Wow, what a week of powerful messages it has been for me. Tuesday was my oldest nephew’s graduation from Lake Braddock HS.

Eddie with my proud Mother & Grandmother

I loved the speeches. First from a student,

“As one of 5,000 students, each of us with a unique experience…know that you are uniquely you. Go create something you are happy to share with the world.”

Next, from Sarah Fraser, s successful media personality.  She was 5’3″ and 190 pounds in college and wanted to become the white Oprah. She was told, “they don’t put fat girls on television. She moved to DC and has been on TV every week since. Here’s her advice:

1. Listen to the feeling in your gut, your inner voice. 

1. Get your mental house in order. We all have baggage. Put your oxygen mask on first. What you resist, persists. I (Sarah) lost my father when I was in HS and this emotional trauma kept showing up in drinking too much. Addiction is a big problem in the USA and robs people of everything. Be vulnerable and own that. When you get honest, then doors open up.

1. Work hard. Social media is not real. Don’t compare yourself. I had to hustle for everything. Work on your magic. Each of us has our own magic, something no one else can do. People want to mimic who is popular. That doesn’t work. Work on being you! 

Yesterday, our youngest daughter came over with two dogs and two children that she is nannying for. I’m in my office and hear a dog fight with screaming and crying. When I get outside, Stephanie is covered in mud and blood with deep puncture wounds to her right bicep. After calming down, cleaning her up, and a trip to urgent care, this is what she says:

“I guess the universe is telling me that I can’t control everything.” 

Steph was trying to protect her dog who was being aggressive when she tried to tend to the larger dog. Instead of blaming the dogs, she took personal responsibility for her part in the incident.  She refused to see herself as a victim and immediately took action to protect herself and her children from further harm. That morning her gut instinct was not to bring both dogs and children to the pool alone but she wanted to please everyone. She could be angry and bitter, but instead chose to hear a loving message. This is a sign of maturity and growth.

This morning, I cancelled my plans to take care of my own needs. Sometimes we just need to say no, risk disappointing others, to put our own oxygen mask on first.

Love Your Body Day @ RTC 2017 w Stephanie

Tomorrow is Love Your Body Day @ Reston Town Center. It is a charity event hosted by Beloved Yoga that draws up to 3,000 people every year. I’m proud to support the event with a booth and information on functional medicine and nutritional testing. We will also offer my book for purchase and signing, our signature chocolate pudding with strawberries, and turmeric tea for tasting. We will be sharing a booth with PtbyMarge and Nurtured Bones.

In addition to all day yoga for children and adults, some see what’s being offered at Rise Wellbeing Center and  Neck Back & Beyond, grab the best fresh squeezed raw juice @ Tasty 6 and hear live music from a variety of artists including Woven Green.

What are you doing this weekend that is nourishing for your mind, body and soul?

Carpe Diem,

Lisa

Lisa is an author, functional nutrition and functional medicine trained health coach, yoga teacher, and retired Registered Nurse with the mission to “Inspire, Educate and Empower” individuals and corporations to achieve optimal health.