Category: Autoimmune

My Ayurveda Fall Skincare

10/20/2018

Although I am continuing to eat a low-fat diet this fall, I am becoming more mindful of my own inner callings for comfort and security during this seasonal shift.

Our increased cravings for fats are one way that our body stimulates us to create balance within dryer, cooler seasons.

Without many fats in my diet at the moment, I am feeling drawn to incorporate more self-care measures that involve oils, which will absorb from the surface of our skin into deeper layers of tissues. Using oil in this way nourishes the entire body as it creates a layer of warmth and protection from the dominating elements.

The concept of using specific oils during seasonal shifts stems from ancient Auryvedic practices. For the fall transition, sesame oil is preferred to balance the excess element of Vata (air).

I tend to use what I have on hand, which right now is some almond oil!

Over the next few weeks I will be bringing in my favorite essential oil from doTerra that is created with warm tones of cinnamon, clove, thyme, and rosemary.

For dry, tight facial skin my very favorite remedy is the Medical Medium recommended Lagoon Essentials Pomegranate Seed Oil (if you have acne, go slow with the oils to experiment if they work ok for you!)

And of course a moisturizing, trusty lip balm is always key. My favorites are the ones I pick up at my local farmers market from the beekeepers. ♡

How are you nurturing your body through this seasonal shift?

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My Top Selfcare Rituals

9/20/2018

My body handles stress much better when I am calling on daily selfcare practices that are calming to my nervous system, rather than trying to only implement them during times of high stress. preventative medicine is the best medicine.

What I love:

Going to sleep early. Did you know the body regenerates most between the hours of 10pm-2am and again from 10am-2pm? Sleeping during this window of time is key to boosting your immunity and restoring your spirit.

Turning my cell phone off at 9pm. The lights from our phones are so stimulating-- not to mention the endless content we are consuming. It helps me so much to take some time to disconnect from the outside world and connect within myself before going to sleep.

Taking magnesium supplements (or eating lots of mango). My favorites are Ionic Magnesuim sprays, Magnesium Glycinate and NueroMag. They all have different functions to a degree so I rotate my use of them throughout the week.

Brainwave entrainment. Linked here is my very favorite binaural audio entrainment, which has always helped me through times of high stress and anxiety.

Giving my face a massage. I began learning about the benefits of this from my esthetic mentors. Massaging our faces is actually a deeply self soothing mechanism that releases tension and helps us to unwind.

Stepping outside before bed + breathing fresh air. This simple but powerful intention and action gives me time to reflect on the bigger picture of life around me, and on nature’s ability to transform and let things go.

Journaling. Never underestimate the power of taking some time to write what is hard-- if it doesn't make any sense right now.

An Interview with HEALTH COACH, Chloe Anselmo

2/15/2018

Meet artist and health coach, Chloe Anselmo

I am honored to have Chloe Anselmo of Clementine Crossing on the blog today talking about ALL things tattoos, veganism, art, & plant based healing.

Chloe is an artist, an impactful influencer on social media, and has conquered (and is still healing some) major health obstacles including Lyme disease, RA, IBS, pituitary cyst, vertigo, POTS/ dysautonomia, asthma, manic depression, OCD, and anxiety.

Her passion for wellness spills over into the realm of art and tattoos, where a beauty of it’s own is being born.

“Look, tattoos are not healthy. But there’s always the lesser of two evils. If you want tattoos, there’s ways to make it work.”

Chloe, you live in NJ, what is the culture like there? Do you feel inspired by your surroundings?

I’m not quite inspired by NJ, per-say. It’s too congested for my liking. When it comes to inspiration, I’ve always gone inward / by my mood, events, and by other artists who’ve inspired me over the years. Though, I am thankful to be near the beach.

What has inspired you to first get tattooed?

I got my first tattoo on my 16th birthday. Honestly, my first tattoo is nothing special, just a star on my hip - haha! But as a teenager, I really wanted to be a tattoo artist/makeup artist/ designer. Kat Von D was my Muse - really aspired to be just like her in a lot of ways. I was always unique / the outcast growing up. She was a woman who I related to greatly as a teen.

“The clouds no longer shadow me.” (Latin)

Kat is so rad, such a true artist— like yourself. You have drawn up most of your own tattoos, right?

