Miriam Hussey’s Journey: From Pharmacy to Wellness Advocate

Miriam Hussey’s life changed dramatically after a traumatic health scare during her travels. The author and wellness advocate, known for her debut book, Light Up, has turned her personal challenges into a powerful message about holistic health. Hussey’s journey is a testament to the mind-body connection, a principle she first encountered at age 14 through Louise Hay’s influential book, You Can Heal Your Life.

Hussey grew up in Kilcolgan, Co Galway, as the youngest of five siblings in a lively B&B that welcomed notable guests including Maureen O’Hara and Jack Charlton. This vibrant upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for nature and community. Today, she lives near the Dublin coast with her husband, Gerry Hussey, a fellow wellness advocate, and their two young children.

Her academic background in pharmacy at the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin laid the groundwork for her future. Notably, Hussey chose to write her thesis on complementary and alternative medicine, which set her apart from her peers. “I think I was the only person who chose that,” she reflects. “They thought I was maybe a bit mad, a bit woo.” However, her inclination toward a comprehensive view of health remained steadfast.

The core message of Light Up is rooted in her personal experiences, including struggles with disordered eating and the pressure to please others. Hussey candidly shares her journey, believing that authenticity is crucial for healing. “In my book, I said, ‘I cannot be the dentist with rotten teeth’. I need to be open and honest,” she explains, aiming to encourage others to embrace their vulnerabilities.

In her book, Hussey delves into the various responses to stress, highlighting that there are not just two, but actually six responses: fight, flight, freeze, fawn, and flow. Her own tendency to people-please, or fawn, took a toll on her mental health. “It frayed and frazzled my nervous system,” she admits, leading her to seek a more authentic path.

Hussey’s commitment to helping women rediscover their worth is a central theme in her work. She observes that many of her female clients struggle to practice self-love. “I wrote Light Up for women to find their own light again,” she states, emphasizing the importance of recognizing one’s beauty and brilliance.

Creating boundaries is another key topic in her discussions around people-pleasing. “Boundaries aren’t just physical,” she elaborates. “It’s more the emotional boundaries that we have to overcome.” Hussey maintains a realistic view of her journey, acknowledging that she is still evolving. “I’m absolutely not perfect, and I don’t believe anybody is,” she adds, reinforcing her relatable approach.

Reflecting on her past, Hussey recounts a significant turning point that landed her in the hospital with bilateral pneumonia after a summer of traveling in Southeast Asia. “That was quite frightening to see,” she recalls. It was during her recovery that she revisited Hay’s teachings, propelling her toward a deeper understanding of her health and well-being.

After transitioning from pharmacy to wellness, Hussey co-founded Soul Space with Gerry, focusing on integrative health practices. “I realized I’d be doing a better job if I got out from behind the counter and started to speak about lifestyle as medicine,” she notes. Encouraged by her supportive family, she embraced this new direction despite initial fears of failure.

The couple’s shared philosophy emphasizes the importance of addressing life’s challenges. “We have a motto in our house — fracture and repair,” she explains. Hussey encourages open communication and connection, particularly in times of stress.

As she continues to build her career in wellness, Hussey expresses a passionate desire to inspire others. “It’s something I love doing. I love speaking, I love writing,” she shares, hinting at the possibility of future projects. Her journey illustrates the transformative power of authenticity, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of holistic health.