Health, huh?

How does a multitasking mother find enough hours in a day to balance her “health” into the neverending pile of laundry to fold, dishes to wash, floors to clean, etc.? I’d love to fit in more fitness, casual conversations with friends and more time to float in a spa or go for pedicures. I’d love to, but there’s a certain amount of discipline required if we’re to get the things we want in life. There’s a certain amount of commitment necessary if we’re going to achieve our goals and dreams and visions. We’ve been talking about the 21-Day Challenge. We’ve been talking about taking a few days to put new habits in place and create the vision of what we want for ourselves this year. We’ve looked at fitness, spirituality (though only telepathically ) and we’re taking a look at “Health”. It’s time for you to create the ideal. Let’s make the little pimples and zits of our health equation VANISH by putting in place the discipline and dietary choices we need to thrive.

Easier said than done, right? Well, its all starts with a decision to make it happen. Recently, I had to make a decision when I was confronted with yet another unexpected “gift” from my body. The kind of gift that isn’t necessarily wanted, but appreciated none the less. As I sat here the other morning on the throne of the Diva empire, I was busily singing the song of health and high energy living when all of a sudden…

…I found another cyst.

*gulp*

I have one on the back of my upper leg and I have one now on the side of my…

…cheek.

*sigh*

It’s small and most people might not see it, but I do.

I mentioned in my last blog post that I had some health issues I wanted to investigate. That’s one of them. My late night snacking and crazy salt cravings are worthy of investigation, I figure. I caught a cold this fall and it lastest way longer than it should have. Had a really violent reaction to some toxic hair chemicals. Maybe it’s some mineral out of balance, some parasitic invasion from Mars. I don’t know, but I want to find out. I don’t want to white knuckle cravings for food, I want to get help, invest in solutions and make amazing things happen. I want to feel that I’ve got the steering wheel on my health.

Compared to many people I’m a frisky little critter in fine health.

But it’s all relative and after spending 7 years talking the talk and walking the walk, it’s time to step it up a few notches. I’ll be doing a complete health consultation with Dr. Ritamarie and you are invited to listen in to the call. I will skip some of the personal details on the blog, but anyone who would like to listen in to the consultation call, can listen in live or follow up with the recording. I’ll be asking some questions about menstrual cramps, my cysts and circulation. I’ll be asking questions about late night munchies, salty snacks and a request for help sorting out the nutritional mumbo jumbo that creeps up in the recesses of my mind, sometimes. I might get a boost or two of support regarding my step-daughter’s anxiety attacks, my daughter’s psoriasis and my son’s boogery nose. I probably already know some of the answers, but investing in my health is the best way to help me prioritize making good changes in the new year.

So I’m taking the plunge and inviting you to join me. The consultation will be happening on Monday evening. I’ll let you know on Sunday what time it will happen. I thought you might be interested to see a few of the questions that I’ve been filling out on in preparation for my consultation. Funny thing is, I’ll be sending her here to read my responses. The only copy she’s getting is the one you’ll read below. If she has more questions, she’ll be asking them in the comments section leading up to our consultation on Monday night.

Hope you get something out of this exercise in transparency. In order to keep the blog light and friendly, I’ll be keeping the juiciest details for the call. If you’re really interested, you’re welcome to listen in and join us. We’ll post the information on the blog over the weekend. Here are the forms and questions I’ve been working on filling out for my consultation. (In case you’re interested in following along.)

Over the next 3 days I’ll be spending time investing in the “Family” area of my life. We’ve rented a minivan and are heading out to the country for a few days. Fresh air, clean snow and some quiet time together are just what the mama ordered. Perhaps I’ll come back with a few family pictures worth sharing. For now, I leave you with an incredibly comprehensive form I took the time to fill out this afternoon for my health assessment. Unfortunately, there’s still more to do. Seems taking responsibility for your health requires sitting down to confront a few of the things that are going on. I hope this exercise is helpful and inspires you to confront a few of your own health issues and objectives. While you’re looking through these questions, why not answer them from your own perspective. Simply reflecting over these things may help bring new light to the situation.

Off to the hills with the little hillbillies,

Tera

———————————————————————————————

Coaching and Health Questionnaire with Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo

Name Tera Warner    Age 34    Date Jan 4/10
Height 5’7”    Weight 130ish
Marital Status In love        Partner’s Name: Marc-André
Children’s Names      Age    Health Concerns,  Including Allergies    Food:  likes, dislikes, preferences
Mika 9    psoriasis    She’ll kill the cow herself, if I let her. Very strongly attracted to meats and sweets and salty foods. No allergies for either of the kids.

Sebastian 7 in Feb    None that I know of. Gets boogery when he consumes dairy products.    Loves fruits and veggies, simple foods. Not heavily spiced or salted. Would be a gluten addict, if you let him.

In Case of EMERGENCY Notify The Goddess Above and tell her I’m COMING HOME!!!    Phone:

Please describe in as much detail as possible your reasons for signing up for health coaching.

I think it’s about time I take responsibility for informing myself about my own health issues. I don’t think living on raw food should bring up other complications in my health and I want to know what’s going on inside. I don’t want to spend 4 years studying the stuff, just hit me up with the concentrated version of what I need to know. I want to understand WHY I have a cyst on the back of my leg and why I retain water sometimes and why I have a circulation issue that comes up when I eat too much spinach. I want to understand why my menstrual cycles are so light and if that’s okay. I want to UNDERSTAND what’s going on in my body so I am better able to take charge of my health and well-being and better support my family in doing the same.

What are your top 3 goals for our sessions?
1    Inform myself about what I may or may not be missing and how to get all the body systems in tip top shape.
2    Understand what a health consultation with you is all about.
3    Share with other people the process that is involved so that they can be inspired to look for solutions rather than feel like they’re fighting an uphill battle trying to improve their health with carrot sticks and getting frustrated if it doesn’t work out as they expect.

List the top 5 priorities in your life.   I.e. What 5 things do you value above all else?
1    Uh…. Communication, creative expression and reminding people that they are able to create the things they want in their lives and in their health.
2    Being a good mom.
3    Understanding what it takes to run a successful business and create a company that has a powerful impact on an international community of women.
4.     Hmmmm… learning more about myself, my triggers, my potential and my health.
5.     Create! Create! Communicate!

What obstacles could prevent you from changing those lifestyle habits that are detrimental to your health and that of your family?
My craving for salt. ☺ Nothing, to be honest. Just discipline and determination. I don’t suffer in my health much, or I would probably be a bit more disciplined about it. For me the worst side effect I get is feeling a bit crabby if I dip into the proverbial cookie jar. (Which usually is a salty cookie jar, by the way.)

How are you most irresponsible and/or how do you self-sabotage?
Ooooh. I don’t like that question. Do I have to answer it? I’ll answer it on the phone.

