Women talk about mind, body, spirit

What’s the best thing you ever did for your body?

Stopped worrying about the flaws and started appreciating all the curves!

Sonia Lucas, 33

day spa owner

I quit dieting!

Abby Shawhan, 36

state worker

After 14 years spinning out of control with a severe eating disorder—spending the last 5 years of it searching, screaming, scrambling for a way out or through—I stopped the downward cycle. I stopped vomiting; I stopped starving. Now, for one year and five months, I’ve been nutritionally rebuilding. There is not one facet of my life, inside or out, that resembles in anyway what my life was like one-and-a-half years ago. My body is vibrant, strong and flexible as well as my mind and emotional well-being!

Dana Marie Catanzaro, 29

yoga instructor

I refused surgery and instead educated myself on alternative methods of dealing with a physical problem. We, as women, too readily accept what we are told about our bodies. We need to realize that we should know better than anyone what is best for us.

Khimmberly Maarshall, 29

client services representative

Married my husband. Not only does he have the best hands for massage, but also his partnership makes all aspects of my life more fun and less stressful. Love is the most powerful healer.

Elaine Smith, 33

Web site managing editor

I stopped eating sugar in all of its forms, dairy products and also stopped eating canned or boxed foods. It has made my life a lot better and more tolerable.

Amber Stahl, 37

computer sales

What’s the one thing you need to enable you to become a healthier human being?

Better eating habits, more exercise, yoga and meditation.

Kristin Folz, 33

radio sales executive

I need to quit smoking. I’ve focused on cutting down instead of quitting, and it’s working OK, but the power to quit smoking altogether is what I need.

Tonja Edelman, 31

geriatric social worker

Either eliminate the negative people with whom I work or socialize, or help them become more positive.

Anonymous

I need to embrace anger and impatience with the world and not take things personally. I need more meditation to still my racing mind so I can have more inner peace.

Shannon Wells

entrepreneur

Lose weight. But now with Krispy Kreme opening up, I don’t know …

Cynthia Cullen, 40

scientific aide

The one thing I need to become a healthier human being is the willingness to let go of compulsive overeating.

Rhyena Halpern

new media

I need to see real justice in the world. Economic, political, racial equality and environmental consciousness.

Elizabeth Halloway, 52

caregiver

Desire. The desire to live a long, healthy, happy life and to be desired as a beautiful, healthy, happy, sexy woman. I want to live well to at least 100.

Chris Emmans

state employee

Do you think there’s a connection between your physical health and your mental health?

Totally! There must be a balance between both. If you look good and feel bad, it will show.

Kristin Folz, 33

radio sales executive

There definitely is a connection between physical and mental health. I have experienced firsthand how detrimental “not letting go” is. After taking some spiritual meditation and healing classes, I have come to understand that the body is only a vehicle for my spirit. Through meditation and energy work, I am able to release stuck energy in my aura and chakras, which eventually causes pain and dis-ease to my physical body. I have experienced miracle after miracle, watching people change and heal.

Rev. Laura Shofield, 37

herbalist

Yes, of course. The brain is a body part, after all!

Lorna Snell, 38

secretary

Yes, there is a connection. My depression accounted for my addictions: drinking, smoking, overeating, unhealthy eating …

Lillian Layus, 19

phone operator

Yes. I get depressed when I’m not feeling physically well. And I find that I am more susceptible to colds or injuries when I’m working too hard or am worried about family members. On the positive side, my body works better when my mind is relaxed, and vice versa. I try to keep a positive attitude, and it seems to have a ripple effect on others as well as myself.

Elaine Smith, 33

Web site managing editor

For sure. I battled depression all my life. But I have not had depression since April 2000, when I seriously started working out and walking and running and using my arm weights. I am a school teacher and a single parent. I have not missed a day of work since I started exercising regularly and seeing my therapist.

Denise McCoy, 42

teacher

What do you do to keep your spirit alive?

To keep my spirit alive, I have fun and learn to laugh at the big and small stuff! Meditation, spiritual healing, gardening and art are a few of the things that keep me grounded and focused. Oh, yeah, I also breathe. I see so many people too busy to take care of themselves. Your health should always come first.

Rev. Laura Shofield, 37

herbalist

Play with my cat. Her beauty, innocence, grace and love bring me daily joy.

Alice Krigas

receptionist

I care about others and know God loves me!

Jo Erin, 66

state employee

I always think of my childhood days; they were great!

Georgi Simpson, 29

office support

Dance, power-walk, 12-step recovery. And I surround myself with loving friends.

Myrsa Schrijuen, 42

manager

Live by my mantra, “Peace, goodwill, adventure!”

Sonia Lucas, 33

day spa owner

I play a lot with my young son (he’s 4 years old). I read. I spend time alone.

Crystal Prothers, 25

housewife

I write in my journal. I take bubble baths at least four times a week, eat when I should and make love when I can. If I find that I’m doing too much in my life, I step back and see where and what I need to cut out. I really think there’s no reason to be overloaded in your life. It’s just about knowing when to say when. And having the insight to really figure out what’s important to you in life.

Tonja Edelman, 31

geriatric social worker

Sharing love and joy with my children and boyfriend. I live to care for them and revel in the love they have for me. That makes me feel more alive than anything else.

Amber Stahl, 37

computer sales