Being a Conscious Consumer

I can't help but wonder what my shopping habits have on the world. If I can do anything to turn it around....I will.....wait, I am . :)

Learning to Live with Less

This is a blog I did earlier this year and with the holidays approaching I feel it is worth repeating. Rather than buying "stuff" just for the sake of giving a gift, put some consciousness into what this epidemic is creating. If you care about the health of this planet, then BE THE CHANGE NOW! Don't buy it. Don't feel that your value is in materialistic goods. After all, it will only end up in a landfill someday. Do good with your money, make a difference. Put power in your purchases.

Anyhow....here is the blog..ENJOY!

I recently watched "Human Footprint" on National Geographic. I had received an email from someone suggesting to watch this program. Funny, I had forgotten about the recommendation and a few days later I felt the urge to turn on the TV (which is very rare in my home). Synchronicity was in full effect as this program had just started and my TV was set on that channel. TOO COOL! I was meant to watch this!

This program was truly eye opening to what we are consuming and wasting. At one moment I felt like throwing up with disgust of wastefulness and another moment I felt happy that I did not fall into many of the wasteful patterns of the average American. This program has changed my life and the direction I am headed in.

If you have not seen this I highly recommend it! Imagine there was no trash service and you couldn't dump your things somewhere else and it stayed on your home over an entire lifetime. Is it OK to buy things and dump somewhere else so they are no longer in our face? Is trash service really doing us a service? Dumping our waste somewhere else is only enabling us to consume more that really isn't doing anyone a world of good.

How can I turn this around? I have to say going on a plant based diet has eliminated almost all my trash. I rarely need trash service. I don't eat things in a box or can, just stuff that usually grows out of the ground. I have decided that living with less and planting more gardens is a way that I can make a difference in this situation. I must take full responsibility for all my actions and that includes what I am buying. Is it really for the good of the whole? I know food out of a can or box isn't good for me or the environment. I know I have been conditioned to think I need a new car every 2 years and a constantly updated wardrobe, but after seeing this program I can't help but feel I need to turn things around and do something good rather than contribute to the worlds pollution. I have MANY things I can do. Rather than feeling overwhelmed I will take one step at a time.

Now, I must admit I am even shocked I am saying these things. I have never been a huge environmentalist. I have always had a healthy respect for the earth, yet it seems that as I evolve so does my desire to do good. I desire to help people and the environment. My family laughs and calls me a hippie (did I even spell it right?)...hmmm....I dunno, I just feel like my wake up call became a bit more apparent.

The Green Stuff

Here is an update on my "Peas on Earth" raw food challenge. My goal was not to eat 100% raw, but rather to take in the proper amount of hydration (water) and 2 bunches of greens. I think when I went raw originally I was overwhelmed with the changes that I missed the core of our dietary intake.My appetite and emotions are much more balanced on the greens. I am learning to break emotional eating patterns and eat for nourishment.

I also go into the other "green stuff" aka: MONEY! I have a few thoughts on how we obtain it, how we spend it, and the state of our economy.

Agave Adversity and More

This is not a shocker for me. I started noticing that I felt spun out after having agave. Something within me... that little voice said, this was not as healthy as it is touted to be. However, it was all over all the raw communities & I went with it. That's what I get for ignoring my intuition.

Watch this video for more info:
http://renegadehealth.com/blog/is-there-corn-syrup-in-agave-nectar/

Here is another great article that goes into more detail:
http://www.naturalnews.com/024892.html


So, honey seems to be the next option or just the sweetness of the fruit itself. I know I have used dates in the past as well. I am not too sure what to think about yacon root syrup or maple. Perhaps, it is best to avoid all things in a bottle or box and just go with the fruit itself.

This is not the only thing that I have had issues with. Have you noticed that vinegar has a warning label stating that it contains lead? What is up with that? I stopped using balsamic vinegar well over a year ago after noticing the label. I thought it was only that type of vinegar, until last week I stumbled upon my "organic" white wine vinegar. It had the same warning. I was pissed. I felt like a fool. However, after I cooled off I realized I am thankful I now know.