What are your strengths?
What do you mean here? Are you talking about related to food, life in general, or what?  My strengths are that I’m passionate, committed, clear communicator, etc. I have lots of them, but let’

What do you enjoy doing so much that it gives you energy?
My work–writing, teaching, supporing women on the path to healthier living. Arranging food platters. Crisis management.

What might stop you from following the plans that we create together?
Hmmm… if ordering things is a pain in the butt, I might not follow through. Whatever I’m supposed to do from here needs to be simple, easy. Would be better if you order for me and send me the bill. I’m a bit lazy when it comes to online shopping. Salt cravings are my nemesis. If I have to be around my kids the first few days of a cleanse, it will be a lot harder for me.

APPETITE, DIET and FOOD PREFERENCES
Please detail the diet you are currently eating with additional info and background as appropriate.
90+ percent raw vegan diet, with a bit of a dip in that statistic over the holidays.

How would you ideally like to eat and why?
I want to eat ethically and responsibly. If I thought that meat was good for my health, I might do it. If I thought it was ethical and good for the environment, I might do it. I have no agenda in terms of the food I put in my body. I have no need to be “raw”. I want to be healthy and empowered and confident that I understand what’s going on in my body.

What do you feel is stopping you from eating the way you aspire to? (List as many reasons as you can think of.)

• Constantly being around and preparing cooked foods for the kids.
• Having a boyfriend who doesn’t necessarily share the same food ideology.
• Having a skinny, apparently healthy boyfriend that doesn’t share the same food ideology.
• Sometimes just lacking inspiration and support to do what isn’t easy.
• Having a seriously addictive relationship to salt.
• The pleasure of being “normal” or at least pretending to be normal by eating what other people eat.
• Discipline. I have no major health issues that motivate me to be an extremist.

What kind of a person do you need to become to eat this way?
Informed. Inspired. Committed.

What are the benefits you are looking for through achieving your dietary goal/s?
Mostly the confidence that comes with knowing your path and walking it with clarity.

What books have you read so far on healthy eating? And which ones did you particularly enjoy and why?
Honestly, I’ve not read that many. Diet for a New America turned me vegan overnight. The Raw Secrets got me to go raw. Can’t think of another that I actually read and completed. I can give you a looooong list of books on emotional/mental health, creativity, crisis management, etc.

Do you have any issues around eating such as an eating disorder, or comfort eating, or eating for stimulation/out of boredom etc? (About 99% of people do this!)
Uh. Yeah. Definitely. Does anyone NOT have issues here??

Where do you currently purchase your food and why?
Wherever I can get to on foot easily. Ideally the little local health food store up the road, but sometimes I cave in and support the megamonster shopping chain because they have so many organics.
How familiar are you with whole foods, vegan foods, and living and raw foods?
Ridiculously so.

Answer YES or NO to the following Questions:
Do you only eat when you are hungry? NO
Do you frequently crave food? NO
Can you go a long time without eating?  What’s a long time?? ??? 36 Hours? YES
Is it easy for you to skip meals and maintain energy and a sense of well-being? YES
Does a high-carbohydrate diet with fruits, vegetables and sweets satisfy and sustain you emotionally and energetically? What do you mean by high-carbohydrate? Are you talking about fruits? For me, if I were eating 80 10 10, that would be a high-carbohydrate diet. So, mostly, YES, but I miss the salt and fat.
Do you get sleepy or lethargic after eating a high-protein, high-fat meal? Well, I can get sleepy in the evening if I eat a cooked food meal, for sure.
Do you have a strong appetite for breakfast? Not if I overeat the night before.
Do you feel better after a high-protein meal? Not necessarily. What would that mean? Lots of nuts, etc. NO.
Do you need to snack often to feel okay? NO
Do you prefer fatty foods over sweets? Hmmmm… between an avocado and a banana. NO. Sometimes I want sweets and sometimes I want fats.
Does eating sweets throw you out of balance? NO
Is it hard for you to fast on juice or water? Depends on for how long. More than a day or two, YES!
Do you get a quick lift and then a sudden drop of energy from sweet foods? NO
If you skip meals does it cause you to be weak, jittery, low-energy, and unbalanced ? NO
Does eating before bedtime worsen sleep? You mean in general, or my sleep. Makes me feel gross. Yeah. But I sleep fine.
Is it easy for you to go more than four hours without food?     YES
Do you love or crave salty foods?    YES!!!!!
Do you enjoy eating?    USUALLY
Do you have a good appetite?    YES. Wish I didn’t sometimes.
Do you eat because you have to? Huh? What do you mean here?   NO. I eat because I have to and because I want to.
Do you usually feel tired after eating?        NO.
Do you feel weak or irritable if you miss a meal?        NO.
Do you know what true hunger is?    YES.
Do you consider yourself to be the ideal weight? YES, But I will always think I need to lose 5 extra pounds. I am in the standard chart’s ideal weight, but I know I could weigh less and feel more “me”.

Please answer the following questions in the space provided.  The space will expand to fit your answer.
What do you consider your ideal weight? It seems to be an unpleasant pattern of wanting to weight 5-10 pounds less than what I weigh no matter what I weigh.
Describe any difficulty in maintaining your weight. My weight is pretty steady at 130ish and has been for years.
What foods do you consider binge foods? Usually starts with something salty. I’ll do kidney beans sometimes, hummous and other bean dips. Not really attracted to carbs, unless there’s salt on them, like noodles and tomato sauce, but usually, I would just go for the sauce. Veggie patés get me. Usually it’s cooked salty veggies. Sometimes I’ve gone as far as breads and dairy products, but not much. A bite of this, a bite of that, but these are pretty rare occassions. I’ve had a couple bites of a tuna sandwhich in the last year, but nothing more than that. Something like canned artichoke hearts or palm hearts would make me buckle. SALT!! Baked potatoes would be tough to resist. SALT!
What foods do you crave most? SALT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How many times per day do you currently eat and at what times? Uh… 2-3 times per day. mid day and evening. Trying to eat less late at night, but not always easy. Okay, actually, I pretty much suck at it. I eat late. I confess.

Do you live alone or with a partner/family/friend? Please detail. I live with my kids one week out of two. I have a partner, but we live separately. When we don’t have our kids, we spend the week together. He eats ANYTHING and everything. I watch, drool and sometimes nibble.

Please indicate which of the following foods you eat by bolding them.  Also, indicate how often you eat the food and how much you like it.

