New Website Launch Day!!

Well the day is finally here!  After months of hard work, time, effort, energy and love - I'm super proud to announce that Heather C Dalton, my new website, launches today!

I wanted to create a place where women could go to tap back into their inner warrior.  A place to again reconnect and find mind, body, soul balance.  It's also a place where live liver donors can go to receive the support and resources they need for their epic, life changing journey!

I will be sharing great blog posts, upcoming events, success stories, tips, tools and lots more!  Please come on over, check it out and sign up to receive my weekly news letter.

Please click here to be sent to the new site!  See you there :)

The New Website Launches on Monday

After a lot of time, effort and energy - I'm proud to announce the new website if finished and will be launching this Monday the 5th! 

That's right this coming Monday!  This has been such a labor of love and I'm so pumped to share it with all of you!  Check back here Monday for launch details.

The Word of the Day is Progress!!

Yes that's right, my word for today is progress!  Despite this cold still lingering on and on, I can feel myself starting to turn a corner.  I am still really congested and go through periods where I have very little energy.  Today was a little different though, today was special.  Despite my cold, I heard that little voice in the back of my mind saying, "It's time, today should be your first workout day!"  I knew my body would tell me when it was time to start easing back into it and today I got the message.

I wasn't sure which workout was going to call me first and it was one of my all time favs, PiYo!  For those of you who have never tried it before, it's a fun and dynamic combination of yoga and Pilates.  You're in constant movement and Chalene Johnson totally kicks your but.  I have been feeling the need to stretch and strengthen, so I figured this would be a good place to start.  I also really like that there is a great modifier that you can follow to meet your level, which was heaven sent and boy did I need it.  I modified just about everything and even made up a little on my own to compensate what I couldn't do.  I kept reminding myself that this is step one of what will be a whole lot of steps.  Just take one day at a time!  I also managed to get in 30 squats for a challenge my accountability groups are doing.  It felt really great to get back in with my groups and accomplish my first workout post surgery - no matter how modified the workout was!

 

I know I have to go slow and take baby steps to get back to where I was physically.  This journey is really going to force me to grow in the patience department.  It's also going to force me to learn a new speed, slow.  I am looking for all of the positive lessons I will learn from this journey and I'm looking forward to growing in those areas.  It was clear after todays workout that this phase of my journey is going to be slow going.  Today starts day one of my training to strengthen my body in many ways.  Today I start the physical journey ... I can do this!

 

 



 

Delicious Healthy Gluten Free, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies!

I have a total sweet tooth and I love to bake, so I'm always looking for healthier alternatives.  I play with lots of different options including both vegan and gluten free.  Not only do I like to play with new recipes, but I also like to be able to offer my clients different options to suit their needs and style of eating.

I'm really bad with recipes because I tend to cook a lot from taste, heart and spur of the moment improvising.  So when people say, "That was amazing, can you make it again?"  My answer is usually, "Yes but most likely it will taste different."  Baking is a little different because it requires more precise measurements.  Recipes I try end up in 3 different categories:  1) I won't be making that again! 2) This was pretty good!  I'm gonna keep it with my other recipes (sometimes they get made again but most of the time not) and 3) Wow this is awesome I've gotta share it and I'll definitely be making this again!

Here are some category 3 cookies!  These can be gluten free and also have no butter or oil either. 

