remember there are ways to save money at Love You Love Life Live Life...

I just wanted to remind everyone that we have a numbr of ways to save money on your treatments here at Love You Love Life Live Life.

1. Buy 5 treatments and get the 6th Free when you pay up front - even if you don't book all sessions that day!

2. Up to 40% discount for all NHS staff when they use their Health Staff Discounts card.

3. Up to 40% discount for all over 65's.

4. Up to 40% discount for all NUS card holders.

5. Up to 40% discount for all teachers and school staff.

6. Grab a loyalty card - come for individual sessions, get me to sign each time and get one free when your card is full.

7. Regular one-off offers posted on Faceook, Twitter, here at the blog and on Google+

8. Client only discounts for members of the email list.

So there is always a way to have your treatment and get a bit of a bargain! xxxx

Spotlight On........ Skin!!

Spotlight On....... Skin!!!

This weeks spotlight will be falling on probably the least looked after organ in our body - the skin.

But I hear you cry 'I cleanse, tone, moisturise. I buy ridiculously expensive lotions and potions for it.' But do you know what is in those lotions and potions? Would you consider eating the ingredients of your cosmetics (this may seem a little extreme I hear you gasping)? Do you consider where those imgredients come from and what effects they may have once absorbed into your system?

This week I hope to explain how important the skin is, how it works, how what we put on it affects us inside, and how best to take care of it. Hope you will find it interesting ☺

http://loveyoulovelifelivelife.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/4-steps-to-healthy-glowing-skin.html?m=1

New Opening Hours!

Just to let you know I will now be open on Saturday morning for 2 appointment slots beetween 10am and 1pm. Obviously these may be quite popular so please do understand that you may need to wait if you want a weekend slot.

I do have a late night on Thursday's until 8pm, and I am ope until 6pm every other day, so hopefully there will be a time you can make it in for a session

xxxx

Organic Skincare Pamper Parties!!

Brand New!!

Organic Pamper Parties for you and your friends 

Book me to come for a fabulous few hours of luxurious skincare and aromatherapy gorgeousness, choose your own theme - face, body, hands, feet, round the home and I will bring a fabulous array of products, will teach you how to use them and why they work and give you the chance to get some of them for Free!!

With a generous Hostess allowance hosting a Neal's Yard Organic Party is a great way to get your friends together, get one of our fantastic Free hostess gifts and have a lot of fun. Plus our July Sale is still on so you can grab even more bargains 

Pamper Parties are FREE - I just ask that you and your friends consider placing a small order each of the fabulous products from Neal's Yard Remedies I bring for you to enjoy. Anyone who spends over £70 on the day will also get a free voucher for a 30 minute facial too!

www.rosemarypeckorganic.info

 

Spotlight On....... Massage as it is 'Every Body Deserves a Massage Week'

Everyone Deserves a Massage Week!

In celebration of this I will be offering a customer discount on all massage Remedial/Relaxation treatments (includes aromatherapy and lymph drainage, but not MFR) next week of 25%!

Also, I will be donating 10% of the full treatment price for every massage given to The Sam Buxton Sunflower Healing Trust, who work tirelessly to provide cancer patients all around the country in hospitals and hospices with complementary therapies to improve their wellbeing.

I have been lucky enough to be one of the therapists they provided, and worked in the Breast Unit at St Margaret's Epping. The ladies I worked with enjoyed their treatments so much, and found their sessions a little haven within what is a very testing time, offering them a chance to relax and actually enjoy their bodies and even improved their confidence and emotional wellbeing. Please help me help such a great cause.

So, as it is Every Body Deserves a Massage Week, this week's Spotlight On..... subject will be massage!!!

To start - just some of the reasons why it is good for us....

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-11315/why-massages-really-do-keep-you-healthy-a-cardiologist-explains.html

Todays Stress Buster tip....

thought for the day!

Why I charge just a little bit more than if you went to a salon....

I have had a couple of comments on how much I charge in recent weeks, so I wanted to address this for people!

Yes, I am a little bit more expensive than many high street salons.