Frequency eaten
How much you like the food
(rate as 1-5)
1=not at all,  5=can’t live without
Red Meat
Poultry
Fast Foods
Fish
Fried Foods
Seafood
Raw Nuts and/or Seeds      2-3
Roasted Nuts and/or Seeds
Nut or seed butters     2-3
Eggs
Milk
Cheese
Butter
Ice Cream
Other Dairy
Margarine
Snack Foods
Dessert/sweets
Soft Drinks
Fruit Juice        2-3
Vegetable Juice     3-5
Fresh Fruits       4-5
Dried Fruits       3-3
Salads       4-5
Green Leafy Vegetables     X5
Cruciferous Vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage)
Sea Vegetables (nori, wakame, arame, sea palm, kelp, dulse)            X
Raw Vegetables            X Frequency 5, Like it: 5
Cooked Vegetables         X Frequency: 1 Like it: 2
Beans or peas            X I’ll dip my finger in hummous and sometimes dip a spoon a few times a month. Like it: 5
Bread
Pasta
Whole grains       X  1-2/month  like them: 2-3
Chips, crackers, rice cakes     X 1-2/month  like them: 2-3
Tortillas and other types of wraps
Other:

Please answer the following questions in the space provided.
How often do you eat at home? Almost all the time.
How often do you eat in restaurants? 2-3 times a month. Always the raw restaurant.
How often do you eat at someone’s home? Almost never.
How often do you eat on the run? ALWAYS.
If you eat grains, approximately what percentage of the grains you eat is whole and unrefined? hardly eat any, and it’s usually always whole grain.
Approximately what percentage of the food do you eat that is raw or living (uncooked-vegan fruits/vegetables/nuts/seeds/sprouted grains)? 90% or more
What types of oils do you use in preparing foods? coconut and olive
Approximately what percentage of the foods you eat are organically grown? 80 to 90%
Do you drink coffee? No way, José.
Do you drink tea? Nope.
If so, what foods do you typically eat for breakfast? Fruit.
If so, what foods do you typically eat for lunch? Veggies, avocados and whatever I have going on.
If so, what foods do you typically eat for dinner? Whatever I have going on. A big salad with little nibbles on the side.
Do you eat between meals? Sometimes
If so, how often, when, and what foods do you typically eat? Salty ones, Crunchy ones.
List your favorite foods. Hmmm… raspberries, green juice and fresh fruit and veg. Of course, Salt.
List your least favorite foods. Heavy foods. Dead animal foods. Cheesy, bready foods. Might taste good, but make me feel like YUCK.
List the foods you eat the most frequently. Whatever fresh fruits and veg are in season.
Which foods are you unwilling to give up regardless of health implications? None. I have no attachments to a specific food.
To what extent are you willing to make diet life-style changes to improve your health? Any extent. Just need to motivate me.

Do you or have you in the past followed any of these dietary plans (Place an X beside all that apply and comment on how well it has worked for you.)

Macrobiotic    X – Constipated me.
Raw Vegan     X – love it. But have more to learn.
Vegan X – became pretty food obsessed. Overate a lot.
Gluten Free    X – just tried this as part of raw veganism.
Dairy/Casein Free  X - just tried this as part of raw veganism.
Wheat Free    X -doesn’t do as much for me as raw food.
Rotation Diet for Allergies
Allergen Avoidance
Kosher
Zone,  Atkins, or other high protein diet
Eat Right for your Type
Weight Watchers
Ayurvedic
Other Special Diet (please describe)

If you are currently working with any coaches, book or program for personal development, please detail.If you are currently seeing a Doctor, naturopath, chiropractor or any other health practitioner for any reason, please elaborate.
If you gave your health a rating out of 10, what would it be? It’s a 9. What’s up with the cyst? My scalp is dry, I carry 5 more pounds than I need, but otherwise, NO health issues of significance.
What’s stopping your health from being a 10? You kicking my butt.
How do you see things in 5 years if you continue doing what you are doing now? Ridiculously pleasurable.
Please list any medications, nutritional supplements and herbs you are currently taking and note why you’re taking them and how effective they seem to be. None. I bought Vitamin D, but haven’t even been very good about taking it.
Please list any surgeries, accidents or injuries you’ve had that may be continuing to impact your life. None.
Please check any conditions you or your family members have ever had.

X        S=self, SP=Spouse, C=Child, P=Parents
G=Grandparents
Alcoholism
Allergy       ex-SP – allergy to cats.
Anemia
Aneurysm
Angina    - G
Arthritis   - G
Asthma
Breast Cancer
Bronchitis
Cancer
Candida
Celiac Disease
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Colitis
Colon Cancer
Diabetes
Depression
Diverticulitis
Eczema
Emphysema
Epstein Barr
Fibromyalgia
Gall Stones
Glaucoma
Gout
Heart Attack
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hernia
Herpes       S
High Blood Pressure
Kidney Infection
Kidney Stones
Lung Cancer
Lupus
Mental Illness
Migraines
Mononucleosis        S
Multiple Sclerosis
Pneumonia      S
Polio
Poor Circulation        S
Prostate Problems
Psoriasis   C, ex-SP
Rheumatic Fever
Rosacea        are these little pumps on the back of my arms? If so, yes.
Seizures/Epilepsy
Shingles
Sinusitis
Skin Cancer
Stroke
Thyroid Problems
Tuberculosis
Ulcers or Gastritis
Varicose Veins        S – little tiny ones.
Venereal Disease
Other

Please list any health concerns, symptoms, or diagnosed diseases in each of the body systems below

Musculoskeletal System
Neurologic System
Cardiovascular System
Respiratory System
Digestive System
Urinary System
Reproductive /Sexual Function
Skin and Hair    - dry scalp
Mental and Emotional Systems
Immune System
Hormonal System
Learning and Focus
Surgeries
Serious Injuries or Hospitalizations

-none to speak of.
Please list any other health conditions or concerns that you want me to know about

Please rank the following areas of your life from 0 (totally dissatisfied) to 10 (totally satisfied):
Physical environment
Money
Personal growth
Fun/Recreation
Partner/Relationship/Romance
Career
Continuing Education
Spirituality
Travel
Creativity
Friends
Family
Children
For all of these areas, there’s always room for growth, but I am super inspired by what I do and in love with my life, actively making things better. I wouldn’t complain about any of these but my aparment. The rest, a beautiful work in progress and always will be.

How much time can you comfortably give per week to your health program?
How much are you going to ask of me? How much time can I afford to lose by being worried about my health or just holding off healthy changes?

What do you see as a bold goal you would like to accomplish over the next 90 days?  Reach on this one.  Make it something that seems just a little bit beyond your reach. Making my cyst DISAPPEAR!!

What is your most pressing question about achieving vital health?
Why do I have this cyst and am I missing anything?

How can I most impact your life in our first session?
Share everything you can about what you know with me and anyone else listening.

Taking into account your financial investment in your coaching, what results, if achieved, would you consider to have a value far in excess of the price paid?
Kicking my own butt to put in the discipline to take my health to a higher level in spite of the fact that I already thrive compared to most people around me.

