Welcome to November! It is my great pleasure to introduce to you all November’s Evolving Wellness in Action story.
This month’s story, comes to us from Lori Franklin of Jane Be Nimble.
I have had the pleasure of getting to know Lori over the past few months, and discovering that we had lots in common, especially when it came to taking our bodies, health and nutrition seriously. On top of this, I got to know a gentle, kind and loving soul, who also had a deeply inspiring, proactive and moving health journey.
Lori is a highly gifted and talented individual having completed a Ph.D. in the area of molecular biology and biochemistry, with a nutrition emphasis, and also being a massage therapist, personal trainer, sports nutritionist, and athletics coach. She writes about various topics on her site, that touch upon each of these areas.
The story Lori shares below, is deeply moving as it chronicles her health choices from a young age to today, and along the way as she was diagnosed with MS.
Lori is an amazing example to us all, because at no point does she give up. She empowers herself and takes accountability for all her actions – and that is perhaps the best example anyone can serve for us.
I invite you now to sit, back, relax and take in the words of this wonderfully inspiring being:
What area(s) of your health and wellness have you decided to change and why?
Growing up on a farm, raising our own produce and legumes, and butchering our chickens for food put me in tune, at a very young age, with how our food arrived to our table.
I’d try to play sick or hide when I knew it was time to butcher the chickens. Sure, it was only once a year, but, wow, I really disliked the whole process. Butchering thirty or more chickens every spring, I’d hold them in my hands as they squawked, help scald, de-feather, burn their fine hairs from their skin, gut, and carve into pieces for freezing and eating at a later date. I had the feeling they knew what was coming, they were scared out of their wits, and this was extremely hard for me to deal with.
When rows and rows of delicious veggies and beans were in our fields, I couldn’t figure out why we ate meat. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate my parents and everything they did to raise me and make me who I am today, and don’t judge anyone for their choices. But, after I graduated from high school and left home to venture out on my own, I chose to focus my eating toward a vegetarian diet.
What strategies have you implemented to change, and how have they been working out for you, i.e., are you able to stick to your goals?
I’m a scientist by training, and I think the strategy that has worked the best for me is to think of my health and well-being as an experiment. At the end of the day, how do I feel? Do I feel better with more sleep or after I meditate? Do I feel better eating less ___ or more ___? It helps to remove any judgments of myself, like feeling guilty because I ate for comfort even though I was not hungry.
When I consciously try to remain the observer and focus my attention on what makes me feel good — that’s what works for me. I also try to remain open-minded because my body/mind can change over time. As an example, I was formerly an athlete. I ran marathons, swam in open-water swim events in the Pacific ocean, and participated in cycling races and triathlon. Back then, I felt best when I ate a high-carbohydrate diet: lots of pasta, whole wheat breads, and oatmeal, along with fresh produce and healthy fats: e.g., avocado, olive oil, and flax-seed oil.
Later in life, when my MS (multiple sclerosis) advanced and I could no longer race or be as active, I realized I needed less energy (calories) in my diet. So, I started eating less in general and also stopped eating pasta, bread, and grains (except for brown rice), with the main part of my diet coming from organic produce, egg whites, legumes, nuts, and non-fat greek yogurt. It’s not difficult for me adhere to eating these types of foods. I’ve become enamored with the amazing, flavorful produce I get from our community’s organic food drop that I pick up once a week, and I feel so much better when my body likes what I’m putting into it.
How have the changes benefited your overall health and wellness up to this point?
I feel less sluggish with the changes in my diet in relation to my physical limitations. I think it’s really important, as I mentioned, to pay attention — to be the observer — taking mental notes of how things we do or eat affect us, while not allowing negative judgment to creep in.
Getting more sleep makes me feel better. So, I make that a top priority. I have also made meditation a priority and deepened my mindfulness practice. I am incredibly thankful I have led such an active lifestyle while I could, I think it’s helped tremendously to deal with the challenges MS has given me of late.
