Ok, I am a Single Mom.
But not by the terms that you probably just read that.
Showing posts with label Lifestyle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lifestyle. Show all posts
Friday, December 14, 2018
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Rising Woman ~ Allyson Elizabeth
Our next Rising Woman has just rocked my world with her story. There are so many reasons that I'm completely honored to share Allyson's story here. I "met" Ally through her Facebook group, Badass Sober Sisters, and asked her to share her story when I recently saw her celebrating 6 years of sobriety. The further I move on along in my own sobriety, the more I realize the importance of impacting the stigma around addiction and recovery. I'm so thankful for people like Allyson who choose to support people on this journey. Her FB group has been one of the many supporting factors in my own sobriety. Thank you, Ally, for being the first Rising Woman to share on the topic of recovery, and for the incredible courage that it took you to do so. You, my friend, are a warrior and I love you!
Who are you and what do you do for a living?
I’m Ally. I’m 27 years old and I am a full time student majoring in social work.
Tell me about your family, if applicable.
I’m the oldest of 3 girls. My parents have been and are still together since they were 16 years old. My dad will have 17 years sober in August.
What is your story?
Well, I grew up in the alcoholic household. My dad drank until I was 11 years old. I also picked up my first drink at 11. When my dad got sober he passed a comment that he got sober for my little sister, so she wouldn’t have to go through what my sister and I went through. I can honestly tell you right then and there all my insecurities were born. Why was I not good enough for him to get sober long before? If I’m not good enough for my own dad how would I ever be good enough for anyone else?
By the time I was 11 years old I knew what real pain and heartache was. I worried about things no child should even know about.
My drinking wasn’t crazy, just weekend and school breaks but when I took that first drink at 11 I knew I was different. I didn’t like the taste or the feeling but what I did like is feeling numb. From that first night, I drank to blackout and not feel.
Fast forward to senior year of high school, I was an excellent student and was accepted into every college I applied to. I feel like I was pressured into going away. See, my parents didn’t know about my weekend escapades, but I was a hard kid to raise. I was disrespectful, irresponsible and mean. I thrived in chaos and negative spaces. So my parents thought it was a good idea that I not stay home for school. I kind of feel like they just didn’t want to deal with me anymore and wanted a peaceful environment to raise my sisters. Again all those insecurities were right back in full force.
I decided to go to SUNY Purchase in Westchester, New York. I was 18 and no where near ready to be on my own. I drank myself into oblivion every night. I didn’t go to class - I joke that I majored in beer pong and boys. I met a guy who I thought I was going to be with forever. I latched on. I couldn’t do anything without him, breath, sleep, live. He joined the military and left for basic training for 20 weeks. I always craved attention from guys and I found that in his recruiter. I never cheated, but I loved the flirty-ness. I also started hanging out with my cousin who introduced me to roxys and shooting. When my boyfriend came home, we moved in together and I stopped doing drugs. It was more important to me to be the perfect military girlfriend. In December of 2009 we got engaged. I was living the life I always wanted. But I’m an addict and eventually my drinking became a problem, so I picked up pills again. We moved in with his parents and I was convinced that if I got pregnant I would be cured of drug addiction and my relationship would be fixed. But to be honest I really don’t think I would have stopped using, or if i did I think I would have been resentful that I had too. I know that sounds so selfish, but I only cared about drugs. My relationship fell apart and I moved back to Long Island.
On my 21st birthday, I went to a local bar. I was dancing with my long time friend, and this other kid came up and the next thing I know their hands are down my pants. Afterward, I just chalked it up to being too drunk and I asked for it because I danced with him. I know now that that was no where near acceptable or my fault.
I soon met another boy, in 2011, who was just getting out of treatment and moving into a male halfway house, so I moved in with him. The house was run by a gang called the Latin Kings and they were running drugs in and out. I was introduced to heroin at this time. I don’t really remember the week I was there. The boy I was seeing stole money from the guys running the house and blamed me, they broke my cheekbones, my nose, and I was raped by 7 or 8 men. I then went upstairs a hysterical bloody mess and overdosed. Someone called my mom and told her I was in danger, but wouldn’t tell her where I was. She had to track my cell phone. On the way to the hospital I ended up flatlining. They had to narcan me 4 times and use paddles. They asked me if I had a problem and I said that I was 21 and just having fun. I went a little overboard. They sent me on my way, but now I’m screwed because it is now confirmed. I am deep in addiction and using heroin. My parents sent my sisters to my grandma's, took off work and I detoxed at home cold turkey for 8 days. I went to my first AA meeting after I was done detoxing, but was high as a kite before the meeting was over.
I went on to overdose another time, narcan, paddles, the works. I finally attempted sobriety and had about 75 days clean when my neighbors stepson moved in across the street. He was everything I wanted, he did drums, dealt drugs and had a girlfriend. The chaos that became my life for literally only 2 months was insane. I made Facebook after Facebook to tell this poor girl what was going on between her boyfriend and I. I spared no detail. He and I ended in Jersey with my mom's stolen credit card. I showed up at my uncle's ex wife’s door and I hadn’t seen her in 20+ years. We spent the next 4 days in oblivion. When I got home my parents had booked me a one way flight to Arizona for treatment. I stayed in Arizona for 3 months but was convinced I wasn’t an alcoholic, I was a drug addict. I couldn’t be an alcoholic. I was 21, that’s what all normal kids my age do.
I drank for a while, but alcohol stopped giving me the high or numbness I craved. In November 2011 my good friend from high school passed away from an overdose. He was 22 years old. My world sank. I couldn’t understand why a 22 year old was taken and I didn’t understand how he was here one day and gone the next. I had just talked to him about going to meetings. I was so uncomfortable and needed out. Right back to the syringe I went. I went to his funeral flying high and looked his mother in the eye and promised I was doing good. I ended up back in treatment 3 weeks later.
This time, I stayed on Long Island. I went to Seafield in West Hampton Beach, they were the best on Long Island. I ended up getting kicked out for fraternizing 12 days later. When my mom and grandma picked me up they informed me I wasn’t allowed in my house and I would be moving in with my grandma. I rebelled against everything my grandma believed in. I was furious and refusing.
I was with my grandma for 4 months and I stayed sober. I threw myself into my program, meetings, sponsor, and the 12 steps. In February 2012 my neighbors step son passed away and I found myself right back in the same place. Questioning God, my purpose. I really tried to stay clean, like honest to God I wanted it. I reached out, I went to meetings and shared, but the that uncomfortability came right back and I needed out of self.
I stole a credit card went down to Florida and did what I did best. I was extremely high staying in a hotel room when I called my mom and she actually answered. My parents had cut me off by this time. I went on and on about how I was starving and needed food. She just quietly said “you are my beloved, take a good look and ask yourself if this is who you want to be? That pain you feel is only temporary and you can fight it,” and she hung up. I cried like I never had before and I hit my knees and begged for help. I got my MacBook, the only thing I wouldn’t pawn, and googled treatment centers. I found one in Hobe Sound 4 hours from where I was, all I had to do was get myself to detox.
The night before going to detox I was raped by 2 men. They dropped me off at the hospital the next day. They didn’t even wait until I was out of the car to drive away. Even despite that, I still wanted to get clean. I was ready and willing to do anything for sobriety.
While checking into detox, they found drugs and I was arrested for possession with the intent to sell. I was taken to Tavernes County Jail. I was there for 3 days which isn’t long, but felt like an eternity. My parents bailed me out and I went to detox for 7 days, and then treatment for 45. I knew I wasn’t ready to come home, plus I was facing 7-10 years with the intent to sell charges, so I wasn’t allowed to leave Florida. I also knew I needed to listen to people who knew more than I did, so I went to a halfway house for a year.
I went in front of a judge 8 months later and my charges were dismissed because they broke confidentiality. I flew back to New York that night and called my parents from JFK. When I told them I was home, they told me that was nice because I wasn’t allowed in their house, so I had to find somewhere to live. I went to another halfway for 9 months, then moved in with my aunt in South Carolina. I wasn’t allowed home until I was almost 2 years sober.
