Inspiration

This week, I have had numerous individuals tell me that my determination to heal my body through a raw-vegan diet, has inspired them to evaluate their day-to-day lifestyle choices.  I find it interesting to think that my motivation to feel well may be inspiring others to desire the same.  Each day I hear another friend or acquaintance tell me that they are not "sick" but that they feel completely depleted and exhausted.  The first thing they ask me about this crazy diet that I am on is, "how do you feel?".  The answer is this:  In 13 days, I feel better than I have in years.  Yes, my body is detoxing and I have waves of pain, fatigue and crankiness, but overall, I feel energetic and alive!  I feel an abundance of gratitude for the numerous resources and friendships, which are truly my inspiration.  

Food Matters  This was a huge source of inspiration to me, validating my desire to drastically change my diet, and therefore my life. I watched it on Netflix with my family and friend, Steve (Another huge source of inspiration ... see my first post).  My husband and daughter, who are fans of the SAD diet, (Standard American Diet) were both fascinated and open-minded about an organic raw-vegan diet, as a solution to many of life's physical and emotional issues.  This does not mean that they intend to adopt this lifestyle at this time, but simply that they heard it.  Incidentally, they have been infinitely more supportive of my choices since seeing this documentary.

Another movie that I enjoyed is Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead.  Talk about a BIG inspiration and super uplifting documentary.  I was at the Tryst Cafe last Monday with my dear friend, April.  It is a cute little place, nothing fancy, but they serve all organic produce and try to buy from local farms whenever possible.  They have a fantastic happy hour from 3-6pm daily and the entire bill is 50% off.  There is no charge for substitutions and they will customize anything you wish.  One of the highlights of the afternoon was the server.  She was an adorable, tiny, 20 something woman who asked about my "custom order".  When I told her about my diet and reason for it, she shared with me that she was on a 10 day juice-fast and was hoping to reboot her system to start back on a raw-vegan diet.  I asked her if she has seen the movie "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" and she said that she had seen it 3 days prior and had loved it.  The movie was her inspiration for getting healthy again.  April referred to this interaction between us as a "God Kiss".  

After having a lovely "hang out" with my playmate Siri Chand yesterday, we decided to drive over and romp around one of our favorite playgrounds, Whole Foods.  Truth is, I was out of sprouts again and needed to pick up organic cucumbers. One would think that the cucumbers would be easily located in the organic section of any grocery chain.  Think again ... Albertson's, Fry's and Safeway were all out.  As we pulled up to the front to the store, I stopped to read the sandwich board.  It said there was a store tour, happening "NOW", by a Naturopathic doctor touting which foods were best to purchase for optimal health.  I could not stay through the tour because it made me want to eat something I should not, but I could not help but appreciate that this service was being offered.  

Overall, I know few people that are feeling in optimal health.  My hope it that more and more people can adopt this lifestyle and that my recovery will serve as an inspiration to them, the way others have been an inspiration to me.

One more "thank you" to Liz who is following the same path to healing and who helps keep me both motivated and excited about my choices.  

Kirk, thank you for your willingness to explore the sprouting business with me.  This will, I promise, be a fun journey.

Infinite Love and Gratitude to you all ... you know who you are. You are my inspiration.