Journeying into the New Year takes me back a couple of years ago when I was faced with the realization that I desperately needed a new beginning.
I was overweight and in the first stages of obesity. I was in a relationship I wasn't happy in, with a man I had very little in common with. I was in banking, climbing the corporate ladder working on another promotion, but I absolutely despised my job. I was miserable and felt trapped in every aspect of my life.
I knew that if I didn’t drastically change the direction of my life, I would end up settling for a life I did not want. Beyond that, I felt I really needed to do something that had meaning and some importance in the world.
So what do you do when you’re faced with a quarter-life crisis and you desperately need a new beginning? You risk everything for the chance at happiness, for the chance at something real. So I did the unthinkable, I called off the relationship, quit my nine year banking career, cashed out my 401k, packed up everything I owned into storage, and took off to California to pursue my passion for healthy living… not really knowing where I was going to end up when I got back. I just knew I had no choice!
I enrolled into the Living Light Culinary Arts Institute specializing in raw food cuisine, and began my journey to a healthier and happier life. Since my return from completing the program I have lost a little over 35 lbs, and I'm happier than I’ve been in a very long time.
Today I hope to inspire others with the message that there is a better way to live. That you don’t have to settle for poor health, depression, or obesity. Nature is magnificent and when we begin to live in the perfection of nature we unlock the secret to radiant health. After all, we do have a choice… the choice to live vibrantly healthy, enjoying and embracing every moment along the way.
Change is inevitable with new beginnings, where you find yourself giving up so much in exchange for so much more. The comfort of your past and everything you have ever believed in must be let go of, in order to make room for the new.
But I can honestly say that life opens up the most beautiful opportunities when you finally make the decision to open your heart, stay true to yourself, and begin to live with integrity. My decision to embrace a raw food lifestyle has given me a new appreciation for the healing power of nature, while taking my health to a whole new level of radiance.
hi
ReplyDeleteGreat post, it's both inspiring and written with a true instinct.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tera, I appreciate your response :-)
ReplyDeleteMila
You`re beautiful. What courage and grace. Thank you for inspiring.
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Gabrielle
Gabrielle,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words! Much love to you too, you are a beautiful soul.
Mila
This was so inspiring to read. I hope to attend a raw cooking school myself one day.
ReplyDeleteAmber,
ReplyDeleteIt would be lovely if you attend a class sometime!
Mila
you are truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story. It is so important not to settle in life.
ReplyDeleteAdria,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for taking the time to read the article!
Mila
What a glorious transformation!
ReplyDeleteI particularly loved this statement:
Nature is magnificent and when we begin to live in the perfection of nature we unlock the secret to radiant health.
So so true.
Thank you for sharing your radiance.
Earthmother,
ReplyDeleteThank you, and I'm so glad you enjoyed that bit :-)
Mila
I have been very curious about raw food diets; I gave up red meat 20 years ago and eat mostly organic but I would like to introduce more raw foods into my lifestyle. Do you recommend the green juice first? Do you recommend a juicer? maybe I need to read more of your blog...
ReplyDeleteThanks in advance. I will read more. Great blog.
I think a good place to start is by introducing more salads into the diet and definitely green smoothies! That's because they're both easy to do, no need for pricey equipment. Once you become accustomed to eating more fruits and veggies you can explore all the other stuff like juicing. Here's a simple green smoothie recipe that I love!
ReplyDelete1 large chard leaf (with stem)
1 banana
1/2 orange
1/2 cup strawberries
1 cup water
Cut everything into smaller pieces. Using a standard blender blend all ingredients until smooth!
This is a great!
ReplyDeleteVery informative and inspiring !
Thank you Mila for your time and great inspiration!
Thank you Larisa!
ReplyDeleteYou have been a wonderful inspiration on my journey to weight loss. You are forever my fitness guru :-)
Mila
you look gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteThank you kindly Linda!
ReplyDelete~Mila
wow, i just found your blog (love it!) and am checking out some of your past posts ... what an amazing transformation! ... & btw, you're just stunning!
ReplyDeleteYou are sweet Lisa, so glad you like my blog :-)
ReplyDelete~Mila
Amazing how lifestyle/ awareness/ consciousness revealed the authentic you. I think every person has a true beauty, and some so sensitive it can only surface with a pure way of living and loving. Your beauty is inspiring : )
ReplyDeleteThanks Ulyana! ♥
ReplyDeleteThis is a RAWMAZING post! I really like it. I am blessed I found your website and I will start reading all your posts.
ReplyDeleteI am into raw foods myself this is my 2nd. year and it has been wonderful.
Where did you go to school and where do you teach now?
Wow, thank you Narda!
ReplyDeleteI went to the Living Light Culinary Arts Institute in California. These days, I primarily teach online via this blog/social media and ebooks ;-)