Try these awesome Healthier Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter* ( I use the kind you blend yourself at the store)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 4 tablespoons light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons old-fashioned oats (I use gluten free oats to make them gluten free)
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup peanut butter chips + chocolate chips (I use all organic dark chocolate chips)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. (My oven tends to run cooler so I bumped it up to 375)
2. In a medium sized bowl stir together the peanut butter, honey, and brown sugar. Do NOT warm up the peanut butter or the honey.
3. Add in the oats, salt, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Stir well.
4. In a separate bowl lightly beat the egg and then add it to the mixture.
5. Stir in desired add-ins (I used a peanut butter and chocolate chip mixture), but you can use dark chocolate chips, raisins, craisins, peanuts, etc. to make these even healthier and more breakfast worthy.
6. The mixture will be thick and hard to stir. Continue stirring until combined and then use a cookie scoop to scoop out the dough. Press the dough very tightly in the cookie scoop to form the balls. Without a cookie scoop these tend to crumble.
7. If not using a cookie scoop you will have to work with the dough a little bit more by squeezing it into a ball.
8. Form the balls onto a cookie sheet and bake for 7-9 minutes. (Again my oven runs cooler so I had to add time to these.  I added 3 mins at a time and kept checking them)  Took them off when bottoms were browned.
9. Remove and allow to cool completely.

 

Enjoy! 



Celebrating and Down and Out at the Same Time!

Yes a funny title I know but that's exactly how I'm feeling these days!  I'm celebrating a significant date, yet feeling totally down and out all at the same time! 

Let's start off with what I'm celebrating!  So many of you have been following my organ donor journey and yesterday marked a big date. It was the one month mark since the surgery.  I did a lot of reflecting yesterday on all that has happened in one month and it's just astonishing!  Honestly the surgery feels like it was just yesterday and at the same time months ago, if that makes any sense.  I can remember every detail so clearly, which makes it feel so recent.  However, when you are going through something major like this, you are forced to slow WAY down and take minute baby steps.  You celebrate every small thing you accomplish, which are the very things we take for granted like:  Being able to stand up on your own, being able to walk on your own, being able to go to the bathroom without assistance, etc.  It's these tiny moments that all add up and make it feel like it was months ago that all of this transpired.  One month ago, I donated part of my liver to save my step fathers life.  One month ago, I embarked on the scariest, yet most significant, journey of my life.  One month ago, I found out how much strength and courage I had.  One month ago, I risked my life to save a person I love.

It was also my first time having major surgery so I had no idea what to expect, recovery wise.  I spent many months meeting many donors and hearing their stories.  Every story was different but one theme was very common - The healthier you are going in, the better and the more positive you can be the better.  This always gave me a lot of comfort because these two things I've got on lock!  I've been a healthy lifestyle coach, for three years now and I've completely transformed mind, body & spirit.  I have finally understood the magnitude of my transformation.  Not only did it change my health & my life, it also put me on a path to finding my passion to help others and is allowing me to live a life I had never even dreamt of!  Most importantly it prepared me for my greatest calling yet.  3 years ago I never would have been cleared to be a live organ donor, mentally or physically.  I now know I have been training for the biggest event of my life and something that was so much bigger then what I was envisioning.  I think it's because of my mindset and health that I have recovered so quickly.  I took one day at a time, was patient and gentle with myself and listened to my body.  I would say within 2 weeks I was pain free and in 3 weeks I was flying back to Seattle.  I continue to see progress daily and I take time to recognize it, not matter how small it is.  It will be awhile before I'm back into my old workouts but that doesn't bother me.  I'll start slow and before I know it, I'll be stronger than I was before :)

Now some of you are probably saying "what is there to be down and out about then?"  Well as many of you know, I was SO careful when I went home to Michigan not to get sick.  I didn't go out anywhere, I was careful of who I exposed myself too, did not see many people post surgery, wore a mask flying home, sanitized my area, etc.  I was super careful and within 1 week of being back in Seattle, I got sick.  Pre-surgery my health routine really kept me on track and I rarely ever get sick.  Even when I do, I get over it really quickly but not this time.  Since a large amount of my energy is going towards regenerating my liver and my immunity is down, it's kicking my butt big time.  Many of you have reached out to me because I haven't been as present on social media or even updating my blog ... this is why.  I have felt so drained and beyond exhausted.  Plus I've been doing a lot of sneezing and coughing, which really is no fun with my incision and abdominal healing.  I've been doing as much resting as I can and pumping fluids, vitamins and healthy food.  I'm limited on the amount of things I can ingest, in both over the counter meds and/or herbal remedies while my liver is regenerating, but I have a few things I'm taking.  Just have to wait and let it run it's course.