Is there anything else would you like me to know? (This is your opportunity to fill me in on those things that are especially important to you and will help me to better understand your needs, situation and what you most want).

I think you RAWK, Woman!

If you’d like to start off on your own consultation, please contact Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo, or sign up for our VIP version of the 6-Week Deep Tissue Detox.

by Sheryl-Anne

by Doll Creelman

I did it!!  I’ve proven that the 7 day detox works!!!  From 7 days ago until now I’ve released 7 pounds.  I’m feeling lighter and have more energy.  My sleep is different.  I’ve passed through the detox headache and am free of detox symptoms.  How amazing is that?!  I love how I feel.  Even my eyes seem brighter.

I did stay totally raw except for the little bit of decaf that I’ve enjoyed.  Actually, not as difficult as I had thought it would be.  I had one evening of almost panic with cravings.  That passed.

Even going out to dinner with my honey was easier than expected.  I spoke to the waitress about what I wanted and she was so good to help me out.  Even gave me a price cut since I wasn’t having the meat with it.

Here’s what worked for me and could work for you:

Set an attainable challenge for yourself

• Make sure you have all the fresh fruit and veggies you need…and ones you really like
• Never let yourself get too hungry
• Get some exercise (out in the fresh air is great)
• Be sure to get the rest you need

It really is that plain and simple.  I know, I had the “buts” and “it’s hard”.  Change is challenging.  I wanted to prove to myself that not only could I do it but that it does work.  Guess what?  I was right.  I am the living, walking, talking proof.

Need some additional support?  Join us Sunday evenings for our FREE Cozy Coaching Calls.  The coaches are here to answer your questions and to offer support.

Want to share your detox story?  Contact Doll, The Cozy Coaching Queen.  You might just be our next special Sunday night guest!

With hugs and love

Doll

Oh, Shnookums! Did you miss me? I sure missed you! It feels like forever since I burst forth my fiery self upon these pages. We’ve had some pretty fantastic people filling my shoes, but I’ve got my stilettos on now and I’m baaaaaack.

In light of my disappearance, I figure I owe you an explanation as to my absence. But, I admit that since I risk making my report juicier than might be considered appropriate, I thought I’d sum up with some of my realizations and avoid any soap opera-esque details. The last 5 months have been, well… hmmm…

Let’s just say I learned a lot and here’s what it looks like:

(Cupcake, if you’re not in the mood to read the whole thing, you should at least get to the bottom where I announce the special thing I’m going to do to make things feels happy, bright and bubbly around here again! Scroll dooooown!)

HOWEVER: If you DO want to continue reading, I suggest you play the soundtrack while you read! Just remember to come back and read.

1. When faced with an inner battle between popularity and personal integrity, personal integrity should always win.

2. You can eat all the raw, healthy food you want!  Avoid dairy and gluten but it STILL won’t bring you more love, peace or happiness than honest communication, compassion and a sense of your own spiritual existence.

3. Sebastian has the cutest, chubbiest lips in the whole, wide world.

4. It’s not what someone else does to you that causes you to dislike them, it’s what you do to them!

5. If I hold my shoulders back and walk leading from my pelvis, I really DO look and feel more confident.

6. I’ve been able to feel just fine in my life without a “boyfriend,” but girlfriends are essential!

7. Validate the things you want to create more of. Let the cruddy stuff go.

8. Kids get pushed around a lot at school. I should just be a soft, fluffy cloud to carry them safely home at the end of the day.

9. Universal love and romantic love are not the same thing, but they can get mixed up sometimes.

10. People do stupid things, but that doesn’t mean they are stupid. It just means there’s something they can’t see or understand that’s getting in their way.

11. It’s a good idea to squeeze your butt cheeks when you walk. Left, then right, then left, then right. Makes juuust the right wriggle.

12. I do remember how to skate!!!!

13. It’s more important to be honest and ethical than it is to eat green smoothies.

14. Money is a totally uncreative form of exchange. Whoever thought it up really missed the boat!

15. I feel like a sister to women I’ve never “met” in person. I loooove you! (You know who you are!)

16. I’d rather lose money and fame than my self-determinism.

17. I have a hankering for veggie pâté! That sucks.

18. My mom sure is amazing. I knew that already, but I just figured it out all over again, so I had to say it.

19. Being a spinster won’t be too bad, as long as there are occasional indulgences in chocolate and sappy movies and pajama parties.

20. Who you ARE is more important than WHAT you are.

21. I think “psychotherapy” would accomplish more if people just sat and LOOKED at each other for a while, rather than talking so much. Blah, blah, blah, blah…  More Be. Less Do. That’s the ticket!

22. If your heart breaks, avoid this song like the plague!

23. On the other hand, THIS is still one of the best personal empowerment songs I have EVER heard. It got me through my divorce and gets me through any other unexpected bumps in my road! Listen and live it, Sister!

24. I think thinking food is bad for you is worse than the food you think is bad for you. Know what I mean? And I prefer positive motivation to fear mongering!

25. It’s a messed up world out there. Ritalin, processed foods, retirement funds and national debts make my head spin. Depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, diabetes and those STUPID PINK RIBBONS sucking money for covert chemical warfare against women… Sometimes I hold my breath with fear about it all. But then I remember Thing I Learned #7, and I just kinda wonder if all those quotes about “Love Makes the World Go Round” and “All You Need Is Love” are true.

???

I’ve seen it again and again in consultations with people. They are stuck, trapped in their own conditions, and it’s not the food that changes their lives as much as it is the fact that there’s someone else who believes in them more than they believe in themselves.

And that’s why, this song kinda sums up where I’m at right now.

*sigh*

So that’s some of what I’ve learned. I admit it’s been a bumpy ride, but I tend to attract a few bumps in my path, and I definitely think that keeps life interesting.

Now that I’m back, I’m going to be showing my face around here a lot more often. I’m back and I’m staying back, and I’m even hosting my own welcome back party for myself.

Here’s what it’s going to look like:

The 90-Day Don’t Be So Obsessed

About What You Eat Detox

he he he…

How do you like the sound of that one, huh?

If I have to sum up all those points above, it really comes down to this yearning, burning feeling within me:

We Can Talk About Raw Food,

Yoga and Green Juice, But If We Do Not Live

Joy-Filled, Honest Lives in Community With Others

Who Share Our Goals,

We Will NEVER Be Truly Healthy.

I’m fed up with telling people everything they should be afraid of in their environments. I’m sick of talking about the dangers of cooked food or gluten or dairy. If you detox yourself from ONE THING in this 90-Day Program, detox yourself from obsession and stress about what you eat and how you live!

Get sleep!

Cuddle with loved ones!

Read a book!

There ARE solutions to your health conditions, and we’ll find them together, because we have a tremendous community supporting us here. I’d rather have a happy human “spirit” than a healthy human body.

