Snapshots of Wellness will be on hiatus for several weeks.  My father passed away this past weekend and I am grieving.  I will have much to share when I get back with all of you.  Please pray for my heart, my family & my dad's wife, Becky.  My dad was my hero.

Thanks for all of of your patience and support of Snapshots of Wellness.  It means the world to me.

 “It’s not your fault." (“Good Will Hunting”) - Will grows frustrated and then broken down by Dr. Sean Maguire in Gus Van Sant’s 1997 award winning film.  Dr. Sean methodically repeats  “It’s not your fault,” until Will finally gives in and clings to his therapist....utterly broken & relieved. We then have Van Sant cutting the scene to Williams face where is eyes speak to the camera - knowing he reached the boy.

Good Will Hunting is one of my all time favorite movies of my lifetime.  It's in my 'Top 5' & it's due to Robin Williams.  I have always been blown away by Robin Williams comedic fast paced & heart pounding genius but watching him in a dramatic role was just spellbinding. 

I also personally loved when he would take over interviews leaving the interviewer in 'head bent over stomach' laughter.  It was hilarious - seriously hilarious.  Robin Williams is iconic.  There is no one like him and there won't be again - he was one of a kind  - entertaining all of us in his own stratosphere. I do not know many true geniuses and he surpasses those I know in his brilliance.  What an unstoppable mind.  What raw talent.  And what a true endearing spirit.  I love this video I attached at the bottom of Robin with Koko the Gorilla - you have to watch it. I think it illustrates his tender heart that his daughter talks so much about.

My heart ached by Zelda Williams (daughter) statement to the world which is posted at the end of this article.  What she wrote is captivating, heart-wrenching and so wise.  She reminds me in her writing of her father.  Let us not forget to include her, her brothers & their entire family in our nightly prayers when we lye our heads down.  It is the best gift we can provide the family and much more powerful then writing about him.

And this brings me to the manner in which Robin Williams passed away.  Oh how I wish they did not publicize the details although I understand it is public knowledge.  And oh how I wish that we as onlookers, consumers, the 'entertained' by film, focus on what his family has asked us to and that is to focus on his humor, joy, laughter, generosity & tender-heart.  Robin's daughter reiterated a multitude of times in interviews & comments that Robin had always maintained a gentle demeanor under all circumstances & moods as her dad.  How many of us can say that about ourselves or our own fathers? What a sweet and dear man. 

And now my mind goes to those I know struggling with depression or whose children are.  Speak out - talk to people - get help - do 'something' and if you do not know what to do, ask a confidante what action steps you can take.  I cannot tell you how many people I have crossed paths with that have a child who is suffering from deep depression and they do not say a word to anyone....due to 'stigma', embarrassment, fear, etc.  My heart aches for these children and families who have no one speaking out for them and it makes me angry.  I cannot help it.  What are we afraid of? Reach out to others and stand up for your children.  Stand up for yourself if it is you who needs help. And get educated on the illness of depression. And if you just cannot bring yourself to speak to loved ones about yourself or someone you love, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255.

Zelda Williams, Robin Williams daughter's statement summarizes this shock to the world so poignantly:

“My family has always been private about our time spent together. It was our way of keeping one thing that was ours, with a man we shared with an entire world. But now that’s gone, and I feel stripped bare. My last day with him was his birthday, and I will be forever grateful that my brothers and I got to spend that time alone with him, sharing gifts and laughter. He was always warm, even in his darkest moments. While I’ll never, ever understand how he could be loved so deeply and not find it in his heart to stay, there’s minor comfort in knowing our grief and loss, in some small way, is shared with millions. It doesn’t help the pain, but at least it’s a burden countless others now know we carry, and so many have offered to help lighten the load. Thank you for that.

