I struggled with self-confidence throughout my life, even though I had all of the evidence that I needed to believe otherwise! It held me back from so many things. I fell into a pattern of addictive eating to deal with emotions and let my health fall by the wayside. At one point, I had gained almost 80 pounds and I developed high blood pressure, cholesterol and didn’t even recognize the person in the mirror. I was hiding from myself and everyone around me, which greatly limited my experience and my impact on the world. I am a helper by nature and how could I help others when I had so little left? I have always considered myself a social justice warrior because of my work and I was making little impact those days. I lived under extreme stress at work (some self-imposed by my anxiety and need to please) and I gave everything to my family and to work and left little for myself. The results were in when I turned 43 and discovered chronic health conditions (I also avoided regular doctor visits) along with living a shell of a life that I deserved. Something had to change! No, like REALLY change. 

I started searching for a change in my health and wellness, both physically and emotionally. I realized that addiction to sugar and flour was REAL and I had been suffering from it since childhood. Who would be surprised, given how we eat as a society? It’s really not our fault and it seemingly costs double to eat healthy than to pick up something quick and processed at a drive through as we tear into the driveway to our homes from our over busy, overworked day. The guilt and shame subsided when I realized that I was not at fault but it was up to me to make a change!