To say it has been a roller coaster is an understatement. There has been extremely low points in my sobriety, but I pushed forward. Today, April 1st, I celebrate 6 years of complete sobriety. I was asked why I think I’m in the 1% of those who get sober and stay sober, and my answer is simple - I remain teachable, I don’t know everything and I rely on those who know more. I took every suggestion. I threw myself into program. I also believe living a life of service is a major piece of remaining sober. I am able to be there and supportive of everyone I meet.
I hit an extremely low point in my sobriety, I lost faith in myself, God, and meetings. I was going to 1-2 meetings every 2 months, if that, and I suffered terribly. I felt alone, not connected, and miserable. My attitude and behaviors were those of someone in active addiction. I forced myself to get back to meetings. I met my sponsee and we’re currently going through the steps. Taking her through the steps and being there and present for someone has healed me in places I didn’t know needed to be healed.
I remain grateful always. I fall short, but I can admit when I’m wrong and need help. Despite the hardships I’m still standing.
What have you overcome to get where you are today?
Honestly no one, including myself, thought that I would be alive today. If someone told me today that I’d be sober, have my family in my life, have amazing women in my life, I never would have believed it. I was heading down a really dark and dangerous road and I didn’t care if I lived at the end. So I guess I had to overcome not caring what happened to me, finding the willpower to overcome addiction.
What has been your greatest struggle in life?
Acceptance and control. I like things to go my way. I’m working on trying not to control everything and accept people and things the way they are. I read and reread page 417 in the big book of alcoholic anonymous.
Did you ever feel like giving up? When you felt like giving up, what did you do?
I want to say giving up isn’t an option, but just because I have 6 years doesn’t mean I don’t struggle with the same things people in early recovery do. I just have the tools today to deal with and overcome. I won’t lie though, sometimes I just don’t want to feel, but I won’t give up. When I do feel that way I reach out to my support tribe. I pray, write, make gratitude lists, eat, and read recovery books; Living Sober, The Big Book, Daily Reflections.
What are some of the tools and resources you have used to work through and overcome those struggles? (books, counselors, workshops, programs, coaches, etc.)
I see a psychologist once a week, a psychiatrist every 6 months, I have a sponsor and an amazing group of women and I am extremely active in A.A.
What are your gifts and how did you discover them?
There’s so many gifts. I am responsible today. I suit up, shut up, and show up for people today. I care so much about literally everyone and would do anything to help people. I’m nonjudgmental, I don think I have a right to judge anyone when we all have our own paths. I was blessed with these gifts when I got sober and did the steps and when I started taking other women through the steps.
Tell us about your tribe and the importance of having one.
Who are you and what do you do for a living?
I’m Ally. I’m 27 years old and I am a full time student majoring in social work.
Tell me about your family, if applicable.
I’m the oldest of 3 girls. My parents have been and are still together since they were 16 years old. My dad will have 17 years sober in August.
What is your story?
Well, I grew up in the alcoholic household. My dad drank until I was 11 years old. I also picked up my first drink at 11. When my dad got sober he passed a comment that he got sober for my little sister, so she wouldn’t have to go through what my sister and I went through. I can honestly tell you right then and there all my insecurities were born. Why was I not good enough for him to get sober long before? If I’m not good enough for my own dad how would I ever be good enough for anyone else?
By the time I was 11 years old I knew what real pain and heartache was. I worried about things no child should even know about.
My drinking wasn’t crazy, just weekend and school breaks but when I took that first drink at 11 I knew I was different. I didn’t like the taste or the feeling but what I did like is feeling numb. From that first night, I drank to blackout and not feel.
Fast forward to senior year of high school, I was an excellent student and was accepted into every college I applied to. I feel like I was pressured into going away. See, my parents didn’t know about my weekend escapades, but I was a hard kid to raise. I was disrespectful, irresponsible and mean. I thrived in chaos and negative spaces. So my parents thought it was a good idea that I not stay home for school. I kind of feel like they just didn’t want to deal with me anymore and wanted a peaceful environment to raise my sisters. Again all those insecurities were right back in full force.
I decided to go to SUNY Purchase in Westchester, New York. I was 18 and no where near ready to be on my own. I drank myself into oblivion every night. I didn’t go to class - I joke that I majored in beer pong and boys. I met a guy who I thought I was going to be with forever. I latched on. I couldn’t do anything without him, breath, sleep, live. He joined the military and left for basic training for 20 weeks. I always craved attention from guys and I found that in his recruiter. I never cheated, but I loved the flirty-ness. I also started hanging out with my cousin who introduced me to roxys and shooting. When my boyfriend came home, we moved in together and I stopped doing drugs. It was more important to me to be the perfect military girlfriend. In December of 2009 we got engaged. I was living the life I always wanted. But I’m an addict and eventually my drinking became a problem, so I picked up pills again. We moved in with his parents and I was convinced that if I got pregnant I would be cured of drug addiction and my relationship would be fixed. But to be honest I really don’t think I would have stopped using, or if i did I think I would have been resentful that I had too. I know that sounds so selfish, but I only cared about drugs. My relationship fell apart and I moved back to Long Island.
On my 21st birthday, I went to a local bar. I was dancing with my long time friend, and this other kid came up and the next thing I know their hands are down my pants. Afterward, I just chalked it up to being too drunk and I asked for it because I danced with him. I know now that that was no where near acceptable or my fault.
I soon met another boy, in 2011, who was just getting out of treatment and moving into a male halfway house, so I moved in with him. The house was run by a gang called the Latin Kings and they were running drugs in and out. I was introduced to heroin at this time. I don’t really remember the week I was there. The boy I was seeing stole money from the guys running the house and blamed me, they broke my cheekbones, my nose, and I was raped by 7 or 8 men. I then went upstairs a hysterical bloody mess and overdosed. Someone called my mom and told her I was in danger, but wouldn’t tell her where I was. She had to track my cell phone. On the way to the hospital I ended up flatlining. They had to narcan me 4 times and use paddles. They asked me if I had a problem and I said that I was 21 and just having fun. I went a little overboard. They sent me on my way, but now I’m screwed because it is now confirmed. I am deep in addiction and using heroin. My parents sent my sisters to my grandma's, took off work and I detoxed at home cold turkey for 8 days. I went to my first AA meeting after I was done detoxing, but was high as a kite before the meeting was over.
I went on to overdose another time, narcan, paddles, the works. I finally attempted sobriety and had about 75 days clean when my neighbors stepson moved in across the street. He was everything I wanted, he did drums, dealt drugs and had a girlfriend. The chaos that became my life for literally only 2 months was insane. I made Facebook after Facebook to tell this poor girl what was going on between her boyfriend and I. I spared no detail. He and I ended in Jersey with my mom's stolen credit card. I showed up at my uncle's ex wife’s door and I hadn’t seen her in 20+ years. We spent the next 4 days in oblivion. When I got home my parents had booked me a one way flight to Arizona for treatment. I stayed in Arizona for 3 months but was convinced I wasn’t an alcoholic, I was a drug addict. I couldn’t be an alcoholic. I was 21, that’s what all normal kids my age do.
I drank for a while, but alcohol stopped giving me the high or numbness I craved. In November 2011 my good friend from high school passed away from an overdose. He was 22 years old. My world sank. I couldn’t understand why a 22 year old was taken and I didn’t understand how he was here one day and gone the next. I had just talked to him about going to meetings. I was so uncomfortable and needed out. Right back to the syringe I went. I went to his funeral flying high and looked his mother in the eye and promised I was doing good. I ended up back in treatment 3 weeks later.
This time, I stayed on Long Island. I went to Seafield in West Hampton Beach, they were the best on Long Island. I ended up getting kicked out for fraternizing 12 days later. When my mom and grandma picked me up they informed me I wasn’t allowed in my house and I would be moving in with my grandma. I rebelled against everything my grandma believed in. I was furious and refusing.