I used to use vinegars in salad dressings. Now it will be lemon juice. I have not seen any labels or warnings on raw apple cider vinegar and I am not to sure how it is made in comparison to the other vinegars. Back to nature is the safest. The less that has been done to it the better.

A few months ago I switched from vanilla extract to vanilla bean. I also realized through my own experience that cacao was detrimental to my health. It had a mind speed like response to me. My heart would race and then I would crash. I felt that this was a legal drug. Now, I know it is huge in the raw community, but I need to listen to my own heart and not be swayed by what others are doing.

Recently, I have been weaning myself off oils. Yep, it's the same thing. I would rather eat the fat in the whole form such as coconut, avocados, bananas. I have mixed feelings about olives. I have seen some articles saying that lye is used during the process. That doesn't sound too healthy to me. I need to do more research, but this is how I am feeling now. I also have mixed feelings about nuts and seeds. I just feel "down" when I have them. Maybe I am eating too many.The perfect balance is quite a journey.

I am so thankful I took on the raw lifestyle. I am becoming more aware of what is going into my body. I am more in tune than I ever have been. I can only imagine where I will be in 5 years from now.

Here is a video I made not too far into my raw journey where I was questioning the integrity of raw products.

Me? Twitter? Really?

Ok, I love to know what awesome people are up to. I know twitter is an awesome way to get mini updates without requiring much time at all. Online social networking is accelerating so fast.

So, considering I have devoted more time recently into an online presence... I thought to myself...Why not twitter myself?

So, to those who may find it interesting to see what I am doing.... come and check it out!

twitter.com/Inspire2Act

Live Your Life..Instead of Chasin' That Paper!

This was the very first song that came on in the car when I went to take my kids to gymnastics. How freaking appropriate is this? Love who you are. Stop trying to please others or find approval in others. This song is contagious! No wonder it's number one on the charts right now. Awesome message!

So watch out.....cuz I am living my life for ME....like it or not, it isn't for you. If you don't like what I am doing... work on your own life. We are who we are. Embrace it, make the best of yourself, and rock out!

Be thankful for where you are and what you've got!




(Rihanna):
You're gonna be a shining star, fancy clothes, fancy car-ars.
And then you'll see, you're gonna go far.
Cause everyone knows, who you are-are.
So live your life, ay ay ay.
Instead of chasing that paper.
Just live your life (Oh!), ay ay ay.
Ain't got no time for no haters.
Just live your life (Oh!), ay ay ay.
No telling where it'll take you.
Just live your life (Oh!), ay ay ay.
Cause I'm a paper chaser.
Just living my life (ay), my life (oh), my life (ay), my life (oh)
Just living my life (ay), my life (oh), my life (ay), my life (oh)

(T.I.):
Nevermind what haters say, ignore em 'til they fade away.
Amazing they ungreatful after all the game I gave away.
Safe to say I paid the way, for you cats to get paid today.
You'd still be wasting days away, now had I never saved the day.
Consider them my protégé, homage I think they should pay.
Instead of being gracious, they violate in a major way.
I never been a hater still I love them in a crazy way.
Some say they sold yah and no they couldn't even work on Labor day.
It aint that they black or white, their hands in areas the shades of grey.
I'm West side anyway, even if I left today and stayed away.
Some move away to make a way not move away cause they afraid.
I brought back to the hood and all you ever did was take away.
I pray for patience but they make me want to melt their face away.
Like I once made them spray, now I could make em put the k's away.
Been thuggin' all my life, can't say I don't deserve to take a break.
your would rather see me catch a case and watch my future fade away.

(Rihanna):
You're gonna be a shining star, fancy clothes, fancy car-ars.
And then you'll see, you're gonna go far.
Cause everyone knows, who you are-are.
So live your life, ay ay ay.
Instead of chasing that paper.
Just live your life (Oh!), ay ay ay.
Ain't got no time for no haters
Just live your life (Oh!), ay ay ay.
No telling where it'll take you.
Just live your life (Oh!), ay ay ay.
Cause I'm a paper chaser.
Just living my life.

