In the latest episode of the Perfectly Pl@nted podcast, we welcomed the inspiring Stacey Nievweija—a former registered nurse, certified health and running coach, endurance athlete, and a shining example of resilience. Stacey’s journey is one of grit, health challenges, and ultimately, a commitment to joy. She embodies the mantra "Joy Before Fear," a philosophy born from years of personal challenges and triumphs. This episode explores Stacey’s transformative story and the actionable steps she recommends for anyone seeking a sustainable path to wellness.
A Journey Born from Burnout
Stacey's story began with a career as a nurse, where she dedicated herself to providing care and support for others. Despite her compassion and expertise, the demands of her career and life responsibilities took a toll on her well-being. Stacey reflects on the physical and emotional toll that burnout took on her, sharing how she struggled to keep going, despite signs that her health and energy were waning.
Her story is not uncommon—so many of us press on, convinced that "resting" is something to be earned rather than an essential aspect of life. Stacey’s experience is a potent reminder of what happens when we ignore our body’s signals and sacrifice our well-being to keep up with life’s demands.
The Power of Hitting Pause
What’s remarkable about Stacey’s story is her bravery in making a change. As she faced the breaking point, she knew that her only path forward was to find a new approach to health. Stacey learned that true resilience wasn’t about “pushing through” but creating a foundation to support her mental, physical, and emotional needs.
This realization led Stacey on a journey to redefine what health and wellness meant to her. She poured herself into learning, researching, and becoming certified in health coaching, yoga, and sports coaching. Her goal was to find the keys to sustainable wellness and, in the process, share those insights with others who may feel isolated in their own battles.
Embracing “Joy Before Fear”
Stacey’s mantra, “Joy Before Fear,” is not just a slogan but a guiding principle. After experiencing the frustration of feeling trapped by burnout and fear, Stacey decided to prioritize joy in every aspect of her life—from her career choices to her personal activities. This meant learning to take the leap toward the things she loved, even if they were daunting at first. One prime example she shares in this episode is her venture into open water swimming. As a self-proclaimed “frightened swimmer,” she pushed herself into this challenging pursuit as a testament to overcoming fear and embracing new, joyful experiences.
This philosophy reminds us that sometimes we need to try what scares us in order to unlock a more meaningful, satisfying life. By making joy her guiding light, Stacey found the courage to pursue her passions and to foster a life that aligned with her values.
Building Physical and Mental Resilience
For Stacey, resilience isn’t just mental—it’s physical. Through years of working in healthcare, she recognized that without caring for our physical health, we lose the foundation that supports our mental and emotional wellness. In her coaching practice, she emphasizes building “athletic longevity,” encouraging her clients to pursue long-term health, not just short-term achievements.
Whether it’s through better sleep, effective stress management, or intentional recovery practices, Stacey has armed herself and her clients with strategies to create lasting wellness. She believes resilience is built by being proactive rather than reactive—by creating routines and adopting habits that help us avoid burnout before it takes hold.
Healthcare Reimagined
As a former nurse, Stacey shares candidly about the healthcare system's limitations and how her experience influenced her shift to wellness coaching. She describes healthcare as often addressing symptoms rather than root causes, urging that true healthcare begins long before we reach a doctor’s office. Stacey’s own experience as a patient showed her that wellness can’t be found in quick fixes. This realization spurred her desire to work on prevention, education, and overall health resilience, empowering people to stay healthy outside of conventional medical settings.
What to Expect When Working with Stacey
Stacey’s approach to coaching is rooted in empathy, understanding, and the power of connection. She believes that a successful coaching relationship is built on authenticity and trust. Whether she’s working with athletes or individuals on their wellness journey, her priority is to ensure her clients feel genuinely seen and heard. In her view, coaching isn’t just about meeting fitness goals but also about breaking through mental barriers, healing, and growing.
She encourages her clients to embrace their paths and to listen closely to their bodies, adapting their practices and goals as they evolve. Through Stacey’s guidance, many have found a new understanding of what it means to be resilient, both in mind and body.
Key Takeaways from Stacey’s Story
Stacey’s journey offers powerful lessons and takeaways for anyone looking to create a more balanced, fulfilling life:
Listen to Your Body’s Cues: Stacey learned firsthand the dangers of ignoring burnout. Her story reminds us that our bodies give us early warning signs when we’re pushing too hard.
Resilience Requires Both Mind and Body: True resilience is built through sustainable habits that support physical health and mental well-being.
Embrace Fear to Find Joy: Stacey’s commitment to putting “Joy Before Fear” is a call to courage, encouraging us to pursue our passions and let go of what holds us back.
Holistic Health Over Quick Fixes: Wellness is about a balanced, proactive approach—not waiting until symptoms appear. Stacey’s coaching philosophy is centered on supporting whole-body wellness.
Be Your Own Advocate: Stacey’s experience as both a nurse and patient highlighted the importance of self-advocacy. Taking charge of our health means seeking the answers and support we need, even when they’re hard to find.
Stacey's journey is one of courage, transformation, and resilience. If you’ve ever felt the weight of burnout or struggled to find joy in a world that often asks us to prioritize productivity over well-being, this episode is for you. Stacey’s insights into building a sustainable wellness practice and her honest take on redefining healthcare offer both hope and practical advice.
Please enjoy this episode of Perfectly Pl@nted and let Stacey’s story inspire you to make room for joy, build resilience, and live a life that truly nourishes you. The interview is available on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.
Let’s keep the conversation going! What does “Joy Before Fear” mean to you? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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