So, finally, here I am! Hahaha! I first started writing this about 7 years ago. Yes, it’s been that long…. My blog name has changed a few times, I’ve designed and re-designed the layout and then my inspiration would wane and fear (or 10,000 excuses) would creep in. So this site sat for several months that turned into several years. *Note: I’m a bit of a perfectionist ;)* The surge of creativity and inspiration would get me in whirlwind, and then it would happen. A block. What?! My enthusiasm never really dwindled I would just suddenly feel stuck. You know, like a clogged drain where so much is trying to come out it just gets “stuck.” But I knew if I unplugged it too fast the contents of my mind would spew in an ever confusing gush and I would be at a loss for my balance and harmony. Sounds dramatic right? LOL Truthfully as I wrought this (the first time) I realized it was fear that caused my “block.” Fear of not being as good as the rest of  writers I follow in blog-o-sphere. Fear of being the newbie. Fear that no one would read or like what I have to share. One of my favorite motivating phrases is “If I wasn’t afraid of _____, I would_____”, and here I was letting fear hold me back. One of the biggest challenges in life is overcoming our fears no matter how big or small. If I expect my children to grow into confident teenagers and then adults I first have to be that example. I have something to offer the world and that’s why I am here! My intention has always been to create a place where I can share all my learning and experiences with parenting, homeschooling and wellness- total health and well-being, body, mind and spirit for the whole family.

I am primarily self-taught, although I have taken several classes over the years, on the matters of food, nutrition, herbalism, and early childhood education. When I first became obsessed with these subjects I thought I needed to go back to school. Which I tried. Who was I kidding? Honestly, where was I to find the time and concentration capabilities when my family of 4 already had a crazy schedule (work, homeschool, kids sports…)?! Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE learning new things, but going back to school just didn’t work with my life at the time. I have also come to realize I don’t need fancy credentials to share my knowledge, which is based on the hundreds of books I’ve scoured, numerous teleseminars/ lectures/ podcasts I’ve listened to, my intuition, my experimentation and my experience. Isn’t there a saying that experience is our best teacher? I encourage everyone one I know to be self-motivated and self-educated. Someone can teach you everything they know, but you have to be the one who learns and integrates that knowledge. So as the guy from Reading Rainbow would say: “Of course, you don’t have to take my word for it…” My goal is for the information and thoughts I share to be motivating and thought provoking.

My life, like everyone else, has been a complex wild ride with countless twist and turns. I have lived in 5 states. I have been married and divorced.  I have taken a year to live off-grid and spend time traveling (road tripping) the West Coast. My path has been unconventional. I have a vaccine injured (a curse I turned into a blessing- more on that later) son who is now a teenager with Autism and ADHD. I was in a mentally and emotionally abusive marriage for several years.  On a whim, seeking change and escape from said relationship, I sold my house and 95% of my belongings to move thousands of miles away not knowing anyone and never having been where I was going. I call it all “living beyond the box”. My experiences and choices have shaped the person I am today. That person is ever evolving. Evolving and growing through constant integration of life’s lessons. I will never stop learning. I will never stop growing. My boys remind me the importance of this everyday. They also keep me flexible- mentally and physically. Oh, and let’s not forget how often they remind me that children learn by example!

Life is anything but neat and pretty, and when you are a mom of two boys (11 and 13 years old) life is more like constant loud chaos and always wondering where that smell is coming from! I was going to try to stretch that into something about wrapping myself up with some “titles” or descriptives and putting a bow on it all (neat and pretty, get it?), but I got lost… So now you’ve had a sneak peak at my story and here I am:

• A highly opinionated (and educated) mama to an amazing, silly and sweet Autistic/ADHD teenager, and a 7 year veteran homeschooling mama of a sweet, sensitive and sometimes anxious pre-teen.
• Partner to an amazing, always inspiring, encouraging and supportive man
• CEO of small business
• A struggling organization addict
• A forever student of life with an insatiable curiosity (9 lives baby!)
• Fitness junkie (weight lifting, functional fitness, yoga, dance, sports) and a natural health and holistic healing believer
• Aspiring herbalist and essential oil geek
• Outdoorsy girl who loves the mountains and admires the ocean

I guess I should also mention my foundational approach to health starts with food.

I’m an advocate for AIP/ Paleo and low carb as a general base guideline, but also understand the value of moderation using a 90/10 rule (80/20 kiss my ____!) – 90% organic/ clean high quality foods, 10% “wiggle” room eating out, get togethers, etc. I do fully recognize and believe in bio-individuality. Even within the same family we may all have different nutritional and fitness needs. As such, there is no size fits all for fitness or food. Hey, you be you and I’ll be me, right? 🙂

Aaaaaaand…. because as much as I like to be all about sunshine and rainbows, I’m honest (sometimes to a fault) and a realist. The world we live in is changing, and in so many ways not for the better. This site is my way of hoping to influence change for the better and bring light to the darkness. I will often write about and discuss topics that are deemed controversial or may make some people uncomfortable.  So I’m providing a disclaimer: I enjoy a good conversation and the occasional debate (hey, when you start talking about controversial topics its going to happen). However I will not engage with any harassment, disrespect or unsupported arguments. If you disagree with something you read here and you’d like to discuss it, do so in a respectful manner and provide the evidence to support your argument, or move on – maybe this isn’t the place for you. It is sad that our online sphere has come to this, but I must also include the following: nothing I write here is “shaming” – be it “fat shaming”, “mom shaming”, “purple hair shaming” (rolling eyes), whatever – so just don’t go there. If you feel triggered to say something is “_____ shaming” than I suggest the following: Take a long hard look in the mirror. Feeling triggered is generally a sign of an internal discomfort – a knowing that self examination is needed while remaining in denial about one’s own responsibility, and therefore refusing reflection and growth. Let’s all agree to be adults, but without this “#adulting” nonsense and “but muh feelings” garbage. If my sight isn’t for you that’s ok. I’m not here to get likes. I’m here to share my journey and what I believe is valuable knowledge I’ve acquired and am acquiring along the way.

Ok, if you made this far – YAY! I hope you enjoy what you find on this blog, and join me in this journey called life.

To Health and Happiness!

Miranda