All of my tattoos I designed / hand-drew. Although I don’t have many, I have designed a bunch for myself over the years that I still have saved in my sketch books. Plus, I used to design tattoos for people, especially for people who’ve lost loved ones to suicide.

Tell us about the your artistic process. How long does it take you to draw your tattoos? What goes through your mind while you are creating artwork that you’ll wear on your body forever?

It’s hard to explain my process, especially when it comes to myself. I have to be “in the moment.” I get more inspired by ideas rather than actual designs. So I tend to draw a lot of different ideas, and end up eventually pieces the fragments together. When I think of it in terms of permanence, I tend to go through my old designs and see what still resonates with me at the time I’m about to get tattooed. Although, I’ve always been a fan of fine line work, sacred geometry, flowers, and mandalas. I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of that. I also place my designs in a mirror and look at it daily before I get. If you get sick of seeing it in a mirror, you sure as hell won’t want it on your body forever.

Chloe you’ve been a plant based vegan for a while now. How many years? How has this impacted your art?

I wish I could say I am super creative, but the last few years have been so focused on healing and my mental health, that I haven’t had the head-space to really draw or create anything new, aside from my recent tattoos. I would love to get back into art again, once I get back in touch with my creative side. For now, I love using my coloring book.

How has going vegan impacted your tattoos and tattooing process?

It’s made me extra conscientious of what I’m putting in my body.

“ I also place my designs in a mirror and look at it daily before I get. If you get sick of seeing it in a mirror, you sure as hell won’t want it on your body forever.”

“Isshin Ryu” (Okinawan) Meaning: One heart way.

Tell us about your tattoo process. After drawing up your tattoo, how do you choose an artist to actually tattoo you? What matters most to you in this process?

I think for me, since I design my own tattoos, I look for an artist who reflects my own style, and is consistent in that style. And that goes for anyone: find an artist that reflects your style. There are some amazing artists out there that can do any style, but typically, I would still recommend someone who is within a radius you’re comfortable, accommodating to your ink/request, and to your liking.

There’s things to look for, too. For example, if you’re like me and you love line work, floral work, mandalas, etc… you want to look for a good line artist. Typically GOOD traditional tattoo artists will have clean line-work. You’ll be able to tell by really going through their previous tattoo gallery, too. If you’re looking to get more of a shaded tattoo, look for an artists that accommodates to that style.

www.kirknilson.com

What advice would you give someone who is looking to get tattooed and also be health conscious?

Look, tattoos are not healthy. But there’s always the lesser of two evils. If you want tattoos, theres ways to make it work.

Also know there is more healing required with shading due to the extra ink / shading needles.

In your opinion, how can tattoos be dangerous? How do you protect your body and stay strong while getting tattooed?

I think it’s important to go to a good quality artist, who you can trust and feel comfortable with. it’s worth the wait and the money. Also, go at a time where you’re not under tremendous stress or detoxing. Tattoo’s tax the adrenals, so you want to make sure you’re really in a stable place - mentally and physically - prior to getting one.

Focus on detoxifying foods that support adrenals, provide hydration, and eliminate metals: fruits - berries, melons, apples, citrus, mangos, dates - lemon water, green juices, cilantro, celery, parsley… CELLULAR hydration is key. this means eating and drinking hydrating foods, especially weeks prior and weeks to come. Balance it out with grounding foods and cooked veggies at night.

Focus on herbs prior and after getting tattooed, either in forms of teas, infusions, and/or tinctures. (Do some research, consult with a detox specialist, such as myself, and consult with your physician prior. You don’t want to just take a bunch of herbs at once, not knowing). Nervine and adaptogens are your best bet. Nervine examples would be St. John’s Wort, lavender, lemon balm, valerian, chamomile, etc… and adaptogens ashwaganda, astragalus, holy basil, reishi, etc. If you don’t have high blood pressure, taking licorice root for a few weeks can help improve adrenal function as well.

You don’t want to be in FULL detox mode while getting a tattoo. You’ll feel really shitty! Just focusing on hydration, eating well, some herbs to help your central nervous system and glands (nervines and adaptogens). Focus on more of a deeper detoxification in weeks to follow.