I was with my grandma for 4 months and I stayed sober. I threw myself into my program, meetings, sponsor, and the 12 steps. In February 2012 my neighbors step son passed away and I found myself right back in the same place. Questioning God, my purpose. I really tried to stay clean, like honest to God I wanted it. I reached out, I went to meetings and shared, but the that uncomfortability came right back and I needed out of self.
I stole a credit card went down to Florida and did what I did best. I was extremely high staying in a hotel room when I called my mom and she actually answered. My parents had cut me off by this time. I went on and on about how I was starving and needed food. She just quietly said “you are my beloved, take a good look and ask yourself if this is who you want to be? That pain you feel is only temporary and you can fight it,” and she hung up. I cried like I never had before and I hit my knees and begged for help. I got my MacBook, the only thing I wouldn’t pawn, and googled treatment centers. I found one in Hobe Sound 4 hours from where I was, all I had to do was get myself to detox.
The night before going to detox I was raped by 2 men. They dropped me off at the hospital the next day. They didn’t even wait until I was out of the car to drive away. Even despite that, I still wanted to get clean. I was ready and willing to do anything for sobriety.
While checking into detox, they found drugs and I was arrested for possession with the intent to sell. I was taken to Tavernes County Jail. I was there for 3 days which isn’t long, but felt like an eternity. My parents bailed me out and I went to detox for 7 days, and then treatment for 45. I knew I wasn’t ready to come home, plus I was facing 7-10 years with the intent to sell charges, so I wasn’t allowed to leave Florida. I also knew I needed to listen to people who knew more than I did, so I went to a halfway house for a year.
I went in front of a judge 8 months later and my charges were dismissed because they broke confidentiality. I flew back to New York that night and called my parents from JFK. When I told them I was home, they told me that was nice because I wasn’t allowed in their house, so I had to find somewhere to live. I went to another halfway for 9 months, then moved in with my aunt in South Carolina. I wasn’t allowed home until I was almost 2 years sober.
To say it has been a roller coaster is an understatement. There has been extremely low points in my sobriety, but I pushed forward. Today, April 1st, I celebrate 6 years of complete sobriety. I was asked why I think I’m in the 1% of those who get sober and stay sober, and my answer is simple - I remain teachable, I don’t know everything and I rely on those who know more. I took every suggestion. I threw myself into program. I also believe living a life of service is a major piece of remaining sober. I am able to be there and supportive of everyone I meet.
I hit an extremely low point in my sobriety, I lost faith in myself, God, and meetings. I was going to 1-2 meetings every 2 months, if that, and I suffered terribly. I felt alone, not connected, and miserable. My attitude and behaviors were those of someone in active addiction. I forced myself to get back to meetings. I met my sponsee and we’re currently going through the steps. Taking her through the steps and being there and present for someone has healed me in places I didn’t know needed to be healed.
I remain grateful always. I fall short, but I can admit when I’m wrong and need help. Despite the hardships I’m still standing.
What have you overcome to get where you are today?
Honestly no one, including myself, thought that I would be alive today. If someone told me today that I’d be sober, have my family in my life, have amazing women in my life, I never would have believed it. I was heading down a really dark and dangerous road and I didn’t care if I lived at the end. So I guess I had to overcome not caring what happened to me, finding the willpower to overcome addiction.
What has been your greatest struggle in life?
Acceptance and control. I like things to go my way. I’m working on trying not to control everything and accept people and things the way they are. I read and reread page 417 in the big book of alcoholic anonymous.
Did you ever feel like giving up? When you felt like giving up, what did you do?
I want to say giving up isn’t an option, but just because I have 6 years doesn’t mean I don’t struggle with the same things people in early recovery do. I just have the tools today to deal with and overcome. I won’t lie though, sometimes I just don’t want to feel, but I won’t give up. When I do feel that way I reach out to my support tribe. I pray, write, make gratitude lists, eat, and read recovery books; Living Sober, The Big Book, Daily Reflections.
What are some of the tools and resources you have used to work through and overcome those struggles? (books, counselors, workshops, programs, coaches, etc.)
I see a psychologist once a week, a psychiatrist every 6 months, I have a sponsor and an amazing group of women and I am extremely active in A.A.
What are your gifts and how did you discover them?
There’s so many gifts. I am responsible today. I suit up, shut up, and show up for people today. I care so much about literally everyone and would do anything to help people. I’m nonjudgmental, I don think I have a right to judge anyone when we all have our own paths. I was blessed with these gifts when I got sober and did the steps and when I started taking other women through the steps.
I have an amazing tribe. We’re all different ages and in all different points in our sobriety but the love and compassion not to mention the understanding is in full force. They are always there when I need someone. Having a tribe makes me feel not alone and understood when I feel absolutely crazy.
Who in life do you rely on when you're struggling? Who keeps you uplifted and on your path?
My dad. I had a really rocky relationship with him when he first got sober and addiction swallowed me, but I couldn’t have gotten 6 years without him especially in the beginning. He is my best friend, my go-to, my rock. He showed me how to live a life of honesty, integrity, and kindness. I call him for literally everything, probably like 15 times a day. He is the best man I have ever met.
What do you want other women to know who are feeling lost, and/or experiencing their own tragedy and/or struggles?
You are so worth it. The pain you’re in now is only temporary. Fight through. You are beautiful and strong and I love each and everyone of you even if we haven’t met.
What is some advice you would give to women who are healing or rising in some way?
You can do it! Look for the rainbow after the storm, it’s always there even if you can’t see it.
Anything else you'd like to add?
This world can be such a scary dark place at times. That’s why it’s so important to stick together. Lift each other up and strengthen each other. We need each other.
If you are a woman questioning your own troubles with addiction; if you're trying or wanting to get clean & sober; or if you're just looking for more support on your journey, we encourage and urge you to reach out. It can feel like a lonely road, but I PROMISE you're not alone.
You can find Ally and a whole group of amazingly supportive sober women on their journey of recovery on Facebook at: Badass Sober Sisters
Ally, thank you again for being part of The Rising Woman Project. Keep doing what you're doing, girl!
xoxoxo
Who in life do you rely on when you're struggling? Who keeps you uplifted and on your path?
My dad. I had a really rocky relationship with him when he first got sober and addiction swallowed me, but I couldn’t have gotten 6 years without him especially in the beginning. He is my best friend, my go-to, my rock. He showed me how to live a life of honesty, integrity, and kindness. I call him for literally everything, probably like 15 times a day. He is the best man I have ever met.
What do you want other women to know who are feeling lost, and/or experiencing their own tragedy and/or struggles?
You are so worth it. The pain you’re in now is only temporary. Fight through. You are beautiful and strong and I love each and everyone of you even if we haven’t met.
What is some advice you would give to women who are healing or rising in some way?
You can do it! Look for the rainbow after the storm, it’s always there even if you can’t see it.
Anything else you'd like to add?
This world can be such a scary dark place at times. That’s why it’s so important to stick together. Lift each other up and strengthen each other. We need each other.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
You can find Ally and a whole group of amazingly supportive sober women on their journey of recovery on Facebook at: Badass Sober Sisters
Ally, thank you again for being part of The Rising Woman Project. Keep doing what you're doing, girl!
xoxoxo
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Rising Woman ~ Anna Neimark
Happy Birthday, Rising Woman, Anna Neimark!
It is an honor to share your beautifully brave and courageous story here, and a pleasure to call you my friend. Thank you, and may the year bring you continued success and happiness!
Who are you and what do you do for a living?
As a personal fashion stylist, I empower women to show up in full alignment with who they really, authentically are, so that they can be unleashed in making their mark on the world. I teach women how to dress the bodies they have (not the bodies they once had or wish they had), using style as an access to self-acceptance and self-love. I quit a stable, comfortable engineering career to follow my passion and purpose with the intention that through my work, body dysmorphia and eating disorders will one day cease to exist.
Tell me about your family, if applicable.