To those he touched who are sending kind words, know that one of his favorite things in the world was to make you all laugh. As for those who are sending negativity, know that some small, giggling part of him is sending a flock of pigeons to your house to poop on your car. Right after you’ve had it washed. After all, he loved to laugh too…

Dad was, is and always will be one of the kindest, most generous, gentlest souls I’ve ever known, and while there are few things I know for certain right now, one of them is that not just my world, but the entire world is forever a little darker, less colorful and less full of laughter in his absence. We’ll just have to work twice as hard to fill it back up again.”
 - Zelda Williams

And to Robin Williams, it was not your fault.  We will keep your spirit burning bright.  And commit to daily laughter as well as speaking out about our struggles in your honor.  And thank you for entertaining the world with your hilarity and my repeated choice of words, your utter brilliance.

So I'm going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.
-Chris Daughtry, 'Home'

We are starting off this week at Snapshots of Wellness with an incredibly endearing story that's inspiring to me and my hope is, all of you. And it's a story that is an amazing reminder to all of my readers that wellness (the touchstone of this website) encompasses so much more then 'what we eat'.  Wellness is an entire lifestyle and a large part of being healthy is how we treat those we love, overall healthy relationships, loving our families 'well', spending quality time together and doing whatever activities together that bring us joy. 

I want to introduce all of you to the family photographed above: Michael, Kieran, & Erin Haak.  They were sitting in front of my boyfriend & I last night at the Goo Goo Dolls concert at Northerly Island. We sat down behind them and we were all listening to Chris Daughtry (who I kept calling Robert DAW-A-TREE and embarrassing myself as those sitting next to me would say 'Um, his name is Chris'- ha).  Chris opened for the Goo Goo Dolls and while I don't know his music well, I was very much preoccupied watching this couple, Michael & Erin and their son, Kieran who were seated right in front of us.  They were captivating.

Kieran's arms were in the air for every single song that Daughtry sang and this little boy never stopped dancing, smiling or singing - and I mean, never stopped! He would wrap his arms around his mom & dad's necks, occasionally kissing their cheeks and the entire family was lost in the music.  My heart felt full watching them because it's just rare (sadly) that I see a husband and wife show such deep- kind -affection for one another and their child - all at the same time.  It was so sweet that my boyfriend & I kept nudging one another to 'look at how precious that family is'.  Michael & Kieran would be belting out the lyrics to one another and Erin would dance along with them.  I thought to myself 'Now THAT is life and THAT is what life is truly all about'. So, we were observers to a family bonding in the sweetest way.  I mean, isn't that what life really is about? You see couples who are arguing or families whose parents are too busy criticizing then loving.  And then you see this family and it brings you back to what is absolutely most important in life, those we build a family with.

After having a conversation with the family, Michael & Erin shared that their son absolutely LOVED Chris Daughtry and his music.  BUTTT it was the reason why that liquified my heart into a puddle...

Michael Haak is a United States Marine who was deployed to Djibouti, Africa in December of 2006.  He returned home in October of 2007. While he was gone, Erin shared that Kieran would listen to 'Home' by Chris Daughtry.  The song provided Kieran with comfort while he waited for his dad to come home.  And Kieran missed his dad terribly.  Is your heart just melting? I know, I felt the same way.

This family provided me with inspiration on multiple levels last night.  I am so grateful to have gotten to know them albeit briefly! Michael, Erin & Kieran, if you are reading, thank you so much for moving my soul with your love for one another. And you are both so kind - just filled with integrity (and I love when I meet people like you knowing instantly that you are just - as my mom likes to say - 'good people').  I am inspired Michael by your dedication to serve our country.  I will never understand your level of courage but I certainly admire it and I am so very appreciative.  I am also glad you made it home safely to your family.  Michael & Erin, your parenting inspires me.  I am moved that you two took your son to a concert that he was passionate about and encouraged him to dance & sing.  Your love for your son was so evident and just really special to watch.  I loved how you treated him with such respect and matched his excitement! I just do not see that as often as I wish I did with families.  And Kieran, you had such an impact on everyone sitting around you! Do you remember all of the hugs you gave everyone before you left? And you really hugged all of us tight.  Kieran, you are very special and your love for mom & dad inspired not just my boyfriend & I but those sitting next to you. Please know that you motivated all of us to love, be kind & experience joy!!! And to motivate adults is amazing!! Keep being you Kieran because you are very special! 

