Blogger, Professional Speaker. Lupus & PTSD Advocate, TV/Radio Personality, Certified Life Coach & Certified Zumba Instructor

Sol2Soul: My Life Mission

You may or may not know that when I first graduated college I pursued a career in Broadcast Journalism & Spanish. I wanted to be a bilingual TV personality. I actually wanted to be the Latina Oprah but of course with my own flavor . Although, I don't agree with everything Oprah supports, I do have respect for her knowing her craft so well.  In addition, I'd love to be as witty as Ellen and as giving.  She has the best surprises for families.  My dream has always become an anonymous philanthropist.  Lastly, it would be fun to sit down and be on the Queen Latifah show to meet Nick Cannon who is one of the only celebrity Lupus advocates. I admire his courage to speak out about the cruel mystery.  Plus, Queen Latifah seems like an interesting easy going type of person.

The irony with Nick Cannon is that I was on stage with his wife, Mariah Carey, during the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards.  I was supposed to be working as a production assistant and instead was pulled on stage as an extra.  I believe that video is on Youtube somewhere. (http://youtu.be/2sS64fHGfUA)

Yes, I'm the lady sitting up front with blonde highlights!  I have stories for days.  I definitely lived in the moment and traveled as much as I could before I settled down =).

In addition, it would be fun to meet Katie Couric, since I admired her as a journalist on The Today Show since I was young.  

Let me tell you a story...In the summer of 2001, I earned a prestigious fellowship that landed me a job in NYC working for Westwood One Radio and CBS Television in Artist Relations. I landed my first dream job which consisted of covering red carpets, movie premiers and CD release parties.

Even though I was living a dream, I felt there was something more to life like I was missing the meaning.  Interviewing celebrities was entertaining, but I didn't feel I was making a difference.  We all are built with gifts to make a difference in this world.  I believe at that time in my life I had lots of religion in my life, but it wasn't until Sept. 11th that I understood what it was like to have a personal relationship with Jesus. It's forever changed my life!

In this video clip, I was a part of a great movement with Ujima magazine and Ujima TV in Austin, TX back in 2011. My Co - host, Damita Miller-Shanklin, took a few minutes to interview me. I happen to run across the clip today. I hope you enjoy it!

I'm so thankful to be used by God. I'm glad I woke up in time to know the truth and stand on His promises. My story evolves into many more interesting chapters this year. I will need to update my personal TV reel soon. I know God has big plans of the places He plans to take me and Quevarra Moten to share it with others worldwide as we grow the #PowerofWomen Series.

Video clip:
http://vimeo.com/m/28877125

Video clip: http://vimeo.com/40044738

Contact me if you would like to have us at your next conference, banquet, workshop, church service or event. #messenger #Sol2Soul #PowerofWomen #LiveFullDieEmpty #healthstruggles #healthyliving #eattolive #Lupusdiaries #inspiration #survivor #warrior 

Seek your Passion, Feed Your Soul, Love Your Life!

Your Certified Life Coach & Inspirational Speaker,

Evelina Solis

www.EvelinaSolis.com

Mysol2soul@yahoo.com

By the Grace of God, He Brought Us Hope!

4.14.14

TESTIMONY!!!! MIRACLE BABY!!!!

This little light of mine is 2 years old today!!!

Through health struggles, docs told me in 2009 that I would never have kids. My world came crumbling down thinking that I would never have the opportunity to experience motherhood. I knew I could adopt or even become a bonus mom, but being a Mother was the furthest thought from my mind when I am in the fight of my life each day.

At this time in my life, dating was not even in the picture. Then, as I was pursuing God's will for my life (inspirational speaking), he did the unthinkable/impossible. I met my husband who was very persistent and confident in 2011 . He swept me off my feet. We got married, and shortly after to my surprise, while I was on a speaking tour, I found out I was 15 weeks PREGNANT!!!

YES, I was just as shocked as you are!!! I was in my 2nd trimester before I knew I was carrying a BABY! With mixed emotions I came to Jesus looking for answers. I wanted to explode with joy, yet I had been on medications the whole time for my severe Lupus, blood clotting disorder, and I was in the 2nd phase of my chemo. I thought, "Would my baby be ok?"

I faced my biggest fears of possible disabilities/abnormalities. I prayed, prayed and prayed. I made a deal with God that if He felt I was capable of this great responsibility then I would love her however He gave her to me. Hope Grace was born with a short left arm, one less rib and an extra lumbar vertebrae. We started extensive occupational therapy for her in our home at 3 months old.

I'm blessed to say that after a year old Hope's test results showed NO short arm, NO missing rib and NO extra lumbar vertebrae. Although she had some motor delays, she ended up walking and crawling at the SAME time (at 16 months) and exceeding all expectations!