Thanks for all of your concern and wishes.  I appreciate every one of you!  Please continue to send me some good mojo and positive healing vibes so I can kick this cold once and for all!

Recovering

So I had this vision in my mind of recovering at home and while I was recovering, I'd write all these wonderful blog posts .... not so much!  The last thing I've felt like doing is blogging!  I've been really tired, drained and reading makes me even more tired.  I'm starting to get on the computer a little more and more but I still can't do a ton.  So basically blogging during recovery has so far been an epic fail!
That's ok though, what I have succeeded in is listening to my body and giving it what it needs to heal.  I've been resting and eating quite a bit - hey it's hard work to grow a liver and takes lots of energy!

One thing I have been thinking a lot about is other donors and their journey.  I have connected with so many amazing donors from all over the country, all have had very different experiences.  I know that my experience could have been far different if I were not a healthy lifestyle coach.  I went into this surgery, the healthiest I could possibly be mind, body & spirit!  I worked on my core and endurance before heading into this.  I also managed my stress and anxiety with things like:  Meditation, Reiki, body work, reading and connecting with nature.  I can't even fathom going into this surgery not healthy!  I knew it would be a long road after but I was physically and mentally ready for it!

 

 

I was also ready to see what doors this opened for me.  I strongly believe that our greatest lessons and growing sessions come from our hardest obstacles.  I just knew that this would open more doors for me, I just didn't know how or what.  I'm starting to see a reason I was called to do this (other than to save my step fathers life of course).  I already know that I was put on this planet to help as many people as possible live the best lives they possibly can.  Now I see even more doors opening to people that need more help ... donors and recipients of transplants!  I want to help as many people as possible head into surgery as strong as they can possibly be, physically and mentally.  I also want to help people post surgery, get back on their feet!

I now have first hand experience on just what it takes to get through transplant surgery, as painless as possible.  Sure there will still be pain and obstacles, but the healthier you are the better!

 

I am currently 2 weeks post liver transplant and have gotten a clean bill of health.  Not only that but I am pretty much pain free and can fly back to Seattle anytime I want to.  I have no doubt, this speedy recovery has everything to do with my health and positive mindset!

 

I can help you too!  Reach out to me so we can chat about your journey!  I'd love to meet you and learn more about you.  You can reach me at Facebook.com/heather.dalton.754 or heatherchristine312@gmail.com 

EPIC Day .... WOW!!!

As I promised, here is my blog post to describe my totally epic day yesterday!  I just couldn't put it into an Instagram or Facebook post because the emotions and breakthroughs were just too big to sum up in a few sentences. 

Yesterday I experienced massive emotional shifts that were very profound and overwhelming.  My day started with the most powerful Reiki session I've ever had.  An old friend of mine, Katherine, came over to give me some of that awesome energy healing.  It was a profound and emotional experience for both of us that left us emotional and just blown away.  I felt so much being released and moved .... it was just so incredible.  After my session I truly felt my channels flowing and I could just tell it was going to be a really important transitional day for me.

My sister came over and we had such a great day together.  We had an awesome talk and, of course, she did some pampering!  I got my feet and my back rubbed - I'm a lucky girl :) 
This experience has had such a positive impact on my family, it's pretty incredible!  It's brought all of us closer together and it's inspiring people (in and out of the family) to want to change their lives for the better.

 

When I came home, I expected to save my dad's life.  What I didn't count on was impacting SO many others and having a this many people reach out to me just to tell me how I've impacted their life.  It's so humbling and at times overwhelming!

The emotional release continued well into dinner where I had a great talk and another release with my aunt.  My Reiki session allowed me to release a lot of things I've been storing in my body and I felt such a HUGE shift in my healing! 

