Summer Q&A with SW Readers!

Numerous of you chat w/ me via my social media outlets (particularly email). And I love interacting with all of you. I have noticed that I am getting the same questions over and over in my inbox. So, I'm going to answer them for you below! Thanks for inquiring! It's sweet that you even care to know! I love hearing about all of you too - whatever you feel compelled to share! I have been told I have one of the most interactive wellness sites in Chicago and that makes me smile.

Why do you not share more about your personal life on SW?

This is my most frequent question in 2016.

I do not share more about my personal life for several reasons, 1). I am not ready to share more details of my story on the internet and don't know if this is the arena that I ever will share details of my story, 2). If you really read my blog, you see 'bits & bites' of my story threaded throughout including my testimony under the 'Him' tab, 3). Some blogs document their travels and what they do with their time daily, who they are dating, what restaurants they are frequenting, all about their marriage, their health journey, etc. I personally love reading them. But that blogging style is just not for me. 4). The intent of SW is to get you focused on your own wellness, well being, faith walk and health. And to motivate you to look inward & outward to how you can contribute - with your gifts - to improving the health of the world.  So you will not find where I am traveling, who I am dating, details of my personal pursuits, etc. You will find a LOT about health, community, faith and wellness though (0;

P.S. I have zero interest in becoming a blogging 'personality' like many do. I personally don't like that type of attention. I thrive 'behind the scenes'. I am truly passionate about marketing so, shining the spotlight on organizations, people, companies, books, products, etc. that are changing the world. And I love to team with them behind the scenes - quietly. I also prefer to share about more of who I am with those I trust - sitting across a community dinner table - breakin' bread together.

What are your 'go to' favorite meals?
I love a Vega One Smoothie( Mocha, Chocolate & French Vanilla are my favorites) to start my day. I mix with homemade almond milk (so much protein & beyond budget friendly) and I often toss in whatever I feel like on that given day - sometimes it's hemp & chia seeds, other days it's blueberries or almond butter. The nutritional benefits of Vega Smoothies is that you don't have to add anything in at all.

I love: Sweet potatoes and kale/chard/spinach, nuts & seeds, blueberries, apples & almond butter. Those are some of my favorite snacks!

My favorite meal is one that I throw together from leftovers in my pantry. I saute a large variety of greens, top with seeds, nuts, avocados, roasted veggies and sauerkraut.

I do not eat grains of any kind, dairy, rarely processed food and I stay away from sugar (most of the time). I eat 100% organic (when I am cookin') and gluten free. And I love it!

Are you fully Vegan?

I eat primarily plant based which means not entirely. I eat what my body needs to thrive  - I eat what is best for healing & energizing my body 'in the present' - and I identify mostly with Tara Stiles outlook in her 'Make Your Own Rules Diet'.

I don't identify with personal labels at all anymore nor have I for about two years. I am a huge Animal Rights Activist and support a number of organizations that are saving animals in laboratories and elsewhere. A few examples are Beagle Freedom Project, PCRM & Wild Aid.

I use 100% cruelty free products via home, skincare, body care, etc. and I no longer purchase leather items at all. I am furthering my education on environmental sustainability as well. My goal is always to be better informed vs. opinionated.

You talk about community a lot. How do I even get into community?

I love this question and get it all the time. It confirms how much we need community - everyone desires it. 

I used to think 'being in community' meant being with a lot of people - showing up to events - parties - being in large groups. And that can be fruitful and fulfilling or it can be so lonely. For me, it was SO lonely (and frankly, beyond boring) because having surface conversations over and over again with the same people - never building real relationships -  isn't my 'thing'. I need to be highly intellectually stimulated (just my personality) so, these types of exchanges have me longing to be anywhere else.

Community to me is finding a tribe that is your family - that goes to bat for you (and you for them) when the hard times hit.  Community to me is people I grow with. Community to me are those willing to go into uncharted waters with me and me, them.  You know, when the others scatter b/c they do. Community to me means going 'deep' with a tribe you cultivated - sharing one another's burdens - and encouraging one another to evolve. And community also means doing all of the lighthearted fun activities together too.

So how do you become a part of community? In my opinion, you pray to God about it first and foremost. Tell Him the desires of your heart. And secondly, start getting to know people. You can join a church, meetups, local neighborhood community events, etc.  And then comes wisdom and discernment.

It takes a lot of time and effort. It did for me. But when you find those you trust - those that are safe -  and that have your back and you there's....it changes you internally. And when you are all willing to walk through life together - all of life (the messiness especially), you have found gold. Life changes within the context of community. And so does faith in God.

Is there anywhere in the world you plan to visit or have visited that you will share on SW?

Yes, Kenya - South Africa - Canada - Italy.

Would you ever date a SW reader?

Haha - I actually get this question so frequently. Yes, if I am single, I certainly wouldn't rule it out. But you won't find me chatting about my personal dating life on here (0;

Thanks for the questions guys & gals! I enjoy them! And I enjoy hearing about all of you!!!!

Enjoy the summer!