Sacred Stories | Elisabeth's Story From Disconnection to Devotion: A Journey Back to Living Well
This month's Sacred Story is from Elisabeth, who opens up about her experience with back pain and burnout, and shares the small but powerful rituals that helped her transform her life.
I first discovered HOLY CACAO in October 2024, and it quickly became more than just a drink for me - it became a daily ritual, a source of comfort, and a way to begin again.
When I started this journey, I was dealing with back pain that made everything feel harder. Simple things like moving, resting, or even finding moments of peace felt out of reach. In that season, I was searching for something to help me feel supported, grounded, and more like myself. That’s when HOLY CACAO entered my life.
A Ritual of Intention
I used to be a coffee addict, but I’ve completely given it up since then. Now, I start each morning with either Focus or Nourish, and most evenings I wind down with Calm. Over time, preparing my cup has become a small ceremony in itself. At first, I made it with raw milk, whisked into a paste. Now I take more time - whisking into hot water, sometimes adding collagen for extra nourishment, or using hot milk when I want something soothing before bed. However I make it, it’s always with intention.
Having worked with cacao in ceremony before, I always give thanks as I make my cup, acknowledging the wisdom of nature and asking for healing. It feels like a daily hug in a mug. My day doesn’t feel complete without it.
The Benefits
The changes have been profound. My anxiety feels lighter, my skin and hair are stronger, and when my back pain was at its worst, these blends became part of my healing. Some days I had three cups, knowing the broth was helping my body mend while the cacao, mushrooms, and adaptogens helped me soften and relax.
Sometimes it’s almost like having a friend with me. I genuinely get excited for every cup - it’s never just a drink, it’s a pause, a moment to myself, an act of generosity that truly feeds me. The magic isn’t always visible, but I feel it deeply in my mood, mindset, and the way I move through the day.
Healing Practices
Alongside HOLY CACAO, I’ve slowly built new rituals to support myself. I begin and end my day with a cup, stretching, and sometimes meditation, even if only for two minutes. I leave my phone downstairs in the evenings now, and I’ve found that reading before bed helps me quiet my mind. Boundaries around work are still a challenge, but they’ve opened more space for long evening dog walks, which have been medicine for me.
There are still days when anchors are hard to find, especially when pain is intense. In those moments, I lean on little luxuries - essential oils, a warm bath, or a good book. They shift my environment when movement or bigger practices aren’t possible. And as I’ve been able to move more, I’ve never felt more grateful. I’ll never take that for granted again. Pain robs you of so much, but rest and gentle movement have slowly brought me back.
Reflection + Advice
If I could share one piece of advice with anyone starting their wellness journey, it would be to slow down. We live in such noisy, busy times, but the truth is you get to choose the volume. Burnout and pain taught me how essential it is to carve out space for yourself - to really take care of yourself. You are more important than all the distractions that tell you otherwise.
Living Well
Living well for me now looks like steady recovery. I’m not fully through it yet, but I’m moving closer each day. Returning to yoga, moving with more freedom, and protecting my nervous system are non-negotiables. If something feels good, I lean in. If it doesn’t, I let it go - lovingly.
HOLY CACAO has been more than just a part of my routine - it’s been a companion on this journey. A reminder to pause, to listen, and to nourish myself from the inside out.