About Me

Embarking on a Journey of Change:

I've been on this journey for a long time. In 2014, I completed my doctorate in Organization Development and Change. After my defense, I recall sitting at my desk feeling empty and wondering, "Dr. Who," "Dr. of What," so what's next? My mother (my best friend) passed not too long after receiving my doctorate, I divorced my husband of 21 years, and my son suffered a career-ending injury while playing college basketball.

A New Path Unfolds: 

One day after my mother's death, I was drawn into a building to find out what type of business it was. I met a lady who told me she was a soul coach and invited me to an upcoming training. I knew I was searching for something, so I signed up! I took the course and received my certificate. Great, I am a soul coach (lol) - what does that mean, and what's next?

Embracing Health and Fitness: 

I also started my weight loss journey from 250 pounds and eventually began teaching group fitness classes. I am now a licensed Zumba instructor and a licensed Pound instructor, and I hold my RTY 200 Yoga instructor license. I am also hours away from becoming a certified personal trainer.

Rediscovering Myself at 49: 

At 49, I found myself not knowing who I was. None of which defined me; I was a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, and an employee. I was lost and thought I was at the lowest point of my life. The one thing I did know was I was not living my life.

Facing Life's Challenges Head-On: 

About a year after my divorce, I entered a relationship that ended after discovering the person was cheating (we'd moved in together and were contemplating marriage). This breakup left me lost and demoralized as it was repeating a cycle, thankfully, one that did not last another 21 years. So here I am with yet another failed relationship, feeling defeated, ugly, and unwanted; my father's health began to decline, and then came COVID-19.

Covid was by far the loneliness point of my life. It highlighted one of my greatest fears of being alone during a time of disaster. Although fearful, I decided to use the time to focus on myself and what I needed to flourish in this life.

A Day of Revelation and Resolve: 

I finally realized what I needed to do with the soul coach certificate. In January 2021, I started another leg of my journey to become a life/health coach. Unfortunately, not long after I started training, my father died. I was in a better place this time, dealing with a parent's death, and as winter turned to spring, I was excited to get back to life as things began to open (from Covid). I did not know my life would take another drastic change on April 18, 2021. I tell anyone who will listen that day was the best day of my life. But, I have not shared until now why that day was the best day of my life because I settled a few things with myself.  

• I realized that both of my parents were gone, and I was essentially an orphan (until you lose your parent(s), you will not understand the significance of this realization). 

• I understood that if I "never" met that "special someone," things would be all right because my relationship status did not define me.  

• I decided I didn't care what I weighed; I would continue to do what I knew to do to remain healthy and not be disappointed when I stepped on the scale or looked in the mirror.

• Most of all, that day, I decided to LOVE ME and to start living my life. 

Triumph Over Adversity:  

Little did I know I spoke those proclamations hours before my next tragedy. That Sunday was a full day (swimming, gardening, running, and a late lunch with a friend), so I decided to lay on the floor, watch a little TV, and nap. When I woke and tried to stand, I found I was paralyzed from my chest down. Faced with being unable to move, being single, and having no one to take care of me, I found myself lost, devastated, scared, and lonely - now I can say this was the lowest point of my life. There is nothing like having your only view in life being that of a ceiling - 24 hours a day, seven days a week. During my hospital stay, they told me I would not regain mobility; if I did, it would be minimal, so I should get used to living with a handicap. Additionally, they felt the ideal treatment was to go to a nursing home. In my head, I thought I must be dreaming.

Although the cause of this tragedy is unknown, I am grateful to say I regained the use of my legs, but I still have a way to go to full recovery. Throughout my rehabilitation, hypnotherapy was a crucial part of my healing process, helping me maintain a positive mindset and visualize my recovery, even when the physical progress seemed slow.

A New Mission in Life:  

I recall telling my son at some point in May 2021, while still hospitalized, that I would run in a marathon I was planning to participate in - in Greece in November 2021. When released from the hospital, I could barely drag myself on a walker and had to slide down the stairs with my walker strapped to my waist to get to the basement. I worked alone in the basement daily, lifting weights and regaining my strength. I also worked hard in physical therapy three days a week. Eventually, I took my "show on the road" and started dragging myself on a walker outside. At first, I could barely drag myself around the one-mile circumference of my subdivision. At some point, I upgraded the walker to a rollator. I started venturing to the main roads and "rollating" through the other neighborhoods. Some nights, it was just me, my rollator, my tears, and the hills where I live. Still, I got strong enough, and at some point (ironically, I don't know when), I dropped the rollator and started walking independently. Only God knows the pain and the tears I shed on those walks and in my basement, but I am happy to say I walked in Greece! I participated in the 5k and the 10k and completed both races with time to spare before disqualification. No, I didn't run, BUT I walked, which is what "they" said I would not do!

Inspiring Transformation Through Hypnotherapy and Coaching:

While relearning how to walk, I never lost sight of my purpose—to help others navigate their journeys of transformation. This chapter of my life strengthened my resolve to support others in finding their path to healing and self-discovery. I believe that my experiences have uniquely equipped me to help others start truly "LivinLife."

Every day, I am more convinced that my mission is to guide others through their personal metamorphosis, using the power of hypnotherapy and holistic coaching. Having personally experienced the profound effects of hypnotherapy in my healing and transformation, I am passionate about helping others harness this powerful tool to overcome their challenges and achieve their highest potential.

Let's take the first step together. In a New You Discovery Session or a FREE Hypnotherapy Consultation, we'll explore your goals, uncover the incredible potential within you, and map out a personalized plan for your transformation. Your journey to rediscover and love your new self begins with this simple yet profound step. Click the links to schedule your session with me, and let's start this journey together.

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Dr. Candace Hayden