I was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia. My parents split up when I was five, and my mom left me with my grandparents for close to two years while she went to America to set up her life. I would see my dad, who traveled a lot internationally for work as a geologist, on weekends. On January 2nd, 1995, my mom brought me to New York. I grew up in Brooklyn with her and my step dad, Stuart. When I was 13, my mom was diagnosed with brain cancer. When I was 15, she passed away and I moved to Lakewood, Colorado to live with my dad, who had set up his own life by then with my step mom, Irene, and stepbrother, Alex.
What is your story?
If you had asked me three years ago what I’d always wanted to do with my life but never saw as possible, I would’ve told you “something in fashion." I have an engineering background and was working at an engineering company. I’d consulted friends and family on their wardrobes and provided shopping guidance for as long as I could remember (I was that one friend who would take you shopping, bring you ten items, and you’d walk out with all ten, leaving behind whatever you had brought in), but it had never occurred to me that I could turn that into an actual—never mind lucrative—career. I also wasn’t raised in an environment that supported that kind of thinking; I came from a family of engineers and scientists and had followed in my stepbrother’s footsteps to receive an Engineering Physics degree from one of the top engineering schools in the country. (Problem was, it was never quite a fit for me; I was just pretending.)
Then, in December 2014, I read about a website called Keaton Row on one of my favorite blogs (Refinery29) and was intrigued by the idea of regular people signing up to virtually style women across the nation—and getting paid for it. I signed up, despite that voice in my head telling me, “What the hell are you doing? You’re an engineer!” I proceeded to style eight clients over the next six months, until the site began to work with only NYC-based stylists. Defeated, I thought, “OK, guess that was too good to last. Back to reality I go.”
Right after my tenure with Keaton Row ended, in May 2015, I had a tonsillectomy, which involved a much more difficult recovery process than expected, and left me depressed and resigned about my life. I was in a career I despised and a crap relationship, and I would cry myself out of bed in the morning and drink myself to sleep every night. I was a total victim of my circumstances, seeing no way out of the dark tunnel I had found myself in. And I could totally see my life continuing to go that way.
But I took an unreasonable action: on a friend’s recommendation, I took a personal and professional development course called the Landmark Forum in June, and over the span of its 3.5 days, my perspective shifted 180 degrees. I saw that I no longer had to be at the whim of my circumstances and could actually create the life that I wanted. I realized that I deserved to be happy and could do whatever I wanted with my life. So I signed up for Thumbtack (an app that connects service providers with customers) and took on personal shopping clients. I took the Stylist and Personal Stylist certification courses at the School of Style in LA. I shared my passion with anyone and everyone, which landed me front row at the Nolcha Shows during New York Fashion Week in September.
Through continuing to participate at Landmark and taking on its 7.5 month long leadership program, I discovered my “why”: that around me, people are empowered, confident, and loving themselves. Through style, my goal is to empower people (and especially women) to accept and love the bodies they have, not the bodies they wish they had, so that body dysmorphia and eating disorders one day cease to exist.
I tried my hand at another corporate job, transitioning to an engineering sales role in March 2016, thinking that the skills that I learned would support building my business on the side. Who am I kidding? My heart wasn’t in it and six months later, I was let go. I took that as a sign from the Universe that it’s time to stop f*cking around and take on my business full time. And so it was, no financial safety net, no prior business experience, and I was running my own personal fashion styling business.
Tell me about your family, if applicable.
I was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia. My parents split up when I was five, and my mom left me with my grandparents for close to two years while she went to America to set up her life. I would see my dad, who traveled a lot internationally for work as a geologist, on weekends. On January 2nd, 1995, my mom brought me to New York. I grew up in Brooklyn with her and my step dad, Stuart. When I was 13, my mom was diagnosed with brain cancer. When I was 15, she passed away and I moved to Lakewood, Colorado to live with my dad, who had set up his own life by then with my step mom, Irene, and stepbrother, Alex.
What is your story?
If you had asked me three years ago what I’d always wanted to do with my life but never saw as possible, I would’ve told you “something in fashion." I have an engineering background and was working at an engineering company. I’d consulted friends and family on their wardrobes and provided shopping guidance for as long as I could remember (I was that one friend who would take you shopping, bring you ten items, and you’d walk out with all ten, leaving behind whatever you had brought in), but it had never occurred to me that I could turn that into an actual—never mind lucrative—career. I also wasn’t raised in an environment that supported that kind of thinking; I came from a family of engineers and scientists and had followed in my stepbrother’s footsteps to receive an Engineering Physics degree from one of the top engineering schools in the country. (Problem was, it was never quite a fit for me; I was just pretending.)
Then, in December 2014, I read about a website called Keaton Row on one of my favorite blogs (Refinery29) and was intrigued by the idea of regular people signing up to virtually style women across the nation—and getting paid for it. I signed up, despite that voice in my head telling me, “What the hell are you doing? You’re an engineer!” I proceeded to style eight clients over the next six months, until the site began to work with only NYC-based stylists. Defeated, I thought, “OK, guess that was too good to last. Back to reality I go.”
Right after my tenure with Keaton Row ended, in May 2015, I had a tonsillectomy, which involved a much more difficult recovery process than expected, and left me depressed and resigned about my life. I was in a career I despised and a crap relationship, and I would cry myself out of bed in the morning and drink myself to sleep every night. I was a total victim of my circumstances, seeing no way out of the dark tunnel I had found myself in. And I could totally see my life continuing to go that way.
But I took an unreasonable action: on a friend’s recommendation, I took a personal and professional development course called the Landmark Forum in June, and over the span of its 3.5 days, my perspective shifted 180 degrees. I saw that I no longer had to be at the whim of my circumstances and could actually create the life that I wanted. I realized that I deserved to be happy and could do whatever I wanted with my life. So I signed up for Thumbtack (an app that connects service providers with customers) and took on personal shopping clients. I took the Stylist and Personal Stylist certification courses at the School of Style in LA. I shared my passion with anyone and everyone, which landed me front row at the Nolcha Shows during New York Fashion Week in September.
Through continuing to participate at Landmark and taking on its 7.5 month long leadership program, I discovered my “why”: that around me, people are empowered, confident, and loving themselves. Through style, my goal is to empower people (and especially women) to accept and love the bodies they have, not the bodies they wish they had, so that body dysmorphia and eating disorders one day cease to exist.
I tried my hand at another corporate job, transitioning to an engineering sales role in March 2016, thinking that the skills that I learned would support building my business on the side. Who am I kidding? My heart wasn’t in it and six months later, I was let go. I took that as a sign from the Universe that it’s time to stop f*cking around and take on my business full time. And so it was, no financial safety net, no prior business experience, and I was running my own personal fashion styling business.
What have you overcome to get where you are today?
Oh man, can I just make a list..?
Parents split up when I’m 5.
Mom leaves me with grandparents while she goes to America and I only see dad on the weekends because he travels for work all the time.
Grandma is paranoid and overprotective, to the point of heating my ice cream on the stove and writing doctor’s notes, excusing me from gym class after every minor cold, for a grand total of 2 gym classes over the course of the entire first grade. (Funny ‘cuz it’s true.)
Mauled by a monkey at a zoo (that’s a story for another day; ask me if you’re curious about it).
Moved to America speaking no English. Got to be the “weird foreign kid” through all of third (and maybe part of fourth) grade.
Mom diagnosed with brain cancer when I’m 13.
Mom dies when I’m 15.
I’m moved halfway across the country, away from all my friends and the life I know, to suburbia, halfway through Junior year of high school.
I take on some really self-destructive coping mechanisms and land myself in some pretty unpleasant circumstances.
I get diagnosed with thyroid cancer right before my 17th birthday.
I fall into a deep depression while working on my Masters in Electrical Engineering because I hate it (and it’s so not what I’m meant to be doing).
I quit grad school, my depression lifts, but my relationship falls apart, and I move back into my parents’ basement.
I move to San Diego for an engineering job, not knowing anyone here. I loathe said engineering job after a few years and fall into a depression again.
Borderline-alcoholism, totaling of cars, binge eating, and other shenanigans along the way.
I start my personal development journey, which, even though it’s so worth it, can be such a bumpy ride sometimes.
