From Sharp to Foggy and Back Again: Reclaiming My Mind
From Sharp to Foggy and Back Again: Reclaiming My Mind
Introducing Our First Guest Contributor: A Journey of Healing, Purpose, and Transformation
I am beyond honored to introduce the very first guest contributor to the Be Productive Coaching Blogāsomeone who has been part of my life since childhood and whose journey embodies resilience, transformation, and purpose.
This article is written by my childhood best friend, Inez (Neza) Camacho. Neza and I have known each other since we were 12, and a few years ago, I had the privilege of coaching her through a major career transition. She was at a crossroads, looking for a new direction that aligned with both her talents and her deeper purpose. At the time, she had already been in recovery for a while, and through our work together, we discovered that her next step was to give backāto help others in their own recovery journeys.
Once we identified the right path, Neza pursued a certification in addiction recovery coaching, deepening her expertise beyond personal experience to truly understand the science of healing. After completing her program, we worked together to refine her resume, ensuring it spoke directly to her new career directionāone of the most important steps in making a successful transition. That process, which I guide many of my clients through, is about more than just updating a resume; itās about aligning identity, purpose, and professional branding to create real impact.
This work is deeply connected to my passion for Positive Intelligence and the brainās ability to rewire itself. Understanding how we can strengthen new neural pathways, shift mindset patterns, and cultivate resilience is key to both personal and professional transformation. Neza’s story is a testament to thisāshowing how neuroplasticity, intention, and support can create lasting change.
I chose Neza as our first featured guest for many reasons. Of course, thereās the personal connectionāsheās my oldest best friend. But more importantly, the work she does is vital. In a world where mental health struggles are increasingly prevalent, many turn to substances as a way to numb pain, escape reality, or cope with life’s pressures. As someone who made the personal decision to stop drinking in 2022ānot because I hit rock bottom, but because I realized it no longer served meāI deeply relate to the themes of clarity, healing, and reclaiming control over oneās life. Since making that decision, I have experienced firsthand the cognitive and emotional benefits of sobriety, from improved memory to greater presence and self-awareness.
Neza’s journeyāfrom struggling with memory loss due to substance use to becoming a guide for others in recoveryāis truly inspiring. I am incredibly proud to share her insights on neuroplasticity, healing, and transformation.
Without further ado, I invite you to read below for “From Sharp to Foggy and Back Again: Reclaiming My Mind” by Inez (Neza) Camacho. Her story and expertise are sure to inspire anyone looking to overcome personal challenges, rewire their mindset, and step into a life of clarityĀ andĀ intention.
From Sharp to Foggy and Back Again: Reclaiming My Mind
I woke up on the couch, still in the same clothes from the night before. Confused, I turned to my (now ex) partner and asked, āHow did I end up here?ā This was my reality more times than I could count. After a night of drinking and smoking marijuanaāādrugging,ā as I called itāmy memories were often fragmented, like a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces. Sometimes, someone would fill in the blanks, but usually, I was left trying to reconstruct the night on my own.
In 2014, I embarked on my wellness journey. It was only through old pictures, resumes, letters, emails, and the memories of others that I was able to access my past. Even then, not all memories returned. I became obsessed with understanding what had happened to me, why my mind had been so clouded, and, more importantly, how I could reverse the damage. Little did I realize at the time that my use of drugs and alcohol had been an attempt to numb my emotional pain. But as I began my healing process, I discovered something powerful: the brainās remarkable ability to repair itself through neuroplasticity.
Neuroplasticity: The Brainās Ability to HealĀ
Neuroplasticity is the brainās capacity to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. This adaptability allows us to recover from injury, learn new skills, and reshape thought patterns. For those in recovery, whether from addiction, trauma, or illness, harnessing neuroplasticity can be a game-changer. I discovered I could rewire my brain and restore my cognitive function by implementing intentional habits.
How I Rebuilt My Brain: Strategies for Creating New Neural Pathways
For me, every practice always started with a prayer to my God, and at first, it was for peace.
1.Ā Mindful Repetition & Consistency
- Engaging in positive habits dailyāsuch as meditation, journaling, and exerciseāhelped strengthen new neural pathways and replace old destructive behaviors.
2.Ā Physical Movement & Exercise
- Walking, dancing, and yoga improved my overall well-being and stimulated neuroplasticity. Exercise boosts BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), which enhances cognitive function and memory.
3.Ā Meditation & Breathwork
- Mindfulness meditation reduced my stress and rewired my emotional responses. Breathwork activated my parasympathetic nervous system, helping me cultivate inner peace.
4Ā Learning New Skills
- Challenging my brain by learning new thingsāsuch as playing an instrument, gardening, and writingāhelped create new neural connections and kept my mind sharp.
5.Ā Journaling & Affirmations
- Writing about my experiences allowed me to reframe my thoughts, break negative cycles, and reinforce self-empowering beliefs.
6.Ā Social Connection & Community
- Surrounding myself with a supportive community helped keep me accountable and fostered emotional resilience. Conversations with others shifted my perspective and reinforced positive habits.
7.Ā Healthy Nutrition & Supplements
- Fueling my body with brain-boosting nutrients like Omega-3s, Vitamin D, magnesium, and B vitamins significantly improved my cognitive function and mood.
8.Ā Gratitude & Visualization
- Practicing gratitude daily shifted my focus toward positivity, while visualization techniques helped me embody new, healthier habits.
9.Ā Cognitive Reframing
- By identifying and replacing limiting beliefs with constructive thoughts, I changed my inner dialogue and cultivated self-compassion.
10.Ā Cold Exposure & Novel Sensory Experiences
- Cold showers and grounding exercises (such as walking barefoot on grass) stimulated my brain, encouraging flexibility and resilience.
After ten years of being substance-free, I can proudly say that my memory is sharper than ever. I integrated these practices graduallyāsome weekly, some monthly, and others yearlyāallowing my brain and body the time they needed to heal. Meditation, breathwork, continuous learning, and a loving, accountable community have been my greatest blessings.
My biggest teacher? My son. He often reminded me of the lessons I had taught him, and when I asked where he had learned them, his response always brought a smile to my face: āFrom you, Mom.ā
Thank you for reminding me, my sweet guru.
Healing is possible. The brain can rebuild. And life, once foggy, can become crystal clear again.
About Inez
Neza ā Life, Recovery, Professional & Transformational Coach
Having walked the path of recovery herself, Neza understands the deep challenges that come with rebuilding life, whether from addiction, transitions, or personal setbacks. With compassion and experience, she helps others define what joy and purpose look like for them, guiding them through roadblocks and onto a clearer path.
As a single parent, she knows the delicate balance of parenting in recovery, and as a coach, she supports clients navigating the stress of returning to work, school, or simply finding stability. Nezaās approach is rooted in kindness, resilience, and a touch of adventure, meeting each person where they are and walking beside them on their wellness journey.
Find her on atĀ Nezacoaching.comĀ orĀ @nezacoaching | Linktree