Here’s the first one, for Farm Sanctuary’s New York shelter near Watkins Glenn. 

Please note: These itineraries are just for inspiration, I have not tested out the activities, restaurants, etc.

Farm Sanctuary New York: A 175-acre shelter is set amidst rolling green hills and forests in the Finger Lakes Region of upstate New York. It is located next door to Sugar Hill State Forest, just west of Watkins Glen. It is a 45-minute drive west of Ithaca and a 1½-hour drive southeast of Rochester. They care for hundreds of animals and receive thousands of visitors every year. The “People’s Barn” is a unique visitor center filled with displays, literature and videos and also includes a “Kid’s Korner” and gift shop. 

Itinerary Summary

Day 1: Arrive at Watkins Glen, NY
Day 2: Farm Sanctuary / Guided Tour
Day 3: Farm Sanctuary / Volunteer
Day 4: Corning Museum of Glass / Vegan Wine Tasting
Day 5: Shopping, Museums, Hiking, etc.!
Day 6: Leave Watkins Glen

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Watkins Glen, NY

Today you’ll arrive at Farm Sanctuary near Watkins Glen, New York. You’ll lodge at Farm Sanctuary’s own Bed & Breakfast where you’ll enjoy continental vegan breakfasts. Every cabin overlooks the sanctuary. Farm Sanctuary’s B&B fills up fast so book far in advance.

Day 2: Farm Sanctuary / Guided Tour

Your day will begin with the sound of crowing roosters. Today you’ll spend your time getting to know the animals as you take a guided tour. You’ll meet the rescued pigs, cows, and other farm animals and learn their individual stories of survival. After the tour, you can visit the education center which provides literature and videos for your enlightenment. The education center also carries gift items. The schedule for the guided tours can be found here.

When you’re done hanging out with all of the amazing animals you can head over to Wildflower Cafe & Crooked Rooster Brewpub to enjoy vegan burgers and sandwiches.

Day 3: Farm Sanctuary / Volunteer

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“You are never given a dream without also being given the power to make it come true.” Richard Bach

We are all masterful creators of dreams and goals. Wizards of aspirations and inspirations. We envision them, stick em on dream boards, picture what our life will be like once we’ve achieved them. Just the thought of them trips us out on a spiritual high.

And then months or years go by. Zero to very little progress. Dusty dream boards and cobwebbed motivations. Why didn’t we accomplish what we set out to? Why didn’t we start that business, write the book, apply for that dream job, launch that blog, start that volunteer work?

Procrastination. The vehicle of resistance, fear and self-sabotage that comforts us with familiarity and artfully disguised stagnation.

What are you procrastinating on? Here are 9 alluring procrastination temptations to be weary of:

1.  Over Learning. Super sneaky temptation that lures you in with its initial necessity and then grabs you by the scholastic handcuffs trapping you in the books instead of out in the world taking action like you should be. Learn what you need to learn to start taking actions. Then stop learning and start taking said actions. The best learning is done while doing. Over-learning is nothing more than procrastination disguised as false progress.

2.  Not Setting Deadlines. You’re the boss of your dreams. Any normal boss would give tight deadlines. You’d bitch about them and grunt, but you’d power through and get it done in time. Being the boss of your own dreams is not easy. But without deadlines, dreams linger, becoming stale, lose steam, and before you know it, they’re not dreams anymore. Don’t confuse a change of heart with being a bad boss. “If you don’t build your dream, someone will hire you to help build theirs.” Tony Gaskins 

3.  Shiny Object Syndrome. A new idea, a new program, a new how-to book, a new answer to all our prayers, many new dreams… Oh to go back to the days when all we had was a calligraphy pen and a few sheets of paper. The information age and accessibility to all things bright and beautiful make it incredibly difficult to focus on just one dream until completion. And so we spread thin, over-commit and overflow. Perhaps simplicity should be the only shiny object we allow ourselves to get mesmerized by.

4.  Email, Email, Email. A sneaky time sucker that again makes you feel like you’re working (when we both know you’re not). If you get hundreds of emails a day like I seem to you could spend hours in your inbox if you’re not careful. And if you’re a people pleaser like myself, you feel compelled to answer emails as soon as they come in. Stop yourself. They can wait. Accomplish your goals first. Rule your inbox don’t let it rule you.

