And so it begins.

Turning 40 was a wake-up call for me. Hitting that "mid-life" point and seeing where I am and what I have accomplished so far was a rude awakening. However, I found that instead of being upset over it... it actually motivated me (thank God!) Now, I'm 43 and at a point in my life where I'm realizing that the clock is ticking and if I'm going to make this life something I can look back at with pride, then I'd better get busy! I need to have kids! I want dreadlocks! This complete overhaul covers many facets of my life, which I plan to share with you here. The first thing on the agenda ~ well-being.

Weight. I've been battling it my whole life, nine years old being my first recollection of knowing I was gaining too much. The teasing in school, the boyfriends who told me I was too fat, the grandmother making jokes... been there done that. This is not original. Lots of overweight people have a million and one sad stories about it. But I've decided I want to hear the success stories for a change. And I want to BE one of the success stories.

The up and down roller-coaster of dieting has been endless. Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, SlimFast, FiberTrim, Atkins... you name it and I have probably tried it, only to gain it back again. I found myself not sure where to turn. Who do you believe? There is so much conflicting information out there that I was truly overwhelmed.

One lazy afternoon, I stumbled upon a movie that gave me much more than I bargained for. The title was "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead". In this movie, a lovely Australian man named Joe Cross shares with viewers his experience with juice fasting and converting to a micro-nutrient diet and how it changed his life. To say I was inspired would be an understatement! This man completely transformed himself -- his health and well-being and lifestyle. And, in the process, had the generosity of spirit to share his experiences and successes with others. The results were phenomenal! Folks going completely off medications they had been on for YEARS. Health problems, disappearing as their bodies were empowered to heal themselves. All I knew was, I wanted to try it. 

I am in pretty good shape overall, no major health issues and am not on medication for anything. I suffer from the occasional migraine. My main issue is weight. I need to get it off like, yesterday. Lately, I've been inclined to not eat meat anymore, as my awareness of the cruelty that is meat-production in the U.S. increases. And frankly, it just doesn't make me feel very good anymore. I recently gave up gluten, noticing that it was not really my friend. Then I had weaned myself off caffeine. So taking on a juice fast was not as daunting as it might seem... (so I thought!)The plan is to consume nothing but fruit and vegetable juice for 30 days, gradually reintroducing solid vegetable and fruits, along with beans, nuts and seeds. I can do that, I thought. Doesn't sound too hard! I was ready!

My loving and supportive Mother, hearing my excitement as I shared my plans, offered to buy me a juicer for an early birthday present! I was thrilled! Not only because they are crazy expensive, but because my enthusiasm had communicated in such a way that Mom wanted to support me in it. The universe was aligning.

Long story short (too late!), after much research on my part, Mom ordered the juicer and while I waited for it to arrive... I prepared. How thrilled was I that, not only does Joe Cross have a website, but all the information is FREE! How amazingly beautiful is this man? His generosity moves me to tears. So I pored over the countless informative videos he has made, read blogs of folks who have been following the plan, and got myself ready. I decided I would blog this experience, even thought I hate reading my own writing, because perhaps my journey might inspire someone else. I was so motivated by the experiences of others, it is time for me to pay it forward as well. If you have found yourself here, my wish is that you may leave with something you can keep for yourself. Here's to your health... Ready? Set? GO!

Recharged and rejuvenated!

Today was my annual trek with my Mom and Knox to attend the Winter Conference of the Northeast Organic Farmer's Association (NOFA) ~ a self-described non-profit association of farmers, gardeners, and consumers working to promote an economically viable and ecologically sound Vermont food system for the benefit of current and future generations. This year marks the 40th birthday of NOFA Vermont ~ an organization of 1200 members that is gaining in size and popularity in the state, such that the conference outgrew it's former host, Vermont Technical College and is now held on the University of Vermont campus in Burlington. This is an event we look forward to all winter, braving the brisk winter wind off Lake Champlain to tromp around in the snow attending workshops.

It is difficult to put into words all that this conference provides for me. It's an opportunity to gain knowledge on topics of interest from the varied and colorful speakers that host workshops throughout the day. This year it was information on the potential benefits of using cover crops, instruction on composting and we heard from a speaker who is starting a movement to bring back the homemaker in our culture! It's a marketplace for the latest information, cutting edge books and tools of the trade. There is always a lovely meal provided consisting of locally grown foods, creatively prepared for us to share.

All of these things contribute so much to me... but there is something that is of even greater value. It's a time when I can come together with my people. People who have a similar vision as I, of returning to a simpler way of life. People who find value in nothing... as in no thing... as in less materialism and instead focusing on a more sustainable way of life. People who walk gently on the earth, with respect and the intention of leaving our planet better off for their having been there. I love it that now, when I attend these events, I see people that I know! And I am known... I am part of this community that I hold in such high regard. People who are making an impact by having less of an impact and who are educating and implementing change and leading by example.

Time spent with this community leaves me recharged, refreshed, motivated and excited for Spring to arrive so that I can once again connect with the land and all of God's creations, to do good work to improve the lives of my family and loved ones and my global community. I come away with my mind full of ideas to implement and new visions for our land and our enterprises and our family. But even more importantly, participating in this event leaves me feeling a little less odd for not following the norm... more at peace in my soul about the new path I am walking and the new life I am creating. And most importantly... deeply and profoundly grateful for all that I have been blessed with in this life.

My first post...

I've always been a bit intimidated about writing. I am my own worst critic and usually can't stand to later read what I have written. I would like to break thru this and allow myself to write... for better or for worse. I can't stand actually taking pen to paper...my mind races much more quickly than I can link letters together on paper. But I do enjoy social networking, so this seemed like it might be a medium that is more my style. I know that I enjoy reading the blogs of a few of my friends, so it makes sense that others might enjoy reading mine... my life can be fairly entertaining... even ridiculous at times! I am hoping it will serve as a journal of sorts... at least for those thoughts that I am comfortable making public (wink).