(T.I.):
I'm the opposite of moderate, immaculately polished with the spirit of a hustler and the swagger of a college kid.
Allergic to the counterfeit, impartial to the politics.
Articulate but still I'll grab a nigga by the collar quick.
Whoever having problems with their record sales just holla 'tip.
If that don't work and all else fails, then turn around and follow 'tip.
I got love for the game but ay I'm not in love with all of it.
Could do without the fame and rappers nowadays are comically.
The hootin' and the hollerin', back and forth with the arguing.
Where you from, who you know, what you make and what kind of car you in.
Seems as though you lost sight of whats important when depositing them checks into your bank account and you up out of poverty.
Your values is in disarray, prioritizing horribly.
Unhappy with the riches cause you piss poor morally.
Ignoring all prior advice and fore warning.
And we mighty full of ourselves all of a sudden, aren't we?

(Rihanna):
You're gonna be a shining star, fancy clothes, fancy car-ars.
And then you'll see, you're gonna go far.
Cause everyone knows, who you are-are.
So live your life, ay ay ay.
Instead of chasing that paper.
Just live your life (Oh!), ay ay ay.
Ain't got no time for no haters
Just live your life (Oh!), ay ay ay.
No telling where it'll take you.
Just live your life (Oh!), ay ay ay.
Cause I'm a paper chaser.
Just living my life (ay), my life (oh), my life (ay), my life (oh)
Just living my life (ay), my life (oh), my life (ay), my life (oh)

Got everybody watchin what I do
Come walk in my shoes
And see the way I'm livin if you really want to
Got my mind on my money
And I'm not goin nowhere
So keep on gettin your paper
And keep on climbing
Look in the mirror and keep on shining
Till the game ends, till the clock stops
We gon' post up on the top spot
Livin the life, the life
In a brand new city got my whole team with me
The life, my life
I do what I wanna do
I'm livin my life, my life
I will never lose, I'm livin my life, my life
And I'm not stopping

So live your life!

Gratitude: A Cure For Depression

It is scientifically IMPOSSIBLE to be depressed and grateful at the same time! Think about that every time you are feeling blue. Shift your focus on what you have. It's another way of taking an inventory of your life and discovering what you do have. This is perfect to do once a life detox has taken place. The garbage is gone, now let's see the good stuff .

Thanksgiving is coming around the corner and rather than stuffing my face with food, I'm filling up my soul with thanks. Don't be fooled into thinking this is the only time I reflect on the things I am thankful for. I keep a daily gratitude journal. I write in it almost every night before I fall asleep. It makes for an easy transition into sleep and beautiful dreams.

I think of the things that would affect me if they disappeared from my life tomorrow. Here are my top 10 ranked

Devastated
1. My kids
2. Their father... if I had a romantic partner he'd be here too!
3. My family
4. My friends
5. My pets
6. My clients
7. My health & well being (I suppose this should be number one, since it affects how I am able to relate and contribute to those listed above.)

Big Time Bummers
8. My home
9. My car
10. My journals, home videos, and photographs

OK, OK....I know I said ten, but I had to throw this in there too.

Conveniences
11. The Internet, my computer & cell phone (Funny, because these are just means to stay connected to the relationships mentioned above. )

These are the things I really need to nurture and really remember to appreciate. I know that all those things I mentioned above are not permanent. I will eventually lose them all. EVERYTHING! It makes me think....am I really enjoying them? Am I really making the most of them. Do they know how much I care?

On the other hand, I feel less of a need for other materialistic belongings. I mean really, if I have all the above listed things in my life, the extra "stuff" just might be a distraction or clutter in my life. Truth is, we only use about 20% of what we own. Back to purging! Living light inspires the soul.

Ten More Things I Am Thankful For
1. The experience of Motherhood & being a woman
2. Living during these times & technology
3. My knowledge and experiences
4. My health, beauty, energy, able body
5. My dreams and direction
6. A connection to a higher power & sense of self
7. Living in safety, where the sun shines and the weather is warm
8. My time
9. Being well received by others
10. Unlimited Potential

What about being grateful for the hardships and life challenges?

