Back in the game, all be it a different sport!

After quite a break, I'm B-A-C-K!!  Thanks to all you lovely ladies who have contacted me asking me if I am ok...it's good to be missed!

2009 so far has been quite a struggle for me with some difficult and emotional times leading to some of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make.  Let me explain...

Last year as many of you will know I left my old job to follow my dream of becoming a raw food coach specialism in emotional eating and weight loss.  It's been a whirlwind journey and so many things fell into place so effortlessly I felt sure I had found my true path in life.  However, since just before Christmas doubts have been setting in about my future and what it may hold.  Financial constraints and the lonliness of working from home without the support and social interaction of colleagues have forced me into a period of self reflection and quiet time.  It has taken some time to come to a conclusion, the right conclusion, but I know now in my heart of hearts that I am doing the right thing. After feeling quite neglected by the universe I believe I am now being looked after and a new path has presented itself to me. 

So, what does all this mean?  It means DiscoverRaw will be taking a break.  I will still be writing on my blog and sending out my eZine 'Destination Fabulous', although this may slip from a fortnightly to an adhoc basis.  What it does mean is that I won't be running group programmes such as Destination Fabulous or The Little Black Dress Programme for the foreseeable future.  I am not saying never, just not right now and definitely not for the next few months. 

So what will I be doing with myself instead?  I find out next week, but it's looking hopeful that I'll be working in a gym as a fitness and lifestyle coach.  There should be an opportunity for me to run weight loss classes as well as be trained as a yoga instructor and learn how to do sports massage to boot!  I'm hoping I might be able to run classes on juicing and smoothie making too! :)

When I sent my CV to the gym I was expecting to just get reception work, however I got a message on facebook from a friend I went to school with saying she was the new manager of the gym and would I like to come and meet her to discuss all the vacancies they currently have. Coincidence? No I felt this was meant to be...!

So the future finally looks bright again :)

I must admit, I have had some black moods in recent weeks.  I've felt lost, stuck, frustrated and even like I've been going backwards.  I know I'm not alone in this, a lot of clients have expressed to me recently a feeling of resistance or of being stuck.  It's not a comfortable place to reside in I can tell you.  My diet has been hugely affected by these emotions too.  I have tried so hard to remain high raw but more and more cooked and comfort foods have slipped in week by week.  I was very conscious of what I was doing.  I knew there were days when only toast would do for breakfast even though I had the ingredients for a green smoothie - that was the last thing I wanted.  I made conscious decisions to just go with the flow for a while.  I almost felt like I couldn't face what was happening to me, I didn't want to wake up to the fact that I may have to go back to my old profession of I.T. I knew this would have destroyed me.  So last week, I started back on the greens, my juicer came out to play for the first time in about 6 weeks and I'm feeling back on track again :)

What was the turning point?  I honestly don't know, I got so low I think something had to give.  I also think the fact that we entered March and the sun came out to play really helped. 

Have you been feeling stuck too?  I really hope not as it's not a nice place to be, but if you are feeling stuck or experiencing resistance then do get in contact with me, I'd love to hear from you.

I'd just like to say a special thank you to some dear friends of mine.  I first met Francine and Tracy on RawFu in August 2008.  I was their mentor for 3 months and we talked on the phone every 2 weeks.  We are now great friends and I love them both so dearly.  I know I have helped them on their journey but I have been so touched by their love and concern for me in recent weeks.  The coaching roles have been well and truly reversed!!  Francine, I can't wait to see you this Saturday and Tracy, Happy Birthday for Sunday - look out for something pink and chocolaty in the post! ;)

Hugs,

Jo x

Comments

[The Raw Bombshell - Claire]

Congratulations Jo. Its so good to hear you're back on track and you've got your mojo back! Wishing you all the success you deserve, beautiful lady. xx

[Fiona]

I went raw last year for several months, so I know the amazing effect it has. Christmas put me off track until this last week, and I have felt exactly how you descibe too. Raw food is such a revelation in how it makes you feel, and it's importance in turning around people's health - no one will really believe it until they have tried it. So you should not take a back seat, and carry on inspiring people!

[tracy]

Go Girl, they will be privileged to have you working there.
Love and Hugs
Tracy

[Dawn Gaynor]

Lots of Love to you, Jo!!

Follow your Heart!

Love and Blessings,

Dawn

[Susanna]

Good for you Jo! and Congratulations! It is funny how these things work out. It sounds amazing and I'm sure it will work out perfectly for you. Wishing you every bit of luck in your new venture. Susanna xx

[Jo Thomas]

Thanks Claire, Fiona, Tracy, Dawn and Susanna for your lovely messages, they all mean a lot.
I will not be disappearing, I just see this as the next step on my journey...

Hugs,
Jo x

[Lisa]

Hi Jo
Great to hear that you're back on track. Be true to yourself and you'll inspire those around you with your radiance, openness and honesty. x

[Julie-Ann]

Congratulations Jo on such huge decisions! It is amazing how everything you have done & will do shall all tie back in together. I wish you the best of luck, love and prosperity.
Julie-Ann

[The Conscious Living Practitioner Michele Snedden]

Dear Jo,
I wanted to write and wish you all the best for your new venture - how great that you were able to give yourself the time and space to reflect and allow space for something new to enter your life. The greatest challenges are often the most rewarding although we don't often see their blessings at the time. I have had my own personal challenges over the past 2 years as you are somewhat aware and I know that those challenges have enabled me to progress in ways I could never have imagined. Life is not stagnant and we are always evolving if we allow ourselves - just like any flower that blooms - it is first a seed, it blossoms and reveals its beauty to the world. It is your time to blossom and reveal more of your beauty... Sending you love, light and blessings and a huge friendship hug. Michele Snedden xxx

[Katrina Brunsden]

Hey Jo!

Lovely to read your last post and funny how things always always work out to our best advantage (even though during challenging times, it feels like our whole world may be falling apart!)

It reminds me of the great quote, "every act of creation is a necessary act of destruction!"

I look forward to our paths crossing one day soon as intuitively I feel like we have loads of stories to share... Love and hugs to you, Katrina x

[Denise]

Hey Jo,

Thanks for your honest and emotional post.

I too quit my job (in consulting) about seven months ago to take a short term contract at a charity - that finished in Feb and I was determined to find a way to work for myself.

I keep going through mega doubts, and I'm slowly running out of money, but I just can't see myself going back to work in an office. Reading your post was motivating because I need to get myself out there for the universe to help (there's only so much it can do if I stay at home hiding).

I too, am scared I'm taking a backward step, but yours sounds positively forward, congrats!

With love and hugs,
Denise Thomas