I was formerly a part-time endurance/athletics coach, and I often joked with my clients when they would ask if I was training for any upcoming races, I’d often say, “I’m training for old age.” The phrase also meant to imply that we’ll never know what challenges will come our way, and having a healthy mind and body with the awareness of what helps us run on all cylinders will make all the difference. I think I’d be in really bad shape if I hadn’t been familiar with meditation or hadn’t had a strong, fit body when my MS relapsed and started progressing two years ago.
What are the next steps or goals in your health and wellness evolving journey?
For the near future, I’m continuing my journey of meditation, mindfulness, spending time in nature, gratefulness, service to others, and eating as healthy as possible to try to stop my MS from progressing.
I currently drink a cup or two of coffee in the AM, and I might experiment with cutting that down or out of my diet.
I will continue to stimulate my nervous system and my brain by writing for my blog, expressing my creativity, working on balance and strength exercises, and walking or swimming when I can. Like my swim coach used to tell me, use it or loose it! And it’s so true. I’ll keep training my mind and body for old age (and life challenges) until I’m no longer on this side of the dirt! :)
What message do you have for others who are struggling or embarking on a similar journey, where their health and wellness is concerned?
It’s not easy at times, but it’s worth it to be a guardian of your health and make your health and well-being a top priority.
Do your best to remove judgment from your actions, while simply observing what actions make you feel better (or worse).
Try a mindfulness or meditation exercise.
Vary your exercise routine, or learn a new sport.
Work with a healer or give other alternative health methods a try.
Every day is an experiment, an opportunity to figure out for yourself what makes you feel good and what does not. Don’t let me or anyone else choose for you — it’s your body and mind, no one else’s.
Make the choice to surround yourself with people who make you feel good. If you have friends whose favorite activity is going out for a pitcher of beer and a gigantic pizza every other night, it might be time for a different experiment or to seek out a new social circle.
This is your life. Own it, keep experimenting, and know I’ll be behind you, cheering you along your journey. You can do it!
36 Comments to “Evolving Wellness in Action: Lori Franklin”
Hi Lori,
It is so awe-some to see you here..
Man, you inspire me on so many levels!
What stands out to me as I read this is your amazing energy, the way that you embrace you journey, and the enthusiasm you share as you continue to ‘coach’ others..
I *love* this sentence: “It’s not easy at times, but it’s worth it to be a guardian of your health and make your health and well-being a top priority.” It is absolutely worth it, but sometimes in the area of health people tend to make the excuse of having no time or financial resources..It is absolutely about accountability and ownership.
I recognize that my body is my physical home while I’m here on Earth and it is my honor to allow that body to be the best home possible so that my experiences here may be as grand as I allow them to be. I also believe in Energy–and sharing only pure, golden energy with others– so taking care of my body ensures my Energy is the best it can be..
Thank you for sharing here so openly..
Hi Joy,
It is so awe-some to see you here, too, Joy!
Ha ha, when you said, “Man, you inspire me on so…,” I was laughing because I know what you mean by “man.” It tells me you’re relaxed around me, like we’re on the same ‘page’ — pretty cool. (Fist bump…)
You struck an important nerve with your comment about people using finances as an excuse to not eat well, I agree with you. When I see people choosing to buy potato chips and such, but then complain there’s no money for produce, I sigh. :\
It’s great you can recognize your body as being your physical home, that’s a great way to put it. Your body is your fortress, your castle, your place of worship — it’s gorgeous and a miracle. Beautiful, really. I believe it demands our utmost respect.
I love how you share your energy with others, it’s a renewable resource, clean, and powerful. Keep up the great work, Joy, spread the love and light. I’m basking in your warmth and energy.
~xo
Lori,
So, so awesome to see you here today!! You shine these two words – “evolving wellness” – so beautifully! And I know this from personal experience with you, just how much you truly live all that you’ve shared up above.
So, on this journey…your journey through your life – I am so, so honored that our paths have crossed. You have made my life better, in ways that have helped me on my own wellness journey and just in your reaching deep into my soul.
Oh…and I LOVE the pictures you’ve included here!!! Just look at that little girl with her carved pumpkin!! Too sweet!!
Hi Lance,
Yay, the party is now underway now that you’ve arrived.
