I'm Talking Wellness... All Month Long
And this week, I've got a special guest to get the ball rolling.
September is here, and now that the attention is off the initial “back to school” and summer is really saying its goodbyes, it’s a great time for “back to wellness.”
No?
And when I say wellness, I’m not suggesting everyone immediately switch from Fruit Loops to green smoothies. Or come up with some elaborate New Year’s plan that leaves you stressed out and off the wagon in two days. (Or is it on the wagon? I’m never sure about that.)
No. I’m simply saying is that September is a great time to:
evaluate how we’re feeling
find ways to feel better.
That’s why I’ve lined up a series of special guests to address different areas of wellness.
In the coming weeks (which will actually spill into October), I’m going to introduce some special "Who I’d Rather Be Talking About” guests.
Each rock star will cover a different wellness area. Some that you may have never even considered when thinking about wellness as a whole.
Let’s get started this week with…
This week, I’m talking to Donna Stelter, a dear friend I met many moons (and miles) ago when we both were training for our first marathon for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Since then, Donna has inspired me on the run and on the yoga mat. She’s balanced my chakras. She’s given me mental and emotional clarity by sharing her wisdom and insight. These days, she inspires me with her social media messages, which always seem to magically appear just when I need them the most.
She’s an inspirational powerhouse, and I can’t wait for you to hear her story.
With that, let’s meet Donna!
First, let’s go back in time. Can you tell us where you’re from and tell us about your family, career, and early life?
I’m happy to share my story with you and your devoted readers. I’ve been married for 30 years now—Bob and I have two adult children. Our daughter lives in Utah, and our son still lives in Wisconsin. I’ve been a registered nurse for 28 years. Right out of college, I began working at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in the hematology, oncology, and bone marrow transplant unit. This was a very rewarding and challenging choice, but it was absolutely a true calling for me.
How did you transition from your nursing job to what you’re doing now?
I feel I outgrew what the healthcare system was offering patients, and that no longer felt good in my heart. I love healing at a deep level - but filling prescriptions and saying, “I am sorry there is nothing else I can do” (based on policy and procedures) didn’t work for me.
I decided to take all the wisdom I’ve gathered, along with the teachings and certifications I’ve accumulated over 30 years to start mentoring women into deeper levels of transformation.
Your LinkedIn profile says, “I help transform women who feel invisible to invincible.” That’s awesome. Please tell us more.
Based on my own personal experiences of feeling unworthy (like I was never enough and feeling soul-crushingly invisible) I’ve learned skills that I share with my clients.
I help women acknowledge where they are, create a new life version of themselves for their future, and create a plan on how to get there. And I walk the journey with them.
I believe we all have greatness within us, and sometimes it takes having another person believe in us and shine a brilliant light (almost like a reflection or mirror) upon us for the original soul to be uncovered and the fire ignited to strive for the dreams we were meant to fulfill.
My clients schedule “Soul Connection Sessions,” where we journey into the deepest aspect of our being where our past experiences, our dreams, and our loved ones all reside. When I guide clients to this sacred place, healing, awareness, love, forgiveness, and truth become exposed to the conscious mind.
It is deeply rewarding work for me and truly life changing for the dear souls that are brought into my world.
I am a certified life coach and I can be a “coach,” but I feel this label is overused and doesn’t deeply reflect the work I do. I accompany my clients on a journey through life experiences and redirect them like a compass to find their way home.
How has your past life as a yoga teacher and Reiki practitioner influenced where you are now?
Yoga and Reiki opened me to the truth of who I am at my core, my essence. These practices brought me closer to God and showed me that I am not separate but One with Him and all beings. I had no idea that attending certification classes would deepen my understanding of my human connection to all that exists around me. As I cared for my own health, body, mind, and spirit, the world around me became even more magical, which I am very grateful for.
I own this truth now to instill hope into others, especially women, because I know and have seen so many women lost and struggling, whether it is with physical, mental, or spiritual health.
I’ve always admired your healthy lifestyle. Can you tell us a bit about your diet and other health practices?
I wouldn’t say I diet, but my nutrition is clean. I aim to eat food that grows in the earth or has a mother, organic as much as possible and always grass fed. I drink very little alcohol, no soda or juices, I avoid sugar, but I do have a dessert once in a while. Food and eating are huge issues that have controlled people for so long. I feel it's important to eat when you're hungry, not because of what the clock reads.
People use food to cope with emotions and fill voids during stress and grief. Discovering new habits to replace unhealthy habits is of utmost importance. I struggled for years with body image and neglect for many years. It’s a beautiful feeling to have broken those chains.
What about supplements, etc?
