Nov

08

All I ever wanted to be was a waitress

Career
This week’s #LetsBlogOff asks, “What did you want to be when you grew up?” They might as well have asked, “What’s the purpose of your life?”-  that’s how seriously I’ve pondered this question throughout my life.

My Mom said when I was a little girl I wanted to be a waitress. I’ve never felt compelled to actually work in a restaurant, except for one brief stint in college where I lasted a couple of days at a slight step above a fast food hamburger place. I worked the register and was supposed to yell “zukes…shrooms… fries .. rings” as people placed their orders. I probably have the most annoyingly soft voice you’ve ever heard, so while I sincereley tried to yell as loud as I could, the cooks still couldn’t hear me. I didn’t last long.

I’m not sure what that little girl was drawn to in that waitress… Maybe it was the tiny pad of paper she carried (I’m a habitual list maker) or, the skirt and tennies she got to wear or, her magical ability to bring people anything they wanted. This was before I realized Dad was paying her to do this. I asked for a milkshake and she brought me one…  a pretty cool job, in my 5-year old opinion.

Maybe it’s because I didn’t have children, but my work has always been my world. I care deeply about how I spend my days. When my work isn’t right, I’m not right. The older I get, the more important it becomes.

I’m turning 46 tomorrow and I’m happy to say that I’ve finally found the profession that speaks to my heart. And, I appreciate how every job I’ve had in the past has prepared me for where I am right now.

I’m also realizing that as I build my health and lifestyle counseling practice, that the little girl wasn’t too far off.  While I might gently suggest a green juice instead of a milkshake… I’m finally able to help people have anything they want.  I’m going to help them live the life they’ve always wanted and I can’t think of a better way to spend my days… and the second half of my life.

This post is a part of the #LetsBlogOff challenge where every two weeks bloggers unite around a given topic. It’s a great way to build your blogging skills and cultivate your own unique voice. Here are 5 more reasons to join us next time.

Be sure to read the others’ take on “What did you want to be when you grew up?” here:

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Oct

31

Words to live by: Kids Can Cook

Food / Health / Words to Live By

Halloween is a day to celebrate kids. I love watching them walk to the door (some slowly, some boldly), ask for candy (some softly, some loudly), and show off their costumes (some shyly, some enthusiastically).

It’s courage and creativity in action.

Today, I’m presenting two little girls who embody the spirit of the day and, they ENJOY eating something besides candy!

Haile (10)  and Nia (6) are sisters on a mission. Their Kids Can Cook online videos show them cooking with and encouraging kids to make real food. Haile is also on the Youth Adviosory Board of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and started the Healthy Girls Adventure Club – she says, all a result of her Mom teaching her how to cook.

I had the pleasure of meeting them at Tucson’s Food Day event where they served salad and offered advice on how to make a tasty, healthy dressing.

 

Haile suggested starting with “a vinegar for acidity, a high quality olive oil and a sweetener such as raw honey or agave…. this adds lots of flavor to your salad and is much better for you than the processed salad dressings you find in the grocery store.” She was so precious, articulate and confident I wanted to bottle it up and take some of it home.

 

Her little sister Nia asked me, “Would you like some feta?”  Sign me up, I’ll take anything she’s serving.

There’s nothing wrong with having some candy on Halloween. It’s what we’re eating everyday that counts. When you take the time to make real food, you’re less tempted to overload on sweets.

Check out this video of Haile giving a TED talk for kids in Canada.

“It’s not being a gourmet cook that matters…once you learn to cook you will no longer tolerate bad food when you know how to make better…”

With kids like Haile, our future is in good hands.

Take care,

Denese

P.S. Don’t beat yourself up if you indulged in too many snack-sized Snickers. Do something nice for yourself instead. Get some fresh air, go for a walk, take a bath… think about your health goals. If you’d like to talk about them, let me know. I’m giving free one-hour consultations so you can enjoy the holidays and start the New Year well on your way to Your Best Self.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Oct

28

Think integrative vs alternative health care solutions

Health / Mindset / Nutrition School (IIN)

No matter how you feel about veggies, you’re bound to eat more of them after hearing Kris Carr’s story. She started the Crazy Sexy wellness revolution after being diagnosed with inoperable Stage 4 cancer at age 31. She just turned 40… cancer is still there but she feels healthier than ever.

 

 

She’s an inspiration for extreme self care (slowing down, listening within, enjoying life) and taking your health and happiness into your own hands.

When asked by Forbes where we need to go with medicine in the U.S. she says,

“I had to educate myself not just about the disease, but about nutrition and lifestyle practices. What I don’t see today is adequate wellness education in medical schools. Many only offer a week of nutrition training in medical schools. Oftentimes it’s easier to teach, “Just take the drug.”

What does she hope people will take from hearing her story?

“Don’t get overwhelmed, get inspired. Don’t feel like you have to change everything right away, take responsibility for one thing and start there. Slow and steady definitely wins the race when it comes to building a regular self-care plan. Also, think of your plan more like a practice. It grows and changes overtime, just like you do.”

She also says,

“health and happiness are our birthrights but they don’t just happen. Learning to take care of yourself and teaching others to do the same is a revolutionary act.”

I know that the more I listen to my body, the better I feel, and the better my life has become. My experience and stories like Kris’s inspired me to become a holistic health and lifestyle counselor. I’m learning about all of the dietary theories, so I can help people make sense of confusing, contradictory info and find the food and lifestyle that works best for them.

Sometimes all that’s needed is having someone to talk to, someone to help create a roadmap that leads to your best, healthiest, most vibrant self.

Email me at denese.bottrell@gmail.com  if you’d like a free one-hour consultation and visit my health counseling web site at yourbestselfhlc.com for more about my approach. And, if you missed Kris’s appearance on Oprah’s Soul Series last week, catch it here.

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