Never did I dream that this surgery would change my outlook on life so much and impact others to the level it has.  I feel beyond blessed and full of gratitude that I was chosen to do this! I tell you one thing ... it tells me I must be doing something right :)

I capped off the day with a totally epic moment in my business and on our team.  Our guest speaker last night was none other than Beachbody's CEO, leader and visionary ... Carl Daikeler.  I mean it was like the cherry on top of the best sundae I've ever had! 

Yesterday was just the most awesome, amazing day ever and I can't wait to see the doors this continues to open for me and the people I have yet to meet and help!  I want to help as many people as possible live the best lives they possibly can.  I can already tell that this life changing event is going to allow me to help more people than I would have ever imagined!

I'm baaaaaaack!

Well my liver transplant surgery was one week from today and I'm feeling blessed on so many levels.  The surgery went well for both myself and my stepfather, although he definitely has a long road ahead of him.  After the surgery, he was in ICU for a few days and I went straight to recovery.  It was really great when he finally came to the recovery wing because we were right down the hall from each other.  We took walks together, visited each other, watched our shows and shared Italian Ice treats.  It was really awesome having someone there who knew exactly what I was feeling and going through and we were able to support each other.

I would say that the first 4 days were the most challenging pain wise.  I was up walking the day after the surgery and I find that's what helps most.  I would say by day 3, I could at least get up in the middle of the night and stand next to my bed on my own so I could stretch out a bit.  Nights are still the most challenging because you get pretty tight and I'm also having back spasms.  I will say though, taking small steps forward everyday.

I have no doubt in my mind that going into this healthy and positive has played a crucial role in my recovery!  I can't imagine going into this surgery with a weak core.  Everyone is really impressed with my progress and I'm pleased as well.  The goal is to be ready to head back home to Seattle by the 17th.  I have my follow up visit on the 11th and we'll see what my Dr. says.

I want to take a moment to shine a light on the real heroes, which are ALL of the people at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit!  AMAZING is the word that comes to mind.  Never did I feel like I was a number or just a patient.  They literally treated me like family and bent over backwards for me.  My surgeon Dr. Abouljoud is just an incredible human being.  He cares so much about everything he is doing and it shows.  I'll never forget being wheeled into the operating room and having him hold my hand, assure me that everything was going to go awesome and  tell me he was right here for me.  That treatment did not stop once I got to recovery.  The nurses on my floor were beyond spectacular and I left that wing with many friends.  I just can't speak highly enough about this program and all of the people involved. 

 

 

I also have to take a moment to talk about the mind blowing love and support I've received from friends, family members and people that don't even know me.  To those of you who have contributed to my Go Fund Me page, participated in the Dance for a Healthy Heather and have sent me awesome messages, I can't tell you how much it means to me and how much it has helped me get through this.  I literally feel like I have an army behind me.

 

The biggest of thanks goes to my family because they are just so awesome!!!  They all surrounded me and John and have supported us on so many levels.  A HUGE shout out to my sister Holly who has really stepped up and has been my rock through this.  She has been right there to help me with everything I need and to help keep me calm.  Sis you are my bestie and I love you with all my heart!!

 

Another massive shout out goes out to my Aunt Mary and Uncle Terry who have taken me in and are pampering me through my recovery.  It feels great to be out of the hospital with no more wires or tubes, able to shower and eating good food!  I love and appreciate you guys so much!!  Here is my first night home, after my first shower in 6 days and eating my first meal at home!! Talk about heaven :)



 Now that I am continuing to feel better, I will be back on my computer and updating my progress more.  Feel free to follow along right here on my blog or head over to my Facebook page, where I have been documenting my entire journey!  Facebook.com/heather.dalton.754

 

Again thank you for all of the love and support!  I would not be here without all of you :)

 

 

 

 

 

T minus 2 days until surgery!

This may be my last blog post until post surgery.  Tomorrow we officially start preparing for the transplant on Monday morning. Our last meal will be breakfast and then we will be on a liquid diet for .... well awhile!  Then we have to start the fun part ..... the prep .... yuck!

