I was diagnosed with ADD when I was in elementary school (though it was called “hyperactivity disorder” back then), experienced my first panic attack at age 18, and had my first major depressive episode in 2005. My goal is to help people with these and other mood disorders — and busy people who just want to be happier and more energetic — to live better, more fulfilling lives.
In spite of these problems, my friends say I’m the most productive person they know. (I’m pretty happy, too.) I manage the depression and its evil friend, anxiety, through healthy living habits I’ll share on this blog. It’s not easy — I constantly need to push anxiety out of my body and boost my energy through exercise, meditation, healthy eating, deep breathing, and self care. Sometimes I slip up, and every so often the depression and anxiety win. But mostly I rise above these issues, and if I can do it — anyone can. (Yes, even you.)
I’m the co-author of Becoming a Personal Trainer for Dummies, and am an NASM-certified personal trainer. I’m also studying to become a certified wellness coach so I can not only teach you to become happier through fitness, but can motivate and coach you through the process.
Since 1997, I’ve been writing about health, wellness, nutrition, and fitness for magazines like Health, Oxygen, Fitness, Women’s Health, Clean Eating, Men’s Fitness, WebMD, Redbook, Woman’s Day, and Family Circle — so I have a health background that informs my daily habits and helps me beat stress, kick up my energy levels, and generally keep anxiety and depression at bay.
On a more personal note, I live, write, and train in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina. I’m in my early 40s with a toddler son, so I need all the energy (and calm) I can get!
I feel great, and I want you to feel great, too. I want to see you bursting with energy and joy, and leaping out of bed every day, excited for what’s coming next and grateful for the ability to experience it. Let’s get started today.