WARNING: I am not a doctor. This is just info!

Ink is important to you. Do you have a favorite ink?

I personally will only use black ink now, just for health purposes. Plus I personally love fine line work / black work. I find back ink to the safest. My two favorites are Eternal and SkinCandy. I know most artists also like using those brands as well, since it’s a good quality ink. I would contact the artist ahead of time and ask if what ink they use, and if it’s not vegan, if they can order ink for you. You may have to pay extra but usually the artist won’t mind, at least if they’re accommodating they won’t!

Do you have plans for getting tattooed in the future? Tell us about that.

Yes, I plan on finishing the sleeve I started. More of my art work of flowers, sacred, geometry, and mandalas. I most likely will never get another color tattoo, just for the chemical factor. Plus I’ve grown to really love simple, black, line-work.

What is one thing you’d like to see change in the tattoo industry?

Regulation of ink! There’s really little to no regulations as far as what is organic, what is good quality, or what is vegan.

Tell us about your most recent art project. What has inspired that?

I recently created an e-calendar of seasonal fruits, including fun facts & ways to eat them, to make it easier to find and eat fruit that is in season. It’s original art and illustrations + content, made by me. I put a lot of love and good vibes into it. The idea literally just popped into my head one day. I have a lot of people who come to me, asking what fruits they should be eating, or they fear eating fruit. I figured this was a great way to get people to ease their fruit fears and have fun exploring a new fruit each month!

I wanted this e-calendar to be a fun guide and monthly reminder. Or if you’re focusing more on detox, use these fruits as a guide for mono-meals and cleanse ideas! You can print, save to view monthly, or use as a screen saver each month!

Isn’t Chloe amazing, you guys? To peep more of her artwork visit https://www.clementinecrossing.com/e-calendars where you can purchase her latest release: Clementine’s Calendar

Catch up with her on Instagram & get inspired at @ClementineCrossing !

Thank you all for spending time with us today. I want to hear your tattoo stories and can’t wait to share more of these!

Now, it’s your turn— we all have a dream tattoo, what’s yours? Comment below!

Healing Takes Patience

2/15/2018

I want to talk about something pretty real with you guys today. I want to talk about how healing takes PATIENCE.

I know many of you are frustrated with your skin, dealing with chronic acne, as well as so many other symptoms that have stripped your confidence.

And so you start this healing diet full of fruits and veggies, you have high hopes, and you’ve been working sooo dang hard to stay on track!

And yet, days, weeks, and months pass— & somehow nothing seems to be changing. In fact, your skin is looking even worse than it did before.

This must not be working, right!?? You start to question yourself & this information.

You get frantic and start looking for other answers.

But wait. Please— stop right there!! I know this process. I’ve been there. I get it and want to help you understand what is happening.

Your body is working hard to clear out all the toxins which is why things seem to be worse.

Take the image that Anthony William uses of the dirty fish tank. When you start to clean it, the water gets stirred up and things seem even dirtier!

Or the visual that Whitney DeMaria uses of remodeling a house! And how as you begin this process things get MESSY. You work, room by room, ripping out old appliances and replacing them with new ones. It takes time for this house to feel like home.

Please, don’t give up. I have experienced firsthand how slow this can be— but how over time it dramatically changed my life for the best. Slow things down if you need to. Fruits especially, are very powerful!! Add more steamed veggies in if it’s too much.

Because healing takes time, it’s vital to keep your vision of your future-self strong. She/he is the one who will be thanking you for sticking it through the hard stuff! Hang onto that vision with all you’ve got. The journey may not be easy but you WILL get there.

I am rooting for you all the way!

Q + A : Finally Healing Acne

1/22/2018

Thank you all for your amazing response to my “THEN & NOW” photo on Instagram! The way so many of related and were supportive touch my heart beyond words. Nothing outweighs the feeling of finally being able to shed some light from such a dark experience.

There were so many good questions in the comments and from my DM’s I wanted to address them someone that everyone could have access, here on the blog!

If you have personal questions you would like answered here, please DM me on Instagram at @beautifruitful.

Alright, let’s jump right in!

How do you get an appointment with Anthony William Medical Medium?

