Endocrinology: Self Healing

Endocrinology: MSG and Your Endocrine System.

 From Thyroid Disease, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and Other Disease States.

As a woman who has struggled with hypothyroidism, I have taken particular interest in finding solutions for myself and others to overcome thyroid disease. While doctors say that anyone with hyper (over active) or hypo- (under active) thyroids will be on thyroid replacement hormone therapies the remainder of their lives; I am not entirely convinced. In fact, I am convinved that many endocrine disorders, including thyroid disease may be regulated and perhaps even cured through nutrition; specifically cutting out MSG and MSG derivitives.

Now, I do not intend to get too technical in this blog, but simply communicate to the general population; which is: overweight, obese and with many disease states. There is no need at a general leevl to get too wordy or confusing. I want to state my personal testimony and journey so that others who may have lost hope, or those who are currently claiming their disease state may be empowered to challenge their diagnoses and prognosis.

A Personal Trainer & Nutritionist Struggles with Hypothyroidism and Obesity 

In 2007 I began realizing major changes in my body. I was an athletic, and slender 5'7"  135 pounds in November, by March I was a not-so-slender 5'7" 200 pound woman. Yes, in 4 months I gained 65 pounds! How is this possible? I was not pregnant, in fact I had just received a degree in Dietetics and was working full-time for a hospital in clinical nutrition. I was also a personal trainer, and exercising daily. What changed? The answer- Hormones.

As you can imagine this took a devestating emotional and physical toll on my body! My knees hurt for the first time in my life, I felt like a hipocrite at my place of employment, I put my developing personal training career on pause, and sought medical attention. The problem however, when a 20 year old woman goes into a doctor about weight gain, is that everyone is reluctant to help. They think "Ok Channéll, put down the Twinkies, increase your cardio, and run! Run! Run!" To this I am not exaggerating. I sought a second opinion from a doctor who genuinely believed something what not right from my history, education, and my symptoms. It sure helped that he was a doctor for the same hospital that I worked. He trusted that I was handling my fitness and nutrition properly.  After that visit, I got referred out to specialists. After 4 specialists, possible diagnosess of everything from depression to Lupus, I was devestated. This went on for a year and a half. Me 200 pounds, unable to loose any weight.

 

What it means to be your own advocate.

Then, finally, after my own research, I learned that I had all the symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), as well as hypothyroidism. In fact, I had folders and folders of all of the following information and documentation from every doctor visit, and self  journaling:

Blood pressure, oxygen, weight, dates, symptoms, severity, nutrition log, exercise log, sleep patterns, and menstrual cycle irregularities, and water consumption.

Once I had all of this organized and in order, I took the liberty of: Speaking to willing RDs (Registered Dieticians) within my department to analyze my food intake, doctors that I did rounds with in the hospital to look at my labs & general chemistry for other opinions, other personal trainers to workout with me and help me adjust my fitness program, as well as my former Medical Nutrition Therapy professors to look at my symptoms related to their understanding beyond textbooks definitions. After ALL of this, I took it back to my doctors with demands and requests. I became my own patient advocate.

 

Doctors usually only test TSH levels to determine Thyroid Disorders.

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is the hormone that is most often tested by doctors in determining thyroid disorders. While this is established for specific medical determinations, it is not all inclusive and/or indicative for all patients. There are two other thyroid hormones secreted from the thyroid gland; which is a butterfly shaped gland located in the neck region. The other hormones are: T3 and T4. These are directly regulated by the thyroid gland, and also the anterior pituitary gland.

It is important to note that the endocrine system works together as a whole, so if one gland is off within the system, it can also affect hormones within the other glands.  You can understand how this could potential affect everything from: metabolism, other metabolic systems, waste excretion, inflammatory responses, hydration levels, thirst mechanisms, hunger regulation (controlled mainly by leptin & ghrelin hormones), and general energy; among other things.

When I looked at my labs, I realized that the only thyroid hormone ever tested was TSH, never my T3 or T4.

Once my T3 and T4 levels were tested, it was determined that I did in fact have hypoythroidism and would need to start on medication immediately.

 To read more about these hormones visit Thyroid System Basics .

Finding a Medical Professional You Can Trust, Who also Listens

 

In 2009, I returned to my primary care physician after an ER visit and hospitalization for cycts bursting from my ovaries. At this time, I was nearly at the last rope as far as energy was concerned. Although by this time, I had been on levothyroxine for almost 9 months (thyoid replacement therapy), and  I had lost about 20 pounds, I was still sick. After hearing my experience, my primary care physican referred me to a gynecologist that had a great reputation.

