Do you love your job?
Lately, many clients have asked if I love my job……I find this question interesting and thought I would use it here to explain my answer.
Let me answer the questions: ‘Do I love my job?‘ and ‘Why do I do what I do?‘
My Naturopath Journey
If you are reading this and haven’t met me, I am Teressa Todd. I am Australia’s first university-trained Naturopath.
On top of that, I am also a Biochemist and Microbiologist.
Today, let me share a bit more about who I am, beyond the titles….
I genuinely love what I do.
It’s fulfilling to help people break free from the monotony of “Groundhog Day,” where they just go through the motions, not truly enjoying life or feeling good about themselves.
I love watching them thrive, living their best lives instead of merely surviving.
There’s nothing more rewarding than helping others achieve their health goals and make positive life changes.
It’s incredible to see the joy on someone’s face when they start feeling great again.
Have you heard the question by friends or family…. “If you won the lottery, would you give up your work and retire?“
What is your response?……
Recently, someone in Australia won a $150 million lottery. While we don’t know what they decided to do with their winnings, it makes you think: would you keep doing what you love, or would you change your life completely?
For me, the answer is clear: I would continue working as a naturopath because I’m passionate about helping others achieve their health goals. I love explaining health concepts in a way that empowers people to take control of their lives.
If I won the lottery, I’d still do what I do, but I might enhance it. I’d probably invest more in my practice, enjoy a few more things, and maybe hire additional staff to extend our reach and help even more people. My friends are often surprised when I say this. They ask, “Wouldn’t you just retire if you won millions?“
The truth is, I would miss what I do every day. I love seeing the positive changes in my client’s lives and helping them feel their best.
Why I Do What I Do
Let me share some stories that illustrate why I love my work.
Recently, I received a call from one of my clients in her 60s. She had been living with chronic pain, which stopped her from enjoying activities like walking with friends, riding her bike, playing golf, and even shopping. The pain was affecting her mentally and emotionally. After working with her, explaining her health issues, conducting tests, and providing therapy, she called to tell me she feels the best she has in her life. Her pain has reduced, she’s started walking again, and she’s enjoying life.
That kind of result inspires me to continue doing what I do.
It’s more than a job; it’s my passion.
As Confucius and Mark Twain have said, “If you enjoy what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” That’s how I feel.
Yes, some days are challenging, but I still love what I do.
Another story that reinforces why I enjoy my work involves a child I helped who had behavioural issues, digestive problems, and recurring infections. This child was constantly sick, struggling with toileting, and having outbursts. The mother had tried many solutions but couldn’t get to the root of the problems. Together, we identified the underlying issues and made health changes. Now, the child no longer suffers from recurrent infections, their digestive system is regular, and their moods and behaviour have balanced out. These improvements have transformed the child’s life, and I’m thrilled to say they are now healthy and symptom-free!
The impact of these changes extends beyond the individual, benefiting their family as well. The whole family became more settled and learned health concepts that they could apply to their own lives, supporting their overall well-being.
Another example I would like to share is about a client, a full-time working mother of two, who was exhausted, frazzled, and feeling short-fused. She was tired of being tired and worried about gaining weight but felt too busy to address it. This scenario is common in my clinic: women pushing themselves, feeling tired, gaining weight, and stuck in a cycle of routine tasks.
I worked with her to address her fatigue triggers, discussing routines, habits, lifestyle changes, and nutrition, particularly focusing on discontinuing eating-on-the-go…..
Many mothers skip proper meals and feel the strain.
I worked with this mum and structured her life and nutrition, targeting the root causes of her fatigue.
I’m happy to say that she’s now feeling much better. She has more energy, enjoys life, and has started an exercise program, steadily losing weight.
These transformations are part of the reason that I do what I do—seeing the positive ripple effects on everyone around them.
Exciting New Opportunities
I love helping you achieve your health goals, whatever it may be. Because of this, I have some exciting ideas and opportunities coming up for the rest of this year. We’re about to launch new pathways for you to work with me and achieve your health goals!
These new opportunities will provide more ways to collaborate with me and understand your health parameters, empowering you to take control of your health.
Are you ready to take the next step towards better health? Watch this space and stay tuned for these upcoming announcements. I’m excited to share more effective and qualified health information to help you take charge of your life.
Ready to kick start Gut Health? Book a Call!
This is how gut microbes can influence weight!
Probiotics can help you gain weight or lose weight by interacting with our genetics, food and metabolism.
And yes, I did say lose or gain weight……..
Firstly, let me explain that the trillions of microbes in the gut need to be varied, meaning that there should be a large variety of species. There are many different species (or breeds) of microbes, and they all have their place in aiding health — the more variety and balance, the better health results.
Back to the weight loss or weight gain issue….
Do you eat yogurt and berries for breakfast? Thinking that it’s helping you lose weight?
Well, Lactobacillus acidophilus (like the species found in yoghurt) has been connected to weight gain.
I am not saying throw your yoghurt and berries in the bin. Instead, I am suggesting looking at the overall picture. If Lactobacillus acidophilus is the predominant micro-organism of the gut, then weight gain can result.
It is about the variety of species of gut microbes. Imagine if we only have trained german shepherd guard dogs in the world. It may be a safe world, but I am sure that other breeds may be more suitable as a family pet.
While Lactobacillus acidophilus is associated with weight gain, other Lactobacillus species correlate with weight loss.
Species like Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Bifidobacteria animalis have been found to support weight loss.
Want to lose weight?
Look at your gut flora to support your goal.
Tests can be performed to identify the predominant species of the gut, and specific species can be utilised to support weight changes.
Want more information about your gut health?
Or want to look at all the factors contributing to weight gain, I’d love to be able to help.
