Wellness Profile: Lisa Bondarenko From Eshé Counselling & Mind Heart Body

We’ve known Lisa for many years as a friend and fellow health lover. We are excited now to bring our passions for health and wellness together and be able to work in the same space. We love what Lisa is doing and wanted to share with you a bit more about her approach to wellness!

Name: Lisa Bondarenko
Occupation/ business: Eshé Counselling & Mind Heart Body
Hometown: Adelaide, South Australia

Give us your elevator pitch. What does your business do?

Counselling, workshops, events and health retreats

Why did you start your business?

I had been going through IVF over many years and had a terrible experience with a counsellor. As I walked out of her office I turned to my husband and said, “I am going to University to get a degree so I can save one couple that horrible experience.” And I did. Four years later I rented a room with zero clients and the rest is history. Over the past 6 years there has been a pattern for women and issues surrounding body image, self-esteem and unworthiness which prompted me to launch Mind Heart Body. This part of my business is all about providing the “Pink Print” to health and well-being through weekend retreats, events and workshops working with a variety of practitioners from all different modalities.
 
What does wellness mean to you?

Wellness starts from the inside and makes its way out. Although society is largely focused on physical well-being, I am trying to fly the “flag” on emotional and mental health as equal factors. They all matter and are all connected. There is zero point of changing diet and lifestyle hoping for a positive outcome if there are unresolved emotional and mental issues that are critically handicapping us.
 
What are your three top health tips?

1. Mind: Be disciplined. Your mind is a great weapon but so often it is being used against you BY you! If your thoughts were on a scrolling billboard, what would it say?
2. Heart: A healthy heart changes lives, choices, opportunities, love, relationships, career…everything. Unresolved issues, disappointments, loss, grief, pain are a huge contributor to “unhealthy” individuals. Have courage, do the work, get help, and find freedom so your heart can SOAR.
3. Body: Nurture it, love it, don’t punish it with restriction, learn to listen to it and treat it well. 

What are three pieces of advice you would give to someone looking to make healthy changes in their lifestyle?

1. Run your own race, you are unique and capable.  Find the road map for your own mind, heart and body. There is not a one size fits all.
2. Limit social media.  What you see and compare yourself too is often not the truth behind the scenes.
3. Celebrate every achievement and milestone and reward your wins!

Tell us, with an anecdote, why your business has changed your life?

So often the “dark” or painful chapters of our life story we want to hide and forget, never believing for a moment they could be brought into the light and used for good. As I recently sat in a meeting discussing the possibility of educating medical staff around emotional well-being and caring for patients at a deeper level, I was overwhelmed. The patients they were discussing  - I was one of them many years ago: broken, limping and lost in a system. It's come full circle for me, personally, and my business is the greatest gift to pay it forward. Comfort, challenge and allow people to hope again and to live their best version of life, no matter what.
 

How do you manage a work/life balance?

Boundaries with people. Constant reminders of my WHY? My work is an extension of who I am rather than a business. There is a time for everything and it is understanding the season you are in: to build, grow, maintain, or step back. By nature, I am a high “doer”, big picture and “work it out on the way there” kind of chick – that works for me but through every decision, open door and opportunity I have a framework of questioning I ask myself to stay true to my path.

The best book to read for better health and wellness?

"The Happiness Trap" by Dr. Russ Harris

Your favourite inspiration/ motivation/ lifestyle quote?

“When we deny the story, it defines us. When we own the story, we can write a brave new ending” Brene Brown

The four words that best describe your business?

Real, raw, authentic and hopeful

Big thanks to Lisa for sharing with us!

To contact Lisa or learn more about her wellness approach, visit:
Websites: http://www.lisabondarenko.com.au/
Emails: eshe@adam.com.au  hello@mindheartbody.com.au
Facebook: Eshé Consulting