It was almost a decade ago that I had the chance to work with Anthony! I came across his website on a random google search and was a desperate seeker— so I gave him a shot! Back then the information that we have access to now was very difficult to access. Please do not fear if you are unable to get a session with Anthony. At this time I do not think he takes private consults. What he does now is work hard to get ALL the information you need out in his podcasts, books, articles, and circulating within the vibrant healing community on social media. Healing takes time. Please know that as you implement steps (although it may seem things aren’t working right away) your body IS working for YOU!

Link to blog, books, and more: www.medicalmedium.com

Do you eat grains?

While I was healing my skin I found it helpful to first cut out wheat (gluten-free). I did this for a while before cutting out ALL grain (including quinoa and millet). For me, cutting them out helped considerably. Every body will be different, so see what works for you by documenting the way your body reacts with and without them.

Quinoa and millet are in a gray area when it comes to thier food group classification. When I was healing my skin I did not have access to Anthony William’s work, which does cite them both as a grain. Instead, I was documenting reactions to foods. I naturally cut them out as they seemed to worsen things, but after about 18 months began slowly adding them back in.

SoundCloud link: Listen to The Truth About Grains

Is it normal to have detox reactions, or a worsening of symptoms from certain foods?

Yes! Before I knew that all fruits were actually very healing for me, I thought many were actually bad for me because I would notice things would get worse. Now I understand that these fruits were detoxifying and “stirring the pot” so to speak. I personally stuck to mostly foods that were gentle for me. This can happen with other healing foods such as garlic, onion, cilantro, etc. As my body got stronger I was able to tolerate an abundance of foods without any negative side effect.

How long do you rebound?

15-20 minutes every day! If rebounding is challenging for you, do what you can!! Even sitting it on it bouncing is better than not doing anything at all.

Is other exercise as good for you as rebounding?

After rebounding for quite a while I started adding in other forms of exercise. However, it’s my understanding that rebounding targets lympathic stimulation of all areas in the body that most other exercise does not. Rebounding is also low impact which makes it easy on the body. This was the one & only exercise recommended to me by Anthony William.

What brand is your rebounder?

The day Anthony recommended I rebound I went straight to the store to hunt for one! The only place I could locally find one was Walmart. I do not know the brand! This was almost 10 years ago, so I no longer have the box to check. However it was the only one they had and was around $30.

What diet and supplements helped you?

This is a REALLY big and REALLY important question! I have something super special I will be releasing for you guys to explain more about what supplements and diet helped me most in MY personal experience. Keep an eye out for this coming over the next few days, I can’t wait to share more with you guys!!

Should I go 100% Raw? Vegan?

In the beginning parts of my healing journey I did a few short raw cleanses & ate a vegan diet. I do believe all of this helped me heal as it naturally lowered my fat intake. Cutting out eggs and dairy also was substantial as they are known to feed pathogens that are causing acne.

At one point I did encorporate fish into my diet and seemed to do fine with that every once in while. I went back and forth on being vegan for quite some time — battling the “protein myths” — and finally felt safe without meat. In my experience eating SIMPLE meals was really the key. I will get into exactly what I ate and what worked for me in more detail in my little surprise I have coming up for you!

I got bad acne symptoms after a routine vaccine. Is it just a waiting game now?

To an extent it IS a waiting game, as it takes time to rebuild immunity after something like this happens. I had many doctors and healers suggest that this was also the root cause of what I was experiencing in my body as well. It takes time. But supporting your body through it is what matters most. As you give your body the support it needs it can recover much more quickly.

I am loosing hope. What can I do?

You are not alone! Please know this. This can feel like a long process but you will see progress as you put one foot in front of the other each and every day. Baby steps add up.

I struggled with this condition for about 5 years. Half of that was spent just discovering the RIGHT information. The other half (in reality it was a bit less— around 18 months) once I was consistently doing one thing, was spent actually healing. During this second half I made major leaps in my process as I had eliminated the correct foods, was being more patient, and started rebounding every day.

Thisnis an amazing read here that will help you gain more awareness of what is happening in your body: Healing Acne by Medical Medium

I will be back with more answers to your questions soon!

Remember that with persistence and dedication to your healing, you can heal! You can live the life of your dreams. I believe in you!

Thisbis my story of finally healing acne and how you can, too.

