Ten years ago, I left the bookstore business and returned to the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma to be nearer my aging family. Over the years, I discovered that my clients were too busy taking care of others to take care of themselves. (A behavior that I call “the mommy syndrome”). I quickly fell into this pattern and neglected myself to the point that my health became life threatening. I developed cardiac problems, diabetes, apnea, hypertension, arthritis, gout, and my weight ballooned to 420 pounds. After family members started stressing out about me not being around much longer, I decided to take time for me. I soon realized that my advice given over the years, put all together, and turned inward could save my life.

Twenty-four months ago, starting at 450 pounds, with all the previously mentioned problems, I put my program into practice, tweaking it as I went and documenting my actions and results.

So here we are today, October 2010, and I no longer have diabetes, hypertension, cardiac problems, or apnea, and my weight is 220 pounds. My waist went from 62 to 36, and my “real age” (Age your body thinks it is) went from 66 to 42! I still have my arthritis and gout, but the weight loss and my reduced stress and natural lifestyle keeps it in control.

I’ve always told my clients that “Your Body is just a house for the Soul, and sometimes you need to paint your house.” Now that my house is in good shape, it has released more time and energy to work with my wonderful clients. lynard