I'll be starting the prep at home and John and mom will be heading to our apartment next to the hospital.  My sister, Holly, is going to pick me up after work and we'll head to the apartment together.

I would imagine tomorrow night is going to be interesting!  Being at the apartment, knowing the surgery is early the next morning .... I mean it's here!!  It's time!!  It's a little surreal to be honest.  I'm starting to feel some anxiety but nothing over the top.  I feel like, so far, I'm keeping it in check pretty good!  I've been meditating and doing yoga when I need to, which always helps.  

My mom and I were talking last night and I know she is nervous because she will be taking care of John and will not play an active role in my recovery.  I know that has her a little uneasy.  We were talking last night and I told her that one of her roles was to keep John's spirits up!  She looked at me and said, "who's going to keep your spirits up?"  I told her that I have an amazing army of supporters behind me and I would be just fine.  That's really how I feel!  I have had so many people reach out to send love and support .... it's just incredible!!  

We are both going to come through with flying colors I am certain of it :)  We are both in great hands!
I'm ready to get this going and start the healing process.  

Time to save a life!

I will most likely not be updating my blog until I feel well enough.  If you want to follow the updates on my progress, the days following the surgery, you can send me a friend request at Facebook.com/heather.dalton.754

See you all on the other side!!  Don't forget to dance it out Monday morning where ever you are! If you're on FB, please tag me in the post :)

Dance for a Healthy Heather Monday!

Hi everyone,
As you know, this coming Monday the 26th, I will be heading in for transplant surgery.
I will be donating half of my liver to my step father :)
I have to check into the hospital at 6am and before hand my sister, mom and myself will be having one last dance party at 5AM!
I want to radiate love and happiness heading into that hospital and what better way to do that then a good dance session!
But I have an even better idea .... I want all of YOU to dance too!!! So wherever you are on Monday morning when you get up, dance it out for me!! What a way to celebrate saving a life and starting this epic journey!!
I know I will receive so much positive energy from all of your dancing :)

So here's what you do:
* Monday when you wake up, grab a partner or dance it out solo style!
* Take a photo or video, post it to FB and tag me in it :)

Who's in?

To get added to the event page, please add me as a friend on Facebook at Facebook.com/heather.dalton.754 and shoot me a message to tell me you want to dance!!

It's my goal to get Ellen Degeneres involved .... well because she's my fav :)  Spread the word! 

Hospital orientation day - 5 days and counting!

Well things continue to get more real!  Today I had my orientation at Henry Ford Hospital to prepare me for the big day on Monday (and of course get more blood drawn).  First I met with my surgeon Dr. Abouljoud, who went over everything with me in regards to what I can expect.  He also showed me a super cool 3-D image they had made of my liver.  They sent my scans to Germany and they produce a 3-D image of my liver, complete with different colors to mark all the different veins and what not.  This way when he gets in there, there are no surprises.  He already has his road map and knows where to cut!  It was great to connect with him again because the last time I saw him was the day I was tested to see if I was a match, and that was a whirlwind!  I also met with my transplant coordinator, Nemie, who has been completely awesome during this entire process.  She went over my pre-op ... fun stuff routine (let's just leave it at that lol!) and also gave me a tour of the hospital.  Being a person who likes details, today made me feel much better.  I know what to expect and the different areas of the hospital I'll be in.  Here is a picture of me, Dr. Abouljoud and Nemie.