(How are the legs recovering from the marathon, feeling strong and ready for 26.2 v2.0?) ;)
I’m glad our paths have crossed, too, Lance. That goes both ways, my life is better having known you, I’m honored that I was able to help you reach one of your goals, Lance. That meant an awful lot to me. You amaze me.
Ha ha about the pumpkin. Dad helped me carve it, I remember being so proud of Mr. Pumpkin. Our pumpkins would get so huge, it was pretty fun putting them through little experiments to get to grow bigger. I think my science-inquisitive nature started at a really young age. LOL
And, yeah, where *did* that sweet little girl go?
Thanks for being here, Lance. You’re awesome.
~xo
Lori,
Wow, I’m so happy that Evita featured you here and that Lance passed the “tweet” along to the rest of us. It’s been so great getting to know you over the past couple of weeks…and all this time, I never knew I was talking to a super star! I am so amazed at all that you’ve accomplished, and more importantly, who you’ve become in such a short lifetime. It might sound silly but I’ll say it anyway – you are truly wise beyond your years!
I love everything about this post…your message, the great pictures, and most of all, your sincerity. You’re not one of those people who are out there spreading the message, “do as I say, not as I do.” You’re out really walking the talk and setting the example for the rest of us. Hearing your story and seeing you out there doing it, despite your struggles, makes me want to pay more attention to the way I treat my body – what I fuel myself with, how I allow myself to rest. You make me want to be better…I see that as the true definition of inspiration.
Thank you, Lori, for all that you do, all that you give, and for just being you…and for sharing yourself with the rest of us! I look forward to learning even more about you on this journey…you’re just full of surprises!
Hi Adrienne,
What a lovely surprise to see you here. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you recently, and love meeting a sister-in-arms. You’re such a lovely being, Adrienne.
I was honored and a bit floored when Evita asked me to be interviewed at her site. I’ve always enjoyed her presence and respected her knowledge and presence as a teacher, too. So, thanks for your kind words here. Ha ha, wise beyond my years. Well, I’m getting to the point where maybe it’s more like ‘wise at my years’ since I just turned forty. LOL But, really, thanks for what you said. It means a lot. :)
I appreciate that you emphasized that I try to walk the walk, per se. I’ve always felt a bit uncomfortable telling people what to do, I’ve always preferred to show people how I’ve chosen to do things and what worked for me. Because, truly, there are many ways to reach happiness and good health/well-being. I think each of us has to find what works for him or her.
I won’t deny that I might be full of surprises, but hopefully all the surprises that I can share with friends and others are positive and full of love and light. Feel free to give me a shout out if I’m heading off course, okay?
Have a great week, Adrienne!
Love & ~xo
Evita!
Your introduction made me blush (**blushing**) — thank you so much for inviting me to be present at your site. I’m honored. It’s been a blessing to get to know you, follow your sites & Tweets, and to learn more about you. You’re also surrounding yourself with amazing people and I’m blessed to know many of them, too. Lovely! I’d love to invite everyone over for a dinner party, wouldn’t that be fun? :)
Thanks again for posing such introspective questions. You’re a gifted teacher and being, Evita. Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your wisdom with me. Cheers to you, Evita! (I’m taking a mermaid for a swim in a few hours, want to go with me?)
Love to you, Evita.
~xo
Hi Lori,
Now you got me blushing :) Oh Lori, I am in complete awe these days of the expansion of love that I am feeling and the energies radiating all around me from people like yourself.
I am so, so happy to have met you (virtually for now) but one day I think we will meet in real life, for a real life hug!
Thank you for sharing yourself so openly and authentically and being a teacher to others by your example.
What touched me so much too Lori, is your honest expression about how you grew up, and talking about the slaughter of animals. Lori, that is so near and dear to my heart, because every fiber of my being says we are moving towards pure love on every level – no discrimination – this means no more slaughtering of animals for food. Every life is sacred – no discrimination. This is a tough area to discuss with people I find, as Egos get rilled up and defensiveness sets in. But love is love, compassion is compassion and part of being human is acting humanely.
We live at a time of so much food abundance, that every animal can live out its life in peace.