I think the moral of this story (for me) was to truly cherish those we love and to get in touch with 'true joy'.  This family was 'in it' via the music, their son's joy, love for one another and in the process, motivating those around them. 

We all stand something to learn from this family! They captured what Snapshots of Wellness actually means! I hope they are reading this! I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the reminders that I needed to experience last night!

"Home"

I'm staring out into the night,
Trying to hide the pain.
I'm going to the place where love
And feeling good don't ever cost a thing.
And the pain you feel's a different kind of pain.

Well I'm going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.
I'm not running from.
No, I think you got me all wrong.
I don't regret this life I chose for me.
But these places and these faces are getting old,
So I'm going home.
Well I'm going home.

The miles are getting longer, it seems,
The closer I get to you.
I've not always been the best man or friend for you.
But your love remains true.
And I don't know why.
You always seem to give me another try.

So I'm going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.
I'm not running from.
No, I think you got me all wrong.
I don't regret this life I chose for me.
But these places and these faces are getting old,

Be careful what you wish for,
'Cause you just might get it all.
You just might get it all,
And then some you don't want.
Be careful what you wish for,
'Cause you just might get it all.
You just might get it all, yeah.

Oh, well I'm going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.
I'm not running from.
No, I think you got me all wrong.
I don't regret this life I chose for me.
But these places and these faces are getting old.
I said these places and these faces are getting old,
So I'm going home.
I'm going home.

So, I am mentally ready to regain my health {trust me, you need physical, emotional and mental breaks when you are 'at it' for so long).  Thank you Hillary & MindBodyGreen for sharing!!!

Now onto my diet.  I have recommitted to a high iron vegan diet.  I have created the diet on my own with the help of Jus Juus, Dr. Joel Rosen and a plethora of books that are staples such as The Kind Life, Crazy Sexy Diet and My Beef with Meat.  I won't post what I eat daily but know it will consist of a variety of daily morning juices from Jus Juus.  My lunch menu the next thirty days will range from high iron bean & quinoa dishes, hearty green salads, avocado toast w/ red pepper flakes and collard green wraps.  Dinner will be high in healthy fats and protein.  My body is going to get an overload of greens - kale, spinach, avocados, chard, mixed greens, peppers, grapes, cucumbers, zucchini, apples, etc.  And I will be consuming a lot of watermelon - a LOT of it - along w/ peaches, bananas, various berries and plums.  And yes, chocolate will make it's way into my weekly diet - this is a lifestyle change, not a restriction 'put myself in food jail' plan. I am freeing my body from ill health and this is how you do it.

Spiritually, I cannot succeed - I cannot approach any goal - I cannot even gather the energy to rise - without Jesus Christ.  So, walking in the Word is the only way for me to live my life.  And with God's grace, I intend to grow closer to Him these next 30 days and onward. I am eager to join my boyfriend in Jennie Allen's Chase study in efforts to grow in Christ. If you don't know Jennie Allen, you are missing out!

Exercise? Walk - walk - walk.

My village? I have decided to surround myself with more people who I want to emulate.  I admire integrity - responsibility - The Fruits of the Spirit via character.  I know I am not going to get healthier spending time with unhealthy peeps - at least it makes it a lot more challenging. 

So, that's my game plan.  If you want to join me, please do.  I intend for this to be a lifestyle change and therefore, life long change is a different mountain to climb.  I am very serious about & beyond committed but my feet must do the talking now. 

Finally, I was asked if I would 'cheat'.  Yeah, I prob. will.... to answer your question Carrie (0:  I am not striving for perfection via a 'diet' - diet is only one component.  I want to change my entire life.  I changed my life in 2011 by overcoming odds that are genuinely not achievable without every component mentioned at the beginning of this blog.  And I can do it again.  So can you - on your terms - in your own way.  Just please do it already because I am reminded daily recently that life is short.  And your 'one day' will result in never if you keep waiting and you certainly do not want to live with that level of regret.