Unshakeable: The Story of a Woman Who Chose to Rise
- May 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 2
By Monica Connolly
For many women, life becomes a balancing act of caregiving, career, and responsibilities, often at the expense of their own well-being and dreams. I know this struggle because I lived it.
For years, I was the one everyone relied on—the caregiver, the provider, the one holding everything together. I believed strength meant sacrificing my needs, pushing through exhaustion, and making sure everyone else was okay. It nearly cost me my life.
I’ll never forget sitting in a doctor’s office, exhausted and in pain, hearing the words that shook me to my core:
“If you don’t make drastic changes, you are going to die soon.”
At the time, I was battling severe obesity, chronic pain, and a heart condition. But what most people didn’t know was that I was also struggling with a binge eating disorder. Food had become my comfort, my escape, and the way I coped with emotions I didn’t know how to process.
I didn’t even recognize the woman looking back at me. I wasn’t just physically sick—I was emotionally and spiritually depleted. I had spent years pouring into everyone else, and there was nothing left for me.
That was my breaking point—but also my turning point.
I made a choice: I wasn’t just going to survive—I was going to heal and thrive.
Over the next two years, I lost 150 pounds, but more importantly, I gained myself back. I healed my gut, rewired my mindset, and redefined who I was—not just for me, but for the women I knew were suffering in silence.
Through that transformation, I discovered a powerful truth: women are constantly told to put themselves last. They push through and try to be everything for everyone, and in the process, they lose themselves.
I knew I had to help change that narrative. That’s why I became a Certified Holistic Health Coach, Master Life Coach, and Mindset Transformation Expert. My coaching isn’t just about weight loss or wellness—it’s about helping women reclaim their identity, reset their health, and realign with their purpose.
True transformation happens when we build lives that reflect our values and passions. For many women, that means stepping into entrepreneurship—not just to earn income, but to create businesses that leave a lasting legacy.
Through my Rise & Thrive coaching programs, I help women gain clarity, rebuild confidence, and take empowered action in their health, mindset, and leadership. Whether they’re just starting their wellness journey or ready to launch a book, podcast, or business, I provide the accountability, tools, and strategy they need to grow.
That’s why I also created:
Ember to Empire: A Women’s Collective – A networking and leadership community for ambitious women ready to rise.
The Rise & Thrive Mastermind – A space for launching purpose-driven businesses and stepping into bold visibility.
The Unshakeable Belief Podcast – Where I share real stories and strategies to help women build belief and take action.
My Upcoming Book, Made for More – A guide to help women break free from limitations and embrace transformation.
If there’s one thing I want every woman reading this to know, it’s this:
You are not stuck. You are not broken. You are ready for more.
I know what it feels like to be exhausted and uncertain. But when a woman decides to take back her power, everything changes.
My mission is to educate, mentor, and empower the next generation of women leaders and changemakers. Because when women rise, families thrive, communities grow, and we build a ripple effect of impact that lasts for generations.
Now let’s rise.
Connect With Monica
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