Thank you for making the connection and for inspiring others towards it as well.
And yes, I am all for a swim with you and the mermaids! Now that is a treat ;)
“Dance with me, don’t say a word, just dance with me, let the world outside disappear . . . ” ~ Adam Brand.
I was also raised on a farm, and there’s something about that that makes you mindful of life and health. I’m sorry, I was the guy with the knife, but I always appreciated how the earth feeds us. I eat 75% less meat now, and guide the souls of chickens into the light. Talk soon. Love and peace ;)
Hi Simon,
I knew you’d understand about the farm life. I appreciate your words, too, about being mindful of this circle of life. That’s most important to me. No need to say you’re sorry, I know you’re the angel man guiding the animals home. ;)
Thanks for saying hello, and keep up your loving work.
Love to you, Simon.
~xo
Hi Lori,
What a delight to be able to hear your story and your smart approach to health. I love the idea of approaching health and food as an experiment. This is brilliant. I completely concur that only you know what is good for you and the best way to find out is to tune into your body. There are a huge number of “healthy” foods that make me ill so I know for certain there are no rules; none whatsoever!
Thanks so much for the wise advice that you share with us here. You are a bright light and I’m so happy to know you via the web of love.
Hi Sandra,
Well, hello lovely, so great to see you here from across the block.
Thanks for your kind words — I absolutely believe that every day we are faced with choices, and there’s no reason to make it personal or punish ourselves when we make a choice that makes us feel bad physically. It’s as simple as observing how one feels, and making a different choice the next time.
I also know exactly what you mean about “healthy” foods that make one feel worse. I used to eat this one kind of soy-based ‘cheese’ when I was eating a vegan diet, but found out there was a milk protein in the cheese that was really making me feel bad. (I can’t drink milk.) Keep up the great work!
I’m happy I found you, too, Sandra. I think that’s a keeper, “the web of love.” I love that phrase! Love to you, Sandra.
~xo
Hey, Lori—-what a great post. I admire you so much for deciding to continue to develop every aspect of your wonderful self, even doing whatever you can to continue to move and strengthen your body while dealing with MS and the loss of your identity as an elite (it seems to me) athlete. I know that required (and probably still requires) a lot of internal digging and re-evaluating of who you really are and what your life is about. Every time something is taken away, I have found, a gift (sometimes a more subtle, refined gift than what was lost) is given to help us keep going and growing. When I was 40 and had run for about 20 years, I did the dumb runner thing and did not get off a bad injury. Well, I finally had to quit running and was on crutches for a year. During that time, I discovered the quiet voice of a poet inside that I did not know existed. I am no longer much of a runner (I do a lot of walking, though) but I am a respected poet (at least locally) and I love to write poems.
This in no way compares to what a person with MS has to deal with—-but on some small scale, I know what it means to have to lose your identity as an athlete and look for your gifts in some other area of your life. Keep on taking excellent care of yourself and encouraging us to do the same!
Hi Jean,
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and say hello. Reading your own journey about running and then needing to stop after it had become such an integral part of you life really hit home for me. Know you are not alone as I’ve seen this happen to many people when I was working with athletes. It’s a huge loss. I applaud you for digging deeper and finding gifts to carry you forward. I have read your poetry and love it. You are gifted, Jean.
I believe your loss of not being able to run is deep and not “less” than having MS. Everyone’s losses or challenges are different, but not better or worse. Yes, I’ve had to build a different identity and it has been challenging, but as you so eloquently say, it’s helped me find other gifts. My journey has also helped me realize that love is all there is, and giving love to others is what life is really all about.
Thanks again, Jean. Your words have touched me and I appreciate you. Much love to you!
~xo
Hi Lori,
What’s chickin’ chicken?!? A little play on words dedicated to us former farmers. Love the photos except I’m coming to turn the frown into a smile on the pumpkin! A therapist would notice that. I thought of you when I ate
the yolk of my egg the other day. LOL
I love what Simon says about the animals. You know there are people who believe animals give freely of themselves to humans. They came here for that reason. What do you think of that?
