My Story
Pay attention. be curious without judgement. ask more questions
Life is full of experiences that influence who we are. Each and every one of us bounce around truly doing the absolute best we can with the resources we have at that time. None of us will ever navigate this thing called life, perfectly. Sometimes we walk away from experiences feeling good about how we responded and sometimes we walk away kicking ourselves for overreacting or wondering what the heck just happened…wishing we had navigated it differently. These experiences have the ability to create connections and cultivate compassion for both our selves and others. They provide opportunity for growth. Paying attention to my body and my mind is key. This is all an ongoing practice. When responding to a challenge I’m learning how to be more curious. I notice the judgements. Sometimes noticing it in the moment and sometimes while reflecting back. That new awareness has given me so much useful information about how to be more mindful and less reactive.
catalysts for making changes for myself
Losing Lisa to Brain Cancer ~ Being Married to a Wildland Firefighter ~ Allergies and Chronic Body Pain
Check out my blog posts for more on each of my key experiences.
Sometimes our catalyst for change is something very specific and sometimes it’s a little more foggy. Either way, get curious and listen to it. It may just be a reoccurring fleeting thought or a new awareness to an accumulation of thoughts. Something is trying to get your attention. When you notice this, don’t ignore it. Ready or not…Life as you know it, is about to change. Take the opportunity to create a better version of yourself. Pay attention with an open heart and mind.
I SAW MY OWN LIFE THROUGH A NEW LENS
I found ways to eradicate my body pain and environmental allergies! This was no short or easy endeavor but it happened none the less. INFLAMMATION was the root cause. I found FOOD, TUNING IN to my body, and REACHING OUT to be my most powerful tools. Healing from with in requires a commitment to self and demands that I surround myself with supportive relationships.
I feel things profoundly different now
Something told me that it's time for change, and I had no idea what to do with that. I had a new found thirst for being INTENTIONAL in my life, and an undeniable desire for something more. More memories, more fun, more laughter. Grieving a loss became the inspiration that launched me into creating CHANGE in my life. Now living with more courage and authenticity. No more being blown by the wind (at least not every day;). I took ownership of my life. Although I knew nothing about how to navigate this....there was no turning back. Change was happening. No settling for a life that was just OK. Time to live with INTENT. How I showed up in my life began to change. The most difficult lessons were that I couldn't do it on my own and it was going to require me to be vulnerable, tune in AND reach out.
I’m still working on this and believe it’ll be a lifelong practice. Change takes time and the willingness to take risks. I make plenty of mistakes along the way and I'm doing my best to circle back on those things to try again…
Things that MATTER.
Are you wanting something more? Life being “OK” is no longer good enough…I tried it, it sucked compared to what I feel now! Step outside your box and try showing up for yourself in a new way.
EXPERIENCE/TRAINING/INTERESTS:
Belief in the Bodies Ability to Heal
Support others to live with a more resilient self
Support Wildland Firefighters and Dispatchers as well as their families
Support Individuals battling with inflammation
Genomics-based Precision Medicine Trained
10+ years of Mindfulness based practice and teacher
Teacher of Cultivating Compassion for self and others
Federal Critical Incident Stress Management Team Member
Stress First Aid Trainer
USFS Comprehensive Wellbeing & Resilience Trainer
Institute for Integrative Nutrition(IIN) Health Coaching Certification
Fluent in over 100 different dietary theories
Bachelor's Degree in Health Promotion
25+ years as youth and adult Nutrition Educator
20+ years of Business Management
15+ years as Mental Health Advocate
24+ years intimately exposed to the life of a USFS Wildland Firefighter
Worked and Lived in Oregon, Montana and Idaho
Married to Wildland Firefighter and Mother of 2 daughters
Traveled Europe for 3 months alone at the age of 18
45+ years of Backpacking and Camping
Love the OUTDOORS, PEOPLE, COLORFUL FOOD and ACTIVE LIFESTYLE!
How can I be married to a Wildland Firefighter & NOT feel Abandoned & Stay Connected? Is this possible???