Living with chronic illness for so many years, I’ve learned what it takes for me to not only survive but also thrive. Self-care is at the very top of the list, and it encompasses so many things—from eating right, exercising, getting enough sleep, listening to your body and pampering it when it needs it, as well as making sure you have a strong support team. Having a knowledgeable doctor who … [Read more...]
My Battle With the Bulge
Some of you may look at me now and wonder—what could I possibly know about the struggle to lose weight? What do I understand about what it is like to look at myself in the mirror and not like the image reflected back me, what it’s like to feel a prisoner in my own clothes, to feel my self-worth defined by my body shape and to have my activities restricted by my size? The truth is, this was how I … [Read more...]
Your Guide to Happy, Healthy Holidays From The Mind-Body Shift
The holidays can be the most magical time of the year, but they can also be the most stressful - emotionally, physically and financially. Conscious planning and self-care are crucial to being able to fully and healthfully enjoy the holidays. Commit to Your Health This Holiday Season As my gift to you, I'm sharing my top 10 Tips to Stay Healthy Through the … [Read more...]
Making Home a Sanctuary (Away From the Clutter)
For the first time in several years, I am in the position, hand-in-hand with my loving boyfriend, to fashion a new home for myself. Our new dwelling is more than big enough for the two of us, plus my cat. It had the requisite two bedrooms (one for my office), a kitchen with enough counter space and room for the two of us to comfortably move around at the same time. The gardens and pool were a … [Read more...]
My License to Heal
The last couple weeks have been landmark ones for me in terms of marking progress in my healing journey. Last week, I began the move into my first home away from my parents in several years. This past Wednesday, I made a trip to the DMV and came away with my license to drive again after 3 1/2 years. These two things alone are huge indications that, after a harrowing journey that sometimes seemed … [Read more...]
Lessons of Love, Loss and Finding Your Way Back To Self
I believe that every significant life experience has something to teach us—about life, ourselves, our relationships with others. For what is life if not for building meaningful connections with others, for learning about the world in which we live and for truly discovering our own true nature, the boundless potential we possess and the sacred path we are meant to follow? I have learned so much … [Read more...]
Manifest Meaningful Change In Your Life in 2013
As we welcome in the New Year, what more tempting a time it is to consider turning over a new leaf in life. We look back on the experiences of the past year, some amazing and beautiful, others we’d much rather forget. We look back on the chances we didn’t take or the promises we made to ourselves that we broke, and we swear to ourselves that this year will be different. The year ahead of us … [Read more...]
Upon Turning 35, a Final Look Back
When I first began my pity party path to recognizing and acknowledging the blessings of turning 35, I wasn’t sure how the experience would play out. I couldn’t predict what it would feel like having to come up with 35 truly positive things about my life as it is now, without only citing banal, yet genuine daily items of gratitude that might put you to sleep. To be honest, some days were harder … [Read more...]
My One Week Countdown to 35: To Love and Creativity
To Love and Creativity! Day 5 is Dedicated to My Love 1. I am grateful to My Love for showing me real, unconditional love from a romantic partner. Loving me as exactly, completely me. Loving with kindness, compassion and patience. Love without judgment. Love without co-dependency. Love without jealousy. 2. I am grateful to My Love for being so open, honest and true. For baring everything and … [Read more...]