 

I was very pleased with her, and her ability to listen to my concerns. She, like my primary care physican, had no problem testing any lab I asked for. It took me 4 primary care physicians, 4 specialists including : Endocrinologists and  Neurologists to really get someone to not tell me to "Go on a low sodium diet", "Do high intensity interval training" and "Cut my calories", but who would actually listen to me, and look through my journals, and documentation. Aside from my primary care, and gynecologist, not even my endocrinologist took me seriously; that is until my primary care ran the T3 and T4 tests that my Endocrinolgist found "unnecessary".

 

So, in 2009 it was determined through lab work from my Gynecologist that I DID IN FACT have PCOS. Mind you, this is 2 years later. After all the specialists, it was still my primary care physican who was the one to listen and not call it a "nutrition and exercise issue" , but rather a "hormonal imbalance".

 

PCOS and Obesity in Women

One major symptom of PCOS in women in obesity. Research is not conclusive if PCOS is caused by obesity, or if PCOS causes obesity in women; however, it is certain that the two are correlated with each other. In my case, I do not know if I already had PCOS, or if PCOS developed after gaining 65 pounds.

 

Doctors will tell you with PCOS to exercises regularly (3x per week, 30 minutes per day minimum), and to eat a lower calorie diet. Some research also suggests that women with PCOS should eat low-carb or ketogenic diets due to insulin irregularities. For those of you who are not familiar with the hormone insulin - it is essential for normal metabolic function. People with diabetes do not have proper insulin regulation, therefore, they get high and low blood sugars because insulin is necessary to bind onto sugar (glucose) within the bloodstream to carry the sugar to the cells for energy. With PCOS, some women may develop Type II Diabetes, or other metabolic issues that can cause obesity.

 

Why is this? Your FSH and LH (folical stimulating, leutenizing hormones) have certain ratios that are considered "normal". In PCOS these levels are often off, and ratios reversed. Again, more hormones!

 

Treatment for PCOS: Birth Control, Metformin (an oral diabetes medication)

It is recommended for women with PCOS to go on hormone therapies such as birth control, and metformin. Now, most research indicates that they "don't know why Metformin works, but it does". How safe should you feel taking a diabetes medication if you don't have diabetes? Exactly!

 

 

My personal treatment began with a low-dose birth control - YAZ. You know, the birth control all over TV now because of the strokes, blood clots, and death in young women under 30? Yes, that was my treatment for a year. Then, it was coupled with Metformin. Yes, I was on a diabetes medication without having diabetes. I experienced, low blood sugars, and for that reason, had to eat even more carbs to keep my energy up. But wait, isn't a low-carb diet recommended?

 

 

I made the personal decision to "self heal" through nutrition and exercise. In 2010, I went off of all birth control and medications aside from levothyroxin (thyroid). Don't worry ladies, my birth control became a copper IUD. NOT Mirena! That is still hormones in our bodies. Now, doctors do not want to put IUDs into women that don't have children because of the cervix dialiation, but I refused to take no for an answer. I decided NO MORE HORMONES in my body!

 

 

To read more on PCOS treatment, diagnoses, obesity, fertility and more click here: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Basics

 

By 2011 my PCOS was completely gone!

By 2011 I had lost 35 pounds (down to 165) and was completely free from PCOS. Ironic considering my healing with done through: exercise, nutrition, prayer, meditation, and mental practices and training.

 

NEVER LET ANYONE TELL YOU IT'S NOT POSSIBLE.YOU HAVE THE POWER TO HEAL.

 

 

 

MSG and MSG Derivitives

You have the ability to change your disease state. I know I am determined to get OFF of thyroid medication for good. I am well on my way. Currently at 155 pounds, my goal weight is 145. I will be sharing exactly how I have come this far by cutting out MSG and MSG derivitives.

 

 

In 2013, I was introduced to the book "Faith and Fat Loss" by Ron Williams by a woman in her 50s at the gym that I respect. Her name is Peggy, and she has competed in bodybuilding her entire life. She approached me one day while I was working, and she was between sets. She told me about this book and that I should order it. She knew that I am a Christian, and she knew I would be open to this.