Now, don’t get in a huff and a puff. I think BOTH are important. I even think a healthy body opens doorways to more awareness and understanding about life. But if I had to choose between donuts or dishonesty, I’d choose donuts every time! Which doesn’t mean I’m suggesting we pull out the Cheetos and burritos! In fact, I still promote and encourage a transition toward a Raw Food Diet. Buuut, do it on a gradient. Make it comfortable for you, and avoid the roller coaster of emotions that comes with trying to change a lifetime of patterns you’ve not really managed to confront yet.

Is it such a big deal if we use  a bit of evil agave nectar to make incredible raw truffles?

And if I steam my broccoli when it’s -25 Celsius outside, is that reeeeally going to make a huge different to my diet?

Is it so bad to juice, even if we do waste that “precious fiber”?

I don’t think sooooo.

If you feel guilty every time you open your mouth, or think about what you’re not supposed to be eating…

If you’re constantly pointing out to your friends what’s wrong about the food on their plate…

If you spend 15 minutes reading the label on something that takes only 2 minutes to eat…

…then YOU NEED TO GET ON BOARD  TODAY for:

The 90-Day Don’t Be So Obsessed

About What You Eat Detox

I’m not saying we shouldn’t make good choices about our foods, because we should. But I’ve seen enough people off the bandwagon, on the rollercoaster, off the map and upside down because they struggle in relationship to their food. All I want to do on this program, is to take you on a gentle gradient and move you toward a lasting, loving lifestyle that INCLUDES great food choices and FREEDOM from the mental torture you inflict upon yourself around food!

How does that sound, Sparkle Puff? (Okay, I know. Sparkle Puff isn’t very gender neutral, but I like it!)

This program that we’re going to do will bear much resemblance to our previous 90-Day Detox, but with the following changes:

1. You can take it for FREE.

2. It will be taught by MANY instructors, not just one.

3. It will burst forth happiness into your life, not teach you about all the things you should fear.

Now, it’s 90 days and it’s starting on Monday, February 16th, but don’t worry if you come on board late! Just follow along and go with it, baby!

Since it’s a 90 Day Program, we’re still going to be doing it in 3 Stages:

1. Avoid Gluten and Dairy for 30 Days.

This step alone will take will power, brute strength and determination for many of you! But, if there are two foods to eliminate from the diet, these are the ones.

We’ll direct you to incredibly valuable resources that help you make your own decisions about these two foods. There is an abundant resource of information on these foods and you’ll get the nitty-gritty on why you should be avoiding them.

2. Simplify Your Foods and Follow An Allergy Free Diet.

In this second stage, we’ll implement an allergy-free diet. We’ll fill you in on the most important foods to avoid and tell you WHY you should avoid them! Experience the benefit

3. Take it to the Next Level for a Deep Tissue Detox or Stabilize On Your New Healthy Living Regime

We’ll offer you the option of going on to a more intense, medically supported detox at this stage, with the use of medical foods to help assist the deeper tissue detoxification. Or, we’ll just keep chuggin’ and huffin’ and puffin’ along on the right path to good health. You’ll be able to decide when you get here, what feels best for you. After two MONTHS on the program, you’ll have a good idea of what’s working and what’s not!

*** Medical Disclaimer ***

Dear Medical Mafia,

I know I might have some great things to say, but I’m not trying to diagnose, prescribe or treat ANYONE with this program. I know the header is a bit of a tease, but the truth is, I’m not qualified to help you address your serious medical conditions. If you have serious health considerations, I encourage you to contact a qualified functional medicine practitioner in your area. CLICK HERE and you can find one in your local area. We will be contacting several of them throughout the course of this program, but if you have concerns, please consult your health care practitioner before proceeding with this or any other program.

Now, back to the fun part! Here’s how it’s going to work on our 90-Day program, Sunshine:

I’m going to post on the blog EVERY DAY! Yeah, I know, EVERY DAY! But the beauty is, it’s going to be on the BLOG! So if you want the support, it will be there. If you don’t need it, you don’t need to check it out. I will warn you, however, that I’ve often been told my daily motivational emails are the biggest reason people come back for our programs. he he he.. So at least give it a few days trial and see if reading my cheerful words of encouragement will help!

I’m making a 90-day commitment to myself and to this community, and I think you should, too. Just get through that chocolately goodness on V-day, then rev up and ready to go with us on the blog!

All the instructions you’ll need for this program will BE HERE ON THE BLOG. For free.

“What? Free?!”

Yeah! For free.

“Why?”

Because. Besides the fact that we have a lot of awfully unhealthy people out there, I’ve noticed that we’ve got a civilization that is in crisis on the subject of money. The “economic situation” is infecting our thoughts, conversations and future planning. Well, I say, PSHAW! Healthy living shouldn’t be dependent on your budget!!

One of the greatest programs I’ve ever created was a private coaching group where NO MONEY was exchanged. We just exchanged services and it was spectacular. We developed some incredible relationships and people seemed to grow so quickly. We just looooved the feeling of exchanging services, not for cash, but for the thrill of adventure and the joy of knowing each other better. It felt GREAT and these people are now some of the closest people to me.

Here’s what I’m going to offer on the blog for FREE:

1. Daily blog posts! Yours truly in black and white.

2. Weekly interviews related to the topics at hand (Let’s talk about detox, dairy, functional medicine, diabetes, modeling and beauty. Let’s discuss everything from colon health to dental health with Big Gurus and Stay-at-Home Moms! But I also want to talk about sappy movies, good songs and inspirational entrepreneurs.) I want to  fill the e-waves with powerful information and inspiration to help get us all on track feeling LIFE pulsing within us in time for spring!)

3. A daily inspirational story, spotlight or testimonial from someone whose life has been changed in a powerful way by the things we do around here!

4. Contests, prizes and give-aways to keep us all entertained and participating.

You don’t have to do anything if you don’t want to. You don’t need to leave comments, or sign up. You just need to follow along and enjoy the process. That’s it!

Buuuut, I will tell you that the more you participate and get involved, the more fun we’ll have around here and the better you’ll succeed at following this program!!

WHY?

BECAUSE! Who you’re with and how you’re feeling

is even MORE important than what you put

between those luscious lips of yours!

Aaaaand, if you’re as busy as I am, then you might want to have a bit more support to keep you on track. That’s why we’re going to offer a higher support version, for those who need a bit more than a bubbling blog. Here’s what’s included in the high support version of this program:

1. All of the above PLUS…

2. FOUR monthly menu planners valued at $24.95 each! (I simply cannot wait until March 1st. I want to start NOW! So that means we’ll need a menu planner for February, March, April AND May! I figure we should just include that in the 90 Days for 90 Dollars High Support Version)

3. Weekly teleseminar support calls. This is when we get together and talk shop. I’ll answer your questions and give you whatever support I can. If I can’t answer you’re questions, I’ll invite some special guests to join us on the calls! But it’s your chance to connect with other people a lot like you, around the world for some one-on-one.