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How Tattoos Impact Autoimmune Conditions (+ what you can do about it)

7/14/2017

Society is finally coming around to accept tattoos as a cultural norm. The shift from "that guy looks scary" to "that guy looks interesting" -- it's happening.

Ah. It's the time we've all been waiting for.

Then insert: Heavy Metals.

Heard of 'em? They're totally ruining the fun.

I am a cosmetic tattoo artist by trade and I taught myself to be a tattooer over the years in between microblading eyebrows and eyeliner. I have an affinity for all things ink + needle, for its ability to create a transformation for someone on a physical and even emotional/spiritual level.

However, it has been my own run with autoimmune symptoms I have learned a few things about the presence of heavy metals in tattoo ink that have made me question if I will ever get tattooed again.

What are Heavy Metals, anyway?

Heavy Metals are organic substances such as arsenic, copper, iron, nickle, lead, titanium, and mercury. These metals are what gives the ink it's color and the reason it stays in the skin for so long.

While toxins of every kind are harmful, heavy metals pose a unique threat. Not only are they damaging in their own right, they are also a form of neurotoxin (a poison that disrupts nerve function and confuses your immune system). Heavy metal neurotoxins can inflame and irritate our central nervous system (especially our brain), causing multiple symptoms such as memory loss, brain fog, fatigue, and depression. Toxic heavy metals can also promote inflammation in the digestive tract, releasing poisons into our gut as well. As if this isn’t bad enough, heavy metals also serve as a source of food for viruses, bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens in our body.- Anthony William, Medical Medium

The Heavy Metal + Tattoo Connection

Unfortunately guys, we're not talking about Black Sabbath.

I have uncovered throughout my personal journey that there are major links between autoimmune conditions and tattoos, as many tattoo inks contain copious amounts of heavy metals which are unregulated by the FDA here in the US.

In fact, the heavy metal contents of many traditional inks in the US would be illegal in most regulated European countries.

When it comes to the actual tattooing process, these substances are implanted into the tissues of the skin where they can easily enter the bloodstream and settle into organs inside the body.

The good news is, this information has NOT stopped me from microblading and doing permanent makeup.

It has, however, motivated me to make healthier choices in the pigments I use on my clients. For the last 3 years I have devoted my practice to only using heavy-metal free pigments.

Although heavy metal-free pigments are available for permanent makeup, I have yet to come across heavy-metal inks for body tattoos. But even at that, there are companies (which I list below) that are cleaning things up to a great extent.

How To Protect Yourself

Awareness that not all tattoo pigments & inks are created equal, is your best defense. This isn't an article to persuade anyone from getting tattoos or permanent makeup, but rather to show you that you have options-- especially if you are already dealing with a health issue.

More than anything, it's not that a consumer should fear getting tattoos, but it is important they know what's in the ink/pigment thier artist is using and the potential effects.

When it comes to microblading and permanent makeup, the best in the industry is PhiBrows, as they have developed a synthetic alternative to heavy metals to achieve their colors.

As far as tattoo inks, it is hard pressed to come across a brand that is heavy metal free just yet. What you will find are companies going above and beyond to ensure lower levels of heavy metals and elimination of the most harmful ones. Trusted brands include:

Alla Prima Ink
Arcane Tattoo Inks
Bloodline & Skin Candy Tattoo Inks
Dynamic Tattoo Inks
Eternal Ink
Fantasia Tattoo Inks
Formula 51 Tattoo Ink
Intenze Tattoo Ink
Kuro Sumi Tattoo Ink
Mom’s Ink by Millennium Colors, Inc.
Panthera Black Tattoo Ink
Radiant Colors Tattoo Ink
Sacred Color Tattoo Inks
Starbrite Colors

The Heavy Metal Detox Smoothie

The best news here is that you can help your body remove these toxic substances. The best course of action, if you already have tattoos or don't plan on stopping, is to incorporate this detox smoothie into your daily routine:

According to Anthony William, author of the New-York Times Best Seller "Medical Medium: Secrets To Mystery Illness & How To Finally Heal", this heavy metal smoothie is one of the best things we can all do, tattooed or not, for our health.

