I Am Not Nervous Eating

Those who have known me for a while know that I’ve been outspoken about my long battle with eating disorders stemming from adolescent trauma, insecurity and experiences as a competitive swimmer. Back on social media now because of COVID, I was scrolling through my feed the other day and noticed a lot of posts about…

Read More

WOW: The Body’s Ability to Restore and Maintain Health

Our world is polluted. As a mom of a young child, I am aware of this now more than ever. Pesticides.  GMO’s.  Cleaning supplies.  Sunscreen.  Air.  Personal care products.  Preservatives.  This list can go on and on. Recently, I found myself pretty worked up about all the ways I try to protect our family from…

Read More

Noticing Fat

“Hello darkness my old friend, I’ve come to talk with you again.” – Simon & Garfunkel Amidst an otherwise still moment of gazing through a window at dunes that lead out towards the beach and a feathered blue sky, I notice a whisper from a dusty corner of my mind. “You’re getting fat.” My right…

Read More

WOW: Wonder, Wonder Everywhere

A sea bird with origami-like wings and a pointed tail soars up above; Flies over giant palm fronds dancing on trees in the breeze just north of where I am surfing. I look out to the horizon to catch wave number 19, Another lined up in perfect geometry. Short side toward the rocks to my…

Read More

From the Aftermath of “Edie”

Growing up, I was one of those girls who people thought had it easy. I learned at an early age to strive for goals, achieve, and measure people’s value (including my own) on material things. I was rewarded well for the efforts I put on this outward success, and yet, they left “Edie” brewing. “Edie”(pronounced…

Read More

On A Women’s Right to Choose

While I stand with the Unity Principles as set forth by the Women’s March on Washington, the abortion issue calls forth in me an answer that includes both sides. In December of 2001, just days before Christmas, I had an abortion. Back from college for Christmas break with the push of finals behind me, I was able…

Read More

“I love my body as it is.”

I n a recent interview with Ellen, “plus-size” model Robyn Lawley encourages people to accept and love their natural size: Model, Robyn Lawley, is full of wisdom! In her interview, she tells Ellen that if you start to say that your body is beautiful instead of nitpicking at its flaws, you will start to see…

Read More

25 Lessons Learned Over The Past 20 Years

As we prepare to launch our first Heart of Leadership programs on Thursday, I took a moment this weekend to reflect.  20 years ago, I entered my freshman year in high school – ready to make new friends and take on the world.  The journey since those days of a smile full of braces has…

Read More

You Are More Beautiful Than You Think

Dove has done it again with this video that speaks to the heart of the beauty issue for women and girls.  In this three-minute ad, a forensic artist sketches people based on their own perceptions of themselves and then again how others see them.  It brought me to tears. Dove says that only 4% of…

Read More

Why It’s Important to Share Your Story

I just wrapped up a full day of powerful middle school assemblies – after each one, lines of students waited to talk.  Some shared encouragement, hope, and thanks for the message; others told tearful stories about being bullied; and others shared their secret pain manifested in being the bully, cutting, eating disorders, depression, and thoughts…

Read More