Jennifer Navara, a Midlife Health and Chronic Illness Transformation Coach and the owner of The Illuminating Path, has an incredible story of resilience and transformation. After years of battling health issues, she reached a point where she knew she had to make a major change. Her journey from feeling powerless to taking control of her health taught her some life-changing lessons about trusting her instincts and embracing a holistic approach to wellness. In this interview, Jennifer shares the pivotal moment that set her on a new path and how she now helps others reclaim their health and vitality. We learned so much from her story, and we can’t wait for you to hear it!
A Different Approach to Health And Wellness
TBN: Jennifer, was there a turning moment when you realized you needed to change everything to reclaim your health and life?
JN: Yes, there was a pivotal moment in 2019 when I faced a health crisis with an ovarian cyst the size of an orange. I was given the option of emergency surgery, but something inside me told me there had to be a different way.
Really, the cyst was the pivotal moment because I had been so sick and debilitated for so many decades with severe symptoms that left me confined to my home most days and often even bedbound. I had tried conventional medicine and exhausted every resource that doctors had given me, only to find myself more debilitated with each new treatment. I had a deep inner knowing that there had to be a way to heal my body without more surgeries or toxic medications, and that is when I chose to take control of my health and explore holistic methods, despite the fear and uncertainty.
That decision was the turning point for me. I knew I had to embrace a whole new lifestyle—one that focused on healing my body naturally, understanding its signals, and making empowered, informed choices. In that moment, I realized reclaiming my health and life meant moving beyond the conventional system and finding my own path to wellness.
TBN: Holistic solutions became a significant part of your healing. What were some of the most surprising or impactful discoveries you made during your search for alternative treatments?
JN: Holistic solutions truly transformed my healing journey. One of the most surprising discoveries was how much power our bodies have to heal when we create the right environment for them. I learned that practices like visualization and energy healing could calm my nervous system and significantly reduce symptoms. Food also became medicine for me—by focusing on plant-based, anti-inflammatory foods, I noticed a huge shift in my energy levels and overall well-being.
But perhaps the most impactful discovery was the mind-body connection. I realized that the trauma and stress I carried for decades were manifesting as physical symptoms. By addressing the emotional and energetic roots of my illness through techniques like journaling, mindfulness, and meditation, I found a deeper level of healing that I never knew was possible. It was eye-opening to see how these holistic methods could bring so much relief, and it reinforced my belief in the power of the body to recover when we support it holistically.
Empowered Women Empower Women
TBN: Can you describe what empowerment means to you, and how it has shaped your current approach to helping others?
JN: To me, empowerment means reclaiming your power and recognizing that you have the ability to shape your own health and life, no matter the challenges you face. It’s about understanding that you have choices, even when the world tells you otherwise. My journey of overcoming chronic illness taught me that when you take back control of your body, your mindset, and your healing journey, you create freedom for yourself.
This experience has shaped my approach to helping others. I believe in equipping women with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to navigate their own health journeys confidently. I don’t just provide step-by-step guidance; I create a safe, nurturing space where women feel seen, heard, and empowered to make their own decisions. By sharing my story and offering holistic strategies, I hope to inspire others to step into their power, break free from limitations, and create a life of vitality and freedom.
TBN: Has your personal journey equipped you to better advocate for other women, Jennifer? How?
JN: Absolutely, my personal journey has been the foundation for my ability to advocate for other women. Living through decades of chronic illness, I understand firsthand the frustration of feeling dismissed and unheard by the conventional medical system. When I found holistic approaches that worked for me, I realized how many women were struggling in silence, feeling powerless and isolated.
This experience has given me a deep sense of empathy and a genuine desire to help women reclaim their health and power. I know the courage it takes to seek alternative paths and the persistence needed to find what truly works. My journey has equipped me with the tools, insights, and compassion to guide others through their own healing, offering them the support and community I wish I’d had. It’s not just about giving advice; it’s about walking alongside them, helping them find their voice, and encouraging them to advocate for themselves, so they can create the health and freedom they deserve.
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Resilience & Mental Health
TBN: How has breathwork transformed your life, and how do you use it to help others on their path to healing?
JN: Breathwork has been a profound tool in my healing journey. It helped me reconnect with my body and calm my nervous system, which was constantly in a state of fight or flight due to years of chronic illness. Through breathwork, I learned to release trapped emotions and stress that were contributing to my symptoms, and I felt a sense of peace and clarity I hadn’t experienced in years. It’s amazing how something as simple as intentional breathing can be so transformative.
Now, I use breathwork to help others by integrating it into my coaching and courses. I guide women to use their breath as a powerful tool for managing pain, reducing anxiety, and supporting the body’s natural healing processes. It’s about creating a space where they can reconnect with themselves and find relief, even in the midst of their challenges. Breathwork empowers them to become active participants in their own healing, giving them a sense of control and hope.
TBN: Why do you believe mental health is a key component of overall wellness, and how do you see it shaping our wellness journey?