5. Social Media. Not much to say here. You know what you do.

6.  Being Negative and Beating Yourself Up. Why pursue your dreams when you can toss them in the self-deprecating garbage instead? You tell yourself you can’t, you’re not good enough, you’re not like so and so, you’ll never get there. Whenever I start to think this way I try to remember this quote: “Those who believe they can do something, and those who believe they can’t, are both right.” Henry Ford

7.  Obsessing Over Your Surroundings. Sometimes when I need to get something done I decide that I cannot even start until all the clutter around me is cleaned away and my habitat is zen friendly. And so I organize and pillow fluff tricking myself into believing that I’m doing what’s necessary to focus. While I’m all for anti-clutter, there’s a time and place for everything. Call yourself on your BS and recognize when you’re zenifying and when you’re really just pro-crap-inating. Your surroundings aren’t a distraction when you truly focus.

8.  30 Minutes of TV Watching That Turns into Hours. “I’m just gonna watch this one show.” 2 or 3 hours later. Bed time missed, morning alarm slept through, next day started off wrong. Be careful, TV is laced with heroin, I’m pretty sure.

9.  Indecision. “Indecision is the thief of opportunity.” Jim Rohn. If you have many paths to choose from and you’re stuck on which one is the golden ticket to the life of your dreams, there’s no easier way to never get there than to stay stuck in indecision. Pick one and plow forward. With enough momentum it’ll be easier for you to add new pathways later. 

If you do any or all of these, don’t feel too bad, we all do (me included, why do you think I wrote it?!). But we all only get one life and it would be a shame to waste that life by letting things hold you back unnecessarily. Awareness is key so I hope this list helps you be more in tuned to the sneaky little disguised procrastination temptations that keep you stuck on the stagnation treadmill. 

Which of these dream killers affect you the most?

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P.S. If you have your own business and need someone to give you the kick in the pants you need to focus on what matters, get your dreams done, and be the best boss to yourself you can be, Marie Forleo can help you get there. She has a new program for female entrepreneurs that’s closing soon. She’s the only shiny object I’m endorsing! In this case, she helps you solve all of the above temptations and more. Click here to watch her free training videos. 

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I get so inspired whenever I meet women following their heart and doing brave things to help the world. Women who are living their lives according to their own rules with a dream of leaving an impact. Their stories amaze me and they may inspire you as well.

I met Tina almost two years ago and her story of cancer survival amazed me, as well as her elegance and glow. We’ve been friends ever since and I continue to learn so much from her and her healthy lifestyle tips. If you want to make healthy choices in your life, learn from experts like Tina who make being healthy glamorous.
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Tina, your story is so powerful and moving, can you tell our readers why you got into juicing and how it’s changed your life?

I got into green juicing after my first cancer diagnosis in 2007. My first exposure to green juicing recipes was from Natalia Rose’s book about detoxing, and that was recommended to me by Kris Carr. Wow, look how far we have both come in that period of time! My life has changed in so many ways as a direct result of green juicing…. my health and outlook on life are so much clearer than they were for starters! Green juicing on a regular basis tends to lend itself to better eating habits overall – it is a side-benefit that we often don’t really think about. As a result of the juicing and the better eating decisions, we gain such clarity and start to desire a healthier lifestyle overall. Additionally, we start to look more amazing than ever… and not just from a scale perspective! Our skin glows, our hair and nails are strong, our eyes are clearer and sparkly, and just overall we look and feel so much better! For me, ALL these things have happened… it’s a great feeling!

What are three things people should know about the health benefits of juicing?

I have a list of benefits…. but if I had to choose my personal top 3 favorites they would be:

(1) Promotes alkalinity – shifts the body from acidic to alkaline 
(2) Creates a youthful appearance, smoother skin
(3) Encourages weight loss/control

For some other benefits, you can check out this blog post: What Are The Benefits of Green Juicing & Why Should I Start?

How does juicing compare to drinking green smoothies? Is one healthier than the other?

The bottom line is… they both rock and are a great part of a super healthy lifestyle! If someone wanted to start with just one, I would suggest the juicing because of how quickly it can make changes come about in your body. BUT, I like to recommend doing both as an ideal situation! First, juicing is something I would say do everyday… but the smoothies, I would say do those when you need to add in some variety to your routine. The biggest difference is, you get far more variety with juicing because of the amount of veggies you can juice in just one day because you are not consuming the pulp/fiber as well. And while some may think, “but isn’t pulp/fiber good for us?”, well yes, it is! However, you are likely getting enough fiber anyway with a fairly balanced diet. 

You can also check out a blog post I have on this here: What is the Difference Between Juicing and Blending?

Your skin has such a glow and from the pictures on your About page it looks as though you’re aging backwards. Are you related to Benjamin Button?! Can juicing and eating a plant based diet really make us look younger?