 

 

I also got to meet with a pharmacist and nutritionist.  The nutritionist walked in and said, "well I've looked at your chart and talked with Dr. Abouljoud and this is going to be a very short meeting!"  It's so reassuring to hear from all of the Dr.s that my health is awesome and so is my routine.  In fact, all of the Dr.s I've met with have said they wish they could clone me because I'm so healthy and happy :)  They told me to not change any of my habits post surgery .... well except for one  ... and it's a HUGE one!  I have to wait to drink Shakeology again until my liver regenerates  (app. 2 months) talk about the bummer of the century!!!  I have been drinking it everyday, sometimes twice per day, for 3 years now!  It's such a HUGE part of my healthy routine and it's going to be SO  hard to go without it for that long.  People have asked me, "well yeah but I thought Shakeology was supposed to be so good for you!"  That's the thing ... it IS so incredibly good for you!  However, it's a super dense and concentrate dose of nutrition that is completely all natural.  So it's made up of herbs, vitamins, super foods, etc.  There are some potent herbs that you should not have post surgery because they can thin your blood or cause clotting.  Also, since I will only have half a liver, that is a lot of herbs and vitamins to process which could over tax my already taxed organ.  Going without Shakeology could actually be more challenging for me then the actual surgery lol!

 

Marching onward to the big day on the 26th .... please send me lots of love and positivity :)



Final blood draw .... take 2!

After going to the lab a few weeks ago, for what I thought was my final big blood draw before the surgery, I found out was really just a dress rehearsal.  After my blood draw, I actually didn't have the best reaction.  They sent me a package in the mail with everything I needed to collect the blood, overnight  itback and all of the paperwork needed .... well so we thought!  
I not only had to get blood drawn for my upcoming surgery, but I also had to have blood drawn for my regular Dr. as well.  I decided instead of going twice, I would just knock everything out in one trip.  I had to fast for one set of the blood work so I went in the in the AM.  It ended up being 8 vials they needed and they said that  was a lot after fasting. 
As the day progressed, I started to feel some side effects like:  Drained, achy, foggy and could not regulate my temperature for a few days. Once I finally started to feel stable again, my transplant coordinator called and said there was a paperwork snafu and I had to do it over .... sigh.  This time I didn't have to fast though so I wasn't too worried about it.  I guess this is still the easy part right?  So back to the lab!

This time they only had to draw 4 vials and I didn't have any kind of side effects.  Being overnighted to Detroit with love :)  I've given more blood over the past 3 months then in my lifetime!  Amazing how the body can regenerate and heal itself.  To know that you can remove half an organ and have it completely regenerate itself is fascinating to me.  Even more a reason to donate!

Haven't gotten any calls yet that there are any issues with this sample so here's hoping all is good!  One week from Sunday I'll be flying home to start this epic journey!  Be sure to follow along :)

Another big pre-surgical day today!

Today marks another big pre-surgical date!  Today both John and myself had to get out last blood draw done before the surgery.  We did not have to go at the same time but it did have to be done on the same day.  Come to find out, we were getting our blood drawn around the same time :)  They will be checking various numbers, levels and tissues, just to make sure nothing has changed.  This is such a delicate procedure, that things can change up until the very moment before the surgery!  The lady who drew my blood, was a little short in the sense of humor department and looked at me like I was nuts when I asked her to take my picture lol!  I told her no worries, I'm a master selfie taker BAM!

 

 

Then it was straight to FedEx where this will be overnighted to Detroit.  I have no doubt as we progress that things will continue to fall into place, like they have since moment one.  This is out of my hands and much bigger than myself at this point.  I know that I will be pulled in the right direction and protected.  Still feeling very calm and confident .... wow is that pretty cool! 

 



One month until my surgery and counting!

Last night marked a big date, on a few levels.  It was the last night I will be partaking in any alcoholic beverages for a long time!  Which also means ... I'm 30 days out from my surgery. 
I'd say that fact hit me harder than the no drinking part.  I'm not a huge drinker, although I do like to have a few cocktails with friends over good food.  I'll be ringing in the new year with some sparkling wine this year :)

I celebrated my last night with one of my favorite things to do .... Happy Hour!  As I was sitting there, it dawned on me that in just 30 days my life is about to change drastically.  In just 30 short days, I will be embarking on the biggest adventure of my life!  In just 30 days, I'll be leaving my home and my dog, uncertain when I'll be returning.  In 30 days, life as I know it will change indefinitely. 