She has taken the world by storm. She has saved my life! She gives me even more reason to stay strong and continue this health battle. She is healthy, vibrant, sweet, funny, active and loves Jesus. She already has a big calling on her life!

God led us to her name during such a turbulent time in our life. We heard clearly that by the GRACE of God, He brought us HOPE! Hope is the anchor for the soul. Without Hope, there is no life and reason to live.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Hope Graciela Castellon. We love you so very much!!!

SHARE the good news! Miracles happen everyday, not just in biblical times! If you weren't a believer before, then I hope this sweet pea's story changed your heart ♡. She has blessed me beyond measure! I've learned so much from her. God is ALMIGHTY!

P.S. I'm also the BONUS mom to two handsome, loving, sweet boys . Thankful for my life!

#messenger #Sol2Soul #PowerofWomen #speakerlife #Lupusdiaries #miraclesbaby#LiveFullDieEmpty #HopeGrace #manyarecalledbutfewarechosen

4.16.14: Dancing in the Storm

4/16/14

The fight for my life continues...

I went into the hospital 18 days ago with severe Edema from my Lupus Nephritis.  I had around 35 EXTRA lbs of fluid all over my body, especially in the legs, ankles, feet and it even traveled into my face swelling my eyes shut.  I came out of the hospital on March 28th only loosing 2 lbs of fluid. They sent me home with 9 new meds and 2 vitamins.  I was concerned about taking too many new meds too soon.  

As you have been following my posts, I started the Paleo Autoimmune Protocol specific for my Lupus Nephritis administered by Dr. Alejandra Carrasco at Nourish Integrative Medicine in Austin, Texas weeks before heading in the hospital.  I've been on it for a good 30 days.  I was starting to feel energetic, lighter, clean and even closer to God eating Organic.

Then, I got the phone call that my Abuelita was called to Heaven on Thursday of last week.  I headed to the valley packing all my organic food, wheel chair and medications to take along on Saturday.  It took me an entire day to pack everything I needed.  

So Thursday was the last time I could weigh myself and take my blood pressure before I left town for the funeral.  

I returned Tuesday night. I thought maybe I should weigh myself Wednesday morning (4.16.14) to make sure I wasn't loosing too much fluid too soon.  I could tell that my jeans weren't staying up anymore :/.  

I was SHOCKED to find out that I had lost a total of 44 lbs in 18 days!!!  I'm not trying to be the Biggest Loser.  This isn't a medical weight loss program!  I was just trying to get healthy from the inside out by eating clean and maintaining a healthy normal weight.  I believe what happened was that Lupus masked some of the progress at the beginning of the Protocol then the meds accelerated the process.  I'm not promoting starving yourself! I eat small portions all day long and can eat certain Organic veggies and fruit until I'm full!  I eat small amounts of protein and a low sodium diet.

To make a long story short, my blood pressure was an all time low and I was put on bed rest today. I'm heading to see 4 specialty doctors over the next 2 days to adjust my medication dosages!  There is never a full moment around here =)!  

It's hard enough balancing family life and finding ways to pay medical bills, but this battle with Lupus Nephritis is a full-time job.  The craziest part about Lupus is that you won't see many signs on the outside (most Autoimmunedisorders are invisible on the outside), but your body is attacking itself on the inside :(.  

My husband and I will travel up to an hour away tomorrow to see my doctors.  I'm thankful my parents can watch Hope while I get poked and pryed!  I will also have an aide helping me out part-time around the house until I'm more stabilized.  

On another note, I really see so many breakthroughs and chains falling off everywhere as God refines me and makes me the best version of myself to bring Him glory, honor and praise.  This tough road is only for soldiers, and I'm glad He crowned me a Princess Warrior!  What a Mighty God we serve!

What is your superpower?  I fight Lupus!  I may have Lupus, but Lupus doesn't have me!

Down 6 dress sizes and 44 lbs in 18 days!  Jesus shines through!  

Seek Your Passion, Feed Your Soul, Love Your Life! 

Your Life Coach,

Evelina Solis

Survivor. Inspirational Speaker. Lupus & PTSD Advocate. Certified Life Coach & Zumba Instructor

#messenger #warrior #soldier #faith #Sol2Soul #itsnotpretty #PowerofWomen #Lupus #kidneydisease #geteducated

#LiveFullDieEmpty #healthstruggles #AutoimmuneProtocol #fasttrack #Godheals #JesusisthebestAuthor  #fooddiaries

It's the Small Things That Matter

A day in the life living with Lupus...

I can see my ankles (jumping for joy)! This is the first week in 8 months I can see them. It's the little things that mean so much!!!