Starting a business while in credit card debt and with no financial safety net.
What has been your greatest struggle in life?
I used to have this story that “I’ve been dealt a shitty hand in life.” Looking at the list of challenges above, all of those experiences have made me who I am today. The one that’s had the biggest impact on me, however, was my mother’s death and the two years leading up to it.
I had idolized my mom. She was everything to me. I used to watch her meticulously put herself together every day, from her makeup to her style to how she carried herself. She was an amazing cook (I still have a book of hand-written, off the cuff recipes of hers that I attempt to recreate to celebrate her life). She was gorgeous, poised, deep.
Over the last two years of her life, I watched her spirit deteriorate. The cancer affected the emotional center of her brain, so she would be my brilliant mother one moment and like an irrational child the next. It was hard to be with. I had to switch off between playing the role of daughter and mother to someone I had idolized. I was never told that the cancer was fatal. Even when she went into a coma, I fervently believed that she would wake up and live a full life. And she did wake up, but not for long.
After she was gone, I took on grief as a badge of honor and thought that I was honoring her memory by taking on her suffering. It took 16 years for me to fully get complete and realize that the best way I can honor my mother’s memory is by creating and living my best, happiest life possible. My happiness and success are her true legacy.
Did you ever feel like giving up? When you felt like giving up, what did you do?
Apart from the dark period following my mother’s death, these last 1.5 years of running my own business have not been easy. I’ve had several recurring thoughts of “what the hell am I doing?” or “how the hell am I going to pay my rent this month?” but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
What are some of the tools and resources you have used to work through and overcome those struggles? (books, counselors, workshops, programs, coaches, etc.)
When I have those moments of wanting to give up, I lean on my tribe, heavily. (Mine happens to be a tightly knit group of badass boss ladies who won’t listen to me as anything other than my greatest Self. I couldn’t show up small around them even if I tried. Y’all know who you are.)
I meditate. (Transcendental Meditation seriously saved me from chronic panic attacks.)
I journal. (Quieting the emotional noise in my head so I can listen to my intuition.)
I call one of my coaches (shout-out to the amazing Chloe Harlow and Marisa Alejandra).
Recently, I’ve started tapping (EFT- look it up!) and that’s been tremendously helpful for releasing the stuck energy around my effusive emotions.
I lean into gratitude.
After all, I get to do what I love for a living, and the difference I can see on a client’s face when she walks out of the fitting room in something she never would’ve tried but feeling more like herself than she has in years, that’s everything!
What do you want other women to know who are feeling lost, and/or experiencing their own tragedy and/or struggles?
They say “when you’re going through hell, keep going.” That’s honestly the best advice because the worst thing you can do when you’re suffering is stay there and wallow in it. I know because I’ve totally been there. There have been days when I just cried and the greatest accomplishment for the day was getting out of bed or putting on clothes. Allow yourself to be human, just don’t let yourself stay there incessantly. It’s when you allow yourself to feel the depth of your pain, and move through it, with the help of all the tools I mentioned above (or whatever else helps you process), that you know your true power and come out on the other side stronger than you ever imagined yourself to be.
What is some advice you would give to women who are healing?
Give yourself some grace, and keep putting one foot in front of the other. Sometimes that looks like two steps forward, one step back. Sometimes it looks like no movement at all. But as long as you’re looking ahead, you’re on the right track.
Anything else you'd like to add?
I want to ask you something: what are those things for you? The things that bring you the most joy and have you show up as the greatest version of yourself? Who are the people you lean on when you’re feeling less than your best? What can you do to get yourself back into alignment with who you truly are?
You can find Anna at: www.annaneimark.com
Anna is offering:
Complimentary 30-minute discovery calls for anyone whose style needs a little revival. If you stand in front of a full closet with nothing to wear every morning or hate how you look in clothes, isn’t it time to do something about that? Let’s take the way you show up in the world to the next level! After all, you have a mark to make on the world. Dress accordingly.
Thank you again, Anna, for sharing your story with us. I deeply appreciate what it took for you to open this way. Keep doing what you're doing, girl. You are a bright light helping women to rise.
xoxoxo
Friday, March 16, 2018
Mimi's 21-Day Spring Cleaning Detox is here!
Our bodies are constantly exposed to toxins of all kinds from all directions, from the water we drink to the air we breathe. Over time these toxins get stored in the tissues and lead to toxic overload, making it difficult to ease otherwise minor health issues. Although our bodies are equipped with the natural ability to detox, the burden of our current environment makes this process more difficult for our bodies to do alone. A detox can be super effective in assisting the body in pushing things through and out!
How can a detox help?
- Although this is not a weight-loss program, a detox can be a great launching pad for creating a new and healthier lifestyle to support your weight loss goals
- Boost energy, vitality, clarity of mind -- get rid of those afternoon slumps!
- Improve digestion and eliminate bloating
- Improve sleep patterns
- Eliminate sugar cravings
- Put you on the path to better self-care practices making your life healthier & happier all around!
Why should I choose THIS detox?
Because I have done the research and experienced the program myself multiple times. This proprietary detoxification kit is a unique and advanced combination of nutrients, antioxidants, fiber, fruit and vegetable extracts, and pure herbs that support the overall metabolic detoxification process while balancing Phase I and Phase II detoxification pathways. Plus, you get my one on one support the whole way!
What do I get? How does this work?
Week 1
One hour coaching session to set you up for success and answer your individual questions
Action plan to have you fully prepared
Meal guide, kitchen prep and shopping recommendations
Unlimited email support
Private social forum for support, accountability and additional resources
Weeks 2-3
All of the above, including:
Detox kit with individually packaged protein powder, supplement packets and shaker bottle
Detox kit with individually packaged protein powder, supplement packets and shaker bottle
Program guide booklet included in detox kit
Supplement schedule
More healthy food recommendations
Suggested healthy lifestyle practices
Tips for reintroducing certain foods
Instructions and support for moving forward healthfully after the detox
How do I get started?
1. More questions?
- Email your questions directly to me at: mimi@mimimarie.com
2. How much is it?
- Normally $199 ~ Spring Cleansing price $159!!
3. Ready to get started now?
- Email me to schedule a set up call!
I'm so excited to guide you on your journey to better health!! :)))
Yours in health,
~Mimi~
Friday, July 8, 2016
Back-to-Love Lifestyle Makeover
This is a 12-week program for women who are seeking to improve their health from the inside-out. This is not a quick fix or weight loss program. This is a time to get back to making yourself a priority in order to have a lasting healthy & balanced lifestyle.
Is this program for you?
- Are you a woman who has given much of yourself and your time to your family, spouse, children, education and/or career?
- Have you put yourself on the back burner for a number of years?
- Has your lack of attention to your own needs taken a toll on your health?
- Do you feel that you need the accountability with another person to be successful?
- Do you feel you're lacking the tools on your own to reach the goals you desire?
What will you gain?
- A new relationship to healthy living
- A new wealth of knowledge, tools and resources that will empower your belief and ability to lead an empowered lifestyle
- A new sense of confidence in yourself and your ability to make healthy choices
- A new sense of vitality that will be the driving force in maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- A new relationship with, and love for, yourself in all of your unique beauty
How does it work?
- We will have sessions via Skype and/or telephone which will provide the education, accountability, resources, structures, tools and coaching to support you on your path to better health and happiness.
- I will provide homework, activities and exercises for you to do in between our sessions together which will contribute to your goals and lifestyle transformation.
- I will be here to support you between sessions via email.
How to get started:
- Email me to schedule an initial telephone consult to determine the structure that will work best for you.
***One-on-one and group program options
***Group discounts and payment options available
Contact me for your free initial consultation or to book your first session!
mimi@mimimarie.com
Friday, November 20, 2015
Monday, June 22, 2015
Personalized Cooking Session
When people embark on a new journey to health, learning how to prepare and cook food in a new way can be one of the biggest challenges. Women express to me time and time again how helpful it is when I come to their home and show them how it's done and that it doesn't have to be complicated.