5 Challenges that I overcame & made me who I am today.
1. Poverty & Abuse
2. Shoplifting
3. Exotic dancing
4. Failed relationships
5. Single motherhood

5 Current Challenges I am experiencing today & being thankful for the opportunity to grow & learn from them.
1. Financial burdens... I want to live free from financial obligations
2. Weight gain.... I want to feel secure in my own skin and celebrate physical health
3. Self esteem....I want to feel confident in who I am and what I am capable of
4. Discipline & Focus...I want to stay on task so I can experience the things in life that really matter most to me.
5. Being single... I want to grow and share life with a life partner.

What are you thankful for?

The Shifts in My Actions

Continuing on from Detoxing my Life....

So, now that I had a clear slate, it was time to fill up my life with the things that positively contributed to my well being. It's funny what you experience when you break down years of conditioning. I felt alive, on purpose and in love with life. The more I did what I said I would do, the more my self empowerment grew.

The Shift in My Thoughts
I felt inspired to write. I have always been a person who journals, but I felt an even stronger desire to write. It brought a sense of clarity. I found that I would often soothe my own concerns just by writing them down. I wrote about my new thoughts and my new direction in life. I felt that the world was mine to explore and anything was possible. I had many insightful experiences and I kept a notebook next to my bed to jot down what I felt compelled to write. I wrote so much that I filled several binders. To this day I wonder if I will ever publish them.

The Shift in My Awareness
I have a book called Power Vs Force. Before, I would never really be able to FEEL the highest levels of consciousness. I could read the description, but there was no connection with it. Then during one of my days in solitude I read the levels from lowest to highest. It took me through each emotion and when I read the enlightenment description I was swelling, I felt like I was going to burst. Tears of euphoria were streaming down my face and the closest description I can give that I felt at that time was like a drawn out orgasm.

The Shift in My Perception
I became very sensual. Life slowed down. I noticed everything! I utilized my senses and observed the weather, the plants, the smells, the feel of various textures, beautiful music and images. I remember feeling so lucky to be alive.

The Shift in my Diet
I experienced phases of fasting that went on over a period of 4-6 months. It was almost automatic, I didn't think about it. If the inspiration to do something arose, I did it immediately. My thought never entered the process. Purification felt effortless and a pleasure. I envisioned my body dumping any past baggage. I drank tons of herbal tea. Hydration was my focus. I wanted to keep my liver clean so my teas were mainly milk thistle and dandelion, as well as blends of herbs for detoxification. I made sure I was eliminating too so I drank salt water in the morning or I took an herbal laxative before bed. Looking back, I realize I drank about 2 gallons of liquid a day. I suppose that is why I was able to drop from weighing 119 to 108 in no time.

When I did eat, I consumed mostly fruits and veggies, some steamed and some raw. I was still eating a whole food diet versus vegetarian or anything like that in the beginning. My meals were large plates of veggies or a snack of a green drink and trail mix. When I ate I set the timer for 20 minutes and made sure I stretched out my meal to last that long. I became a very good eater. I chewed until the food was liquid. I looked closely at every bite, swirled the food in my mouth to feel the texture and taste the flavors of the food. I did everything I could to slow down my eating. I ate to remove hunger rather than to feel full. I reminded myself that my stomach was only the size of my fist and there was no need to stretch it out. I engaged in proper table etiquette and conversation with my children. I became an immaculate eater.

The Shift in My Sleep
During the times of extended fasting or very light eating I noticed that my sleep shifted to rest. I found that I was drawn to sleep under the moon and stars. Since I wasn't wanting to sleep outside in my backyard, I would open the blinds to my French doors of my bedroom and let the moonlight fill my room. I would gaze at the stars before falling asleep after purging all my gratitude in my journal. I would close my eyes. I then felt like my body was heavy and still like it was totally asleep, but I felt totally alert. I could see myself from above looking down on my body. It was almost as if I was watching myself sleep. I was totally aware of all that was going on around me. It was as if my subconscious was being a security guard for me. I no longer wanted to sleep on my side. I wanted my chest to be facing the sky. I just felt like my heart needed to face up. I slept very little, maybe 3 hours a night. This went on for months. My body felt totally rested even though before I slept about 9 hours a night. My rest changed back to sleep when my diet changed and I began to consume more calories.

