Once upon a time there was a vibrant woman trapped inside a fat little girl’s body. She lived this way for a very long time…
I grew up as a typical middle class, Midwestern kid fed the standard American diet. This led to issues with excess weight and negative self-image. Typical yo-yo dieting followed. Like a helpless spectator to my own beautiful life, I’d watch my self-worth rise and fall with the pounds.
My choices were not made to serve my best self. I didn’t see a best self quite frankly. I saw a pathetic poser. Someone who’s outward facade was positive and jovial, just like a chubby person should be, right? Yet inside I was harsh and bitter with myself. Paralyzed in an endless loop of self-pity and self-hatred definitely was not where I wanted to dwell. Something had to give.
Then the wake up call.
Sitting in your doctor’s office, at the ripe age of 35, being told you have cancer is a lot of things. And the top of this list? Life altering.
During that leg of my journey, my motto was “Better living through chemistry and more is always better!” It shouldn’t be a surprise to you that I opted for the radical move of a complete hysterectomy.
My flawed logic was this… with all the girlie parts gone I wouldn’t have to worry about the dreaded c-word again. However, as Newton’s 3rd Law of Motion teaches us, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Forced into menopause early was an e-ticket ride. Never fear! With the swish of my Doc’s pen, I had loads of chemistry available that allowed me to not feel what I felt and quell the internal furnace someone forgot to turn off.
I still hadn’t found my way to vibrant health. I was merely masking it all; symptoms, emotions. All of it.
Thankfully, my husband began having chest pains and received a negative report on his stress test about this time. Yes, I said thankfully.
Ever notice how, as the nurturing partner you are, you become a bulldozer when there is a roadblock, or in this case artery blockage, hindering a loved one? Me too!
I started researching in my own obsessive-compulsive way and found a natural solution to his heart disease. A book by Dr. Dean Ornish, Reversing Heart Disease, found its way into my hands and we put the plan into action.
Amazing.
Through diet, exercise, and meditation, we actually REVERSED my husband’s 68% artery blockage. No invasive procedures or drugs were needed! Wow.
Now I was like a dog with a bone. I gobbled up every bit of information I could and was mesmerized by the empowerment we both felt. Plus, my health improved, and I soon ditched the ‘Better living through chemistry” mantra.
All my research led me to realize a couple fundamental things about our health. First of all, most cancers are not genetic they are environmentally introduced and can be handled naturally. This really hit home for me and I’ve had to come to terms with the knowledge that I made an irrevocable decision without having all the information needed for such a monumental decision in one’s life.
I’ve been on a mission ever since to educate people about the importance of balancing your hormones, taming inflammation, unburdening your body of the toxic muck, and allowing it to heal naturally.
Secondly, I realized my health is just that – MY health. Just as yours is yours. Simple daily choices have a profound effect on our health – be they good or bad. We began adding homeopathic and holistic practices into our day to day life with shocking success.
When the opportunity to enroll in the Institute for Integrative Nutrition presented itself I leapt. I finally found a structured place to learn about holistic health from a variety of instructors, all who shared my health philosophy. With what I’ve researched for years, coupled with the education from IIN, I’m thrilled to say I am healthier and happier than ever before in all areas of my life.
Sweet Release!
The fat little girl has been released and no longer is my self-worth attached to a number on the scale. What emerged is a strong, healthy, vibrant woman who intuitively now knows what fuels her, balances her, and what gives her life the sweetness she’s always craved. Oh, my friend, there is fabulous energy inside this empowerment and once you turn it on yourself, watch out!
In becoming more aware of the world around me, I’ve awoken within myself a strong desire to live a more sustainable life. A large part of this is vibrant health.
And I don’t just mean food!
Everything in your orbit is either helping or hindering you. The products you use on you body, the prescriptions and OTC drugs you use to manage symptoms, the cleaners you use to keep the house ship shape, the laundry detergent you use, the air fresheners you spray – it ALL matters in some way.
I’ve systematically replaced harmful, toxic products in my orbit with healthier alternatives. I encourage you to read about natural skincare and essential oils while you are here.
I can’t wait to share all the knowledge I’ve absorbed to educate you in holistic health solutions, releasing excess weight, reducing your toxic load, and managing your hormones naturally so you get your SPARK back.
Love & Light,