***Special offer for the month of July ONLY...
Check this out -- I am offering this to you as a gift! Anyone who signs up for my 12-week program before July 31st, pays for the first month, and books their first appointment with me will receive their FREE personalized cooking session ($249 value)!
Personalized Cooking Session
1 evening, approx. 2 hours, in your home!
In-home cooking session customized to your dietary and lifestyle needs. We show you the importance and ease of incorporating healthy cooking into your lifestyle ~ and have fun doing it! :)
*Can also be purchased a la cart for $249! Contact me to book!
Contact me for questions or to sign up!
***Special offer for the month of July ONLY...
Check this out -- I am offering this to you as a gift! Anyone who signs up for my 12-week program before July 31st, pays for the first month, and books their first appointment with me will receive their FREE personalized cooking session ($249 value)!
Personalized Cooking Session
1 evening, approx. 2 hours, in your home!
In-home cooking session customized to your dietary and lifestyle needs. We show you the importance and ease of incorporating healthy cooking into your lifestyle ~ and have fun doing it! :)
*Can also be purchased a la cart for $249! Contact me to book!
Contact me for questions or to sign up!
Peace or Chaos ~ the Perspective is Yours.
The right perspective makes the impossible possible...
Perspective is always a hot topic for me. I am in a constant exercise of keeping the right perspective on my life and my goals. There was a period of time a couple of years ago where I was doing way too much. It was typical of me to get overwhelmed very easily and make life miserable for everyone around me. While it's clear to me now why, back then it was just a vicious cycle of stress that I couldn't get to the bottom of. I believed that I had to DO everything and always be perfect, or life was never going to be great. The problem was that nothing was working out, I was never happy and much of my life was falling apart. Since then, I have learned there is a paradoxical magic in learning to say no and balancing my work load, and believing that we're all capable of much more than we usually allow ourselves.
How is that possible? What has to change to create more balance and peace in your life? Your perspective. Your view. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to say that it's an easy feat. But when you can alter your view and see the bigger picture rather than getting stuck inside of one seemingly stressful circumstance, then the level of stress that you have to experience becomes less. Sometimes I freak out, stress out, break down, cry for stupid reasons, but at the end of the day I can look in the mirror and know that I'm moving forward on my path. I can allow myself to ride the roller coaster of life and know that it isn't the end of the ride just because it gets bumpy. Now, I intentionally set up my life so that I can reach goals, follow my dreams, build a career, be a positive example for my kids and a loving, supportive partner to man. If I am actually going to fulfill on all of those things, then keeping the right perspective is key.
Stress really is ALL about perspective. The ONLY time you are ever incapable is when you SAY that are! You can be negatively impacted by a long list of things to do; you can be stopped in life because you don't like the way things are going. Or you can be thankful that you're the one to get the job(s) done; thankful that you have a life that is full and plentiful, and that you have the ability to reach great accomplishments; thankful that you have the power to change things that you don't like and that you really are the one in control of your destiny. It really is a choice - choose wisely!!
How is that possible? What has to change to create more balance and peace in your life? Your perspective. Your view. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to say that it's an easy feat. But when you can alter your view and see the bigger picture rather than getting stuck inside of one seemingly stressful circumstance, then the level of stress that you have to experience becomes less. Sometimes I freak out, stress out, break down, cry for stupid reasons, but at the end of the day I can look in the mirror and know that I'm moving forward on my path. I can allow myself to ride the roller coaster of life and know that it isn't the end of the ride just because it gets bumpy. Now, I intentionally set up my life so that I can reach goals, follow my dreams, build a career, be a positive example for my kids and a loving, supportive partner to man. If I am actually going to fulfill on all of those things, then keeping the right perspective is key.
Stress really is ALL about perspective. The ONLY time you are ever incapable is when you SAY that are! You can be negatively impacted by a long list of things to do; you can be stopped in life because you don't like the way things are going. Or you can be thankful that you're the one to get the job(s) done; thankful that you have a life that is full and plentiful, and that you have the ability to reach great accomplishments; thankful that you have the power to change things that you don't like and that you really are the one in control of your destiny. It really is a choice - choose wisely!!
Thank you for reading!
Yours in balance :)
~Mimi
Monday, January 19, 2015
Getting on the RIGHT track to health... this is your ticket! Choo-choo!!
If you pay any attention to the world of health and nutrition then you know how very confusing it can be out there. Should you be Paleo, vegetarian, vegan? Should you juice? What is a plant based diet? Why is everyone so afraid of gluten these days - hasn't it been around forever? Where do you even begin to determine what will work for you to get you on the right track to optimal health?! Do you have to starve and restrict yourself in order to reach your goals? Absolutely not!
I was a vegetarian for about 12 years. I've been Paleo off and on for a couple of years. I just try to do the best that I can and eat what makes me feel good - and it's never difficult. With everything I've learned over the past few years, I know that different people have different nutritional needs at different times in their lives. We are all different bodies with different compositions and different genetics. If you get in tune with your body, you'll learn what those needs are and be able to eat and supplement in a way that optimizes your health. It might sound complicated at first, but it's actually quite simple.
Generally speaking, I think that you should be cautious of any diet that is monopolizing from a name. Do your own research and become your own advocate. I believe the most important principle that WE ALL need to follow is to JUST EAT REAL FOOD. Allow me to simplify some of the basics...
If you have any questions, send me a message! I'm passionate about supporting and empowering a naturally healthy lifestyle. And, if you're in the San Diego area, let's see how we can work together! I'd love to help you! :)
Yours in health,
~Mimi~
I was a vegetarian for about 12 years. I've been Paleo off and on for a couple of years. I just try to do the best that I can and eat what makes me feel good - and it's never difficult. With everything I've learned over the past few years, I know that different people have different nutritional needs at different times in their lives. We are all different bodies with different compositions and different genetics. If you get in tune with your body, you'll learn what those needs are and be able to eat and supplement in a way that optimizes your health. It might sound complicated at first, but it's actually quite simple.
Generally speaking, I think that you should be cautious of any diet that is monopolizing from a name. Do your own research and become your own advocate. I believe the most important principle that WE ALL need to follow is to JUST EAT REAL FOOD. Allow me to simplify some of the basics...
- Moderation is always key.
- Fast food has an extra 's' in it ;)
- Processed 'foods' are not food.
- Organic is best - check the Clean 15 and the Dirty Dozen for the best produce buying guides.
- GMO's are bad - watch GMO OMG - educate yourself and do what you can.
- Hormones, additives, preservatives & artificial sweeteners are poisons that should be avoided as much as possible.
- Refined sugars and carbs should be minimized.
- Some fats are good for you! "Fat free" is usually not.
- Certain foods and deficiencies can lead to inflammation and disease. If you're having health issues, learn what those are for you by talking to your doctor, running blood tests and determining food allergies.
- Educate yourself on the ethical treatment of animals and conscious meat-eating. This is a touchy area, but I believe that we can all live and eat in a conscious and healthy way here.
- Eating fresh vegetables at every meal can greatly improve your health! This is a simple step everyone can take in the right direction!
I could go on and on with this list, but this covers a wide spectrum. The biggest question then arises around going gluten free (or Paleo, which is also grain free). Is this another trend? Certainly the name is, but the principle takes us back to basic eating. And I'm certainly convinced that in our food supply there are very little grains or gluten that are straight from a healthy, nutrient dense source of soil and/or not genetically modified. While you might think these foods have been around for centuries, what we're getting on our plates is not what the cavemen were gathering. Most of the foods on our grocery store shelves are being passed through too many hands, machines and chemicals to be called food anymore. Our bodies are unable to process them naturally and they don't provide the nutritional value that our bodies need.
I will always adhere to the simple fact that we ALL should be educating ourselves about what is going into our bodies. We can't count on the medical system to fix us once we've put our health on the back burner for too long. Here are some ways you can begin the process. These are some of my favorite resources, but I know there are a plethora of them out there. Do the work! :)
- Become your own health advocate! Learn about natural eating and living and take on the practices and principals that work for you.