Tess, I will add in here for a moment, that the post on animals and food is still coming up on Beings. Most likely in November, but for sure before the end of the year….
For now, all I say, is look within your heart – you will find the answer there, as always :)
Hi Tess,
Ha ha, funny, nice play on words — farmer girl. I know what you mean about the pumpkin. I looked at that again after Evita posted it in a new light, too. I think I had kind of a rough time when I was a kid (who didn’t???) and I think I had my pumpkin say this for me. ;)
I like what Simon said about the animals, too. Even back when I was a kid, I’d say a few words of thanks before I’d eat what was for dinner, thanking the animal for nourishing me with it’s life. I think I drove my folks nuts. :D Really, though, I agree with Evita and think everyone needs to do what is right for him or her. As I said in the post, I do my best to refrain from judgment. For me, I don’t agree with the thought that animals were meant to give freely to humans. Like Evita said in her comment above, I think there’s plenty of food for all of us animals to be nourished without eating each other. :)
Thanks for being here, Tess. It means a lot to me.
Love you,
~xo
Well, Surfer Girl…it’s nice to visit you here at Evita’s wonderful site. I agree that Evita couldn’t have picked a better person than you to talk about the importance of taking responsibility for our health.
It was interesting to see how you’ve made your health choices and how you balance the scientist with the mystic in you. Lots of people might think that’s a dichotomy, but with you, I think the two work closely together in concert. I also loved the pictures…big surprise, right?
Evita — Thanks for sharing the wonderful spirit of Lori:~)
Sara Songbird!
Hi, beautiful writer/photography maven. What a nice surprise to see you here at Evita’s virtual home. Kick off your shoes — would you like a glass of green tea? ;)
Thanks for your kind words, I really appreciate you. As you know, I’ve spent many years studying and working in both science AND spirituality/mysticism to understand principles and tenets in both areas. Honestly, I am frustrated at times at the fences people sometimes build around each. I believe the two words can work in concert, hand in hand. Thanks for seeing this in my words.
Glad you like the photos, it’s time they came out of my shoebox for a good dusting. I have to admit, it was kind of fun taking a brief trip down memory lane. Evita is such a sweetheart and wise woman; I’m glad you had the opportunity to meet her, too.
Have a great day, Sara!
Love & ~xo
Hi Evita and Lori:
Evita, thanks for featuring Lori here…as she demonstrates on her blog and in this post, she knows her stuff. And she shares her knowledge and experience in a non-judgmental manner which I deeply appreciate.
Lori, once again you amaze me with your wisdom and experience. Your experience killing chickens on your family’s farm was transformational, I’m sure. I think if we Americans (or Canadians or Brits) really saw what went into our food preparation there would be more vegetarians. Watching Food, Inc. is a great place to start, too. I’ll never forget the time I walked into a holistic book store and listened to a former slaughterhouse owner talk about his experience becoming a vegetarian. I only caught the last 10 minutes, but my jaw dropped.
Thank you both for sharing some very important information!
Hi Tim,
I am filled with gratefulness and warmth seeing you here. Thanks for taking a trip over to Evita’s warm wildflower fields. Isn’t it lovely over here?
I appreciate your comment about me attempting to be non-judgmental. Man, it too me a long time to arrive where I’m at in that regard. I don’t know why, but when friends or colleagues used take me for lunch, inevitably they’d ask, based on what I tended to eat for working lunches, if I was a vegetarian. Once I confirmed, the bell was rung and the boxing gloves came out. (Joking there, sort of…) I felt I was often put on the witness stand, defending my choices. So, I eventually backed off trying to explain and took emotion out of it. It’s simply what feels right for me — it’s up to each person to live what works best for him or her.
Thanks for your words about your experiences, too, Tim. Keep up the great work you are doing in your life. It’s all about the journey. Keep laying those railroad ties and your train will head in the direction you want it to travel. One tie at at time…
Love to you & ~xo
Lorrrrrrrrrrri :)
So good to see you featured here and sharing in the way only you can, with such heart, wisdom and honesty. I loved learning more about the minx and I too love experimenting and trying things on for size. You inspire me in so many ways including your passionate commitment to wellness. Keep shining bright and thanks for the treasure that is YOU. :)
Hi Eeemmmmmma, ;)
I’m so happy to see you here. Because of your blog, I bought flowers yesterday to give to people in service to others, and just this morning gave the woman working at the coffee shop this morning one. Thanks for the great idea!