JN: I believe mental health is absolutely essential to overall wellness because the mind and body are deeply interconnected. Our thoughts, emotions, and past traumas all influence our physical health. In my own journey, I saw how chronic stress, anxiety, and unresolved emotional pain manifested as physical symptoms. It wasn’t until I began addressing my mental and emotional well-being that I saw significant progress in my physical health.
Mental health shapes our wellness journey by impacting how we approach healing. A positive, resilient mindset empowers us to take action, explore alternative paths, and stay committed to our goals, even when things get tough. It’s also about learning how to manage stress, shift our mindset, and release limiting beliefs that keep us stuck in patterns of illness.
With my clients, I emphasize the importance of mental health by integrating mindset work, visualization, and emotional release techniques alongside physical healing strategies. When we heal the mind, we set the foundation for true and lasting wellness, creating a space for the body to thrive.
TBN: You’ve turned your trials into triumphs. How do you guide others to shift their mindset from “dreading life” to “loving it”?
JN: I guide others to shift their mindset by first helping them understand that they are not defined by their symptoms or circumstances. Often, when we’ve been dealing with chronic illness or setbacks for years, it’s easy to feel trapped, hopeless, and stuck in a cycle of dreading life. I’ve been there, and I know how overwhelming it can feel. But I also know that healing starts with believing that change is possible and that we have the power to create a new reality for ourselves.
I encourage clients to focus on small, achievable steps that build confidence and gradually shift their mindset. Through practices like visualization, breathwork, and journaling, I help them reconnect with their true desires and passions, allowing them to imagine a life beyond illness and limitations. I also emphasize the importance of celebrating every small win, as it builds momentum and shows them that progress is possible.
It’s about rewiring their thinking from ‘I have to live with this’ to ‘I have the power to change this.’ By fostering a sense of empowerment, self-compassion, and resilience, I guide them to reclaim their joy and freedom, so they can shift from simply surviving to truly loving their life.
Jennifer says her son and daughter-in-law are “the highlight of her life”.
Community & Advice
TBN: How do you create a sense of community and support for the people you work with?
JN: Creating a sense of community and support is a cornerstone of my work because I know how isolating chronic illness can be. Many of the women I work with have felt unheard and unsupported in their healing journeys, so I make it a priority to foster a space where they feel seen, understood, and valued.
I build this sense of community by offering a safe and nurturing environment where women can share their experiences, struggles, and victories without judgment. Whether through online support groups, courses, or live workshops, I encourage open dialogue and genuine connections, so they realize they’re not alone. I also use storytelling, sharing my own journey and inviting others to do the same, which creates a deeper sense of belonging and relatability.
My goal is to create a space where women not only receive practical tools and guidance but also find inspiration and encouragement from others walking a similar path. It’s about building a supportive network that lifts each other up, cultivates empowerment, and makes the journey to health and freedom a shared experience.
TBN: What advice would you give to women who feel stuck or overwhelmed by their personal struggles but don’t know where to begin their healing journey?
JN: My advice is to start small and give yourself grace. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed when you’re struggling with chronic illness or personal challenges, especially when it feels like you’ve tried everything without results. The first step is to remind yourself that you are not alone and that it’s okay to take things one step at a time. Healing doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s not about finding a quick fix—it’s about creating a path that feels right for you.
Begin by tuning in to your body and emotions. What is your body trying to tell you? What do you need most right now—rest, support, nourishment, or maybe just time to breathe? Start with small, manageable actions that feel good to you, whether it’s practicing deep breathing, taking a short walk in nature, or journaling about your thoughts and emotions. These tiny shifts can build momentum and show you that change is possible.
I also encourage seeking support—whether through a community, a coach, or holistic practitioners—because you don’t have to go through this alone. Finding a space where you feel seen and supported can make all the difference. Remember, your journey is yours, and there’s no ‘right’ way to heal. It’s about finding what resonates with you and taking those steps forward with courage and self-compassion.
TBN: Looking back on your journey, what are you most proud of? Also, if you could talk to a younger version of yourself, what advice would you give her?
JN: Looking back on my journey, I’m most proud of my resilience and ability to transform pain into purpose. I’ve faced significant challenges, from chronic illness to feelings of isolation, but each experience has shaped me into who I am today. I’ve learned to embrace my empathetic nature, turning it into a strength that allows me to connect with and support other women on their healing journeys. Building a community and creating transformative courses that empower others truly fills my heart with pride.
If I could speak to a younger version of myself, I would say, ‘Trust your intuition and be gentle with yourself.’ I would remind her that it’s okay to feel lost sometimes and that every struggle has the potential to lead to incredible growth. I’d tell her to embrace her uniqueness and not be afraid to stand out. To always speak her truth and not to allow anyone to ever dim her light. I’d tell her that her sensitive and beautiful heart is her superpower, and to always follow it. I’d let her know life will throw challenges her way, but they are all part of her beautiful story. I’d remind her to believe in her strength and know that it’s okay to ask for help. I’d tell her she is not alone in this journey, and every step she takes is valid. I’d tell her that her voice matters, and she has the power to create a life that resonates with her true self and all of it’s magic. And lastly, I’d remind her that she is loved unconditionally.
Click here to check all the interviews from our “Empowered Women Empower Women” series.