I practiced full resting at least one day a week. I used this time to reflect on my week. I understood that doing less was more. No need in spinning my wheels without a direction. I wouldn't speak to anyone nor would I do anything very active.

The Shift in My Workouts
I took up an intense and regular power yoga practice. I attended Bryan Kest's 2 hour long power yoga class every Sunday. It was my "church". Since it was a drive for me, I would listen to inspirational books or seminars on CD. I thrived on the energy of the class. Sometimes, I would experience such gratitude in relaxation pose that I would be brought to tears. It was euphoria. I was caught off guard, but it felt beautiful. I learned about meditation, affirmations, mantras, and the pleasure of silence. This was heaven for me because I finally was learning how to break the addiction of thoughts and just be at peace.

Physical Touch
I also became diligent about receiving regular weekly massage. It filled that touch void that I was so addicted to in a romantic relationship. I have always been very physical my entire life, whether it was through gymnastics or other sports or through romantic encounters. So, being without a man for the first time in a long time was a huge shift. I swear receiving massages alone kept be from jumping into the sack with a man out of need for touch. I would get goosebumps every massage. I knew it was filling that need for me. I also found that I felt amazing after petting my cat or dog or cuddling with my kids more during bedtime stories. I learned I can enjoy touch without the sexual energy behind it. I hugged my friends more too.

The Shift in Relationships
I started treating myself the way I expected a man to treat me. I dated myself! If I wanted to do something, I did it alone. It was awkward at first to go to a movie or a restaurant alone, but after a while it felt amazing. I no longer needed someone to do nice things for me. I could do them for myself. That was transformational because in the past if a man didn't do them for me I went without.

I enjoyed conversations with men, but I was sure to leave it at that. I didn't want to be co-dependent or jump in the bed with anyone too soon, so I kept the sexual aspect out of it. Plus, I wasn't fully healed from the break up of my ex. I don't think he was either, because we continued to interact for over 7 months after our break up. It was a time for us to mend our wounds with each other so we could move on and have more to offer to our future partners.

I started treating everyone I encountered the same. In Santa Monica there would be lots of homeless people. I would smile at them and I felt like I could see into their soul.I saw through the exterior. I felt like I connected so deeply in a non verbal way. I noticed I no longer felt fearful of people or danger. I would speak kindly to everyone and treat them as though I was speaking to someone I held in high regard. I felt like treating people like royalty. I became a very generous person. I became very trusting and compassionate.

I woulds say over and over, " I am the highlight of someone else's day". I would be sure to dazzle others with kindness and generosity. I made it a point to be pleasant to every person I encountered, even if it was just a smile.

Detoxing My Life to Find a Vision

Once I cleared my life out I found plenty of free time to invest in myself. I mentioned in the video I listened to several books on CD while I was cleaning out my house or getting ready to see clients, on my drives to yoga class, and so forth.

I didn't have anyone in person to guide me so I used these materials to keep me going in a direction that was more positive.

Such materials were:
The Collection by Wayne Dyer
7 Habits of Highly Effective People
The 8th Habit
The Secret
What the Bleep Do We Know
Being in Balance
Ask & It is Given
The Inner Art of Meditation
How to Win Friends and Influence People
The Science of Getting Rich

I began to take responsibility for my life and where I was. I affirmed to myself that I was brave, bold and adventuresome. I was determined to make a U turn in the direction of my life and get back on track with where I saw myself. I knew I had potential. It was a matter of discovering it.

I realized everything was a reflection of me. If it was in my life and I didn't like it, then it needed to go. It was time to rise from the ashes and make something for myself. But first I needed to CLEAN HOUSE and get everything out of my life so that I had room to fill up on the good stuff.

I went through every nook and cranny of my materialistic belongings. My clothes, makeup, toiletries, pantry, collection of books, DVDs, CDs , etc. I scoured my home while I scoured my body.