Ha ha, I love it, you can call me a minx anytime! I may have MS, but I still have soul (fist bump). :D
Thanks for taking the time to be here today. Like my friend Zeenat once said, you are like a precious jewel I have added to my treasure chest. Much love to you, Emma.
~xo
Dearest Lori, you are SUCH an incredibly shining soul. You just radiate love and vitality and open kindness. Every photo of you just takes my breath away because I can feel the energy that is YOU. It is something magnificent and very special! You are.
You moved me to tears here. You are SO brave and such an inspiration to me. I am just DEEPLY touched by who you are. You are filled with kind beauty Lori, and I am grateful to you. Much love from my heart to yours, Robin
Hi Robin,
Someday soon, I am going to meet you in an old-growth forest and walk barefoot while we gather mushrooms and berries, and sing & dance. Then we can braid each other’s hair. Sound good? :)
You have me misty-eyed as you say that I radiate love and vitality — I feel that my vitality is significantly depleted over the past few years. But, I’m not giving up hope. You must be able to see my future. I knew it, you’re one of those people like Simon who can see people as they are through the veil of their challenges, as pure love. Oh my, how beautiful! I could see this in your writing, too, when I read your book.
I feel that love, and I am boomeranging it back to you ten fold. Thank you for being here, Robin.
Much love, ~xo
Lori, what an honor and privilege to read more about you here. Thank you for sharing your story – and your advice for living optimal wellness. I love the gentleness to your wisdom. You’re not forcing anything here (or so I felt), and I can relate to much of what you said. I love the line, “I’m training for old age.” You exude an athlete’s energy in what I perceive to be your life approach: steady, strong, determined yet flexible. Change course when needed, but always keep one’s goals in sight.
Thank you – I feel inspired today by what you’ve said!
I look forward to sharing more of our earthwalk together through beautiful blogs like yours, and Evita’s. Shine on!
Hi Megan,
The honor is mine to see you here today. Lovely! Welcome back from NY, too. As I told Evita, I’m sure the world is many degrees closer to divinity having you all together in one place.
I am touched that you found some nuggets of wisdom to apply to your own experiments. I’m sure you’re seeing yourself in me, and I can see those traits in you, too. I’ve always thought you exude an athlete’s energy — ever since the first time I saw you over at that darling Lance’s site.
It’s been my pleasure getting to know you, Megan. And I *know* we’ll meet in person one day. I LOVE how you ended your comment, “I look forward to sharing more of our earthwalk together through beautiful blogs like yours, and Evita’s. Shine on!”
You made me smile a mile wide! Thanks, Megan. You are beautiful inside and out.
Much love to you.
~xo
Training for old age. I LOVE that!
And it’s so true, we need to be good to our bodies. Yours is trying to play ticks on you, Lori, yet you face your challenges with grace and more spirit than I can imagine. You are AMAZING!!
I hope you are continuing to get lots of sleep, Lori. And the sweetest of dreams therein.
And thanks, Sweet Evita for having Lori here.
Oh, and wonderful pix all!
xo
Hi Jannie!
Just seeing your “eye” here makes me smile. Thank you for being here. :)
Thanks for your kind words, but here you’re only seeing the positive, strong side of me. Believe me, there are days I can’t even bring myself to tell you about — where the grace and spirit seems to have been left at the door. I think part of the challenge with all this is to remember the good days (and actions/decisions) and try to create more in one’s life, even when things are really looking dismal. And this choice often starts with the mind and how we view things.
Thanks for liking the pix — good memories in all of them. :)
Much love to you, Jannie (my favorite bier meister…)
~xo
Hi Lori and Evita .. it’s so refreshing to have life told so ‘simply’ .. it’s not simple – but it’s there .. and that is life.