Too funny! From my personal experience, I believe it can definitely benefit us in many anti-aging ways – internally & externally! Green juicing + whole foods is a powerful combination!

Do the words “gentle but powerful” resonate with you or your work in any way? (you don’t need to think of gentle in the usual sense, it can mean so many things, like eating healthy, reducing stress, being mindful of the ingredients we use and where they come from, loving and respecting our bodies, etc.)

I believe that when we are gentle with ourselves – in mind, body, and spirit – we can show up in the world in a very powerful way. Be gentle in our self-care, our self-love, our mind-talk, and overall just with our “selves”. Put our self-care first because if we don’t show up healthy and full of love and light, what can we really give to others?! So being gentle with ourselves can result in a powerful message to those around us.

What important life lesson can you share here that has helped you to thrive and pursue the life-changing work you’re doing today?

Obviously, eating and thinking the healthiest you possibly can is HUGE, and has been so important in my life. But, what is a super important lesson I learned was this – decide on what you want and then surround yourself with like-minded people who will ultimately support you on that journey. Go out of your comfort zone if needed….reach out to others who may have already been there.

Lastly, changing our food habits can be so hard, for anyone who wants to get more into juicing and eating a plant based diet, how can they work with you to achieve their goals?

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I hope you had a lovely weekend and all has been right in your world.

During one of our recent weekend rituals, walking through Central Park early in the morning, our dog running freely nearby, but worry on our hearts about something I hope to share one day, a stranger’s kindly deed turned our afflicted spirits around.

She walked over to us, my husband and I, arm in arm. She offered us flowers. She explained she was leaving town so couldn’t keep them and she just thought we should have them.

And with her sweet gesture my heart lightened and I took it as a sign of needless worry and wonderful things to come. The Universe sending me a message of love and comfort.

Her kind deed, inspired me to do one of my own, sending a well-deserved and generous yet totally unexpected gift to an endlessly giving friend.

And who knows where the momentum of this giving will go. Even if only a short distance, it’s meaningful enough for its simplicity.

Can you lighten someone’s load this week with a simple kindly deed?

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Are you a nature lover?

Images: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten, Eleven

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I get so inspired whenever I meet women following their heart and doing brave things to help the world. Women who are living their lives according to their own rules with a dream of leaving an impact. Their stories amaze me and they may inspire you as well.

I met Ane at a conference. She spoke of having the genetic trait of high sensitivity and how she had built a business around helping others with this trait. I had never heard of this concept before but it deeply resonated with me. The more I later learned about Ane’s business, the more I realized that I very likely embrace this trait. And with this gentle trait can come powerful advantages once its better understood and properly nurtured, as Ane so eloquently explains below.

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You help women who are highly sensitive. What does it mean to be highly sensitive and how did you get into this line of work? 

What are the problems many of your clients are facing when they come to you? 

My clients can range greatly. High sensitivity is a neutral trait, it is not a disorder. However, many highly sensitive people experience disorder because they are so vulnerable and responsive to toxic environments that they grew up in. They didn’t have “Gentle Living” So, some of my clients are experiencing serious physical, emotional, mental, and relational disorders when they come to me. Some of these might be depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADD, codependency, addiction, digestive disorders, insomnia, and sometimes psychosis. And, I also work with clients who are already thriving and want to really lead their lives with sensitivity, to be fully creative and expressive in all that they are. They may come to me if they are starting a business, starting a new project, or in some way feel that they are stuck in self-expression. And, I also work with people who know that they don’t know what they don’t know and feel that what I share is important! The model I use to work with highly sensitive people teaches that we don’t naturally know what we want, we have to intentionally ground all the sensory information we are picking up on to bring that to a concrete knowing. So, lots of times clients just work with me to help them gain clarity and understand how they work better.

What future do you give to your clients who are struggling with high sensitivity? What breakthroughs in their lives do you facilitate for them? 

Well, so many clients who first work with me say “I am really struggling with my health, with my relationships, with my job…why do you think I can LEAD?” And, I remember being there. It feels impossible to think about leading when you are just getting by. So, first and foremost, I do help my clients to thrive. I help them to heal. I help them to heal physically from autoimmune disorders, to be able to relax, and just be perhaps for the first time ever. I help them let go of what they “should” be so that they can feel free to be who they are. I use hypnosis as a powerful tool to come into your body in the most obvious way possible. But, that is just the beginning! It is only natural that once highly sensitive people are thriving that they see how powerful they are and they then have the freedom to lead in whatever area they are passionate about. So, I help them start businesses, relationships, and lives that inspire and uplift them. I love my clients, I feel so honored to witness their lives and support them in trusting in their own truths.

