When Life Calls You Higher: A Story of Transformation
“Your challenges aren't setbacks – they're invitations to rise higher."
- Noelle Kustas
When Life Calls You Higher: A Story of Transformation
Have you ever felt like you were thriving in most areas of your life, but one particular aspect just wouldn't align? Today, I'm sharing a deeply personal story that changed the trajectory of my life and taught me an invaluable lesson about what it truly means to level up.
The Night That Changed Everything
Two years ago, on Christmas Eve, my life took an unexpected turn. In the middle of the night, I experienced excruciating back pain that led to a fall that would impact not just my physical health, but my entire perspective on life. What followed was a diagnosis of two bulging discs and fibromyalgia – but the physical challenges were just the beginning.
The Hidden Battle
The harder battle wasn't the physical recovery – it was the mental one. Fear crept in: fear of falling again, fear of my body betraying me, fear of working out. I found myself caught in a cycle of starting, stopping, and self-blame. What I didn't realize then was that this wasn't just about physical healing; it was about confronting deeply rooted limiting beliefs.
The Breakthrough Moment
Recently, I took a step that seemed small but carried enormous weight – I walked into a workout room that terrified me. Yes, there were tears, but something was different this time. I saw my thoughts trying to hold me back, but I chose to move forward anyway.
A Perspective Shift
Over coffee with a friend afterward, she shared something that completely transformed my view: "God isn't humbling you. He's opening up another door for you to level up. He's been ready; He was just waiting for you to be ready."
This simple shift in perspective changed everything. What I had seen as defeating challenges were actually invitations to rise higher.
Understanding Our Default Settings
Our limiting beliefs are like default settings in our brains, pulling us back to what feels familiar, even when it doesn't serve us. These thoughts create actual chemical reactions in our nervous system, affecting everything from our energy to our anxiety levels. But here's the empowering truth: we can rewrite these settings.
The Birth of Something New
This journey of self-discovery and healing led me to create the Glow Up School, a program that combines my teaching experience, coaching certification, and personal life lessons. It's designed for busy women who want to transform their lives without the overwhelm, offering tools, strategies, and support to step into their next chapter with confidence and clarity.
Moving Forward
Whether you're struggling in one area or feeling called to level up across the board, remember this: you're not stuck – you're being called higher. The challenges you face aren't setbacks; they're opportunities for growth. We're all works in progress, but we're also works of art.
The Rise2Shine Podcast Episode 38 | From Falling to Rising: A Christmas Eve Wake-Up Call
Ready to shine brighter than ever before? Let's connect!
Tune in to The Rise2Shine Podcast for honest conversations, inspiring stories, and practical tools to help you navigate your next chapter.
Remember, you are not alone. Together, let's rewrite the narrative and redefine what it means to live a joyful, fulfilling life. Your next chapter is waiting, and it's going to be amazing!
XOXO,
Noelle Kustas
Rise2Shine Co
