Whole Health

Veteran Darnette Evans loves designing graphic t-shirts for family and friends.

Navy Veteran Darnette Evans wasn’t living her best life because too much “stuff” was getting in the way. A Whole Health Coach and a lot of determination helped her clear the obstacles and get back to doing what she loves — crafting.

So what was getting in the way? Literally: stuff. Her craft room was overrun with art supplies and other clutter. “I couldn’t even see my desk. I had too much stuff!” she said.

She met Whole Health Coach Tracy Powell by way of her chiropractor at the South Charlotte VA Clinic in North Carolina. “I’d heard of Whole Health but hadn’t thought much about it. I thought it had to do [only] with food and nutrition,” Evans said.

Surroundings matter in Whole Health.

Whole Health focuses on what matters most to you. It goes beyond physical health and addresses all areas of your life, including surroundings.

“Crafting calms me,” said Evans and the disarray made her anxious and kept her from starting any projects. “I was kind of miserable,” she explained.

Powell agreed. “She couldn’t focus on crafting because the sight of all the stuff distracted her.” She would spend her time trying to organize the room, then she would become overwhelmed and walk away. “So she wasn’t crafting or organizing!” said Powell.

Setting a goal and receiving support is key to change.

With help from Powell, Evans began taking control of the mess. Powell guided her in making SMART goals. Evans noted that having a Whole Health Coach for setting deadlines and accountability was key.

“My first goal was to clear my desk,” Evans said. Powell helped her set a realistic deadline. “And I did it! And I felt really good about that. Then I set out to take more small steps, like clearing a pathway to walk through the room,” Evans said.

Powell recalls, “Darnette was able to explore how the craft room made her feel. We were able to drill down on what would be the first small step that would make her feel better. She successfully achieved it! This empowered her to take the next step and the next step.  At times she took a step backwards, and we discussed those as well,” Powell noted.

Clearing the chaos left Evans feeling significantly better. “I just feel lighter and happier,” she said. She is back at the crafting table now, creating graphic designs on t-shirts, hats, water bottles, greeting cards, and other items.

Each of us has the power to impact our well-being. Whole Health offers the skills and support you need to make the changes you want. The Circle of Health can get you started with self-care resources to live a happier life: https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/circle-of-health/index.asp