Many people likely initially view being highly sensitive as a flaw, what makes being highly sensitive so beautiful?

There is intriguing research that points out the same genes that can lead humans to experience the depth of disorder are also the same genes that lead to the greatest success, in fact I was just reading this today :: http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/03/can-genes-send-you-high-or-low-the-orchid-hypothesis-a-bloom/ 

I find that being highly sensitive is like being an orchid, we do need greenhouse care and when we get it we are exquisitely and uniquely beautiful. We can evolve quickly and powerfully because we don’t have the same limitations. Those limitations are what protect others. So our lack of protection, our increased vulnerability, forces us to be powerful forces of nature or else struggle in silence. I believe that we can all be powerful forces of nature and that we all benefit from the fierce desire to evolve that is in us.

You are clearly doing work that is your life’s passion. Did you have any fears around following your passion? How did you move past those fears?

HA! Did I?! YES! Any fear that you can think of, I had. I was scared about money. I find that many HSPs seem to have a fear that not only will they run out of money, but that they will be totally homeless and destitute with absolutely no resources. HSPs have a tendency toward the fraud or impostor complex, that someone will eventually find out that they are just a fraud and they will lose everything. I had that. I still get it, and then I just remind myself what it is. I think that our own natural capacity is pretty amazing and so we are just being ourselves, what we are doing isn’t so amazing to us…it is our most obvious nature. And THAT is also what is invaluable to others. I learned to value myself financially and in all ways by just doing what scared me that I really wanted to do. Once I made a decision, I knew it was done, and I stopped thinking about it. I use hypnosis, improv, and mindfulness to stay in my body and just show up without knowing.

Do the words “gentle but powerful” resonate with you or your work in any way?  

YES. I think that sensitivity and vulnerability are our greatest strengths. I believe that strength comes through sensitivity, through being gentle. I believe that when we let ourselves be gentle, soft, open we have to be fully present. We can’t have any stories or interpretations then. We just have to really be with what IS and respond to it the way we want to, the way we do, rather than the way we “should”. That is power. That is REAL power. That isn’t force or violence or aggression. That is a true interaction and that is when alchemy can happen and dark can turn to light. When we just let ourselves show up, then we get all of our potency rather than a mask or a plan. The only way we can show up that way is by being gentle with ourselves and with others, otherwise it just isn’t safe to show up. Thanks for all your work and your beautiful site that encourages gentle living and makes space for HSPs to live in this way. 

Ane Axford is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Kundalini Yoga Therapist, and Nutrametrix Health Professional who provides holistic lifestyle services to support those who are genetically highly sensitive in thriving and then leading. She is leading the Sensitive Revolution and wants you to join her at www.sensitiveandthriving.com. 

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If you’ve been following my blog for awhile you know I have a special place in my heart for elephants, particularly after volunteering with them in Thailand. A powerful documentary on Asian elephants, The Eyes of Thailand, has its world premiere this Saturday 4/28 at the Newport Beach Film Festival (purchase tickets here).  

In this moving documentary, after losing their legs from stepping on landmines, two brave elephants are given a second chance to walk through the use of innovative prosthetics as a result of one courageous woman’s strength, determination and perseverance.

The film was directed and produced by award-winning filmmaker Windy Borman and produced by award-winning producer Tim VandeSteeg.

I had the opportunity to speak with the passionate and determined Windy Borman recently about how this documentary came about. Windy was in Thailand in 2007 on a different film project when she stumbled upon the hospital. Moved by the work they were doing there, by the founder of the hospital, Soraida Salwala, and by the untold story of the elephant survivors, the film was serendipitously set in motion.

Soraida Salwala’s love for elephants started at a young age. When she was 8-years old she saw an injured elephant lying on the side of the road after a truck hit it. As her family drove past, they heard a gunshot. Soraida asked her father what happened. He told her, “Uncle Elephant is in heaven now.” Young Soraida asked “But if he was dying, why couldn’t he go to the hospital?” 

In 1993, Soraida opened the world’s first Asian Elephant Hospital, operated by Friends of the Asian Elephant (FAE). FAE is a 200-acre facility that includes elephant infirmaries, an operating area, and a nursery for baby elephants. After treating everything from knife and gunshot wounds to car accidents, they faced their biggest challenge the first time they received an elephant who had stepped on a landmine.

Motala

This 50-year old Asian Elephant stepped on a landmine in 1999 while she and
her mahout (owner) were logging along the Burmese border. She walked for 3 days
on her severely injured leg to arrive at the Asian Elephant Hospital.
After 10 years of surgery and rehabilitation she received her first prosthetic
limb built by a human orthopedist in August 2009. 