4. Private Forum for 90-Day Detox participants. You’ll be able to write a journal and share feedback with other participants on the program, when you sign up for the full support version of the program. This is like the “heartbeat” of the community.

And remember:

As with all our programs, we do not believe that finances should restrict your access to healthy living. If you cannot afford this high support version, but feel you would like to come on board to volunteer with us as a form of work exchange, then we’ll sign you up and sort out the details.

We’ll be adapting the menus for this program only and keeping it fairly simple. We’ll be eating everything from green smoothies to green juices, from spirulina to spinach!

Join us in a knock-down, roll-over, kick-up-your heels

celebration of LIFE!

I need this.

I’m doing it for myself–to pick me up, dust me off and get me sparkling again. I just hope you’ll join me so we can make it an adventure!

I’m going to call on some of my amazing supportive community to assist me and come share their wisdom with us, too! Let’s make this an inspired, community event! Let’s do green juices and green smoothies! Let’s do dehydrator snacks and wild, foraged foods from the park, too!

If you’re looking for something a bit more high support, then you can sign up here for the 90 Days for 90 Dollars version of this program!

Challenge yourself to step up the notch on healthy living! Join us on the blog, or SIGN UP HERE to take the High Support program. I think we need each other to get through this CRAZY game of life and I do hope you’ll be joining me and others in this amazing community for a glorious adventure in health and happy living!

Set Me FREE, Tera!

Sign Me Up for 90 Days of High Support

CLICK HERE to Make 1 Easy Payment of $90

GO FOR IT, Sunshine!

For $1 a day, what do you have to lose?

Love and calorie-free hugs,

Tera

p.s.

By the way, Boys!

This program IS NOT exclusively for women. But if you reeeally don’t like my high heels or pinkish charms, then well, put on blue-tinted glasses and pretend it’s PURPLE! Because I’ve got to be myself around here and these are the things that make me SPARKLE! Maybe some other humanitarian has a better program to offer for free.

But I seriously doubt it.

Today was day 1 of Operation Back on Track and I must say, it was a success!

The key to today’s momentum?

Chopping up a whole slew of cucumber and apples and putting them in a big bowl, with a whole bunch of black grapes. Not only did this give me some raw munchies to keep me out of the cookie cupboard, but the kids ended up joining in on the fun too. Happy bonus!

Tomorrow’s goal?

Add a green smoothie to the festivities, and take some pictures!

Big Bessy! Here I come!

This week I’ve been a bit down. You see, Raw Diva or not, I am having that old familiar feeling. Yup… it’s the raw food struggle. Like many of you, our lovely divas, I too have a bit of a yo-yo relationship with raw food. To be honest, nearly every raw food person I’ve ever met, has had the same issue at one time or another, or still does.

Does this mean the raw food diet doesn’t work? Does this mean that the raw food diet is impossible?

Not at all!

In my case, it isn’t the food that isn’t working. It’s the logistics of my life at the moment. Here are some of the factors contributing to my struggles:

1. Living with my parents
Living with my parents is great. I have a wonderful relationship with them, and they are helping me out in a transitional period of my life. On top of that, I am very lucky that my mom is interested in the raw food diet too (thank you to green smoothies for getting her on board!), but like me, both of my parents are extremely busy. Shopping is a bi-weekly affair most of the time, and due to the number of people hanging around under this roof at the moment (6-10 on any given day), all with different dietary priorities, fridge space is at a premium and fresh produce doesn’t stay that way for the duration. When ingredients get thin, well… that’s when I succumb to just eating the mashed potatoes, or spaghetti, or whatever.

2. Being a single mom
This is an interesting one. You see, it isn’t specifically being a single mom that makes being raw difficult. It’s the things that go along with being a single mom… dragging kids shopping, making kid-friendly meals, getting your kids to eat a variety of foods, generally being run ragged, not to mention the emotional aspects of singlemomdom… the stress, the vulnerability… and the draw of food to suppress those pesky emotional distractions that seem to pop up a little more frequently than we’d like!

3. Living a fair distance from the grocery store
This is really just about being spoiled. You see, I am used to living as a raw fooder in a cosmopolitan city, full of raw food stores, restaurants and supplies. Now however, I live in a tiny town with a population of a few hundred and the closest thing to groceries is a convenience store. The nearest store with any organic foods is about a 25 minute drive away, and believe me when I tell you that their organic selection is less than inspiring!

4. Limited access to organic foods
Wilted lettuce, bagged baby carrots, distressingly over-ripe avocados, and very green bananas… all at premium prices… that pretty much sums up the organic section of that previously mentioned “closest grocery store”. So while I don’t love the idea of waxing on about the negatives, that’s one more to add to the list of challenges.

5. Time
Mick sang, “Time is on my side”, and I wish I could agree! This is the #1 factor in my current raw food roller coaster. I have currently allowed my life to become so busy, that finding time to chop vegetables, go shopping regularly, or get out and enjoy life (to keep those emotional responses to food under control), has gone out the window! Why it then becomes seemingly more manageable to reheat some pasta instead of biting into an apple… well, I can’t explain that except perhaps to point at the emotional responses issue…

6. Discipline
That’s the pasta over an apple deal. Sometimes it really just comes down to making a commitment and sticking to it, even when thoughts of those thanksgiving pies are dancing around your brain. Discipline takes practice, and practice takes persistence… and it’s all so darned intertwined, because sorry, but the truth is that lately, I’ve already inhaled the cookie before I’ve even looked twice at the mushy grapes in the drawer of the fridge!

7. Breast feeding
This one is interesting, because it works differently for different people, and of course, is only of account at very specific times of life and for only a very specific gender! In my case, breastfeeding means being constantly tired and hungry, and seems to result in my body hanging onto every little (or not so little) fat cell going, no matter how many salads and green smoothies I choose over less ideal emotion suppressors. And so, perhaps even stepping on a scale or shopping for new clothes should be set aside until after breast feeding, and I should just put my attention to eating things that are healthiest for baby and me, but I’d be lying if I said my current stall in the losing of baby weight wasn’t getting me down!

With so many variations on challenges as there are people in the world, how do we manage to get our feet back onto solid ground and our hands off of the candy bars?

In my case, it’s time to get back to basics, look at resolving the challenges I can, and just make a conscious decision to do my best in each situation as it comes. In this case, it is time and discipline that I can influence most, and a lot of the rest will naturally fall into place.