Remember all the Edema (swelling) I've mentioned in the past posts? Yes, I was in pain and my skin was so tight that I had a hard time getting around. It robbed me of memories with my kids!  I had trouble breathing with the extra weight. I also didn't wear dresses or shorts, because I had on compression stockings. The tight ones that don't let your legs breathe. My legs were the size of Texas!  I look forward to putting on my next dress for Easter.

Yes, this fashionista right here could wear nothing but slip on shoes for eight months!!!  I love my shoes.  90 percent of them are dusty because my foot didn't fit in them :(.  You know as a lady shoes are important to the outfit :).   

My Toms saved my life during this difficult time, lol.  They are super stretched and worn out, because I was carrying around 35 pounds of extra fluid all that time. We won't even touch on the different sizes of clothing I have in my closet anticipating the next flare up or swelling.  It been uncomfortable, and I felt like I had on a sumo wrestling costume. Halloween was over in October :).  

There have been so many physical changes over the past 5 years that sometimes I don't recognize myself in the mirror.  

I praise God knowing that my body is temporary, but my soul is eternal!  God is always working on us.  The masterpiece is more beautiful than you could ever imagine. 

Swollen face, heading to ER

Swollen legs, ankles, feet

Swelling eyes and face

Keep life in perspective, amigos!  #Sol2Soul #PowerofWomen #LupusChronicles #Autoimmunedisorders #LupusNephritis #EattoLive

#beautyfromashes

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told

TESTIMONY!!!!  Today is the greatest LOVE story ever told!  Happy Resurrection Day!

A day in the life with Lupus...

I sit here in tears reflecting over the weekend. Jesus has risen and conquered the grave for unworthy people like us.  God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son so that whoever believes in Him would not perish and have eternal life (John 3:16).  It is not what we have done, but all about the sacrifice He made for us to be made anew!  Really think about it! We are not worthy yet He loves us unconditionally.  

In 2009, I had death knocking at my doorstep. I seized, flatlined (clinically dead), seized a couple more times then woke up to find out I had reverted to a 6 month old child.  I didn't know my name or who my relatives were.  I couldn't talk or spell. I have pictures of my Dad and brother feeding me, my Mom and aunts combing my hair and brushing my teeth.  I needed assistance with EVERYTHING!!! 

You grow up thinking you will take care of your parents someday then you find yourself in your late 20s being cared for!  

I woke up after several days in the hospital. The docs informed my family that Lupus was attacking my brain (Lupus Cerebritis). They believed that I would have to undergo 6 months of chemo therapy AND a year of physical, occupational and speech therapy and I could never return to my "normal" life. At that time, dating and family life was the furthest thing from my mind.  

Well, the miracle maker had greater plans. I went through therapy for ONLY 4 months exceeding all expectations. I graduated from the program early and was even asked to deliver an inspirational speech to the staff before I left!

My 2-time purple heart recipient,  veteran, executive chef husband walked into my life in 2011 and swept me off my feet. I instantly became a "bonus" mom to two adorable, fun loving boys now ages 4 and 6, Xavier & Christian Castellon.

Then, to everyone's surprise I found out that I was pregnant AFTER my first trimester (after 15 weeks). I was at the height of my speaking career traveling the country and promoting a couple of books :).  I went in for a check up because of my bronchitis. I came out a MOM!  To say the least, my daughter, Hope Graciela Castellon, saved my life! I was a high risk pregnancy all the way through.  Docs asked me to reconsider my options, because they didn't want me or the baby dying during my pregnancy.

After all the trauma my body endured since 2006, by medical terms, I was infertile from the chemo.  God has a great sense of humor =)! I'm so thankful that he entrusted me to carry His child and experience parenthood. By the GRACE of God,  He brought us HOPE. 

When everything looked dark in my life,  He came with a spotlight. He has a plan so much greater than ours. He puts our dreams to shame. He is a Healer and Provider.  He is the Ultimate Physician.  No matter all the test results, He wiped them away and made me anew!   

That is right! I'm a wife, bonus mom and mom!  What did those doctors say? It doesn't matter! I stand on God's promises.

I'm speechless....(drops the mic and walks away while dancing and praising Him through this storm).

So what are you worried about? He has your back, amigos!  Jesus laid down His life for you! He is performing a miracle in your life right now! 

Castellon Family

#messenger #inspiration #ihavetotestify #makingbelieversoutofyou #Sol2Soul #PowerofWomen #Manyarecalledbutfewarechosen #blessed #highlyfavored #speakerlife #Jesusisamiraclemaker #Provider #Healer #LiveFullDieEmpty

Seek Your passion, Feed Your Soul, Love Your Life,

Evelina Solis

Certified Life Coach. Inspirational Speaker. Survivor. Mommypreneur. Certified Zumba Instructor

www.EvelinaSolis.com

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