by Elena Wilkins on May 23, 2013
Very few things in my life ever leave me speechless and in tears. Watching videos of babies coming into this world, is always a sure tear jerker–I think it is the awe and sanctity of life being created out of pain, or perhaps even something deeper that I have not realized yet. Going hard at something for months and years at a time, like trying to solve my health issues a few years ago, and feeling alone and frustrated at times, provoked an occasional tearful pity party. Missing my Dad who left this world a few years ago, or saying, “Until Next Time” to my family that lives on the opposite side of the country, makes my heart cringe with a prick of pain. Since educating myself on the power of my nutritional choices, it has been watching people eat themselves into early graves, struggling with self esteem, or feeling helpless with debilitating diagnosis. (Hm… for some who does not cry much, it sure does seem like a long list 
.)
A couple of days ago I received an email from BODY BY PLANTS program graduate that left me both, speechless and tearful. Having mulled over every word, I had written back to her, asking for a permission to share her letter with you (and the thousands who read this blog monthly) because it was SO profound–it has to be shared! She graciously agreed.
My WHY
Danelle Crow, from the Chicagoland area, started on her journey to better health with her first Boot Camp in May 2012. Married with two children, she found herself exploring alternatives to medication for anxiety and thyroid disorder. As a busy mom who works full time outside the home and who will soon be going to grad school at night, Danelle has the typical struggles for quick healthy meals and regular exercise. Having her undergraduate degree in Organizational Communications and Leadership, Danelle strives to help motivate others to achieve their goals both in the workplace as well as in their personal lives.
In the journey to health, it is so important to find your why. Why do you want to be healthy? Why is it critical for you at that moment to live differently? [click to continue reading…]
by Elena Wilkins on May 21, 2013
A few days ago I was busy in the kitchen. Since I am a chronic multitasker, in addition to cleaning, cooking and playing with Sprout, it was time to catch up on some shows, especially since I never have time to watch TV (I do not even have cable!). I googled the show I wanted to watch (yes, the only way I watch TV is on my PC ), which happened to be on abc.com and went to doing my chores. Suddenly I noticed that Sprout, who was rolling around in her walker, stopped. I followed her gaze to see what got her attention. It turned out to be an animated commercial… for an antidepressant. Oh, no! What is my kiddo seeing at her tender 12 months of age?! Worse yet, what was she hearing?
While “sad-to-happy, miracle drug” story unfolded in front of our eyes, I paid attention to the babbled off disclaimers of possible side effects. The voice-over was going through them so quickly, I thought I was hearing an auctioneer chant: ”Going once, going twice… sold to that lady with a sad face… Lady, you bought yourself happiness, but you have to know that as happy as you will get, you might also end up with some severe side effects, including death, more depression, or even commit a suicide. But lady, don’t you worry about it, because you have a chance of feeling normal.”
image courtesy of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net
If you’ve been here long enough you must guess what I did next [click to continue reading…]
by Elena Wilkins on May 16, 2013
Remember our conversation from last week: Vegan is Not for Everyone? I believe the same goes for HEALTH–health is not for everyone, certainly it is not for ordinary people! After all, if it was, everyone would be doing it and doing it right. Am I correct?! See, ordinary people lead ordinary lives, eat ordinary, culturally approved, foods–McDonalds, Taco Bell, Olive Garden, etc. It is only people like you (you have to be extraordinary to end up on this blog–you are thinking outside of the proverbial box!) who will ever realize that HEALTH is only for those who seek it and go hard after it. Period.
While ordinary people, when they want to lose weight, seek out the latest, short-lived fad diet; extraordinary people approach their health with long term results in mind. “What would be the best weight loss program to sustain me for the remainder of my days?” is their thought process, as opposed to: “How can I lose 5 lbs in 5 days?”
Extraordinary people think about their present, future, about their children, about the impact their lifestyle choices make on the environment, the planet and all living beings around them. Ordinary people–the masses–are consumers. They do not know and do not care where their food comes from; how much it costs to make; and they will never realize that fast food is really not as cheap as it appears to be–it costs them (and the rest of us) in more ways than one–it is heavily subsidized with our tax dollars; it gets them sick, so they have to spend money to get medical attention, and it depletes natural resources.
Extraordinary people eat to live; ordinary people live to eat. [click to continue reading…]