Mosha

Mosha stepped on a landmine in 2006 when she was just 7-months old.
Her young age helped her heal quickly and in June 2008 she received her first prosthetic limb.
She needs to receive a new prosthetic every six months because of how quickly she’s growing.
Mosha’s sassy personality and quirky antics quickly stole director Windy Borman’s heart. 

Soraida said she fights for these elephants against all odds because “the elephants cannot fight, they cannot speak, so I am speaking on their behalf.” Soraida herself lives with several debilitating illnesses and walks with a cane so she knows what it means to suffer in this way.

As Motala received her first prosthetic leg, 10 years after she stepped on a landmine, Soraida said to Windy “Some people say we wasted our time, to save just one life. But to me, no. It’s been 10 years and every second of it has been so valuable.”

As tears fill her eyes she says “I don’t want any elephant to be hurt. I’d rather have an elephant hospital without any patients. I hope that day will come.” 

The Eyes of Thailand Trailer

The Eyes of Thailand was awarded the prestigious ACE Film Grant from the Humane Society of the United States, who said “The Eyes of Thailand is an inspiring and unique documentary that will open up hearts and minds about the amazing veterinary work being performed at the Asian Elephant Hospital.”

Windy Borman hopes that The Eyes of Thailand will not only highlight the plight of Asian elephants and the wonderful work being done at the elephant hospital, but also encourage countries to sign the Mine Ban Treaty requiring the removal of all land mines, the destruction of stock piles, and the end of landmine trading. Actress Ashley Judd lent her voice in the narration of the film to help make these goals a reality.

Lessons from the Eyes of Thailand

Soraida Salwala shows what one woman can do in the face of insurmountable obstacles. As Windy Burman said to me during our chat, “Soraida’s determination was a personal lesson on perseverance and sacrifice… I looked at my own life and asked, what am I willing to dedicate my life to? What do I think is impossible that’s actually possible?” 

Well Windy applied that lesson and did the impossible in the creation of this film. She served as the director, producer, writer, camera woman, fundraiser, grant writer, and more to make this film a reality (eventually gaining a team along the way).

Windy and Soraida both prove that when you really set your mind to something, nothing can stop you.

Actions You Can Take to Help The Eyes of Thailand

1. Purchase tickets for the world premier event this Saturday 4/28 at the Newport Beach Film Festival - PURCHASE HERE. 

2. Join their newsletter so you can find out when a screening of the film is coming to your neighborhood. Click here to sign up.

3. Social Media: Join their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/eyesofthailand and follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/eyesofthailand  

4. Help spread the word! 

Sample Tweets:

10 years. 2 souls. 1 amazing feat. Witness @SoraidaSalwala & Motala’s journey in the powerful @eyesofthailand film http://ht.ly/6kJKc

World’s first #elephant hospital. World’s first elephant #prosthesis. A story of love and passion http://ht.ly/6kJQs

Sample Facebook Posts: 

Save the Asian Elephants. Help us bring their plight to light. @The Eyes of Thailand  www.eyesofthailand.com

Wow! Just watched “The Eyes of Thailand” trailer. It’s truly inspirational. @The Eyes of Thailand  www.eyesofthailand.com

10 Years. Two Souls. One Amazing Feat.  

Mosha using the world’s first elephant prosthesis

Motala with her prosthetic – the world’s largest prosthesis

Motala getting fitted for her prothesis

Motala taking her first steps on the prothesis on the tenth anniversary of her landmine accident

Soraida Salwala & Motala
Copyright: Julia Ferdinand

Soraida Salwala & Motala
Copyright: Julia Ferdinand

 All photos courtesy of The Eyes of Thailand 

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I get so inspired whenever I meet women following their heart and doing brave things to help the world. Women who are living their lives according to their own rules with a dream of leaving an impact. Their stories amaze me and they may inspire you as well.

I met health coach Lisa at a networking event and our bond grew quickly and deeply. Lisa has the most beautiful soul, full of powerful sensitivity and gifted grace. Lisa is a sweetheart whose mere presence & voice feels like a warm comforting hug! Lisa devotes her life to helping hundreds of women live and eat healthier through her programs including her celebrated 10 day detoxes. Read below to learn about the amazing work Lisa is doing and how you can benefit!

