Laura Alessio’s Journey: Embracing the Healing Power of Water, Nature, and Coaching

Note: This is a personal story shared in the guest’s own words. It reflects their lived experience and connection with nature, not a fact-checked report. These stories are held with care and shared to inspire healing and reflection.

Welcome back to another inspiring story in Healing in Nature Stories. Today, I’m thrilled to share Laura Alessio’s journey with you—her transition from the fast-paced life in California to a more grounded, fulfilling existence in Puerto Rico.

As a nurse, board-certified nurse coach, and someone deeply connected to the ocean, Laura’s story is one of transformation, self-discovery, and healing through the powerful forces of nature.

Laura’s Story: A Life by the Ocean

Laura’s love for the ocean began long before she moved to Puerto Rico. Growing up in San Diego, the ocean was always a part of her life.

"I was very fortunate to grow up in San Diego, close to the coast. So growing up near the ocean and learning how to swim and body surf and bodyboard has really just been a huge part of my life as like a extracurricular, you know, like hobby and fun activity."

The ocean, for Laura, was not just a place to have fun—it was a place of solace and healing.

"I honestly feel like if I'm away from any big body of water for a long period of time, I actually like, have this like claustrophobic feeling. It's very interesting. So being close to water, I know for some people, you know, it's scary, but for me it's like I almost feel more safe near water."

Her deep connection to water and its healing properties guided her personal and professional life. Even as she began her career as a nurse, she was always drawn to the idea of merging her love for nature with her work.

It was through an accidental encounter at a conference that Laura discovered nurse coaching, which would change the course of her life.

"I learned about nurse coaching... it was actually around two years ago. This time I was at a med-legal conference... I immediately wanted to know everything about it. I couldn’t believe that I hadn’t heard about it before."

This moment sparked something inside Laura. She realized that nurse coaching aligned with her own experiences and could help others in a more holistic way, especially after her own struggles with health.

A Health Journey: Overcoming Fatigue and Hashimoto’s

Laura’s health journey was marked by an unexpected diagnosis: Hashimoto’s disease. For years, she experienced extreme fatigue that made everyday activities feel impossible.

"I grew up very active, like I mentioned surfing, and I did other sports growing up. And throughout my life, I've been very active. So having that extreme fatigue was really debilitating. You know, I couldn't really do like I had done before, like, go to work and then go to the gym or do like, you know, go surfing or do some sort of outdoor activity because the fatigue was so extreme, it was like I could barely get through a workday."

Laura was eventually diagnosed with Hashimoto’s in 2017, a condition that left her feeling exhausted and depleted.

"I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in 2017, and during that journey I felt like... you know, once I learned about nurse coaching, I was like, where have they been? I could have used one during that journey. I had a functional medicine provider who was excellent that I still see, but having additional support of a nurse coach would've been, made it a lot less stressful."

This experience was a turning point for Laura, as she realized how much more support and guidance could have made a difference in her healing process. It was through this newfound awareness that she began exploring alternative healing practices like yoga and mindfulness.

"I did a yoga teacher training in 2019 and, you know, throughout that program and learning about mindfulness and meditation and we also got a little bit of, you know, Ayurvedic learning in that I really wanted to be able to take that and figure out a way to implement into my nursing career."

It was this combination of experiences—working with functional medicine, practicing mindfulness, and learning about nurse coaching—that led her to a new direction in her professional and personal life.

The Ocean’s Role: Healing and Connection

As Laura embarked on her path to becoming a nurse coach, she knew that nature, especially the ocean, would play a significant role in her practice.

"I think the ocean has always been... like any body of water really for me has been like a source of healing and source of, you know, just enjoyment and relaxation."

Her connection to water wasn’t just personal—it was a spiritual one, where she found peace and grounding.

"I honestly feel like if I'm away from any big body of water for a long period of time, I actually like, have this like claustrophobic feeling. It's very interesting. So being close to water, I know for some people, you know, it's scary, but for me it's like I almost feel more safe near water."

During her time living in Nicaragua as a Peace Corps volunteer, Laura experienced firsthand the discomfort of being far from water.

"I did live in Nicaragua as a Peace Corps volunteer... I was in a town that was like 45 minutes away from the coast by bus. And I didn’t have, you know, a car there. And taking the bus, you know, wasn’t always super, you know, available or convenient or, you know, I was working. And so that was the time when I recall feeling like, you know, more claustrophobic, just kind of like stuck."

Her relationship with water became a crucial part of her healing.

"There's just something about... I mean, there's a quote I remember hearing or seeing a long time ago, and I forget who it was that said it, but it was something along the lines of like, salt water is the cure for everything, whether it be sweat, like, you know, sweating out salt or tears like crying or the sea."

For Laura, being near the ocean, feeling the saltwater, and even floating in salt baths became integral to her sense of peace and wellbeing.

Reflections from Me: The Healing Power of Nature

Laura’s story resonates deeply with me. There’s something profoundly healing about water, about being near it, in it, and around it.

I’ve always believed in the power of nature to heal, but hearing Laura describe her bond with the ocean in such an intimate way reminded me of how vital it is to reconnect with the elements that ground us.

Her journey is one of embracing change—moving from California to Puerto Rico, shifting her career from legal nurse consulting to nurse coaching, and most importantly, embracing nature as a partner in her own healing process.

I think we all can relate to that pull to the places that make us feel alive, grounded, and safe.

For Laura, that place is the ocean, and it’s a reminder that we need to listen to those intuitive nudges that lead us to the places we truly belong.

Why I’m Sharing This Story

I’m sharing Laura’s story because it speaks to the transformative power of nature and the importance of being open to the unexpected paths that life can take us on.

Whether it’s a shift in your career, your health, or your sense of self, there’s a deep wisdom in trusting the process.

Nature has always been a place of healing for Laura, and it’s clear that this relationship is what continues to guide her through life.

I hope this story reminds you to trust in the power of nature and to listen to those moments when you feel called to make a change.

Laura, Thank You

Laura, thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. Your story is a beautiful reminder of the importance of listening to our bodies, trusting our instincts, and embracing the flow of life.

I’m so grateful to have had the chance to hear your story, and I know it will inspire others to seek healing in their own unique ways.

🎥 Want to Watch the Full Conversation?

In our full conversation, Laura shares even more insights on the role of mindfulness, how she found her calling as a nurse coach, and the healing power of nature.

She opens up about the challenges and rewards of her journey, and how Puerto Rico has become her home.

Come join us. Listen. Reflect. Heal.

🔗 Want to Connect with Laura?

Laura is open to connecting with anyone who resonates with her journey and would love to share more about the healing power of the ocean and nurse coaching.

📲 Feel free to check out her website or follow her on Instagram/Facebook / YouTube / LinkedIn / Linktr.

🌱 Over to You

What about you?

Do you have a connection to the ocean or another element of nature that brings you peace?

How has nature played a role in your healing?

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. If you’ve had a transformative experience or moment of healing in nature, feel free to share it. I look forward to reading your stories.

With love and respect for your journey,

Klara!

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Disclaimer: Healing in Nature Stories features personal reflections shared by each guest in their own words. These stories are not fact-checked or edited for accuracy, but offered as authentic expressions of lived experience, memory, and meaning. The intention is to create space for healing, connection, and the role of nature in each person’s journey—not to verify details or retell events objectively.

Thank you for reading with an open heart.