I began fasting. I just felt like cleaning the garbage out of my body too. I made sure my liver and colon were pristine. Then once all the food was out of my house. I decided I deserved the best. I no longer wanted to eat anything from a can or box. Processed and packaged food wasn't fit for this body. The more I saw my body emulate the ideal version of me the more excited I was about nourishing it properly.

I even cleaned up the way I spoke. I honored the absent and spoke as though the person I was talking about was standing right next to me. I wouldn't allow myself to speak poorly of anyone. I refrained from swearing and using words that were not worthy of the highest.

I stopped lying. I realized that if I felt I had to lie that I was doing things that I didn't like. I also knew that lying was not accepting myself and it was only a reflection of that. This included little white lies. Besides, I didn't want to attract liars in my life and I would ifI lied myself.

I detoxed all of my beliefs. I no longer accepted anything that I had been taught from religion, to limitations, to rules. I felt that I no longer was limited by time, energy, space or matter. There were no rules. I took on the attitude suggested by Wayne Dyer, " Nobody knows enough to be a pessimist".

I ditched my negative complaining about myself and others. I also stopped allowing others to dump their dis empowered drama on me. I didn't want to hear how they were victims in their life. I didn't want to listen to it. I straight out said, " Don't you have better things going on in your life to talk about this?" I told them that this was the last bitch session and to start talking about all the things that were going right for them. I was only allowing them to attract more crap into their life by listening to it.

I started putting more attention into my appearance. I acted as though I needed to be prepared for meeting people I wanted in my life. If I looked a mess, it just reflected that I was a mess inside. Same for my home. I kept it immaculate, as though if someone I highly admired was to knock at my door at any given moment. It was about being prepared for good to come.

Success! A Means to Kids 'N' Greens

OK, I wanted to lay low on the fruit, but it seems the most appealing way to get my kids to love the greens. This was a simple smoothie recipe that we normally made, with a young thai coconut, banana and strawberries, but this time we added one bunch of spinach. IT WORKED! I feel much more optimistic about my kids completing the challenge now. WHEW!

Making Peas (Peace) with the Past

Inspired by Share Your Shame by Steve Pavlina and our chat during our recent visit . This is also inspired by Peas on Earth by Bunny Berry. I decided if I am participating in Peas on Earth, I should include making peas or Peace with my past.

So, call this what you will. It felt like a confessional video and after I uploaded it I felt a comforting sense of calm. It's a sense of not caring what others think, but being open and true to what I have lived to get to where I am today. I admit my past has been quite colorful, but it is only making my journey through life so much sweeter.

Like me or not, this is a part of what made me who I am. I love where I have been but even more where I am going.

Kids 'N' Greens

I love being a mom. My kids freaking crack me up. I didn't realize they were listening to my inspirational CD's by Wayne Dyer. I think the kids may only get in one bunch of greens a day. They are putting up a little silliness, but they actually were the ones who said they wanted to join in on the challenge.

Super Veggie Dog!

I haven't purchased any dog food in over a year. I made the change that our dog eats the same stuff we do. I must admit, it is not only a money saver, but I feel in the long run she will not be bound by health ailments that older dogs these days are experiencing. I even feed her the pulp left over from juicing mixed with almond butter or olive oil. She loves it as you can see in this video!

The End of Raw Fu 100 Day Raw Food Challenge

Change Your Food Change Your Life!

OK, so the first 100 Day Raw Fu Challenge is officially over. I made it over 30 days 100% raw and then I began to experiment with different foods to see how I felt afterwards. Ultimately, I decided that I want to love the foods that love me back. Why was I sabotaging the opportunity to feel really good? Other foods may taste great momentarily, but the feeling afterwards was less than stellar.

So, where to next? I became fascinated by the intelligence & simplicity of the 80/10/10 program after listening to Dr Doug Graham. As I learn more I plan to undertake that challenge.