In all matters of importance, I would say that making the time to approach things properly is the key to success. Thus, making time to take twice-weekly trips to the store must become a priority. Making the time to cut up a plate veggies mid-morning, is a 5 minute day pass from the cookie jar! Renewing the commitment to my health to choose those veggies in favor of dad’s left over lasagna, is all about taking charge and not being led around by the things that aren’t so easily controlled.

Your issues and needs may be similar to mine, or completely different. It could be lack of raw community (a huge one!), economic factors (a timely one!), social obligations (been there!), or any number of other things. The specifics aren’t so important as simply assessing where you are and implementing steps in the right direction and at a pace you can handle, while still challenging yourself to improve each day.

In other words, don’t sweat the small stuff. Manage the key factors to the best of your ability, make the commitment to yourself, and just get on with it and do the best you can as you go!

Luckily for me, I’ve got an amazing community of like-minded women around me in The Raw Divas programs and offerings. So I’m going to take the time to get back to basics right along side you in our upcoming session of the Body Enlightenment System.

Hope to see you there!

Our very own Cravings Diva, Angela Stokes has been featured on CNN! If you haven’t seen it already, check out the segment here:

Today is the dawn of a new day.

Since having the baby 5 weeks ago, I have been doing quite well on the food front compared to my last pregnancy. I’ve been eating lots of crispy, green salads, drinking plenty of green juice, treating myself to plenty of delicious coconut water (my latest obsession), and enjoying a daily green smoothie.

Unfortunately, I’ve also been indulging in quite a few chocolate covered almonds. A few here, a small handful there, and suddenly I find a full-on chocolate dependency has been born in the wake of our family’s newest addition!

So… this is it! For the record and all to hear and hold me to… NO MORE DAILY DIPPING INTO THE CHOCOLATE ALMOND BAG.

It won’t necessarily be easy. That tempting, creamy brown, shiny plastic bag beckons from the top of my mother’s dresser, day in and day out – though I can’t blame her, since this latest bag was my own purchase – but, I know I can do it!

As of tomorrow… we’re cutting back on the chocolate. WAY BACK!

I’ve got a lot of extra padding to shed, and the only way to do it is to grab the bull by the horns, make the decision, and get on with it! A little EFT might not hurt either!

Tonight was an incredible evening! I am totally, totally knocked out, blown away and thoroughly impressed with Dr. T of Ecopolitan. He came as a guest on our Sisterhood this evening, and I have been sooo wanting to have a solid scientist come and share some wisdom with us about health, diet and raw food.

WHOA! What a brain popper! I actually felt like I was watching layers of BS peel themselves off of what has be called the “Raw Food Diet”. It was a total breath of fresh air.

I admit that I had prepared somewhat of a rant to post on the blog today. After having spoken with Dr. T, I have a fresher, friendlier perspective on things, but I still would like to say, that few things upset me more than this idea:

“You are what you eat.”

Bleech!

That should be categorized right up there with other “good ideas” like “ADD”.

While I mean no criticism to those who take this idea as their personal motto, I have seen and assisted far, far too many introverted, self-invalidating women to believe that this idea could possibly serve us in a positive way as we struggle to achieve greater health and well-being.

YOU ARE NOT WHAT YOU EAT!

I can’t count the number of consultations I give in a week. A lot. And every one…

E V E R Y S I N G L E O N E of the women with whom I speak has a story–some days, it’s a story that’ll rip your guts out.

I don’t know your story.

I don’t know how many times your heart has broken, or who abused you when you were a child.

I don’t know who took your toys, called you stupid and said you’d never amount to much.

I don’t know who pushed you away when you reached for affection or how humiliated you felt when people picked on you in school.

But I do know that if you have ever truly lived, loved and cried yourself to sleep at nights then you know that you are NOT what you eat. You’re the delicate ecosystem of thoughts, experiences, relationships, hopes, dreams and YES, food, sleep and environment, too!

If we are what we eat, then why do I still encounter raw foodists running unethical businesses? Why are some vegetarians people-haters?
While I do so love to eat raw food and can give you a thousand reasons why this is such a beautiful, ethical, ecological and colorful, sensual choice for ME, I will NEVER say that it is the right choice for all people. No way, José!

No amount of “raw food” is ever going to handle the pain you carry. It will simply lighten the burden on your body and enable you to confront the rest in a whole new way.

To tell you the truth, chances are VERY good that raw food can be a trigger that sends your history of experiences up the dark and dusty alleys of Memory Lane to come and slap you in the face faster than you can spell “g-a-r-b-a-n-z-o”. So, so many people encounter more EMOTIONAL DETOX than anything else when transitioning to a raw food diet. Again, it depends on where you’ve come from and who you’ve got supporting you or bringing you down in your environment today.

It takes more than courage to ask for help. It takes hope that help can be found. It takes believing that “somehow this time will be different” even if you’ve fallen and stumbled more times than you can count and even if you’ve done all the programs and believed all the sales letters that ultimately brought you more confusion and disappointment.

We have no empty promises to offer and no miracle potions, either.  Just commitment, community and an unshakable belief in your ability to achieve the quality of life you want for yourself.

It doesn’t matter where you’re at right now. Get on your feet. You can make the life you want and raw food can do so much to help you get there. But you need community, too. You need someone who believes in you more than you believe in yourself some days, and you need someone to give you a good hard kick in the backside when you’re losing hope and will.

Just because you eat “raw food” doesn’t mean you’re healthy, you know.

When you look out at the world, do see more love than pain?

What about when you look within? Do you spend more time validating yourself and celebrating your success than beating yourself up for your shortcomings?

When your dreams and hopes for your life make you giggle out loud and you realize life is what you make it and not what you’re dealt on a crusty plastic platter or worse–what is broadcast at 6:00pm on FOX news, then you’re on the right track.

Healthy is being empowered about your life.

Healthy is knowing that something can be done about your condition (no matter what condition it is) and having the courage to do what it takes to win.

Healthy is knowing what you know and validating YOUR observations of the world, your body and your life.

I thought at one point that the Body Enlightenment System was the cream of the crop. The perfect program to enable and empower women to get BACK in communication with their bodies… to feel totally and completely accepted where they are at and feel the support of a powerful community of women encouraging them and believing in each other in a powerful way.

We created the BES over 3 years ago.

Since then, I’ve not stopped studying, investigatigating and working to improve my life and the lives of others. Naturally, the evolution to the Body Enlightenment System would have to surface at one time or another.

And so it has.

To women everywhere who know that they are not what they eat and who are committed to shedding pounds and the pain that brought them on in the first place, you have my utmost respect and admiration. To those who seek the thrill of adventure, the satisfaction of living on the edge of the next, great personal transformation,  THIS is for YOU!!!

Yours for boundless energy and life transformation,

Tera

Loooved the passionate feedback we’ve been getting about Captain Paul Watson and the whales! Thanks to those who appreciated the fact that we’ve stepped up our support for the Earth’s oceans and her mighty creatures.

