CURRENT MISSION

My goal is to spread happiness and peace whereever I go.

ABOUT ME

I love life and movement, especially within my own body. I have gone through an extreme weight-loss of 80 pounds and I am continuing to pursue a healthy lifestyle. I enjoy dance, fire-spinning, flow arts, and yoga. I cook most of my meals for myself and my partner. Eating well and taking care of my body, mind and spirit has truly made my experiences limitless. Every day is a miracle.

PHILOSOPHY

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

When I am with my friends and family, I cook and share stories. I also enjoy dancing and teaching others. I tend to be very active and invite those around me to join in on all the beautiful festivities!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

My first couchsurfer came to stay with my partner, Jesse Hart, and I from England. His name is Daniel Beaumont and he was a phenomenal character. We took him to Tai Chi, dance, yoga, and a few other classes. We also went hiking and to a cabin where we spun fire. Such an amazing and fun experience. We got to know him, his company Podstel, and about his life experiences. We all grew from the experience.

Interests

I love healthy living, spirituality, dance, flow arts, literature, art, sacred geometry, rocks and gems, board games and cards, music, festivals, fairies and mysticism, drinking tea and coffee, friends, family, and adventures.

• arts
• literature
• festivals
• dancing
• tango
• education
• cooking
• coffee
• exercise
• yoga
• dieting
• coach
• instructor
• meditation
• zumba
• drinking
• clubbing
• board games
• music
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• business
• teaching
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

My favorite is Alice in Wonderland, of which I have a collection. Media and literature preferences span all categories. I find that there is good songs in every genre. On the opposite side, even my favorite artists may have a song that irritates me. Same for authors and actors. I tend to be a little geeky too when it comes to what I really pursue- Firefly, Buffy, MLP, Lord of the Rings, Bones, and comics.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Today, when I look in the mirror, I see a better me. I see health, happiness, and potential. Today I have confidence and I know that I am capable of accomplishing anything. Transforming my body from a size 26, weighing 245 pounds to a healthier 168 was a life-changing journey. Looking back, ten months later, 77 pounds lighter and 14 sizes smaller, I know it was worth it.

In my past, I had constantly been overweight. I had the obvious health risks, but I also had other things that bothered me. I couldn’t wrap a towel around myself or even wear calf-high boots. My thighs would rub and the weight of my body was more than my 5’2 frame could comfortably support. I wanted to dance and hike and date and inspire people. The problem was, I hadn’t made the mental shift to change.

On October 3rd, the day before my 24th birthday, my step-father asked me to watch Sick, Fat, and Nearly Dead. (Ironically, while I watched this show, I ate an entire Tostino’s pizza. Obviously there was something wrong.) We decided that he, my mother, and I would try getting healthy. Starting October 5th, 2011, I began juicing and looking into gym memberships. When I was exploring Club NW, I was shown to the new well. There, I was introduced to a balanced diet, complete with exercise, stress reduction, and a coach to council me through the process.

At first, I was apprehensive. I had tried losing weight in the past, only to go back to old habits. I wasn’t ready to make an investment in myself because I didn’t believe I could achieve success and happiness. It took me a whole month of researching and soul searching to finally make the decision. A wonderful person, Crystal was signing up for the new well. We worked for the same company and had talked briefly. She was looking for a workout buddy and it was that accountability that I needed. I joined the program and the two of us became fast friends. We snacked together on breaks and committed to an exercise schedule. We inspired and counseled each other all along the way. Today, we have both achieved our 100%.

Over these past ten months, a lot has changed. After the first two months, my step-father past away due to health complications associated with lack of exercise and diabetes. He started me on this journey and continues to motivate me to seek health. I have also become closer to my best friend, River Painter, who has taught me about healthy lifestyle choices and has often packed meals with me so we can eat healthy on group outings. We also started learning Argentine tango and have constantly been taking lessons and going to events. This has also inspired me to learn salsa, east-coast swing, and various ballroom dances.

I have met many new people because of my activities. I go to dances, festivals, yoga events, outdoors, and to the gym. I feel full of energy and I believe that I inspire those around me. My mother started volunteering and going to Club NW and she has altered her cooking habits. My sister partnered with me for The Biggest Loser at work and we placed 2nd. The money was exactly the cost of a pair of black and pink Nikes that I had picked out for my 100% reward back when I first started the new well Program.

I constantly have people compliment me, ask me questions, and allow me the opportunity to share my story with them. I feel wonderful and I have so many new goals. I want to get certified as a Zumba and a Body Flow instructor, dance at a tango festival, and experience a large-scale yoga retreat. I would also like to pursue a job in the health industry so I could help people on a larger scale.

So today, when I look in the mirror, I see myself as a strong, beautiful woman who has worked hard and has finally made an investment in herself. I plan on continuing my journey and eventually reaching (and maintaining) my feel-great weight, whatever that number may be. This is my new life, my new mentality, and my new well.

Teach, Learn, Share

Dance. Zumba. Weight-loss education. Interior Decorating. Cooking. Healthy living. Meditation. Fire manipulation. Hula-hooping. Conscious speaking. Random knowledge and skills!

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, China, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States, Wales

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