Perhaps, what seemed the most profound and simple was to make it a point to get my greens in. During the 100 day challenge I experienced the power of greens. I just felt centered, focused and balanced. Cravings just melted away when I ate my greens. After listening to Victoria Boutenko on Rawkathon that was all I needed to hear. Our subconscious resonates with truth and that hit me like a ton of bricks! I NEED TO EAT MORE GREENS!

So, what exactly have I noticed since I have gone raw? Watch this video!

I came to the conclusion that the whites of our eyes reflect the condition of our liver. It makes sense, right? I mean think about it. When we have babies and their skin and eyes are tinted yellow that is a sign of jaundice which is a liver condition. Why would it be any different in adults? It makes sense that as an adult yellowing in the whites of the eyes were a reflection of our liver.

So, I am going along with Bunny Berry and doing the "Peas on Earth" Holiday Challenge. I am modifying it a bit. My focus is on 2 bunches of greens and 75 plus ounces of water. My kids are jumping in on the challenge. We will be considered high raw versus 100%. I really want to make sure greens make a permanent part of my life before I go any further in my raw food challenge. Plus, if I go 100% raw on some days then that is just a plus. We shall see what unfolds.

I do see the 80-10-10 plan in the future as well as a juice feast, but for now it is very high raw and 2 bunches of greens.

Inspired by Steve Pavlina

Last Friday, I was in Las Vegas and I had the pleasure of meeting Steve Pavlina at his home. I really didn't know much about Steve prior to our meeting. A friend on mine named Jon posted a blog in January stating that Steve Pavlina was doing a 30 day raw experiment. All I knew is that he posted blogs online and anyone who gives raw a chance is good in my books.


A few months later, I met him through an online website for raw food enthusiasts: GiveItToMeRaw.com. After we became acquainted, I became more curious. One day I was listening to a radio interview. I totally identified with him. We have very similar stories. I felt like I was listening to my own interview. It was strange. I wanted to know more. I knew I had plans to celebrate a birthday party in Las Vegas. It would be even better to meet him since I knew he lived there.


I decided to send an email out to Steve to see if he would be interested in meeting another raw food junkie. :) I hoped for the best but expected the worst. His response was music to my ears. He was available and agreed to meet. We planned to met at a raw restaurant, but then due to his juice feast he decided it would be best to meet at his home.I have to admit for a moment I was a bit put back that he invited me to visit him in his home.


I never meet "strangers" from the Internet, especially a man in his home. Then, I felt a sense of peace. First of all, that says so much about a person. I felt that he was truly generous and trusting. Our homes are out sanctuaries. I felt honored that from our brief interaction that he would invite me to meet there.


We exchanged stories and experiences over juice. During our chat, I mentioned there were a few things I didn't feel comfortable with sharing in a blog. After his encouraging words, I am taking his advice. I will be posting a blog about some of my biggest fears or just things I probably wouldn't normally share on the Internet. I truly feel that sharing my stories will be beneficial for my growth. I have been blogging occasionally on gaia, but nothing too personal, except every now and then. I have been inspired to share my experiences online in a more consistent and personal way. Here I go! I love vlogging (video blogging) and feel that I am better at expressing myself in video than in writing, so I will be doing both.


Steve sent me along my way with a copy of his book that I began reading as soon as I arrived back at the hotel room. I am looking forward to sharing the insight I receive from his book and what actions I am inspired to take as a result from his words. I agree that we cannot outgrow personal growth. I am fascinated be human potential and look forward to challenging myself to new levels of conscious living.

My Online Social Life

As the Internet expands and social websites are continuing to flourish I decided to let you know the other websites I am a member of:

Youtube.com: http://www.youtube.com/user/Inspire2Act
Myspace.com: www.myspace.com/inspire2act
Facebook.com: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=687513081&ref=profile
Giveittomeraw.com: http://www.giveittomeraw.com/profile/Lori
Gaia.com: http://inspire2act.gaia.com/
FreedomGardens.org: http://freedomgardens.org/Inspire2Act/

I have participated in:
GlobalJuiceFeast.com: http://www.globaljuicefeast.com/profile/Lori
RawFu.com: http://raw100.ning.com/profile/Lori36