By: Maria Williams
“Don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when there are footprints on the moon,” might well be the motto of Nicole Kernohan as she shares her remarkable journey from paralysis to empowerment. Twenty-two years after a life-altering medical crisis, Nicole still revels in the power of each new day, claiming, “Today is the best day of my life. It’s the only day that’s guaranteed.”
In her fourth year of university, Nicole faced a daunting challenge. “I remember like it was yesterday,” she says, describing how she lost the use of the right side of her body, which thrust her into a realm of uncertainty regarding her future mobility and independence. Despite the grim prognosis from her doctors, who were uncertain if she would ever regain full functionality, Nicole chose to anchor her hopes not in fear but in faith. “I heard their words, and I accepted the facts of the diagnosis, but I did not agree with their prognosis,” she asserts. Instead, she embraced a fierce belief that she would recover fully, a belief that guided her subsequent actions and decisions.
The journey wasn’t just about physical healing; it was a transformative experience that reshaped her understanding of health, well-being, and the human spirit. “That MS episode totally shocked me and was a turning point in my life,” Nicole admits. She dove deep into the study of health and nutrition, and this quest eventually led her into the realms of positive psychology, where she has since planted her roots.
After a decade in a corporate business career, Nicole’s passion for helping others led her to open a retail health store and obtain a designation as a nutritional practitioner. She ran this business for three years, during which time her engagement with the science of the mind deepened her understanding of its profound impact on her earlier health recovery.
Nicole’s approach to overcoming her health challenges was not characterized by despair but by an indefatigable belief in possibility. “I believed to my core that if one thing didn’t work, I would just try something else, and something else and something else, until I found what would work for me,” she shares. Her optimism proved contagious, affecting not only her personal recovery but also inspiring those around her.
The most crucial aspect of her recovery, Nicole believes, was not the specific health protocols she followed, which were also an important aspect, but the mindset with which she approached her situation was the foundation. “It wasn’t the health protocol that was most important in my healing. It was my faith and mindset,” she emphasizes. This mindset was not just about adhering to a regimen but was about genuinely believing in the journey and being grateful for the opportunities to pursue healing.
Nicole stresses the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals, whether in one’s personal health journey or professional life. “Surround yourself with believers, leaders, and supporters,” she advises, emphasizing that the people who believe in your vision and potential can significantly influence your path to success.
Her philosophy extends beyond personal health into broader aspects of life, including professional endeavors and daily interactions. “Harness the Power of Positive Language and Mindset,” Nicole recommends. She believes that the words we use reflect our beliefs and can shape our reality, a principle she applies both to health and career.
As our conversation concludes, Nicole’s message is clear: “You have the power to create your reality if you believe it. Choose the future you want to create and believe you are worthy and capable of creating it.” Her life is a testament to the power of belief, resilience, and the profound impact of a positive mindset.
Nicole Kernohan’s story is not just about overcoming a medical condition; it’s about embracing life’s potential, no matter the odds.
Author’s Note: Nicole Kernohan is a high-performance coach in positive psychology and the COO of the international coaching company, Elevated Worldwide. The insights shared in this article are based on personal experiences and are not intended as medical advice.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
