Chasing Sunrises: Come Experience a Journey of Healing

What if the simple act of watching the sunrise could transform your Life? God met me in this quiet time in nature and taught me to be present and to listen.  

Every morning, the world awakens with light, whether we see it or not. I've begun walking by a road, a lake, an ocean, or a mountain, watching the sunrise, embodying my celebrations, setting my intentions, and listening to God's whispers. Some mornings, the sky is painted in breathtaking colors; others, the sun remains hidden behind the clouds. But no matter what, the light always comes. Seeing the sunrise is my inspiration for healing.

I was inspired and am writing a book titled *Chasing Sunrises: Come Experience a Journey of Healing. I have documented over 7,000 pictures of sunrises and other aspects of my exploration of God's playground. Throughout this journey, I have recorded my thoughts and feelings. I would appreciate your feedback along the way. I will post pictures and share snippets of my journey on social media at https://www.facebook.com/brandy.l.hickman and https://www.instagram.com/kitchentherapywithbrandy/.

I had to practice and experience what I believe: Health and healing are lifetime journeys for all of us. The process is fundamental and essential. Through practice and experience, I have learned that Health and healing aren't destinations-they're lifelong journeys. As a nutrition and health coach, I've seen many clients hoping for a quick fix, a magic plan, and a precise result. And I get it. But the truth is, change doesn't happen in a straight line.  

What often gets in the way is that our goal is too big, or the mindset behind the habits we try to create might find us in judgment, impatience, and perfectionism. The list goes on and on, and they slow our progress down so much, sabotaging us.  

What are we missing?  

We're missing grace. A deeper understanding of lasting change means learning to show up for ourselves repeatedly, especially when it's hard. Not perfectly, but consistently.  

Healing and Health aren't what you finally "achieve." It's something you live into, one imperfect choice at a time.  

Part of my healing journey that transformed me is building a bigger toolbox to support me in being less stressed and more inspired in my everyday living. I signed up to go through and eventually coach Positive Intelligence. What is Positive Intelligence? It is a simple system that allows people to build mental strength. PQ®: It is like going to the gym to build mental muscles. "Most attempts at positive change fail because we stop at insight and don't build habits. And that's what the PQ® Program empowers you to do. Sustained change towards a more positive mind requires laying down neural pathways to form new habits through consistent daily practice. And that's what our program design empowers you to do."PQ®

I also knew I wanted to move physically more consistently; I wanted more movement for stress, and as I aged. I love working out early in the morning and want to show up at a class at 5:30 am consistently. The one step I took was committing to going to bed much earlier. Once I did this, I could get up and workout. Coming home from class, I gravitated to the horizon and the beautiful sunrise, and how it made me feel. By nature, I am a morning person, and I remember as a kid watching the sunrise and reflecting on it as a perfect moment of peace. When I visualized Joy for myself, it always involved the sunrise, water, trees, and sometimes a swing. This experience helped me remember what brought me peace. Plus, I was working out more.

It all started with simple micro habits, tiny changes that gradually unfolded into something truly magical. This inspired action began to build momentum, blossoming into an experience far richer than I could have imagined. I felt an overwhelming connection as I stood face-to-face with the divine. Each day, I immersed myself in the wisdom of the Bible, allowing its teachings to guide me and transform my understanding of life. This daily practice deepened my faith and opened my heart to a world of possibilities.  

Now, I am working out, walking in nature, seeing the sunrise, and becoming closer to God. I committed this winter to be outside one hour a day, which usually meant in the morning watching the sunrise, sometimes bundled up in snow gear. I am now coming into spring, watching the growth and warmth happen before my eyes, and walking at least 13,000 steps a day. It is magical. I am working on a micro habit this summer to be outside more as the sun sets in the evening. I am exploring this right now.  

This book will be an invitation to slow down, listen, and embrace each morning as a new beginning. But Chasing Sunrises isn't just about the view but the journey. Finding your sunrise is essential, even if physically watching the sunrise isn't feasible for you right now.

Whether you seek healing, Health, peace, or a renewed sense of purpose, this journey supports you.

What You'll Discover on This Journey

✔️ One Step at a Time – How I Started This Journey

Healing begins with a single step, just like each morning begins with the rising sun.

✔️ Wisdom for Everyday

How can we cultivate insight and guidance in our daily lives?

✔️ The Practice of Momentum

Momentum isn't something you wait for—it's something you create. It is Action in Motion. Learn how tiny steps and mini-inspired actions can keep you moving forward, even when motivation feels far away.

✔️ Physical Well-being – Eating and Exercise

Healing is holistic. Discover how caring for your body fuels your spiritual and emotional well-being.

✔️ Spiritual Well-being

Discover how faith and divine connection bring strength and clarity to life's most uncertain moments.

✔️ Building Mental Strength through Positive Intelligence PQ® Program. Overcome self-doubt and negative thinking by rewiring your mind for resilience and confidence.

✔️Empathy - How can we extend grace—to others and ourselves?

✔️Being Present – True peace is found in the present moment. Learn how to quiet distractions and fully embrace where you are right now.

✔️ Setbacks – Resistance to Change

Sustained change is messy and takes time. Learn how to embrace setbacks as part of growth instead of signs of failure.

✔️Flip the Switch – Shifting from Negative to Positive

A single perspective shift can change everything. What happens when we learn to see obstacles as opportunities?

✔️ Saboteurs - How We Self-Sabotage

Saboteurs are the voices in your head that generate negative emotions as you handle life's everyday challenges. They represent the automatic patterns in your mind for thinking, feeling, and responding. Your Saboteurs cause all of your stress, anxiety, self-doubt, frustration, restlessness, and unhappiness. They sabotage your performance, well-being, and relationships.

✔️ Embodying Celebrations

• Learn to celebrate what you did well yesterday—small wins matter.

• Discover how rewarding small steps increases dopamine and motivation.

• Just like a baby learning to walk, progress happens step by step. How do we encourage ourselves along the way?

✔️ Setting Intentions and Mini-Inspired Actions

• What is the next thing I can do to move forward?

• Learn how tiny actions create momentum—motion leads to momentum, and momentum fuels motivation.

• Habit pathways help reduce decisions, stress, and mental exhaustion, making lasting change easier.

This Isn't Just a Book—It's a Journey

Through sunrise reflections, scripture, and practical exercises, Chasing Sunrises will guide you to:

☀️ Find God's presence in both the light and the shadows

☀️ Heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually—one step at a time

☀️ Break free from judgment, resistance, and self-sabotage

☀️ Celebrate yourself and your progress, no matter where you are on your journey

☀️ Activate and build momentum toward lasting change

Each morning, the sun rises. And so do you.

Are you ready to chase the sunrise? Step into the light.

👉 Join me on this journey—because healing begins with a single step.