This smoothie is not only delicious, it's also perfectly designed to include five key ingredients that work together in synergy to pull heavy metals like mercury, lead, aluminum, nickel, copper, and cadmium out of your organs where they accumulate.

Heavy Metal Detox Smoothie Recipe via Medical Medium

Ingredients:
2 bananas
2 cups wild blueberries
1 cup cilantro
1 cup orange juice
1 tsp barley grass juice powder
1 tsp Hawaiian Spirulina
1 small handful of Atlantic dulse
Optional: water to blend

Directions:
In a high speed blender, blend all ingredients until smooth. If a thinner consistency is desired, add up to 1 cup of water. Enjoy!

My hope is that you found the information presented here helpful. I don't believe in living in fear, but instead to be aware and empowered by our choices.

Thank you for stopping by and reading!

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Why It Matters What's In Your Tattoo Ink

7/13/2017

When most people get tattoo they are aware of their health risks in regards to infection, but not about the risks of the inks being used.

Do you know what's in your tattoo ink?

I started questioning ingredients in the pigments I used in 2013 when a friend of mine had a reaction to a tattoo I gave her. At the time I was using iron-oxide based permanent makeup pigments. It shocked me this had happened and I dove into as much research as I could on the topic.

What I discovered was quite alarming. Not only did most American companies not disclose thier ingredients, but none of these companies were regulated by the FDA either.

Tattoo ink often contains toxic levels of preservatives such as formaldehyde and heavy metals such as arsenic.

Because of this, it was impossible for me to try and break down what exactly had caused the issue for her. As of recent many tattoo companies are finally being forced to disclose exactly what's in thier products, as required by California law.

However, the current stance of the FDA when it comes to tattoo pigments and inks goes something like this:

“Because of other public health priorities and a previous lack of evidence of safety concerns, FDA has not traditionally regulated tattoo inks or the pigments used in them.”

So, when your country shows minimal concern for the safety of the industry you work in, what do you do?

You either take advantage of it and do what you want or -- you start looking to progressive movements in other parts of the world, like Germany, Denmark, Austria and New Zealand, who are raising flags on the issue at hand.

European countries may provide better quality tattoo inks because of their strict regulations.

Most consumers are aware of the infection risks, but few are aware of the chemical risks,” said Anke Meisner, a policy officer at the German Federal Ministry of Food & Agriculture and a panel member at the ESOF conference.

A recent JRC report indicated that inks imported from the U.S. were responsible for two-thirds of the tattoo-related medical alerts sent to European authorities, the report says. A further one-quarter of these problematic inks came from China, Japan, and some European countries, while the provenance of 9% of products was unknown.

Most consumers are aware of infection risks but few are aware of chemical risks when it comes to tattooing.

What I have found in my reasearch is that the cleanest, most regulated pigments in the world are not coming from American companies, but from European companies.

It is the primary reason I choose to use PhiBrows pigments for permanent makeup. When the owner, Branko Babic, is formulating, he is taking into consideration all the European laws which are currently the strictest in the world.

Branko Babic of PhiBrows is a forerunner in the tattoo industry for product health & safety standards.

Motivated by the Council of Europe’s recommendations, about one-third of EU countries, including Germany, Spain, and France, implemented a mishmash of their suggestions through national laws. For example, among other regulations, Germany has made it illegal for tattoo inks in the country to contain any chemicals on the Council of Europe’s list of substances banned in cosmetics. “What is not safe on the skin is not safe in the skin,” Germany’s Meisner said.

PhiBrows pigment follow strict European regulation, and does not include toxic heavy metals in their formulations.

With automimmime illness and other diseases on the rise, why risk adding to the problem of an already compromised immune system? When my clients are coming to me with hairloss because of medical and age-related issues, these are the questions I ask myself.

I am personally grateful to the PhiBrows team and my teacher, Branko Babic, for being a forerunner in the advancement of this industry's safety and health standards. Branko's tools and pigments are certified in Austria (the only country that currently certifies for tattoo ink and tool safety) for microbiologcal and heavy metal safety.

Microblading, as well as all cosmetic tattoo applications, can be done in a safe way. Remember that it is always your right to have full disclosure on all materials being used in your permanent makeup or tattooing application. Don't hesitate to ask questions and be sure to feel comfortable with the answers you receive.

