But I've learned how crucial it is to have people in your corner and to possess the knowledge and awareness of your body to advocate for yourself. Many of us experience pains, problems, or go through situations that we tend to ignore, brush under the rug, or avoid addressing altogether. However, those issues accumulate and linger until they inevitably explode. It's challenging to face yourself in the mirror—I know firsthand, as I've been there. But that's why I'm here now, to serve as your reflection.
Through this newsletter, I aim to serve as a mirror, reflecting shared experiences, offering guidance, and fostering a sense of community. I aspire to empower women to prioritise their well-being, providing them with the tools and support they need to lead fulfilling lives.
In the spirit of sharing, I'll conclude each newsletter with a recipe or beauty product recommendation as I love to cook and love beauty products. Today, I'm excited to share my Blueberry Coconut Granola recipe, which I recently made and absolutely love! I hope you enjoy it too.
Blueberry Coconut Granola
Ingredients:
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup almonds
1/2 cup Brazil nuts
1/2 cup blueberries
1 cup coconut chips
1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon maple syrup
2 tablespoons chia seeds
2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
Instructions:
Roughly chop all seeds and nuts.
In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients until everything is evenly coated.
Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet, ensuring it lays flat.
Bake in the oven at 150°C/300°F for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring halfway through.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
Enjoy as desired, whether as a topping for yogurt, with milk, or as a snack on its own.
Thank you for joining me on this journey its a new one for me not sure what it will look like but excited to write again and see what happens.
xx
Thanks so much for sharing with us!
Excited to read more :)
Can't wait to make the granola recipe!