Dreams of a sea of stars in a mirky light-saturated city.
Yoga for Christmas splendour breakfast
Let’s start off this holiday day with some healthy stretches to get us through may it be an overfilled belly over and over again, family feud, long drives or last minute shopping. Take 5 minutes to complete this sun salutation and you will feel like no mountain of presents can’t be conquered and all the screaming children in your living room will be nothing but a bundle of joy and bring cheer to this merry weekend.
Inspiring mother, registered dietitian, mentor
Time and time again, I like to reflect on a few of the wonderful people I have met and sought out for experiences and advice. I encourage all those who have dreams and ambitions to reflect on those who they look up to and can learn from. Ask them questions, observe how they operate and internalize the positive qualities you admire in them. Put yourself out there and meet as many people as you can which can help you in your life pursuits.
A mother from Clinton Elementary School requested volunteers from the Nutrition department students at OSU for a program at her children’s school called ‘Make your Plate A Rainbow’. I unfortunately was preparing to study abroad during that time, so I emailed her and asked if I could be in touch with her after I returned 6 months later for other opportunities with health education for kids. That is exactly what I did, and we came up with a brilliant idea of developing an independent study. I designed and facilitated six 30 minute long programs teaching 5th and 6th graders at Clinton Elementary School about nutrition and healthy living. I also helped out with the Family Fun Fit Festival the PTA put on. Not only did I get class credit for doing things I love (teaching, spending time with kids, talking about healthy food, introducing people to new things) I also made a great mentor out of the experience.
Dr. Oppenheim has given me guidance in academic, personal and professional pursuits. Nutrition is a hot topic and many people are making claims, which may or may not be true. Dr. Oppenheim is someone I genuinely trust to give accurate and helpful information in matters of health and nutrition. She has a PhD in Nutrition, is an editor for scientific journals on nutrition as well as uses scientific evidence to back up almost all of her claims. She throws some personal tips she has learned from her own experiences as well, which she highlights. Her authenticity is inspiring and admirable in her parenting, professional career, and personal goals. If you have kids, or are going to have kids, or feel like you eat like a kid, I would definitely check out HER blog.
Pupupower Shift 2011
Can I get a f%*# yeah from everyone who went to Power Shift 2011?!! http://www.powershift2011.org/
As the Ohio State University Power Shift coordinator, I felt myself falling into a few traps of organizer burnout, which is the reason that I even started this blog. But this time I was able to realize how I really felt about the situation and why. Power Shift is an amazing experience and very necessary for our time. Youth from all around the country joined together to create massive change with actions, trainings and sharing incredible stories. the New Organizing Institute, who organized all of the trainings from 9am to 1pm on saturday and sunday, did an incredible job. We learned how to utilize our individual strengths while keeping the whole solid. We heard amazing speakers like Al Gore, Van Jones from Green for All, and Lisa Jackson the director of the EPA. I probably saw 50 people that I love so dearly and there were many of those “OMG HERE YOU ARE, I MISS YOU AND AM SO EXCITED TO SEE YOU” Giant Hug followed by more giant hugs.
All this being said, I felt like my heart wasn’t in the work to be done before the conference. I realized the main reason I took on the role as coordinator was because I had done it before for the last power shift, and that no one else had stepped up. Looking back I am very glad that I committed to be the coordinator and am very proud of the 30 students that came with us to DC. BUT next time I will make more diligent intentions as to why I am committing to a task or role. All of this work is vital to creating a safe just and clean world, but having intentions and your heart in it is the most important, otherwise you may get burnt out and now want to do anything. And no one wants that.
This is more of a reflection on my experience coordinating than attending the conference. Attending the conference was fun, inspiring, exhausting and empowering.
Thank you to everyone that attended, and let’s make it a happen!