As always, thank you for reading!

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Lessons Learned: Reflections on 2013

2/3/2014

I know, I know...It's a bit past the new year. But I have really been wanting to do this! A reflection of 2013. Today is the first day of the new year in the Chinese calendar, so I am going with that as the perfect reason to sit down and do this reflection. Pictures and all. I encourage every woman to do the same; it's a great opportunity to look at your experiences and what you have learned from them. We are always our own greatest teachers.

For myself, 2013 was a year of truly unearthing my confidence as a woman with a purpose in this world. It was all what I was seeking, and had been working torwards for many years. I desired at such a deep level to really step into my talents, passions, and my relationship with myself and others - to stop holding back and being afraid to say what I really wanted. 2013 laid that solid blueprint for me to learn exactly how to do this.

FEBRUARY: I committed myself to physical movement.

I went jogging one random morning back in early 2013 because I felt like it might be fun to try. Let me just say - This was WAY out of my character. I was never exactly the physically active "type". It was snowy, cold, and I was wearing somewhere around 5 sweatshirts and some worn-out Asic Tigers. It sounds like torture, but honestly - I couldn't believe what a great day I had following that little jog. It was insanity to me that I suddenly was so excited to wake up early and go running in the cold winter weather. But I had fallen in love with the feeling. Since that day forth, I am officially a dedicated runner. I have no idea how far I go, to this day. I do know that it takes me about 15 minutes. I have had so many beautiful moments while jogging outside and breathing in the fresh air. I run on trails as much as possible, where it is peaceful, and I don't have to think about other people catching glimpses of my crazy running outfits.

Lesson #1: Exercise achieves more than just abs.
Running gave me an outlet to be real with myself. After jogging for just a few minutes, my mind is clearer, and I am alone with what is really important to me. Sometimes it is harder than other times. Sometimes I feel like I have wings. Sometimes I just cry like crazy after I finish. Or feel like I'm on cloud 9. Or be so inspired by a new idea that I jump right into it. Or have an amazing peace about something that had me conflicted. Running helps me let it all go. 15 minutes or less.

AUGUST: I opened AURA's new studio location.

I made the big move. The opportunity to move my business into a "real" business location presented itself, and I knew I was ready. Call it fate, call it luck - the timing couldn't have been more perfect. My business was floating along happily before the move, but I knew that making the jump into a bigger location would present much more opportunity for growth, and an expansion of my aspirations. I went through moments of being very nervous and second guessing myself. But I just kept taking baby steps forward. I discovered my true courage and guts in this process (with the encouragement from lots of amazing family & friends! What would I do without you?).

Lesson #2: Desires will manifest in their own perfect time.
Now, I didn't know that I wanted to move right then, and didn't even know that I wanted to be in that particular space. I was so content where I was with everything that I wasn't even looking externally for these kinds of opportunities. But what I did know for certain, and what I was very connected to, was the dream that I wanted to be an awesome cosmetic tattoo artist. I wanted to be the best and offer the best. I wanted to help women feel amazing about themselves, and in the process - I wanted to find out how amazing I could be too. I wanted to know myself more, and take things to levels of my wildest imagination. I was infected with a crazy confidence that told me that no matter how challenging it felt, if I just kept the faith & kept moving forward that things would unravel naturally. And they did! And sure, it literally took a wall crumbling apart in my old studio to make me outta-this-world frustrated-enough to go see what other buildings might be available at that time, but it was all in perfect order. This new studio has given me the ability to be the artist I truly desire to be.

OCTOBER: I connected with my friends.

For about 10 years I have been the most intensively driven that I have ever been in my entire life. What can I say? I have finally found so many things that I love. Hobbies, interests, exciting new trainings, a new business, and the most amazing fiancé. But admist all these great things and my commitment to focusing on them all, I discovered that what I had left behind was the ladies in my life. My friends. It felt like it was always a struggle for me to find the time, and the sincere desire, to hang out with anyone, really. But the truth of what I was learning here, was harder than just me carrying around fearful, guilty baggage.

