Amy Olmedo:
Nature’s Healing Code
After a series of life-altering setbacks, Amy sought solace in the shifting tides of the Cape Fear River. What started as a simple escape became a profound journey of self-discovery, resilience, and unexpected opportunities.
Bio
Hi, I’m Amy. Do you have a minute to listen to what is in my heart? When I was young, I dreamed of the perfect life: marrying the best man, raising three beautiful children, becoming a doctor, and living happily ever after. But life had different plans. At first, I thought I had it all. But, the person in the mirror did not look familiar to me. I no longer recognized myself, or at least the version of myself I had created.
In my mid-thirties, I sat by the pool with friends, watching our children play. According to everyone, we were living “the life.” Yet, an overwhelming dread washed over me. I thought, “If this is life, I don’t want it anymore. You can keep it for yourself.” I had been enduring emotional abuse, and I knew I needed to leave my marriage. But, I did not know how. When I finally gathered enough strength to leave, the devastation that was thrust upon me was unimaginable.
Then, a car accident nearly killed me, leaving me with Traumatic Brain Injury and intense physical pain, yet I appeared fine. I had to fight, while hiding my struggles, to protect my children. Over the years, I did my best to rebuild my life, but a second car accident left me broken and suffering, yet again. My body was physically and emotionally shutting down as I developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
In my forties, I longed for peace, wishing to reconcile the pain. Then, a spiritual renewal brought me back to life. Through arduous struggles, I rediscovered my purpose. Nature has always been my sanctuary and is where I feel closest to God. I knew I needed a fresh start. But where and with who? In my fifties, I discovered everything in life has led me to this moment in time, my time.
White Heron, A Creation Story is the result of my embracing all of who I am and all of my experiences through my journey. It is my story and a faithful companion for anyone on their own journey of self-discovery, healing and transformation. Come, take my hand, I am waiting for you.
Topics
- How nature became her greatest teacher after personal crisis
- Recognizing the patterns of adversity and taking ownership of change
- The role of intuition and listening in healing and personal growth
- Learning from the tides: how the shifting river mirrored her own transformation
- The power of solitude and reflection in rebuilding after setbacks
- Working with a shaman and the lessons it taught her
- Ancient healing practices and their relevance in modern times
- The emotional and physical connection in trauma recovery
- How she transitioned from personal healing to creating a retreat for others
- The unexpected opportunities that emerged when she surrendered to change
Guiding Questions
- You’ve experienced multiple life-altering setbacks—what was the moment that made you realize something needed to change?
- Can you share how your time in nature and discovering fossils became a turning point for you?
- What did the shifting tides of the Cape Fear River teach you about life and resilience?
- You mentioned working with a shaman—how did that shape your healing process?
- How do you differentiate between adversity that is simply hard and adversity that carries a deeper lesson?
- What role did self-love and self-discovery play in your healing journey?
- You talk about the emotional-physical connection in trauma—how can people begin to untangle that for themselves?
- What inspired you to create a retreat to help others through adversity?
- Can you share an example of someone you’ve helped and the transformation they experienced?
- What advice would you give to someone currently facing a life upheaval and feeling lost?