I'm still feeling pretty calm and confident but we'll see what life has in store for me the closer the big day gets.  I am grateful I have so many healthy new tools to reach for.  Looking back over the last three years, it's amazing how I've required every tool I need to prepare me for this.  I'm connecting to so many wonderful things spiritually right now like:  Meditation, sound baths, Reiki sessions, yoga, time in nature ... things that really make me feel at peace and balanced.  I'm proud of myself for how far I've come in my journey to be able to be in a calm space like this.

Cheers to a life changing 2015!  Be BOLD, be BRAVE, be SELFLESS and be YOU!

Hear my Story at the Seattle Super Saturday

More blessings are coming my way :)  Super Saturday is an awesome event that is held quarterly in my business.  They are held all over the country and they are super motivational events.  It's a great place to meet incredible, positive people.  You'll hear the most amazing, inspirational stories you could imagine.  We hear upcoming news and events and we get in a free, awesome group workout!
Our next event is January 10th and I was just informed that they will be bringing me up on stage, to be interviewed by Super Star Coach, Jimmy Hayes Nelson.  Jimmy is incredibly motivational and was also featured in the Insanity and PiYo workouts.

I don't have a doubt in my mind that making the decision to become a coach, gave me the tools I needed to be able to get through my biggest journey yet, the journey to become a live organ donor.  Three years ago, I was in a very different place!  I was at the very top of my BMI, a smoker, lived an unhealthy lifestyle, was very stressed, didn't believe in myself and held myself back with horrible self talk.  On the outside, I appeared really strong but on the inside I beat myself up horribly. 

My journey started by making the decision that I didn't want to feel the way I felt anymore.  By saying enough is enough!  I plugged into the most amazing system I had every been apart of!  For the first time ever I had the perfect combination of fitness, nutrition and support and I started to change my life.  Once I realized that I was changing my life, the decision to become a coach was pretty easy.  I wanted to pay it forward and help as many people as I could!  I had no idea just what an impact that decision would make!

For the first time, I was exposed to personal development and investing in myself.  I was exposed to what was possible when you love and respect yourself.  I was surrounded by positive people that motivated me and lifted me up higher than I could have imagined.  Since becoming a coach I have learned how to let go of control and walk with faith, I have learned how to work on myself and let others live their own lives, I have learned what a positive mindset can really do, I have learned that failure is welcomed and in fact should be sought out and I have learned that the more you give of yourself the more blessings will come your way.  Instead of smoking, drinking, partying and living a  life of destruction.  I now exercise regularly, eat healthy, meditate, do yoga and center my life around helping others live the best lives they possibly can! 

I have now been called for my biggest journey and that is to save a live by being a live liver donor.  I have no doubt in my mind that if I wouldn't have changed my lifestyle and found my peace, I would in no way be fit to answer this call!  I know that my anxiety would be off the charts and I would be a mess.  Instead I am calm, confident and grateful to be able to save the life of someone I care about.  I know that this will open many doors for me and allow me to reach more people who need my help.
I am so grateful and blessed to be living the life I am living and I want to share that feeling with as many people as possible :)

Anyone can attend Super Saturday and I would highly recommend it!  Guests are free and if you're a coach it's cheap and will pay itself back 10 fold! 

Here is the info for the Seattle event.  If you would like to attend - please let me know.
Date: January 10th
Time: 9AM-2PM
Details and tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seattle-super-saturday-january-10-2015-tickets-13404756989

Trip is booked - it's almost surgery time!

My trip home for the surgery is officially booked!  I leave Seattle on January 11th to head home for what will be the beginning of a series of life changing events!
I was speaking with my aunt last week and she recommended I call Delta and ask if they would allow me to pay a round trip price but leave my return open ended.  I was planning on booking a one way ticket home and then returning home when I felt up to it.  However, since the surgery is in January, the ticket prices will only go up heading into February.  Plus I was a little nervous about having to pay extra fees in case the surgery is changed for any reason.  I figured, hey why not!  I'll give Delta a call and see what they say.