Lesson #3: Keep friendships simple and full of love - only.
The people who really love and understand me, are going to do JUST THAT. The friends that didn't understand and would constantly leave me feeling guilty - well, I finally got up the nerve to let those relationships go. In my heart I knew this was not only healthy for me, but for the other end as well. It doesn't mean that I don't love them still. I think it goes to say for all relationships, that it shouldn't feel like work. Or like prison. This sudden shift in perspective and newly found self-respect allowed me to begin enjoying the presence of friends in my life, the ones that placed no expectation or obligation on me, at a whole new level. It is my strongest intention to continue being there for those I love as well, and to be conscious of the expectations that I blindly place on them. Simply put: Drop the drama. Don't be afraid of letting go of what makes you feel anything less than joy.

DECEMBER: I got engaged to the love of my life.

I met Nic when I was 18 years old. I fell in love with him right away. We joke about it now - how I didn't know anything about why I loved him so much then, except because I thought he was the most attractive person I had ever seen. When my friend Val pulled me inside that night and told me: "Nic said he's going to marry you someday!" I almost passed out with butterflies. We joke about that too - he thinks I am crazy for not being extremely turned off by how creepy that must have sounded... considering it was the first time that we ever met. But what can I say? Love is never about sanity. It hasn't always been a fairytale, but the way our lives wove in and out over the years was magical in its own special way. In the time between back-then and now, we both moved across the country, went to college, broke each other's hearts, & found what was really important to us.

Lesson #4: True love takes patience.
It is easy to fall in love. But true love - that takes trust, respect, vulnerability, compassion, and- it takes misunderstandings. All which needs your nurturing and patience while it plays out. How do I know for sure that I want to be with this particular man forever? It's partially things I can't explain, and partially what I can. And what I can explain is this: We are two different people, who want to feel like one person all the time. But that is obviously not how it always going to work. So what stands out to me, is that even when we aren't on the same page, we both have a crazy desire to work through things and find our sweet spot again. Even if we have to stay up all night to get there. When we figure it out, I feel closer to him than ever, and more truly in-love with everything about life because of it. I have never known a love like that. It took patience for us to grow together like this. And I know that connection we have is worth the commitment. And even though I am still infatuated with his handsomeness- it's so much more than that to me now. It's about growing together, as well as separately. But always weaving in and out. That kind of love has been 100% worth the wait.

From here, 2014 looks bright. Thank you for reading this reflection; it is by far the most personal topic I have shared here. But this is another stepping stone for me, a way to share and learn, to be more open and authentic, and hopefully inspire you to do the same. This year it is my intention to keep growing, learning, and bringing out the best that I have to offer my friends, my family, and the world around me. There is so much to look forward to in the future, and so much to be grateful for in the past.

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“Look, tattoos are not healthy. But there’s always the lesser of two evils. If you want tattoos, there’s ways to make it work.”

“ I also place my designs in a mirror and look at it daily before I get. If you get sick of seeing it in a mirror, you sure as hell won’t want it on your body forever.”

How do you get an appointment with Anthony William Medical Medium?​

Do you eat grains?

Is it normal to have detox reactions, or a worsening of symptoms from certain foods?​

How long do you rebound?​

Is other exercise as good for you as rebounding?​

What brand is your rebounder?​

What diet and supplements helped you?​

Should I go 100% Raw? Vegan?​

I got bad acne symptoms after a routine vaccine. Is it just a waiting game now?​

I am loosing hope. What can I do?​

Thisbis my story of finally healing acne and how you can, too.

What are Heavy Metals, anyway?

The Heavy Metal + Tattoo Connection

How To Protect Yourself

The Heavy Metal Detox Smoothie

Stay on track with your health and join our 14-Day High Raw Community Cleanse!

This is my story of finally healing acne and how you can, too.

Stay on track with your goals and join our 14-Day High Raw Community Cleanse!

Archives

Categories

Stay on track and reach your goals with a
14-Day High Raw Cleanse!

How do you get an appointment with Anthony William Medical Medium?

Is it normal to have detox reactions, or a worsening of symptoms from certain foods?

How long do you rebound?

Is other exercise as good for you as rebounding?

What brand is your rebounder?

What diet and supplements helped you?

Should I go 100% Raw? Vegan?

I got bad acne symptoms after a routine vaccine. Is it just a waiting game now?

I am loosing hope. What can I do?