 

Her and I had spoken briefly in the past about thyroid problems, and she told me that reading this book has changed her life. The thing is, she didn't just tell me, I saw the change in her! For the first time in 5 years she was ready to compete again, and claimed to look better then she did in her 30s. She informed me about how the book talked about MSG and endocrine disorders.

 

How'd she find the book? Well, she had competed at least 15 years ago in the same competition as Ron, and found his business card. She decided to google him and found the book. She trusted his opinion and tried step by step his recommendations.

 

Ron Williams

 

One of the most highly decorated Natural Bodybuilders of all time with over 250 medals, a professor of Exercise Pysiology and Nutrition, and now a Pastor whose full time ministry is obesity.

 

 

21 Day Detox - MSG & MSG Derivitive Free

I ordered the book, read it and tried the 21 day detox. You will have to order the book, or follow my posts to fully understand the depth of the detox.

 

However, I will share the following:

 

Almost everything has MSG or MSG derivitives. From protein supplements, powders, bars, to packaged and processed foods of almost any kind. You MUST cut all of these out in order to see if it helps your endocrine system.

 

Personal Results

 

For 21 days I cut out MSG, MSG derivitives, stimulants, and switched to hormone free meats, cage free eggs, and everything organic. I paired my carbs, essential fatty acids and proteins just as recommended in the book. I switched from training for fitness to training for fat loss (the principles are very different!!). This means, I actually cut down on my cardio, and time spent working out.

 

Within 21 days, I lost 14 1/2 pounds, and have kept it off for 5 months! Why? Is it a matter of eating less calories? Working out more? Training harder? Sleeping more? Nope! It's a matter of going to the heart and source of the issue. This detox is physical, mental and spiritual. It is lasting and effective.

 

21 days creates a new discipline and habit. Let me also add that I had the best summer of my life. I went to barbeques, out of town, I had some alcohol (more then I ever have), and allowed myself to splurge for the first time in 6 years. I STILL kept the 15 pounds plus more off! Did I mention that I'm more tone and fit with my normal exercise routine?

 

It works. Even if you are not a Christian, if you are open to the principles and suggestions that Ron gives in his book, you will experience lasting results. In fact, I am doing the detox again to find out my next results! Stay tuned.

 

An Endocrinologist Confirms MSG can be Damaging to Your Metabolism

 

Last week, I visited my endocrinologist. I go every 6 months to have my labs tested, as I am now on TSH, T3 and T4 replacement compounds due to my previous issues. For the first time, I had no complaints. Energy, weight loss, and normal labs! My endocrinologist said that if these labs come back ok, then I will only need to come every year. Quite a huge difference from blood samples weekly, specialty visits every 3-6 months!

 

I asked him a couple of questions, and will share them plus his responses.

 

 

Q: Does MSG and MSG derivitives really affect the endorcrine system?

A: Yes, it can. In some cases, it can be completely damaging depending on the person. MSG could potentially completely affect your metabolic functions at a hormone regulation level.

 

Q: Do you believe that mental training can cure disease states? And, do you find that attitude contributes to the disease of most people you see? I was in the waiting room, and found the sickest looking people have the worst attitudes.

 

A: I definitely see a directly relationship. I have also seen people who mentally train, pray and meditate be cured of diseases, or at least disease management. I would say that attitude mostly affects stress levels, which can release too much cortisol, increase fat stores, and exacerbate, or even in some cases, create disease states.





 

NEVER Claim a Disease

Though it was a relief to get treated, and be able to slowly work on  reducing my symptoms, I refused to believe that there was no cure for these diseases! From being told I may be infertile, may never be able to have children, and that I may never be able to reset my metabolic set point (the weight your body usually holds with minimal fluctuation), I refused to believe that I couldn't and wouldn't overcome these obstacles!

 

I am not saying not to address the disease, and treat yourself, but I am saying that you cannot continuously claim your disease state if you wish to be healthy. Your thoughts become things, and have the power to create and destroy disease states.

 

There is POWER in the TONGUE. Do not speak your disease (no matter what it is), into existence. Live as if it doesn't exist. Train yourself, your mind, and your body to be healthy.

 

The time is NOW

 

If you or someone you know is struggling with thyroid disease, PCOS, or any other disease, know that your time is NOW! Do not live in your past, what your lifestyle used to be, or the decisions you made that may have contributed to your disease state such as: a sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition, taking too many or not enough medications, or simply being lazy and not empowered to be your own advocate.