Lori you make an emphatic case for us to look after ourselves .. we test everything else, we check our cars, we insure our house .. yet .. our bodies .. what do we do .. just put stuff in without thinking .. or just don’t help our body exercise etc ..
Excellent read .. thanks so much .. food for thought definitely .. have good weekends .. Hilary
Hi Hilary,
Hey, thanks for taking the time to stop by here and at my blog, too. That’s double duty! :) Thank you, you blogging maven you.
You contributed great points regarding the analogy to taking care of body with the same fervor as our possessions. I like it!
I hope your weekend is moving along swimmingly across the pond, lovely.
Much love,~xo
Hi Lori,
Nice post. I think I was on that same farm. Those days were good because they were simple and people were people. So we might of eaten some of our chickens but that was good food. Most of the time it was eating vegetables out of the garden. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks were all vegetables and we started to look like certain vegetables. We were very creative making our own outside games where we were jumping,running and hiding. It was all good, simple and fun. Today technology is destroying our families and Counties. It’s very fast paced and stressful and there’s no time to smell those roses that we had once valued so much. People don’t have time for each other.You get things like this; you can reach me on my cell phone or your talking to somebody and they say wait I have to take this call or better yet your at a store ready to say hi or good bye but you can’t because they’re on the cell phone. Our kids don’t know how to play outside anymore it’s all I Pods, texting, x-box and play station. The food that we eat has been tainted and everything is processed in one way or another. Oh that farm, I would give anything to be back on our farm but it’s gone.
Hi Dave,
I hear you, big time! Thanks for being here and for sharing your story. I could have written a whole book based on the questions Evita asked of me; I wish I would have expanded on what you’re saying because I agree with my whole heart. While I didn’t believe we should be butchering out chickens, at least they had happy lives — they ran around the yard and got to eat really healthy food like grass clippings, lots of bugs, worms, and the like. At least they were organic and free-range — healthy! ;)
I know what you mean, in the summer we mostly just wandered out the garden to snack if we got hungry — not a lot of junk food was around. All the fresh veggies were so yummy.
The things you’re speaking of break my heart everyday. We’ve lost touch with each other and are being replaced by screens and call-waiting. It makes me sad every time someone tells me, “Oh wait, I have another call coming in I have to take. Gotta go.” I.e., someone more important is calling, buzz off. What is happening to us?
It means a lot to me to read your comment and to form a connection with you. Thanks again, very much, for taking the time to contribute your thoughts. The best we can do, I suppose, is to keep our stories alive and continue to love others no matter what. Sending lots of love your way, Dave.
~xo
Dear Lori,
I’m late to the party but I am so glad I found this article today. I think of you often, and so do my three girls due to the necklace you made them. Your approach to life inspires me and your attitude is beautiful. If ever I have known a person who personified the words “Don’t quit!” it is YOU!!!
Your ongoing committment to wellness is butt-kicking-motivation for us all!
I appreciate you Lori, and am blessed to have met you. Seriously, not just a nice sentiment.
Evita, bless your dear heart for the work you do here. Your choice in Lori for the Evolving Wellness feature this month was a magnificent one.
Hi Keith,
Wow, your comment came at the perfect time. Like you said, seriously, this is not just a nice sentiment. Really. Thanks so much.
What I didn’t write about here are all the times it just seems to be too much, all of these MS-related challenges. And, I really want those times to be Finished with a capital “F”. However, being surrounded by people who care, like you, Evita, others here in the comment section, and my hubs, really hold me on your shoulders and help so much.
I really mean that. Every word of encouragement helps a lot, I can’t even describe what I’m feeling right now.
I thank you profoundly for taking the time to comment, Keith. It’s been such a pleasure to get to know you better in these past years.
Much love to you, Keith.
~xo
Hi Lori, that was really inspirational. I congratulate you in being an observer, I think this is one of the hardest things to get used to when “the rattling monkey” is always going and its tough to be present. I think you recommending meditation is a huge tip as we need to get a hold of our brain to pay attention to our environment and to understand that we dont need to eat at certain points its just our brain being used to the confort tastes at certain times.
I look forward to reading more of your blog.