You might be wondering how I started thinking of myself as a wellness junkie. I have always been on the hunt for more natural ways to feel good and better myself. I do not think it was an accident that my life has led me down this path, or maybe it was fate all along?

The journey started when I was a child, growing up with fresh fruits and vegetables from the family backyard garden. I did not understand the value in it then, especially on the days when I would get home from school and there would be a big pile of corn in the carport towering over me that needed shucking. I hated picking okra and tomatoes. I would itch so bad. I did not grow up with sodas, chips, and sugary cereal in the house. Those things were considered wants and not needs. I remember going into the freezer to grab some frozen strawberries or peaches from the garden if my sis and I wanted something sweet. Money was tight for my parents in the 80’s. Going out to eat was a rare occurrence. I did not have my first fast food until I was in high school.

As for fitness, I had absolutely no role models at home. Yes, I would watch my grandfather work for hours in the garden or in his woodworking shop but as for anyone else? Not a chance. My dad smoked a pack of cigarettes a day, drank a gallon of coffee and worked crazy long hours. My mom controlled her weight by drinking Tab and taking diet pills. Luckily for me the 80’s brought me Jane Fonda, Gilad (Bodies in Motion) and Denise Austin. That was the start of my fitness journey. Although, it wasn’t until I discovered the weight room at school that I discovered my true joy!! Not only did I get to skip the awful lunches it made this introvert so very happy to dodge the awkward lunch conversations and just lift.