 

It is YOUR job to understand your body, do your own research, and experiment with different potential solutions. Everyone's chemistry is different.

 

 

 

 

Comments and Questions are welcome.

 

 

Your energy that you expend from the gym, to your thoughts will directly affect your health.

 

 

 





 

 

 



For the Sake of Learning

Have you ever questioned which is better: Formal education or self education?

After 5 years of higher education, I can truly say I learned more from the books and subjects I choose to read on my own accord. I try to read 1 book per week, and also listen to an audiobook a week. On average, I hit my target. In addition, I read research data and also watch YouTube videos of other experts in my field. If only I had the same desire for formal education as I have had for self education.

Don't get me wrong, I am not diminishing the importance of formal education, it is important and provides structured elements that tend to provide a good challenge. However, for me in my 5 years of college, I rarely had the desire to sit still in a classroom for three hours. I`m very active and sitting still for that long was a major challenge. While I was in college, I didn't realize that I really needed to be fully engaged in what I was learning to have a lasting impact. We all know that we won't retain information unless we apply it in someway, so it's silly to think we`ll remember everything we learn in college classes. However, there is something great to be learned during the process besides just the specific knowledge needed for our career path.

I have had conversations with mentors of mine, and other professionals that I look up to that have placed a huge emphasis on my formal education. However, when we have discussed self and continuing education, it was apparent that I was more engaged at this time in the learning process. Not that one is better then the other, but self education cannot be devalued. Passion sparks the desire and the willingness to commit to studies; whether formal or informal.

Many successful entrepreneurs do not have degrees, but you will always find them indulging in learning processes. No, I do not just mean trial and error experience, though that is often the case too. John Maxwell said this:

 "Experience is not the best teacher; evaluated experience is the best teacher.
Reflective thinking is needed to turn experience into insight..."  

I don't know about some of you, but I was never taught to go to school for the simple sake of learning. To me, it seemed that the emphasis was always to "do better" or get a good grade so that I could receive my diploma or degree, and then be finished with the process. I perceived the learning process as one in which the only motive was to "do better" and "be better"; in which the process itself was completely overlooked. 

If we can spark passion within our youth and even our adults, we will surely find a way to educated ourselves in our area of interest via internet, Google, YouTube, textbooks and formal education systems. Every piece of knowledge we wish to attain is right at our fingertips. As entrepreneurs we should be very excited about the opportunity with or without degrees! 

Me personally? I`m going back to school for another degree simply for the sake of learning, for the first time in my life. I am already committed to self studies, why not have another formally respected degree to add to my networth? I will forever be an advocate of self education. Afterall, how many people got their bachelor degree and never picked up another book again in their life? Too many. Perhaps that's the problem. 

The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education.

-Albert Einstein 

Heart of the Matter: No Risk No Reward

The scariest, yet most rewarding things in life come from taking risks. From jobs, starting businesses, moving locations, and love, the only great returns come with paired with the biggest risks. 

It has been my experience that the happiest people in this world are the one's who have struggled the most in their pasts. Why? I have found every successful person I've met to have one major thing in common: They are risk takers. Anyone who has has much, has been willing to lose much in order to gain it. With love, we risk losing and breaking our heart to someone else, but that is a risk that must be taken in order to experience love. Many people have failed in love, and simply give up. They are not willing to take the risk anymore for fear of losing. The problem is, they always yearn for that love, but lack the willingness to take the risk to get it. No risk, no reward. 

In business, it is much the same. Those who are successful in their endeavors are the ones who have risked everything they have in order to make their dream become a reality. You know, those entrepreneurs like Donald Trump who filed bankruptcy after over $100,000 in debt, but then went on to be successful anyways? What if he had not continued? What if he lost all confidence in himself and faith in his purpose? He would have simply remained "a failure". 

But, failure is a part of the process. You must be willing to put it all on the table, and risk it all. If you give a half hearted effort, you will get half the reward in turn. Too many people speak about their dreams, but then play it safe. Now, I`m not saying to be irresponsible, but when you are called to something and the opportunity presents itself to you, sometimes you have to be willing to take the risk. Rise or fall. There is no inbetween.

With great risk comes great reward if you are willing to stay the course you set out on. You will never be succesful in your endeavors if you never finish what you start. Don't put your eggs into too many baskets, lest your focus become distracted. Do not try to do a hundred things well, try to do one well. With great passion, sense of purpose, faith in the darkness, kindness and hard work, your risks will surely be multiplied into great rewards!  You reap what you sow wherever you put your focus. Never, never, never give up!

