Amber Hicks grew up in a family that was health conscious and focused on prevention, but it wasn’t a specific health concern that eventually brought her to OHI. In 2017 Amber lost someone close to her in an unimaginable way. “I was really struggling to deal with the loss,” said Amber. “I stopped doing many of the things I loved, and wasn’t living a very healthy lifestyle for a while. I knew I needed a change. My parents offered to send me to OHI, so in September 2018 I spent my first week at the San Diego campus. While I was grateful to get away and eat healthy, I didn’t have any idea about the true changes I would experience that week.”
Amber’s first stay at OHI was more than she could have hoped for. “Before I came, I was tired, had brain fog, insomnia, stress, and anxiety, like many of us do,” said Amber. “Halfway through the juice fast, I started to feel so much better, and I was able to sleep at night. By the end of the week, I had lost weight, had a clear head, and more energy than I’d had in a long time. While I really enjoyed the juice fast and the food, I especially benefitted from the classes. The facilitators are so knowledgeable and passionate about what they teach. I learned how intertwined our diet and mindset are with our physical, mental, and spiritual health. Best of all, I learned different tools to let go of past trauma and grief. I actually felt free and happy again. The culmination of the week for me was the Release Ceremony. It was honestly life-changing, and was just what I needed.”
Amber’s first stay with OHI multiplied into three separate stays, which then led her into the OHI missionary program. “I know how I felt after one week here. I couldn’t imagine how great I’d feel after three months of detoxing and healing my body, mind, and spirit, and being able to support others to do the same,” said Amber. “I was a full-time caregiver to my grandparents for the last 2-1/2 years, and when they passed away at the incredible age of 99, I decided to spend my transitionary time after their deaths at OHI, and start the next chapter of my life in the healthiest way possible.”
Amber completely immersed herself in her new role. “I love so many things about this program,” said Amber, “but I’d have to say the best thing about being a missionary is the fellowship. I’ve become very close with my fellow missionaries. We all support each other, and have formed lifelong friendships. Being a missionary has really changed my thinking, and has given me a better sense of the type of life I want to live and the kind of people I want in it.”
While Amber has benefitted from all of the classes at OHI, she does have a favorite. “The Mental and Emotional Detox classes have had the most impact on me,” said Amber. “We can actually rewire our brains and better our lives just by changing our thoughts and actions. I find the science behind it fascinating!”
Amber has noticed a change in herself after going through the OHI missionary program. “I’ve always been a pretty positive person,” said Amber, “but being here has taken it to a new level. I really do feel genuinely happy, at peace, and grateful every day. I meditate regularly, and continue to learn and grow. My life going forward is full of exciting opportunities and possibilities!”
Optimum Health Institute is here for you! We will motivate you to stick with your commitment to health and discover new ways to empower yourself. Explore the holistic healing program offered at OHI. This program offers three week-long sessions, where you will learn to cleanse the body, quiet the mind and awaken the spirit. Visit our website at www.optimumhealth.org, and call us at (800) 588-0809 to make your reservation.
