Raw Radiance: articles

In just a few short days, one of my long awaited dreams will finally come to fruition. I will be arriving at the Hippocrates Health Institute for a 3-week Life Transformation Program.

The dream has been a long time in the making, six years to be exact. From the very first time I heard about the program, back in 2007, I knew this was my destined next BIG step in my exploration of health and nutrition. (See my brief mention of it in a 2009 post titled Manifesting A Dream.)

What better time to experience this amazing program than in preparation for a healthy first pregnancy? I love how destiny seems to align so appropriately - the timing couldn't be more perfect.

I put HHI smack in the middle of my vision board long ago, but for six LONG years the dream just sat there waiting for me. And when I say waiting, I literally mean it was just sitting there waiting for me to get off my ass and make it happen... ; )

By the way, for any of you who still think manifestation is the process of dreams magically falling in your lap... I've got news for you! The real process of manifestation is owning your dreams (and the responsibility that comes with making it happen). Took me a while to catch on too.

So that's what I did. I took my destiny, my dream, into my own two hands, set up a savings account, and got to work!

Luckily, the timing turned out great, as my hubby and I are looking to start a family in the near future. Perfect opportunity for a complete mind, body and spirit cleanse!

I should mention, that even though the Hippocrates program focuses on a strict raw vegan protocol, I don't intend to proceed with a vegan pregnancy. I'll leave the details regarding my views on diet and pregnancy for another post. But I will say that my intention, as of this point, is to incorporate a few select animal products into my diet (in "therapeutic" doses) following the cleanse. I'll probably have to explain the "therapeutic" part as well.

In any case, I thought about blogging during my cleanse at the Hippocrates Health Institute, but I may just take those three weeks to really immerse myself into the program and enjoy my stay there. I do hope to follow up with a post upon my return however... so stay tuned!

I recently shared my story of how I risked everything to start a new path in an article titled Risking Everything, and video. I've received several responses asking about the details of how this journey unfolded, as I'm sure on some level it may have come across as though it was such a breeze. So I thought I'd open up and share the entirety of my past, as a way to release it with love and stay genuine with my readers.

Starting my life over again was one of the most rewarding decisions I've ever made, but it hasn't always felt like a smooth transition. I've definitely been challenged at times, and by no means am I completely there. I'm still learning every single day to love myself and to overcome self-doubt.

When I say I lost everything in order to start over again, I really mean it. Not only did I quit my 9-year career and cash out my savings, IRA and 401k (to start my new life), but I eventually foreclosed on two properties, and ultimately found myself in the midst of a bankruptcy. You heard me right – BANKRUPTCY! Talk about serious life experience for 20's.

I feel comfortable sharing this because I'm not ashamed to speak openly about my past, nor do I have any regrets! If anything, I'm deeply grateful to have walked away from everything I worked so hard for, and everything I thought I valued, because walking away humbled me on so many levels. I was given a clean slate, a blank canvas to paint a new life on – what a gift!

And while I've experienced many synchronicities guiding my path, I've had just as many setbacks, or blessings in disguise as I now refer to them! I can't begin to express how many times I felt like giving up, struggling to keep my heart open and reaching for the courage to take the next step forward.

So what does it take to continue to follow your heart and dreams regardless of what life throws at you? (By the way, it may not always appear this way, but life is always guiding us! Struggle is only an illusion.)

I know that many of us are scared to death to pursue our dreams, allowing circumstance and fear to hold us back. But once we wake up and realize we've settled for a life we do NOT want, it's time to face those fears! And yes, sometimes there are risks involved, even if we can't foresee how much we are risking. It's not always an easy path, but one that allows us to step into the integrity and essence of who we really are.

I needed to let go of my past, my unsupportive beliefs and my attachment to a false identity before I could embrace a new life. The job, the investment properties, the relationship I was in – it all had to go because these things were only an extension of my ego, holding me back.

And when I finally reached a point, where I was ready to risk everything for the chance at happiness, life tested my commitment and took me on an unexpected journey of self-growth. Hardly any of it made sense at the time, but that was life teaching me to trust! Sometimes we just have to surrender and roll with it, knowing everything is in divine order.

I remember I tried so hard to map everything out. I had a strategic plan all laid out. I was going to use my 401k to pay for my raw food culinary program, and once I got back I would sell my properties and have enough money to hold me over until I got back on my feet. Oh how I desperately needed to learn how to let go and follow my heart, not my head.

And although some days felt like an emotional roller-coaster, with a million unanswered questions in my heart, this path has taught me so much about letting go of expectations. I have learned, and continue to learn, to listen to my intuition, with a lot of flexibility and faith.

By no means am I suggesting that others take such a drastic turn in their life, but it was something I needed to do. And was it worth it? All I can say is that I'm so blessed to have chosen this path. I found love, I found my dharma, and for the first time in my life I can honestly say that I feel like I'm living a dream.

So I'd like to ask you, what have you risked to embrace your passion and follow your heart? And if you have yet to take your first step in the direction of your dreams, what's holding you back? Because as far as I can tell, we get one chance at life – make it worth living! Life is always here to guide and support us, all we have to do is let go and open our heart to the guidance. Trust your vision and NEVER look back! ♥