I feel collagen, magnesium, and vitamin D are musts. Personally, I also use CoQ10, a neurotrophic for brain health called Neuravie, and a homeopathic product to balance my hormones called Somaderm. This product changed my life dramatically. I wholeheartedly recommend this if anyone is frustrated with the midlife chaos going on in our bodies after the age of 35. You know, the hot flashes, droopy tummy, the brain fog and sleepless nights. Girlllll, I was there once too! I am 56, and I feel 40. We can treat our bodies like a Prius or a Porsche.
How about movement? What are you doing these days to work out, and what exercises do you recommend as we age?
I have been playing Pickleball for almost four years and just this year I learned tennis and joined a women’s league in my community. I play for about three hours five days a week. I absolutely love it, and we are never too old to learn something new!!. I also bike and still run. I lift weights a few days a week, which I feel is important for our bone density as well as age. We all need to move every day. There is no truer statement than “If you don’t move it, you will lose it.”
As we age, we lose muscle mass, which helps support skeletal structure and contributes to falls and injuries. Yoga is excellent for the brain and also balance, which will again help prevent falls. I recommend finding something you enjoy. If you don’t love it, you won’t commit, and you will be disappointed in yourself, and that gets you nowhere.
What advice do you have for women of any age who feel stuck?
I hope this doesn’t sound harsh but it helped me, no one is coming to save you. Period. I think Mel Robbins coined that phrase. There are people like me, who will help you, but you have to take the initiative. Change comes with choice. I know because I have had to scrape myself off the floor many times.
Your drive for a better, healthier life has to be stronger than continuing the cycle of suffering.
Can you recommend some resources for women who want to change their diet and overall lifestyle?
A great book is Tony Robbins - Life Force which covers top-notch research on health and lifestyle.
What are your plans for the future?
Goals and dreams. Sometimes I feel like an alien. Am I the only one in my community or age group continuing to think about bigger and more adventurous experiences and goals for my future?
I see people retire, and their lives are stagnant 😩
Part of me doesn’t understand how people stop growing and striving for a bigger life. It doesn’t mean a bigger house or a fancier car but that which fills our cup and heart, so it is just overflowing with joy, love, and service. Is that you?
If so, I am looking to collaborate with women who embrace unique gifts to create extraordinary retreats. I aim to bring women together to love and transform in business, health, and spirituality.
I also plan to return to my beloved India and volunteer at an orphanage, where I hope to make a lasting impact.
Lastly, I’m looking to travel, speak, and share my story based on a book I am writing…a much deeper story than what was shared here. I think people can heal, grow, and connect on a deeper level through stories.
I look forward to meeting you in some unique way the universe brings us together!
Where can people find you online and get in touch with you?
Women can contact me for general information as well as get free resources for perimenopause and hormone balancing by clicking here.
Donna’s Picks:
Favorite Podcast: The Ed Mylett Show
Go-To Recipe: “Our Family’s Favorite Salad” from gimmesomeoven.com.
Wellness Practice most people don’t know about but should: I use an Epic Water Filter pitcher in my fridge. I will not drink water out of the faucet or plastic bottles anymore. This filter removes so many toxins that affect our brain health.
Inspirational or spiritual book rec: I have two: Worthy by Jamie Kern Lima and Becoming Supernatural by Dr Joe Dispenza.
Wellness documentaries, YouTube channels, or show recommendations: YouTube - Eddie Pinero and Sarah Jakes Roberts.
Morning Routine: Wake up at 5:30, prayers meditation, reflection, social media, to the courts by 8 or 9:30 till 11:30, work by 1 ish till whenever I need based on client appointments.
Nighttime Routine: I am a night owl since I have always worked second shift, but I am trying now to get to bed by 11. I love my night time skincare routine, I won’t miss it!! Evenings are with my husband and friends at the pool or out and about enjoying life.
Self-Care Activity: My skincare routine is my new TLC. I Cleanse, Preserve, Revive CPR and I use a Buf Puf (found on Amazon).
Fitness Routine: Give it my all, out last, out play everyone💃 and keep smiling.
Healthy Snack: Dates with Goat cheese 😊
Life motto or favorite quote? I want to be remembered as a woman who loved on everyone as much as she could and left them better off than when she met them. ♥️
Donna, I think you’ve already accomplished #11! Thank you for sharing your story and for inspiring so many!
You can find and follow Donna on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
And, that’s a wrap!
Thank you for reading this special Who I’d Rather Be Talking About!
I’ll see you all next week, and maybe also… in the next couple of days for a surprise Him & Her Wellness Links issue. 😉
Until next time,
Abbey
Thank you for sharing, Abbey! Loved reading all the insights Donna shares. Hoping to be as happy, healthy, and goal-oriented as Donna in twenty years!