GIVEAWAY! Lisa is giving away a free 10-Day Detox to a lucky Gentle Living Reader ($99 value). Her group detox starts on Monday 4/16. You’ll receive a ton of guidance, endless recipes and support from over 100 women. Lose weight, get the “glow”, gain tons of energy, and create new healthy eating habits! Simply CLICK HERE and say you want the free detox, that’s it! A winner will be chosen on Friday at random. 

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Lisa, where did this passion for helping women to live and eat healthier come from? Why is this so important to you? 

I guess it all started with me. I have always been on a diet, not eating this, only eating that. I ended up with a lot of autoimmune issues by the time I was 30 years old. Not good! I was too young to be so tired, weak, and sick. Plus I just didn’t feel good in my body. It wasn’t until after I had my kids that I really hit rock bottom with my health and eating. I had to do something fast, so I got more education in nutrition, on ways to really feed my body and my soul. I know with my whole being that if one eats and lives healthy, this can really change your life. I’ve seen so many women change their lives around once they began eating more whole foods, greens, exercising, and getting some sort of spiritual practice in place. Remarkable! This is so important to me…this ripple effect of healthy living.

What are the biggest health challenges you see your clients facing? How do you help them overcome those challenges? 

I don’t typically work with those who have a chronic illness. So it’s more about getting a jump start with clean eating and living. The biggest health challenge my clients face is getting started with a plan. They know to eat certain foods, exercise, etc… but they just don’t know the tools for implementation. I provide food based detoxes plus juice cleanses for my clients. That way I can give them the tools they need to get a jump start. I guide them through 10 days with food or 5 days with juices in order to reset their bodies. I give them support and coaching while they are cleansing. I also help them with follow up by showing them how to incorporate clean foods into their lifestyle. This is all a 80/20 ideal. We can’t be perfect. We’re human! So trying to eat clean 100% of the time will end in failure. So I help them design a plan to work with in “real life.”

So many women struggle with body image and yo-yo dieting to try and reach their ideal body weight. What do you say to these women?

I’ve been there, sister. Oh, have I! As a former yo-yo dieter, I can totally relate. The main thing to keep in mind is that the more one stresses or tries to achieve this “ideal” body weight, the more your body goes into high alert and instead of shedding pounds, the body holds on for dear life… especially the fat. The yo-yo dieting is so hard on the body, and diets just don’t work. No matter what the claims are, just listen to your body. What works? What doesn’t? And then go from there.

Hundreds of women have been participating in your group detox programs, why is detoxing so important? 

Since our soil has been depleted of nutrients due to factory farming and harmed by toxins with pesticides the past 60 or so years, it is important to cleanse at least every season. That way you can achieve more balance with nature, seasonal foods, within your body, and even among your interactions with others. Our bodies strive for balance in the blood, so when we become very acidic due to stress, eating processed foods and sugars, caffeine, and other substances, our bodies tend to break down causing inflammation. Inflammation leads to chronic illness. Detoxing is a way to help your body recover and to also get you into healthier habits because you end up feeling so amazing.

You are clearly doing work that is your life’s passion. Did you have any fears around following your passion? How did you move past those fears? 

Oh yes! Fears! This comes up a lot because it is a go-to feeling I’ve had since I was young. Whenever I have to change or do something I’m not comfortable with, that fear makes a visit. I usually take in the fear, feel it, let it consume me, and then let it go.  For me, instead of fighting it, I’ve noticed that I’m able to move past any “I can’t do this. I don’t know what I’m doing? Am I good enough?” when I just acknowledge and feel it. Once I let go, it is a relief and I notice that it wasn’t so bad and I’m ready to be on to the next step.

Do the words “gentle but powerful” resonate with you or your work in any way?

Absolutely. In fact, these two words reflect the core values of my company and even my own life.  One can be gentle, but that doesn’t have to mean meek, scared, and timid. Being gentle can rock the world. Think of Mother Nature. She is so gentle, gives us all we need to survive. So powerful. But she can also cause destruction, for our own good. Gentle but powerful. In my work, I believe that as you eat more real foods, whole foods, and feed your body green plants that your cells start to change. You become so connected with nature, with others. You become more compassionate and understanding. This can change the world. 

What important life lesson can you share that has helped you to pursue your passion for health counseling?  

Do not judge. Don’t judge others. AND most importantly, don’t judge yourself. Be gentle with yourself. The Universe is here to help so I’ve learned to trust that, fully trust that I’m supposed to be doing this work. My dream is already done. I just have to fight the fear, celebrate my hard work and bravery for pushing through, and know that I can serve others with love.

Lisa Consiglio Ryan is the founder of Whole Health Designs.  She provides detox programs for women who desire to embrace clean living. Lisa is also developing her own line of raw juices. 

