Caitlin Padgett
Alcohol. It’s a complicated little beastie. Our relationship to alcohol is so intertwined with so many aspects of our health and wellness from our social patterns, romantic connections, and most powerfully even our connection to our inner “self.”
For many of us our relationship to alcohol started with family patterns, childhood experiences and often the teenage years – and how that relationship evolves over time impacts how we feel, our long term health and our personal and romantic relationships too.
Caitlin Padgett is a holistic health coach and women’s leader who’s willing to “go there” for the hard discussions. And she does it with beauty, grace and pointed brilliance.
What I love most about her approach is it isn’t an all or nothing equation. Caitlin is as loving and open with her outlook as she is knowledgeable and informed AND effective at helping women navigate a personalized journey to a healthy relationship with drinking.
There is no “one size fits all” approach for this stuff – but as Caitlin shares the first step is to have the discussion. And that’s what we are doing here. So glad you are here too…
In gratitude and more,
Lindsay
Lindsay and Caitlin talk about is there room for alcohol in holistic wellness?
Tell us a little about yourself
I’m a lover of life, adventure and travel. In fact, I just bought a sweatshirt that says “Let’s get physical.” I grew up on the West Coast of Canada and currently live in the far South West Coast of Mexico, in a little town called Puerto Escondido. There, I teach dance, movement and wellness classes and workshops in additional to running my holistic coaching business. I am incredibly grateful to be able to live and work doing what I love. My partner and I are currently building a little off the grid eco-house made of adobe and palm and powered by solar, and we are expecting our first child.
Tell us about your path to creating your business and your vision
I have always followed my heart when it comes to choices around my work and vision. I actually have an anatomical heart tattooed on my forearm as a reminder. “If my heart’s not in it, don’t do it!”
My business combines my passion for health, a lifetime of personal experience, and over 15 years of a varied professional career and studies. The vision came to me one day as I was walking down the beach, and literally landed like a lightening bolt of illumination. This issue affects so many women today, yet remains hidden and shrouded in shame. I am continually reminded of how necessary this work is and because this approach has worked for me and my clients, I know it will continue to work for countless other women.
Tell us a little about yourself and your philosophy on wellness:
I follow a holistic and integrated approach to wellness. I include a lot of pleasure and play. I always say, it’s gotta feel good to want to do it. I delight in sensory experiences. Sleep, ritual, relaxation, fun, exercise, loving and supportive relationships, spirituality, and healthy, whole nourishing foods make the foundation of my wellness routine.
What was the catalyst in your life to fuel your commitment to wellness?
While I long considered myself to be “health conscious” – I actually living my 20s in a way that was unhealthy, lacking consciousness and definitely not sustainable. I basically ran myself into the ground and complete burnout. I was suffering from horrible breakouts on my skin, bloating, used stimulants and alcohol to manage energy and stress/anxiety during the day, and couldn’t sleep without pills. I had just gone through a divorce and realized that my life was not what I wanted it to be at age 30. So I moved to a new country and started prioritizing my own health, first and foremost.
How do you stay healthy, resilient and vibrant?
I start each day with my morning ritual which includes waking up with sunrise, and spending some time in while still in bed doing positive visualization. I drink my water and lemon, then meditate and stretch or do yoga. Next comes green juice or green smoothie, and easing into my priorities. I take naps when I can, I’ve become a pro at the power nap. I do exercise and movement that feels sensual and pleasurable, and dance a lot. I eat a plant-based diet and cook as much as I can. Oh and sweet sleep… I used to be chronically under-slept and running on adrenaline, now I know sleep keeps me connected to my divinity.
If there was only one thing a person could find the energy and resources to make a priority what would it be?
SLEEP!!! So many women I know and work with are chronically under-slept. Sleep costs nothing and the benefits are so far reaching. In addition to that, finding one thing every morning that nourishes you, and is special or unique to you. So many of us have kids, partners, and so many external responsibilities that our days quickly become about giving to others. Try to start your day in a way that honours YOU, and provides nourishment to your mind, body and soul.
What is your favorite inspirational quote for wellness / awesomeness / thrival?
“Energy flows where attention goes.” Anonymous
“Good enough is not enough. It can be so much better. Commit to a life lived fully. See it all, feel it all, live it all.” Caitlin Padgett
Caitlin Padgett is a Holistic Health and Lifestyle coach and founder of “Evolve,” an unconventional approach supporting women to redefine their relationship to alcohol, their bodies and their lives. For more information on Caitlin and her programs, please visit www.caitlinpadgett.com