I was poking around in The Powder Room and about to post a message to a small group of women, when I decided, “No, Tera.” This one needs to be blasted out with a megaphone to women everywhere.

I find my bliss in the enthusiastic moments of hope and possibility shared with women around the world. I do a lot of private consulting right now, and have found such joy  in the one-on-one connections with women around the world.

I’ve also taken on a commitment to support women in getting the results they want as part of this business. If you don’t know this, read the guarantees we put on all our programs. We offer a lifetime’s support for people on the BES.

Shame, Guilt & Envy: Society’s Wost Women Killers (And 4 Things You Can Do To Stop The Cycle of Abuse)

Here’s what I see all too often.

Women (men, too, but around here it’s mostly women) come onboard for a program and, inspired by their new-found confidence, enthusiasm and another “fresh start”, they do quite well for themselves. A few pounds drop, insights are gained and then hope and possibility shine through the clouds again.

Buuuut,  then the program comes to an end, the husband yells, the dog barks, the boss refuses a promotion and something comes creeping out from the cupboards of life to kick her in the butt. Then she crumbles and caves to old patterns anchored into the very core of who she is. If you’ve never read this page about our program on How to Get Rid of Cravings and Emotional Eating, do that now. Read the information on that page, there are some valuable things to know. Here’s some of what is addressed below:
1. You can’t change anything you’re not willing to confront.

One of the most chronic conditions I encounter is women who hide their eating habits. GET OUT OF THE CLOSET! You can’t change what you can’t confront. The number of women stuffing their faces while no one is watching is sad. We can run and hide from everyone but NOT ourselves, so why hide?

When you hide your habits, then not only are you carrying the weight of some pretty damaging eating behaviours, you’re also keeping secrets. I know this so well only because I have been there. Please do not hear or interpret any judgements, for there are none. There is only direct communication designed to shake up those of you who may be trying to keep secrets from yourselves.

You can’t.

If you really want to change your habits you’ve got to come out about them. CONFRONT THEM! See them for what they are! As long as you alter, avoid, hide or deny the reality of your situation, you’re stuck in it.

Get honest with yourself, your family, loved ones and if that doesn’t feel safe, possible or easy, well, email me at tera at therawdivas.com. You’ve got to start somewhere to reverse the patterns that are keeping you prisoner to yourself. A lot of people use The Powder Room for that, and anyone who has purchased one of our programs has private access where your confessionals will only be read by other members of your community/program.

If you can’t look your pile of taxes in the eye, will they EVER get done?

If you cannot look at the clutter in your cupboards will it ever go away?

If you try and pretend it’s not there, does it organize itself?

No! No! No! No! NO!

Gotta see things for what they are if you really want to change them.

So, once the crime has been committed how does feeling shameful serve you?

It doesn’t! Shame and guilt are ugly sticks that someone imposed on you a long time ago, but they are not designed to make you a better person or empower you with strength to change your habits. Their sole purpose at the time they were dished out was to BEAT YOU UP and likely the person using them didn’t have a great deal of confidence themselves to begin with.
So, ditch the guilt stick, Baby, for some courage instead. We have no room here for shame, regret or guilt. Get them out of your way and own the learning in your painful experiences so you can find the courage to persist in spite of the odds against you.

Buck up! Get tough! Acknowledge the fact that you created that mess, but there are WORSE messes out there and worse crimes against humanity. We always punish ourselves ten times harder than anyone else would ever punish us for the things we do. Punishment does not serve the world. Courage to change does.

3. Change Takes Place On A Gradient. If you can control one small area of something consistently, you will gain control of the entire area over time.

Don’t try to be a “raw foodist”. Get those cultish sounding words out of your head! Just try to be healthy, balanced and in love with yourself again. THAT is something worth achieving. Strive to feel good again in your own skin–to love and adore your shapes and curves for what they are and how they have served you. Your body is working HARD to handle life as we know it and to balance a whole history of experiences and emotions that even you may no longer recall very easily.

Rather than punish yourself for the one cooked meal you ate, celebrate the 10 raw ones, instead.

If you were running a marathon, would you stop at the 3rd mile and beat yourself up for not being at the finish line? If you were climbing a mountain would you get half way up and get angry because you weren’t at the top?

Nooooo way! You’d just keep pushing and trying and running and eventually you arrive exhausted but victorious. From there you’ve set new limits of what is possible for yourself! If you were climbing you’d take a break, rest your legs and look out at the view from where you are. THIS is the journey. Enjoy the process. It’s not the attainment of the goal that drives us, it’s the thrill of the chase.

Please don’t forget that you’re engaged in a JOURNEY–a PROCESS, and there is no change in life that doesn’t happen on a gradient. So allow yourself to grow like a flower, not some genetically mutated variety of superhuman.

Be vulnerable, fragile and weak sometimes. That’s your humanness and it’s absolutely charming and beautiful about you. Allow yourself to flow like the oceans and change like the seasons, too. We live so disconnected from nature that we impose on ourselves these rigid expectations and rules for our lives. Lighten up! Live and flow in love with a desire to improve not meet someone else’s guidelines for what your life should look like.

3. We will turn things around when we validate what we want to create more of.

When our children make mistakes, we don’t bark, yell and shout at them. We do our best to validate the positive things they do, instead. Put your attention on what you want to create more of in the world. Wherever you are, you can pull yourself out by thinking of fresh water, colorful fruit and loving thoughts. Use these images as your anchors to a place of power, confidence and strength. You will get there in time but be persistent, keep no secrets and let your crutch be the knowledge that there is someone who believes without a doubt that you CAN and WILL succeed.

4. The only other thing you need, my dear, is the assurance that someone else believes in you.

I’ve seen too many women turn their lives around permanently. I’ve seen too many overnight miracles in my life to ever, ever give up on anyone. Sometimes my unyielding and persistent belief in someone has been THE key factor in turning that person’s life around. Sometimes just the assurance that someone else believes you can do it is all you need.

Why?

Because we punish ourselves enormously for the things we do “wrong”. We beat ourselves up for our “failures” rather than see them as opportunities for learning.

If the potato chips attack you from the cupboard, please don’t beat yourself up. This used to happen all the time. Find the courage to persist in spite of the odds against you, and if you think it’s too hard, think again.

This is your life. Own it for its crazy beautifulness and celebrate the struggles, too. When you get through this, you will empower the others around you to do the same thing. Validate what is good and more will come.

People perform miracles every day. You can too. Just have the courage and persistence to believe that YOU are worth it. In the meantime, I’ll keep holding up the fort out here, creating the possibility that you step up to taste the sweetness of victory and experience the peacefulness that comes with owning your life and your choices in a powerful way, and finally loving that beautiful body

You are SUCH a diva. I absolutely adore you and applaud your courage.