Am I there yet ? Journey to Wellness

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1341763/open_sms] The calendar flips to October and the air feels heavier—yet there’s a pulse of hope running through it. We sit with that tension and talk frankly about awareness that actually heals: mental health beyond buzzwords, breast cancer beyond pink, and domestic violence beyond stereotypes. Instead of glossy slogans, we lean into the messy truth of mornings that feel impossible, bodies that hold old stories, and choices that take courage one small step at a time. You’ll hear a brief, guided grounding practice you can repeat anywhere:  If this conversation resonates, share it with someone who needs a steady hand today. Subscribe for more grounded, trauma-informed reflections, and leave a review to help others find the show. Your voice matters—what truth are you wearing this month? Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1341763/support] https://www.instagram.com/theitallifestyle/ [https://www.instagram.com/theitallifestyle/] https://www.theitallifestyle.com [https://www.theitallifestyle.com] http://www.instagram.com/italretreat_turksandcaicos [http://www.instagram.com/italretreat_turksandcaicos] connect with chef at any of the links above :-)

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1341763/open_sms] The mic is back on, but the heartbeat is different—steadier, warmer, and anchored in a deeper why. After eight years leaning into wellness and thirteen months in full-time psychotherapy, I’m opening the door to a new season where safety is the foundation and presence beats perfection every time. I share the pivot from chef to therapist not as a reinvention, but as a continuation of the same thread: food, culture, rest, movement, and healing woven into one grounded way of living. This conversation is part field report, part love letter. I tell the story of walking into a room of a hundred kids—terrified for a minute, then carried by their openness—and a teen mental health panel that shattered the myth that young people won’t share. We talk about what a truly welcoming therapy space looks like (soft light, real comfort, no sterile edges), and why even the most guarded clients relax when the room says, “You’re safe here.” We name the stigma many communities face, especially people of color, and the relief that comes when care is culturally aware, human, and practical. Across ages and backgrounds, one need keeps surfacing: to be seen and heard without punishment. I also pull back the curtain on the quiet months: revamping my website, writing weekly reflections on wellness, nutrition, and mental health, and contributing to Brains Magazine to widen the conversation. Looking ahead, we’re exploring stress and burnout through a nervous system lens, cultural perspectives on mental health, and everyday practices that restore balance without the all-or-nothing trap. Expect guest voices—colleagues, clients who choose to share, friends, and the people whose paths we cross—because healing is communal. If this resonates, subscribe, share with someone who needs a gentler pace, and leave a review with the one question you want us to tackle next. Let’s build a season that feels like a safe room you can carry with you. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1341763/support] https://www.instagram.com/theitallifestyle/ [https://www.instagram.com/theitallifestyle/] https://www.theitallifestyle.com [https://www.theitallifestyle.com] http://www.instagram.com/italretreat_turksandcaicos [http://www.instagram.com/italretreat_turksandcaicos] connect with chef at any of the links above :-)

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1341763/open_sms] What happens when you abandon conventional medication for a more holistic approach to mental health? Tara from Brooklyn shares her eye-opening journey with bipolar disorder, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of navigating life without pharmaceutical intervention. Listen as we explore the invisible nature of health struggles and uncover the transformative power of kindness, alongside the crucial roles that spirituality, career, and relationships play in maintaining mental wellness. Growing up in a household that shied away from mental health discussions, she recount her own battles with depression and anxiety from a young age. The road to understanding bipolar disorder was paved with trial and error, and it took years to find the right therapist and medication. Yet, it was the integration of alternative practices, like traditional Chinese medicine and massage therapy, that truly shifted her perspective. Discover the resilience found in listening to one's body and the importance of holistic practices in achieving mental clarity. Journey with us as we delve into the realm of nutrition and substances like cannabis, discussing their roles in mental health management. Our conversation sheds light on the empowering process of weaning off medication with the support of diet, therapy, and mindful reflection. Tara and I challenge the norm, illustrating how moderation, self-awareness, and personal choice can redefine your relationship with mental health. Join us in creating a space where shared experiences foster hope and healing for those on similar paths. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1341763/support] https://www.instagram.com/theitallifestyle/ [https://www.instagram.com/theitallifestyle/] https://www.theitallifestyle.com [https://www.theitallifestyle.com] http://www.instagram.com/italretreat_turksandcaicos [http://www.instagram.com/italretreat_turksandcaicos] connect with chef at any of the links above :-)

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1341763/open_sms] Curious about how Moringa outshines even the most celebrated superfoods? Join us in this episode of "Am I There Yet? Nutrition and Wellness," where we unravel the extraordinary benefits of Moringa, often called the "miracle tree." Discover how it surpasses kale with twice the protein, four times the calcium, and six times the iron. We discuss Moringa's impressive role in combating iron deficiency anemia more effectively than traditional supplements and its potential in managing diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels. Learn how this powerhouse plant promotes heart health by reducing cholesterol and inflammation and supports digestion with its high fiber content, lowering the risk of stroke. We also emphasize its anti-inflammatory properties and complete essential amino acid profile, making it an indispensable addition to any diet. We then dive into a compelling comparison between Moringa, Spirulina, and Matcha. Uncover why Moringa's rich antioxidant properties make it a top choice for natural inflammation remedies and skin health, while Spirulina excels in digestive health benefits. We highlight Moringa's nutritional edge over Matcha, showcasing its superior protein, fiber, and vitamin levels, as well as its caffeine-free nature. Whether you're a Moringa newbie or a seasoned enthusiast, we've got tips on blending it with ginger and fruits to enhance its earthy flavor, making it a delightful and nutritious component of your wellness journey. Tune in and elevate your nutrition game with the insights from this episode! Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1341763/support] https://www.instagram.com/theitallifestyle/ [https://www.instagram.com/theitallifestyle/] https://www.theitallifestyle.com [https://www.theitallifestyle.com] http://www.instagram.com/italretreat_turksandcaicos [http://www.instagram.com/italretreat_turksandcaicos] connect with chef at any of the links above :-)

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1341763/open_sms] Have you ever found yourself on the brink of burnout, grappling with the decision to take a step back for your sanity?  This episode is a deep dive into the art of pausing, as my friend Sandy and I open up about the trials left in the wake of COVID-19. We don't just skim the surface; we sink into the grit of physical recuperation, the mental toll, and the financial hurdles that have reshaped our lives. Sandy's resilience shines through as she shares her transformative approach to wellness, moving beyond temporary fixes to a complete lifestyle overhaul. Turn the volume up for a conversation that celebrates the often-overlooked power of gratitude in our daily lives. We'll unpack the difference between a fleeting diet and a profound lifestyle change, and how to cultivate a mindset that cherishes moderation in all aspects of living.  Join us as we acknowledge the unspoken heroes of mental health: the moments of stillness, the thoughtful reflection, and the embrace of change for a more fulfilled existence. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1341763/support] https://www.instagram.com/theitallifestyle/ [https://www.instagram.com/theitallifestyle/] https://www.theitallifestyle.com [https://www.theitallifestyle.com] http://www.instagram.com/italretreat_turksandcaicos [http://www.instagram.com/italretreat_turksandcaicos] connect with chef at any of the links above :-)