My name is Nancy, I’m 28 years old, and I was diagnosed with vertigo three months ago by my physiotherapist.

I firmly believe that I have vertigo because I was anxious, I was working 12-hour days on the computer, I wasn't present in my life, and I couldn’t even enjoy simple things like walking my dog. I’d have preferred to keep adding to my sky-high to-do list, reveling in the focus I thought I needed to build my business, and chasing the next task. Worst of all, I would hear myself thinking about work while my boyfriend was trying to tell me about his day. Vertigo changed all that for me.

For three weeks I was forced to stop working, but after that it was still challenging to look at the computer. At first I worried that having vertigo would slow me down and sabotage my chance at starting a business. But then I came to realize that vertigo had allowed me to play catch up for all the times I should have been resting instead of working. I was starting to see a silver lining instead of a dark cloud.

I started paint-by-numbers again (art therapy is a favourite of mine), and appreciating when I could go for a quick walk without feeling overwhelmed. I stopped feeling guilty for doing things non-work related. I let myself watch Netflix for hours, especially during high-symptom days.

Now, three months later, I still have vertigo, but I also have a new-found appreciation for life that was made possible because of the deep compassion work I had to do to get through this.

As a coach, I am more prepared than ever to help my clients. They’re getting the more empathetic and understanding version of me they deserve. My business started growing once I began living with vertigo and listening to my body, instead of listening to what I thought I needed to be in order to succeed. I finally know what enjoying the process feels like. And I’m very grateful for what vertigo has taught me about myself.

I know all vertigo stories aren’t uplifting, but I wanted to let people know that there’s someone out there who understands the experience and has found a bright side to an otherwise difficult circumstance. - Nancy D., Vancouver, BC