What Losing My Mom Taught Me About Health, Presence, and What Truly Matters

Grief has a way of changing you—quietly, deeply, and all at once.

Losing my mom has been the hardest experience of my life. She lived with Parkinson's Disease, a condition that slowly reshapes the body, the mind, and daily life. It’s not just the person diagnosed who feels it—it touches everyone who loves them.

Walking alongside her through that journey changed me—not only as a daughter, but as a dietitian.

It deepened what I thought I understood about health and revealed what truly matters.

Because health isn’t just about what we eat.

It’s about how we live, how we cope, and how we care for ourselves in the moments no one else sees.

 

Health Is More Than Habits—It’s Your Internal Environment

Through my mom’s experience, one thing became very clear:

There is a powerful connection between the body, the brain, and the nervous system.

With Parkinson’s, I saw firsthand how much symptoms could fluctuate—not just based on medication or routine, but based on stress, emotional state, and overall wellbeing.

When stress was high, everything felt heavier.

Movement was harder. Energy was lower. There was more struggle.

But in moments of calm—when she felt at ease—there was a noticeable shift.

More softness.

More steadiness.

More ease.

It reinforced something I now believe more strongly than ever:

Our internal state plays a significant role in how we feel, function, and heal.

 The Role of Stress in The Body

We often underestimate how much stress impacts our health.

We live in a culture that keeps us constantly thinking ahead—planning, worrying, anticipating what’s next.

But stress lives in the future.

And the body responds to those thoughts as if they are happening right now.

When we stay in a prolonged state of stress:

     •           The nervous system remains activated

     •           Inflammation can rise

     •           Sleep is disrupted

     •           Energy becomes depleted

     •           Symptoms—physical and emotional—intensify

Over time, this creates an internal environment that makes it harder for the body to function optimally.

On the other hand, when we create moments of presence—even briefly—we give the body a chance to regulate.

To reset.

To breathe.

To soften.

This doesn’t mean eliminating stress altogether—that’s not realistic.

But it does mean learning how to come back to the present moment, again and again.

The Three Pillars I Believe In More Than Ever

Through both my personal experience and professional work, my approach to health continues to come back to three foundational pillars:

1. Nutrition to Fuel Body and Mind

Food is not just fuel—it’s information.

What we eat directly impacts:

     •           Brain function

     •           Mood and emotional regulation

     •           Energy levels

     •           Inflammation and overall health

Balanced meals that include adequate protein, fiber, and healthy fats can support both physical and mental wellbeing.

And during difficult seasons—when life feels heavy—nourishment becomes even more important.

Not from a place of pressure, but from care.

2. Movement to Support Strength, Mobility, and Mood

Movement is one of the most powerful tools we have—and it doesn’t have to be extreme to be effective.

Strength training, in particular, supports:

     •           Muscle mass and mobility

     •           Metabolic health

     •           Independence as we age

     •           Confidence and resilience

Even gentle, consistent movement can improve mood, increase energy, and help regulate the nervous system.

It’s not about doing more.

It’s about staying connected to your body.

3. Mindfulness to Manage Stress and Stay Present

This is often the missing piece—and the one I’ve come to value the most.

Mindfulness isn’t about perfection or long meditation sessions.

It’s about small, intentional moments of awareness throughout your day.

It can look like:

     •           Taking a few slow, intentional breaths

     •           Going for a walk without distractions

     •           Sitting with your coffee and actually tasting it

     •           Pausing between tasks instead of rushing

Because the truth is:

Life is happening in the present moment.

And when we’re constantly living ahead of ourselves, we miss it.

What Grief Has Taught Me

Grief has a way of stripping everything back to what truly matters.

It has taught me:

     •           To slow down

     •           To be more present

     •           To take care of my body from a place of compassion, not control

     •           To let go of thoughts and worries that don't serve me

It’s also reminded me that health is not about perfection.

It’s about creating a life that supports you—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

A Gentle Reminder

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or navigating your own version of grief right now, know this:

You don’t have to do everything.

Start small.

A nourishing meal.

A short walk.

A deep breath.

These small actions matter more than you think.

They are how we begin to come back to ourselves.

If this resonates with you, know that the more grounded, nourished and present you are, the better equipped you become to navigate life’s challenges.

Because it’s not about avoiding hard moments. It’s about building the strength-physically, mentally and emotionally-to move through them with more resilience, awareness, and care.

Thank you Mom, for continuing to teach me these lessons-right to the very end.