- Find a doctor that supports natural and holistic health. These doctors adhere to getting to the root of the issues you're be dealing with rather than just treating the symptoms. These are the doctors that are willing to sit with you for longer than 5 minutes to determine all of the factors of your health with you.
- Watch, watch, watch!
- Get in tune with your body by doing an elimination diet.
- Get tested for food sensitivities (ask your doctor).
- Get tested for >Gluten sensitivity< (or ask your doctor).
If you have any questions, send me a message! I'm passionate about supporting and empowering a naturally healthy lifestyle. And, if you're in the San Diego area, let's see how we can work together! I'd love to help you! :)
Yours in health,
~Mimi~
Monday, February 3, 2014
It's all about the LOVE!
You haven't heard much from me for quite some time. I've been dealing with some pretty big life stuff, and I've been taking special care of me. This has been one of my biggest lessons lately - making ME a priority - and it's absolutely crucial for all of us.
I'm still getting over 2013... What a crazy, soul-searching, heart-wrenching, mind-wracking year. I'm ready to take the power of 2014 into my own hands. One of the things I've recently realized is that over the past year or so, I have been my own worst, self-destructive enemy. As much as I've wanted more for myself and as hard as I've worked to try to get it, I've spent a lot of time beating myself up and spinning my wheels and getting nowhere. There was a point in the year where I learned the true meaning of "working harder, not smarter." I was literally running myself into the ground to try to prove that I was going to be somebody and that I was someone who was lovable. I was fatiguing every sense of myself, from physical (adrenals), to mental (inability to get anything accomplished), emotional (imbalanced moods), and spiritual (sense of loss in life and the world). This was a downward spiral that led to my emotional breakdown and certainly played a huge roll in many relationship issues, among many other things. Ultimately, I had to just start dropping all of the excess in my life and inadvertently things started falling away. Even things that I didn't want to lose were lost. But through all of the interpreted "failures" and "losses" (which are all just based on perspective anyway), I have gained a whole new sense of myself. A world where *I* matter and a world where the connections with the people in my life are increasingly rich. My path is being led in a way I've never experienced, and I'm learning to trust the process and the journey like never before.
While I know that there's still work to do, I'm now in the space of actually acknowledging the ground that has been tread. I'm a survivor and I will continue to be. This year is about continuing to expand on the message of self-love. I will continue to explore what my inner self desires and live my life from there. There's nowhere to go, nothing to do, nobody to try to be. I have everything I need inside of me now, and it all stems from love… for me, for you…
So, I leave you with this for now…
Just for today, do ONE thing for yourself that you wouldn't normally do. Take a walk, take a nap, dance around your living room to your favorite song, call a friend just to say hello, write a love letter to someone… you get the gist. Then do it again tomorrow. And again the next day. It doesn't take long. Just do it and see what starts to open up for you. Let me know how it goes!
Yours in health and happiness,
Mimi
xoxo
PS. If you like hearing from me, be sure to sign up for my newsletter at the top left. I will be restarting my publications very soon! :)
I'm still getting over 2013... What a crazy, soul-searching, heart-wrenching, mind-wracking year. I'm ready to take the power of 2014 into my own hands. One of the things I've recently realized is that over the past year or so, I have been my own worst, self-destructive enemy. As much as I've wanted more for myself and as hard as I've worked to try to get it, I've spent a lot of time beating myself up and spinning my wheels and getting nowhere. There was a point in the year where I learned the true meaning of "working harder, not smarter." I was literally running myself into the ground to try to prove that I was going to be somebody and that I was someone who was lovable. I was fatiguing every sense of myself, from physical (adrenals), to mental (inability to get anything accomplished), emotional (imbalanced moods), and spiritual (sense of loss in life and the world). This was a downward spiral that led to my emotional breakdown and certainly played a huge roll in many relationship issues, among many other things. Ultimately, I had to just start dropping all of the excess in my life and inadvertently things started falling away. Even things that I didn't want to lose were lost. But through all of the interpreted "failures" and "losses" (which are all just based on perspective anyway), I have gained a whole new sense of myself. A world where *I* matter and a world where the connections with the people in my life are increasingly rich. My path is being led in a way I've never experienced, and I'm learning to trust the process and the journey like never before.
While I know that there's still work to do, I'm now in the space of actually acknowledging the ground that has been tread. I'm a survivor and I will continue to be. This year is about continuing to expand on the message of self-love. I will continue to explore what my inner self desires and live my life from there. There's nowhere to go, nothing to do, nobody to try to be. I have everything I need inside of me now, and it all stems from love… for me, for you…
So, I leave you with this for now…
Just for today, do ONE thing for yourself that you wouldn't normally do. Take a walk, take a nap, dance around your living room to your favorite song, call a friend just to say hello, write a love letter to someone… you get the gist. Then do it again tomorrow. And again the next day. It doesn't take long. Just do it and see what starts to open up for you. Let me know how it goes!
Yours in health and happiness,
Mimi
xoxo
PS. If you like hearing from me, be sure to sign up for my newsletter at the top left. I will be restarting my publications very soon! :)
Friday, July 5, 2013
PGP Update!!
Holy guacamole, where did this week go??
Hope you all had a happy 4th yesterday!!
Aside from some major treats on the holiday, the family is staying Paleo-strong this week. I came right home from our overnight outing with the family and got right to cooking. On the menu tonight - turkey chili with kale.. Yummo!!
Camille's recipes within her "Paleo Cooking at Home" program are absolutely incredible. I've definitely been learning a lot in the meat department and while I can't say the kids have liked all of it, there are surely some things we will continue to implement long after the 2-3 weeks of this program. Not only that, but I know that I'll be able to take so much of it and make it my own, which is what I truly LOVE.. learning and expanding ways to keep my family as healthy as possible!
AND the coolest thing so far, which I'm sure is a combination of diet and some new memory techniques that I've been using with Eddie lately, is when he said to me a couple of days ago, "Mom, I've been remembering a lot more lately." Music to my ears!!
Stay tuned as I prepare to get back on track with our PCAH program after this weekend...
Hope you all had a happy 4th yesterday!!
Aside from some major treats on the holiday, the family is staying Paleo-strong this week. I came right home from our overnight outing with the family and got right to cooking. On the menu tonight - turkey chili with kale.. Yummo!!
Camille's recipes within her "Paleo Cooking at Home" program are absolutely incredible. I've definitely been learning a lot in the meat department and while I can't say the kids have liked all of it, there are surely some things we will continue to implement long after the 2-3 weeks of this program. Not only that, but I know that I'll be able to take so much of it and make it my own, which is what I truly LOVE.. learning and expanding ways to keep my family as healthy as possible!
AND the coolest thing so far, which I'm sure is a combination of diet and some new memory techniques that I've been using with Eddie lately, is when he said to me a couple of days ago, "Mom, I've been remembering a lot more lately." Music to my ears!!
Stay tuned as I prepare to get back on track with our PCAH program after this weekend...
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Pachecos Go Paleo!!
If you know me, you know that I generally don't believe in "diets" or the idea that "one-size-fits-all" when it comes to what we should be eating. Every body has its own requirements and it's our job to figure out what foods provide us with the energy and vitality that are needed to live our fullest, healthiest life possible.
You may or may not know that I've been mostly vegetarian for the past 13 years. Sometimes I'm very strict about it, sometimes I'm not. I typically just go with how I feel because I deeply believe that our bodies will unfailingly tell us what we need through our levels of energy, how we're feeling, what we're craving, etc.
Sadly though, over the past 6+ months I lost my passion for being in the kitchen. Life got super busy and cooking (something that I truly love to do) became more of a chore than something that I enjoyed. I also got tired of making the same old things that never pleased the whole family (3 adults and 3 kids). So, I began to settle for less on what I was feeding everyone. I'd make separate meals which usually meant something healthier for the adults and something mediocre for the kids. Lately, it really started to get to me. My #1 commitment in life is to give my family the best in everything that I can, so how was I going to get over this major funk in the kitchen?