To all of you fellow entrepreneurs out there - let's keep risking it all! I know I have. When everything is on the table, there is no where to go, no one to blame. You must do what you have to do. If we stand together, we can continue to pick each other up if the other falls. We WILL succeed, but we will face struggles along the way. They're not failures, they're just a part of the process. 

Keep going!!

“Winners never quit and quitters never win.”

- Vince Lombardi

Inspired By Purpose: Unrelentless in Every Circumstance

Circumstances. Emotions. Decisions. Opportunity. 

Many people change their direction based upon circumstance. This can be good. This can also be bad. Take for instance our economy. People who were once very successful now are homeless, addicts and among the lowest of the low. While others who had nothing changed their direction because they saw opportunity in the darkness. They had the will to not just survive, but also to prosper. So what's the difference? These people live in the same country, the same basic surroundings and all grew up believing in the "American Dream" (or at least being taught it). Can proper decisions be made due to circumstances, or does it all depend on the circumstance?

My answer is this - We cannot waiver in our faith due to our circumstances. Circumstantial evidence is only what we see, not necessarily what we feel or believe. If we only go by what we see, how can we truly be successful if it goes against what we feel or believe? If we only go by what we see and feel, that can also be deceiving because our emotions can often deceive us. We then, must always trust in what we beleive at our core regardless of the circumstances. You know the saying "Only believe half of what you see" ? I have found that to be a personal truth that I live by.

Desire. Passion. Excitement. Belief. 

All of these emotions and innate characteristics fuel us when there is no fuel left in the fire. When others see an empty coal pit, we still see that spark and believe it will combust at any moment! And even if it didn't we can surely find 2 sticks to rub together! Where others see no way, we see some way. We are the unrelentless ones. The ones that do "crazy" things. That is us. We are crazy. We are entrepreneurs.

In every circumstance we remain faithful because we know without a doubt what the end result will be even when everything visible shows us otherwise. We do not waver with the change of the seasons, but keep focused because of our reasons. When we lose our friends, our money, or material possessions, and even sometimes feel like we have lost ourself, we hang on and persevere.

Desire is the ambition and drive we have been gifted with. Our desires often cannot be explained, though we try. The human mind wants a reason for everything that we do. Except for a few, we know that we do not need a physical reason and the point at which the desire was created is irrelevant if not nurtured.

Faith is not easy. Passion is dangerous without a focused direction. And belief? It means nothing without purpose. Afterall, what is belief without purpose? It is nothing.

I am Inspired By Purpose by my God given purpose. 

Are you?

Dandelion Children Grow up to be Hustlers

Against all odds.

By any means necessary.

We've all heard these phrases. So simple yet so complex. Why? Because we've heard these things from people who's lives have been truly defined by these statements. They didn't just say words that sounded good, they actually felt what they said. You know, the people who grew up in poverty, abuse or homelessness that end up being independent business owners, and those of great financial success? The people who seem to have a passion beyond measure, and when they speak, sing or write about their struggles, you are enthralled  because you can almost feel that there is a deeper purpose behind them sharing their story? These are the DANDELION CHILDREN .

These are the people who have a mental, emotional and often physical connection to their passion. They are fueled by something that was wrongly done to or against them, and they take it on as their responsibility to impact others also victimized. This can be done by means of inspiration, motivation, or by physical means. These people feel it necessary to take back power from the wrong-doers and keep it for themselves and others as determined as they are. They do not give it freely, they fight to take it and inspire others to do the same. They use their lives to lead, and choose their words carefully.

Entrepreneurs.

Hustlers.

Go-Getters.

People you want on your team.

With my personal background, I often have people shocked at the level of success I have achieved despite past circumstances. Maybe I should be flattered, but mostly I continue to look at the present and future, and less at the past. It's as if the struggles of the past no longer matter because I am a new person. When you experience much struggle, you appreciate the littlest amount of success. Some psychologists call this the "dandelion" affect. A dandelion can grow and flourish even in conditions where other plants cannot. Dandelions can sustain and grow themselves without much need for nourishment. 

Are you a dandelion? Can you regrow into a new form even when you got blown around? Listed are the 7 Key Skills to Resiliency as noted in  the bookThe Resilient Self by Steven and Sybil Wolin (paraphrased).