Join Lisa for her popular Spring Renewal 10 Day Detox. 

Connect with Lisa on Facebook and Twitter. 

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As I mentioned in a recent post, I’ve been sick as of late. I can’t lie, it’s been such a drag (II’ll be fine though). One day I’ll share the details, as the writer in me often longs to spill it all out in written words, but not yet.  

When I’m feeling really icky I start to lose some of my own self-care principles. I saw that happening for me recently and I knew I needed some reinforcement. Don’t we all at times?

So I came up with the below list of my 25 best self-care tips for the body and soul. While each are worthy of a blog post on their own, I thought this consolidated summary might be quite useful. 

Do you have any tips to add? Please share any additional ones that work for you, I’m sure I’m leaving many out! 

25 Self-Care Tips for the Body & Soul: 

1. Stop Over-Thinking. You don’t need to have all the answers to all of life’s riddles. Life is an unfolding, a discovering, a journey, an adventure. Sometimes over-thinking it all can get you in trouble. You miss out on the journey you’re actually on when you’re stuck only in your head. Take it all in with grace and grace will lead you in the right direction.
2. Accept What Is. Stop Pushing. Sometimes you have to accept things as they are. Things you can’t change. Things you can’t help but feeling. Give yourself a break. Stop trying to wade upstream at high tide. Wait it out. Take a breather and go where the current takes you. You can’t control everything so sometimes you have to trust that the current of life will take you where you need to be.
3. Be Still. We live in such a rushed, over-stimulated, over-gadget-ized society. Find somewhere beautiful – a park, the woods, your kitchen – and just sit there, still. Absorb the sound of the wind through the trees, the light and the shadows, the peace, and just appreciate the stillness. It’s meditativeand calming. Make time for stillness regularly.
4. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others. Comparing yourself to others with envy robs you of appreciation for the sacred place your life is in at any given moment. Everyone has had their own long journey and you don’t know what that journey has been like for them. Where they’ve struggled, what mistakes they’ve made. Use any jealousy you feel as your guide, it’s just showing you what you want in life. Let it lead you to take actions that advance your goals.
5. Create Joyful Rituals. My friend Hannah Marcotti often talks about creating rituals of joy like spreading the bed and drinking lemon water every morning. I must say I agree. As I mentioned in my recent love post, my husband and I have a hugging ritual. It’s the best part of my day. Create simple easy to do rituals that ground your day and you’ll find your way “home” no matter what life throws at you. 
6. Take Actions that Scare You. Such a tough one. It’s so easy to find a hundred excuses for why you’re not ready to do something you’ve dreamed of. To reach out to someone who could change your life. To apply for that job you’ve always wanted. Remind yourself of how short life is. In the end, any discomfort or rejection won’t really matter. The only way to achieve things you want is to take bold actions. If something scares you deeply, it means you want it deeply, so go for it. 
7. Cherish Your Friends. Surround yourself with true friends. Friends who’ve seen you at your worst, and love you even more for it. Friends you can be sick and miserable around and yet all they seem to do is make you laugh. Those friends are priceless.
8. Know Your Strengths. Our weaknesses are always shouting out for our attention. Needy buggers. Try to instead focus on your strengths. You have so many. Focus on them and use them daily. List them out so you never forget what they are. Build your life around them.
9. Eat as Many Greens as Possible. Greens, greens and more greens. Fruit too. The more you eat them, the more your tastebuds change and you realize just how delicious food from the earth truly is. The lighter you feel, the better your skin looks, the more energy you have. I started slacking on my greens and morning juices recently. I was feeling crappy so I started eating crappy, really crappy. Which made me feel crappier. Terrible. I hereby commit to going back to green. If you want to learn more about juicing, my friend Tina Pruitt has some amazing products that can guide you. If you’d like to give your health a kick-start for the spring, my friend Lisa’s highly sought after Spring Renewal 10 Day Detox program is starting on April 16th (more details on that next week).
10. Reduce/Eliminate Animal Products. I no longer “tell” people to go vegan/vegetarian, it’s not my place to tell anyone how to eat and people resist when they’re being told what to do which serves no one. But I constantly try to learn and educate. As you may know, our food production system is a disgrace; to animals, to our health, to the environment. We fill our bodies with an abundance of hormones, chemicals and pesticides and support awful places like factory farms with our everyday food choices. Whether you’re an animal person or not, eating more from the earth and less from the factories lightens both your plate, your arteries, and your spirit. If you haven’t watched Forks Over Knives yet, I highly recommend it.