And then I no longer had a choice. I wasn't sure if I was going to share this next part of our story publicly or not, but one thing I know is that by sharing the REAL stuff in life then others can benefit in their own struggles. It is my hope that in sharing this part of our family's journey that you will gain something for your own life journey.
Last week we found out that our 8 year old son, Eddie, has Complex Partial Epilepsy. You may have followed some of his story over the past 8 years. His issues have been pretty minor and very manageable. However, more recently we began noticing something a little more concerning - periods of complete absence, loss of memory and/or knowledge of his current setting. (We'll keep this part of the story short for now.) And so the tests began (physicals, EEG, MRI, etc.) and our suspicions were confirmed.
Once the devastation settled, reality set in. Something had to change. I knew deep in my being that the kid who would eat pizza at every single meal if he could, had to change his diet. And that meant this mama was going to have to have a solid plan. Whatever the plan was going to be, it needed to include the entire family.
[Parts of our family meeting will be posted on Youtube.]
After conducting much of my own homework as well as already having some intuition telling me that Eddie needed to be eating more meat, I reluctantly decided it was time to start bringing more meat into the house. After a few very DRY and not-so-yummy attempts (I've never been one to cook meat), the first person I could think to help me on this path was my amazingly talented and passion-about-food friend, Camille from Recipe RX and Paleo Living.
It couldn't have been more perfect that she was literally JUST launching her own program to help people transition into a healthier lifestyle, called Paleo Cooking at Home: Fast, Easy & Cheap. I quickly jumped on her affiliate program last week, went shopping on Sunday and began our cooking journey on Monday (yesterday). No time to waste!
>>>>>Meet Camille here!!<<<<<
And now the journey begins.
Sunday we completely overhauled the kitchen... out with the crap, in with the real food!!
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| OUT with the enriched breads, pastas & processed carbs~ |
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| IN with the fresh produce, healthy fats and yes, the meat!! |
Our first dinner was last night (Almond Coconut Crusted Chicken - holy heavens!!) and EVERYONE (yes, I said everyone) LOVED it!! So far, we have made last night's dinner, today's breakfast (plantain crepes) and lunch (tuna salad wraps), and all of them have been a hit!!
Words cannot express how exciting it has been in just 24 hours to make meals that the whole family loves! I'm seriously ecstatic!! I'm already thrilled to be back in the kitchen and I feel like this is exactly what our entire family needed to get on track.
Be sure to follow our 2-week "Pachecos Go Paleo" journey on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and now Youtube!!
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Want a Paleogasm?!
I'm very excited to introduce you to my amazingly exuberant and extremely talented-in-the-kitchen friend, Camille! I met her last year as our passion for the power of healthy foods brought us together through a mutual friend on Facebook. She has been an incredible inspiration to me ever since! She is on a mission to impact the lives of 100 million people! How many people do you know that have that kind of stand in life? Camille is far from ordinary, and my entire family just loves the bajeebers out of her!
"Camille is committed to transforming the lives of 100 million people in her lifetime by shifting healthcare from the medicine cabinet to the pantry, the doctors office to the garden." (excerpt from Amazon.com)
I just think we need more people with that kind of mission on this planet!!
Because Camille is so awesome and because I stand behind what she's committed to on this planet, I am honored to support her in one of her many latest accomplishments... her first cookbook!
While I will disclose that I do not follow the Paleo diet, I do own the e-version of this cookbook and it is absolutely stunning. The pictures are mouth-watering and the recipes are decadent! There are recipes in here for EVERYONE - from vegan to Paleo!
If you're looking for something to spice up your kitchen and your recipes, you must make the investment in Paleogasm. I guarantee you will be thanking me later! ;)
GET PALEOGASM HERE
And if you want to see more of Camille, check her out on Fitlife.tv or at her website Recipe RX and her Facebook page. And don't forget to tell her that Mimi sent you! :)
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| That's Camille in the middle! :) |
"Camille is committed to transforming the lives of 100 million people in her lifetime by shifting healthcare from the medicine cabinet to the pantry, the doctors office to the garden." (excerpt from Amazon.com)
I just think we need more people with that kind of mission on this planet!!
Because Camille is so awesome and because I stand behind what she's committed to on this planet, I am honored to support her in one of her many latest accomplishments... her first cookbook!
If you're looking for something to spice up your kitchen and your recipes, you must make the investment in Paleogasm. I guarantee you will be thanking me later! ;)
GET PALEOGASM HERE
And if you want to see more of Camille, check her out on Fitlife.tv or at her website Recipe RX and her Facebook page. And don't forget to tell her that Mimi sent you! :)
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Unveiling ~ Part One!
You may or may not have noticed a shift in gears around here lately. I'm sure your news feeds and inboxes are just as swamped as mine, so either way it can be hard to keep up! Definitely though, my articles has been more sporadic and my posts have broadened in topic from self-love to fitness to food. Over the past 2 years I have taken myself on a personal growth and development journey of a lifetime! A personal overhaul, if you will. I have gone through various workshops, seminars, leadership programs; and I have really stepped outside of my comfort zone to shed my past, develop a life that I love, and become a person that I love and that my family and friends can love more.
*In Part Two of my Unveiling, I will share more of my recent journey with you all. In the meantime, feel free to get to know me by checking out my 35th Birthday post or my About Me page.*
What I'm here to unveil now is what I've been doing more recently. I have been working toward fine-tuning my goals and figuring out how to take my own journey and turn it into something that I can give back to others. I have discovered my mission and my passion in life.. And I've realized that I am here on this planet to make a difference in the lives, in the health, and in the happiness of others. So, I'd like to share with you how I will be starting to bring this all into reality and how I will begin to be available to help YOU create a life of happiness and vitality!
*Open NOW:
Launched my health empowerment program for women in January (Mimi's Health Camp). Healthy living can have a different meaning for everyone. In my program, we start with the inside and then work our way into developing a lifestyle that works for YOU. This means developing self-love, healthy eating and exercise habits that are sustainable and unique to each individual.
*Cooking classes and personal training to help women create a healthy lifestyle that works for them. This isn't about following a strict diet or workout regimen. This is about developing new habits that work for YOU.
*Sweaty Betty Ambassadorship: supporting and empowering as many women as possible in their journeys to health in this amazing community of women.
*Working to offer Mimi's Health Camp online by summer 2013 - stay tuned!
*Heavenly Healthy cookbook in the works - to be published by the end of the year!?
To stay in the loop, sign up for my Heavenly Healthy newsletter here:
NEWSLETTER
As always, thank you for reading, following and supporting my journey and please let me know how I can support YOU!
~Mimi~
PS. One of the greatest quotes and tools that has been of amazing value to me lately:
Collaboration, NOT competition~
When we can work together as a team, we can truly create miracles!
*In Part Two of my Unveiling, I will share more of my recent journey with you all. In the meantime, feel free to get to know me by checking out my 35th Birthday post or my About Me page.*
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Here are some of the things I'm working on in 2013:
*Open NOW:
Launched my health empowerment program for women in January (Mimi's Health Camp). Healthy living can have a different meaning for everyone. In my program, we start with the inside and then work our way into developing a lifestyle that works for YOU. This means developing self-love, healthy eating and exercise habits that are sustainable and unique to each individual.
*Cooking classes and personal training to help women create a healthy lifestyle that works for them. This isn't about following a strict diet or workout regimen. This is about developing new habits that work for YOU.
*Sweaty Betty Ambassadorship: supporting and empowering as many women as possible in their journeys to health in this amazing community of women.
*Working to offer Mimi's Health Camp online by summer 2013 - stay tuned!
*Heavenly Healthy cookbook in the works - to be published by the end of the year!?
To stay in the loop, sign up for my Heavenly Healthy newsletter here:
NEWSLETTER
As always, thank you for reading, following and supporting my journey and please let me know how I can support YOU!
~Mimi~
PS. One of the greatest quotes and tools that has been of amazing value to me lately:
Collaboration, NOT competition~
When we can work together as a team, we can truly create miracles!
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