7 Key Skills to Resiliency 

1) Insight: The ability to ask tough questions of yourself & be honest with your answers.

2) Independent: Counts only on themselves to bounce back into life.

3) Tied to Others: The more people you are responsible to, the

4) Initiative : Take charge of the problem. Do whatever is necessary to get out of it.

5) Creative: Being able to look at the situation and creatively determine the best way out.

6) Sense of Humor: They may cry until they start laughing. You have to be able to laugh at yourself.

7) Morality: Whatever you do to bounce back, you need to make sure it's moral. Your success needs to be at the service of others; not the expense.

"A resilient person won't give up" - Jim Rohn

Food or Plastic?

As I walked around the beautiful Sparks marina on an off day from the gym, I decided to sit a few minutes and watch all of the swimmers and sand volleyball players. I was in a long, striped, flowy, colorful dress that seemed to catch the attention of many. However, someone also caught my attention. As I approached the grass hill to sit down, I noticed a woman sitting alone. She was obese and wearing shorts and a tee shirt. She had the largest McDonald's soda you can buy sitting next to her. She was also eating something.

I saw her looking at me, and looked over to smile. She was feeding a couple of ducks that seemed to just be hanging out with her. Just then, her son and daughter probably no older then 7 and 9 came running over. They were also overweight. I sat back to observe the situation. The kids ran back into the water, and then I heard the lady talking. She wasn't talking to herself, she was talking to the ducks.

Suddenly, I heard "That's not food buddy! That's plastic!" 

What an interesting thing to say coming from someone eating and drinking McDonald's and the other "food-like substances" she had with her. Isn't that the way most Americans eat? Food that's no better for us then plastic? In fact, we store our food in plastics that researchers are finding to be potentially harmful because of ingredients like bisphenol A (BPA) So why then are people so concerned about what animals are eating, and calling them "stupid" , but yet with all the information available to us we continue to eat "food-like susbtances" with little to no nutritional value?

Let's start using the information available to us. If we KNOW that things are not good for us, why do we still do them? This is a hypothetical question, but I hope to really get people thinking about this. Look around you, listen, observe, and let's try to not only spread knowledge but INSPIRE PEOPLE TO IMPLEMENT THEIR KNOWLEDGE.

Information is the world's #1 largest commodity.

What's Your Story?

We all have a story. We all experience times of struggle, triumph, love, laughter, sorrow, growth, and things we feel compelled to share with others. Some call this, "The Human Experience". Today it seems that every "successful" person, no matter what their professional also becomes an author or avid blogger. We see that there is not only personal satisfaction in sharing our journey with others in hopes to inspire them, but also unlimited business potential. 

Technology allows us to share stories via photos, status updates, blogs, and even e-books. Anyone willing and able has access to our work, and will likely share our story if they can relate. This is all done for free! You don't pay anything, and neither do they. Not only is there beauty in sharing our story for free, but there is also a built value and reputation. This is the business opportunity. If you listen to many of the great personal development coaches, they will often give knowledge away for free. Some of them publish entire books for free because they feel such a passion and see the need to share! Yet, still some do not take advantage of the materials. It's easy to read a "How To", but it's harder to live it. With information being the #1 largest commodity in the world, where is the value really found? 

The answer is within ourselves. The value we place on our growth and personal expansion will determine if we use, and then how we use the information available to us. Information can be offered up by anyone, but who's information do we trust when it comes to the important things in life? Most likely someone with a great education, or a successful entrepreneur worth millions right? Maybe, but what about the simpler things in life, like being a good wife and mother? Would you trust information provided by a stay at home wife and mother, or someone with an advanced degree in childhood and family development? That seems simple enough - the wife and mother! Why? There's a first hand, emotional experience given, and that just seems to be more credible. I heard Dr. Oz say in an interview with SUCCESS Magazine something to the effect of "...Once you connect with people's emotions you're able to really address the issues, and gain trust." This is power!

The beautiful thing about the art of writing is that no one can confine us to a box. Our thoughts may be labeled or judged, but a story consists of many parts. It puts our lives into context. No single story is truly singular. Connections to people, places and things in the story lead to many other stories. Isn't it amazing how no matter what decisions we've made in the past, we still have a future that we can link back to previous events in our personal history?

Whatever your story is, someone wants to hear it. What are you going to do with it?

"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you."

Maya Angelou