My plant-based journey started when I was around 14 years old. My high school put on a broadway play each spring. Oh, how I loved it! I never got a leading role; however, I loved every minute of being in supporting roles each year. In 1980, I was a ‘hot box girl’ in Guys and Dolls. I was so excited! Being a ‘hot box girl’ allowed me to be someone else other than a shy, timid, fearful bookworm. It was pure joy and an emotional release to put on fishnet stockings, a leotard, high heels and pearls. The costume was made complete with a faux-fur stole and a feather plume in my up-do.

On opening night while transforming into a hot-box girl in the changing room, my friend noticed big round red blotches on each vertebrae on my spine. Upon examining other areas of my body, I noticed red splotches on every joint, and a red butterfly-shaped rash on my face. Needless to say, I did not get to go onstage. I was devastated.

The doctor told me it might be lupus or arthritis. He wasn’t sure. I started getting terrible headaches and experienced crippling fatigue. Doctors of all sorts poked and prodded me with needles, scans, X-rays, medications, and more. Nothing and nobody was able to figure out what was going on with me. I was miserable.

Around this time, a popular fast food restaurant introduced chicken to their menu. My Massachusetts town was buzzing around the restaurant broadening its hamburger menu options to include chicken. I had to try them! Well, during that same time, I got salmonella which put me in the hospital. I lost an unhealthy amount of weight. I cannot say it was absolutely the chicken. All I know is that I couldn’t stomach meat any longer. It made me bloated, constipated, and gassy.

So even though my family was a ‘meat and potatoes’ family, I negotiated a plant-based lifestyle. My parents didn't understand. Reluctantly they let me stop eating meat.

I was still weak from losing so much weight due to the salmonella and had to figure out how to get the appropriate nutrition from eating vegetables, not the frozen or canned versions which were popular in the 80’s in middle-class America. I needed fresh vegetables. Let me tell you, it wasn’t easy.

As I experimented with vegetables, I noticed that my energy levels increased. I started feeling more alert. And, the red blotches on my joints and the rash on my face started to dissipate. I was feeling better and gained much needed weight.

I knew in my soul that fresh vegetables and fruits did it. Over the years, I fluctuated between vegetarian, vegan and eating small amounts of meat until I was in my mid-forties when menopause hit me. I was fatigued, gained a significant amount of weight, had brain fog and experienced painful joints much of it due to inflammation. Again, I went to many doctors seeking an answer. Nothing and nobody could figure out what was going on. They blamed it on menopause, offered hormone replacement patches and antidepressants. It was frustrating. No one was trying to solve or prevent; only mask and treat symptoms.

So, I started researching the mind-body-soul connection responsible for health. Eating certain foods for specific ailments, taking supplements when I felt I wasn’t getting the amount of nutrients needed and cooking with intention. These things helped me to heal. In addition to traditional food, I realized there was another food that had to do with my mind and spirtuality. So, I also started visualizing and manifesting my health through meditation, self-care and leaning into areas where I felt vulnerable.

My journey continues today, and I want you along with me … my intention is to hold space for you to explore your intentions for a plant-based lifestyle, health, and wellness.