11. Exercise Regularly. Regular exercise can transform your life. I haven’t been able to exercise much over the last few weeks since I’ve been sick and it’s been torture. I see the difference in how I think, how much I get done, and how much energy I have. As Richard Branson says, one hour of exercise equals four extra hours of productivity. Make time for exercise, it will give time back to you.
12. Don’t Let People Walk All Over You. Being nice and being a doormat are two very different things. I admit I fall into the doormat category more than I should, especially when I’m not feeling my strongest. I was a doormat this weekend to a very rude guest at a friend’s party. I let him stomp all over me with his arrogant word vomit. I regretted not gathering the strength to either speak my mind or properly excuse myself. Being a doormat robs you of your voice and leaves you resentful. Be strong in who you are, don’t let people walk all over you.  
13. Forgive Yourself. Forgive Others. Forgiveness is one of our most powerful allies. Forgive the people in your life who harmed you and forgive yourself for your own mistakes and you will liberate yourself from pain, anger, resentment and negativity. Anger, grudges and resentment hurt no one more than the person holding them. 
14. Stay Away from Negative People. What more needs to be said, people can be mean and nasty, don’t hang out with those people. You can choose who you keep in your life, choose wisely.       
15. Don’t Be a Negative Person. I had a friend once who loved to talk badly about everyone around her. And I’d find myself joining in because it’s what she wanted to talk about. Afterwards I always felt so crummy. Don’t get drawn into negativity. It brings down your vibration. People who have nothing but negative things to say about everyone are unhappy with themselves. Always remember who you are and who you want to be. Be nice to people, to everyone. Support people and their dreams. Love as you’d want to be loved. We can all be nicer and do better. What matters is that we try.
16. Don’t Live on Facebook. Facebook is great and it’s fun to be social. And if you have an online business, it’s priceless. But reading through facebook statuses too often can lead to “facebook depression.” Facebook is like an advertising campaign for everyone’s life. It’s all shiny and sparkly and well-crafted to present the best. That’s all good but too much of it and you need to be reminded of Tip #4 above.  
17. Allow Yourself to Feel Whatever You’re Feeling. Sometimes you’ll get down, really down. Sometimes you’ll get hurt. And you won’t want to leave the couch. It’s okay. Let yourself sulk, get it all out of your system. Don’t fight it. As my friend Sally Hope always says, what you resist, persists. So don’t resist. The sooner you get it all out the sooner you can move on. 
18. Breathe Deep. Deep luscious breaths from way down in your diaphragm. Tips on that in this post. 
19. Embrace Your Imperfections. You’ve likely read this from me before. Your imperfections are you perfection. Embrace them. Let them reveal your individuality. Laugh at them if you need to. Perfect is boring. Imperfections make things interesting. And behind every imperfection is a strength. 
20. Marry/Date/Co-Habitat (whatever your preference) with a Really Nice Person. Who needs a bad-ass (in the arrogant, self-centered, high school maturity level sense of the term), being nice is way sexier, more secure, more comforting, more loving, more stable, and all around more awesome. Marrying a nice person is likely the best decision I’ve ever made. He’s badass in the confident, loyal, loving, strong, stable, handsome sense of the term. Way better!   
21. Read Non-Fiction to Expand Your Mind. Read Fiction to Expand Your Imagination. For the past couple of years, since leaving my life as an attorney and embarking on what I view as my spiritual path (or whatever ), I’ve only been reading non-fiction. It’s been great, enlightening, motivating and empowering. But since I’ve been feeling kinda crummy lately I’ve been treating myself to the Hunger Games series. What a treat it is. It’s inspiring for my imagination, a great distraction and such a good way to end the day (although now I dream about people trying to kill each other!). 
22. Watch Less TV. Such a hard habit to break. Getting sick definitely triggered my bad habits, including this one. Too much TV robs you of time and social interaction. Goals fly out the window. Motivation gets lost. So does conversation. TV’s addictive and it lures you in, try to keep it in moderation.
23. Unplug. Create sacred spaces in your days or weeks where you unplug from everything. No emails, internet, blackberry, nothing. We are turning into an ADD society, jumping from one distraction to another. Seize back control. Unplug regularly or you’ll burn out your emotional programming. One of the best ways to be forced to unplug: travel.
24. Be of Service. Try to always find ways to be of service. To people, to animals, to the environment, whatever floats your boat. Life gives to the giver and takes from the taker. Find ways to give and keep giving. Ways that inspire you, that speak to you, that fill your heart. No matter where you are in life, there is always someone or something who could benefit from what you have to offer. 
25. Just be You. You are Perfect. You are Enough. You are Invaluable. 

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