I explained the situation to a super nice lady and let me just tell you what proceeded to happen completely blew me away.  They were totally awesome!!  She was determined to help me.  She looked through all of her rules and regulations to figure out exactly what they could do for me.  When it was all said and done I received:  A discounted flight, I paid no booking fees, they placed a waiver on my account in case I have to change the dates and they gave me a free upgrade to economy plus on my return trip to make sure I was as comfortable as possible.
Just another amazing act of kindness and generosity I've experienced since starting this journey. Before we hung up she said to me, "I just want you to know that we think what you're doing is absolutely incredible and I know it's not much but this was the least we could do!  You are a hero!"  Again I was immediately humbled ... I'm not sure I'll ever be comfortable with that word but was completely grateful for her kind words and generosity. 

January - here we come!!!
Oh and fly Delta people :)

Blessed Beyond Belief

Humbling, full of gratitude, emotionally overwhelming ... These are the words I'm using to describe my past 2 days.  I can already tell that this life changing journey I'm preparing to embark on is going to be really just that .... life changing.  As it gets closer, I'm experiencing the most amazing acts of kindness and hearing the most amazing stories.  Here are a few more high points for me :)

It started with a call I had with a live liver donor that my transplant coordinator set me up with.  We instantly connected and she shared her powerful story with me.  She has 2 sisters who were born with Cystic Fibrosis.  On top of it, her younger sister also contracted liver disease and eventually cancer.  She found out she was a perfect match and didn't hesitate to go all in!  They even phoned them saying they had a cadaver liver available at the final hour and they decided to turn it down.  She said to me, "I'm young, healthy and she's my sister.  Someone else's life was saved with that organ."  I was instantly humbled by her selflessness.  She also told me that she took good care of herself and she wanted to know her sister was getting a good strong organ, considering everything she has been through in her life.  At the time of the surgery, her sister was only 21 years old.  She knows that on the horizon there will probably be 2 more transplants, in the form of lungs, for her sisters.  However, I got the profound feeling that this family very much lives life to the fullest and one day at a time.  They had their surgery in February and by August they BOTH ran a 5K.  Then in November they both ran a half marathon.  Talk about inspiration!!!
She was able to shed so much light on what I could expect as far as recovering.  I gained a great sense of comfort and confidence hearing what she had to say.  I feel so blessed to have her as a new friend and resource.  Liver Giver Sister as I've learned ... catchy eh!

This next one completely caught me off guard!  I logged onto my Team Aloha Facebook page today and I see a post from my Coach telling our team that I am donating a portion of my liver to my step father and in my honor a Go Fund page had been set up by Meg (my close friend!)  I had no idea she was doing this and had to read it a few times to make sure I understood it.  I clicked on the link and sure enough, a page set up for .... me.  It was a bit of a surreal moment to see a page like that set up for me, with the words Live Organ Donor across the top.  As I read what she wrote, again I was just so humbled and such an extreme amount of appreciation washed over me.  I am truly surrounded by amazing, positive, spiritual, GOOD people.  No scratch that INCREDIBLE people and I feel so blessed!

By changing my life completely from living in a space of negativity, frustration and stress to living in a space of gratitude, health and happiness.  It's no secret why I've attracted these people into my life.  I devote my time daily to helping others be the very best that they can be and tackle those really scary goals.  Nothing is scary when you have someone behind you that believes in you.  But I don't do this because it's my job, I do this because its what I was called to do and it's my passion.  Just by doing that, just by helping others feel amazing, I have attracted so many blessings into my life.  You don't live your life expecting to need help at some point.  I mean you know you will but you don't know when and in what capacity.  Right now, when I need the most support, is when I am rewarded for the good life I've been living.  The outpouring of love and support I'm receiving is beyond what I can put into words but I can tell you it gives me so much strength and confidence.  I appreciate it more than I can even hope to express in words.