Yes, I am definitely more expensive than a Groupon deal.

Yes, I occasionally offer a discount or special offer - see Facebook or Twitter to find out what they are and when they are running.

No, I am not offering the same service that they are.

No, I will not just give you your hour's treatment and then hustle you out of the door as quickly as possible.

No, I will not treat you like just another customer - my clients are more important to me than that.

'I originally visited Rosemary a few years ago when a friend recommended Indian Head Massage as a great stress buster! I Googled for a local therapist and found Rosemary's site. From that initial consultation I have never really considered going anywhere else for my 'stress buster' massage sessions! Apart from being a very experienced therapist across a range of disciplines, Rosemary is always friendly, welcoming and always manages to offer the best treatment for me at the time. Although I am a paying client, I have never been treated like one. What I mean is that Rosemary welcomes me into her home and for the time I am there I seem to be the most important thing in the world, not just a number. I have attended many times and there have never been any interruptions to my treatment, and I have never felt like things are being rushed. The atmosphere is warm, calm, relaxed and professional. In short, I have nothing but positive comments for Rosemary and would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone I know!' T Barratt

I charge a little bit more because I have been working in this industry for a long time. I have spent many hours, and a small fortune on courses, seminars and books to ensure that I have great knowledge and skills.

I have chosen (it is not a requirement that I do so and many therapists choose not to be a member of a professional body because of the costs involved) to be a member of 2 respected professional bodies - The British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC), and The Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT). I have also chosen to get myself on the national register of The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). In order to maintain these memberships I have to commit to ongoing professional development training and commit to their code of conduct and ethics.

I am licensed by Essex County Council and hold full public liability insurance for my therapies, products and wellbeing classes.

I use only 100% natural, Soil Association certified Organic products in all my treatments.

If I believe I cannot help you, I will say so and will try to help you find someone who can - either by direct referral to someone I know and can recommend or by giving you the list of criteria you need to consider when sourcing the right therapist for you.

I use a comprehensive approach, that means a long pre and post treatment consultation and suitable follow up advice and support - you can call me any time I am not just your therapist in your session time. I may need to call you back if I am with someone else, but you can be sure I will do that as soon as possible!

This approach can mean that even though you book for 1 hour of treatment, what you actually get is one and half to 2 hours + of my time and expertise - so in fact I am actually much cheaper than many of the salons nearby!

'Rosemary is a highly skilled and talented therapist. I went for some massage work for head, neck and shoulder tension but after a thorough consultation, Rosemary had picked up on aspects of my wellbeing - both emotional and physical which needed attention. Instead I had a myofacial release treatment which was, as Rosemary explained, better suited for my needs that day. Having never tried this treatment before, I was amazed to find how extremely effective it was after even the first treatment, and it sorted out the migraines and neck and shoulder tension so well! Rosemary takes a very holistic approach in her treatment sessions, looking at the person as a whole rather than just treating isolated compaints - which makes for a far more beneficial treatment & much more longer lasting results! Thank you so much Rosemary!' S. Titterington

And finally, I charge a little bit more because I do get results for my clients that last.

' ROSEMARY IS A LEGEND!! When I first visited her 18months ago, I was in constant pain after a knee injury 4 years previous and taking lots of strong pain killers. She asked if I wanted to be pain free & come off all my medication - my answer was YES!! I now take nothing stronger than the occasional Paracetamol, ive riden bikes & horses and have a far better quality of life. I very rarely have pain in my knee. A big big thank you to Rosemary Peck' J. Smith

And yes, all 3 of the testimonials given above keep coming back, and keep referring me to their friends and family 

How to Take Control of Your Goals.......

The Lovely and I have been busy getting prepared for the upcoming winter, and more importantly for me – Race For Life in a few weeks. It made me realise that if your desire is great enough, you can achieve something truly extraordinary. I work with so many people, who dream about making changes in their lives – yet when it comes down to making it happen, simply don’t do anything to help themselves. It always puts me in mind of the story about the guy who prays fervently to God to win the lottery, never winning – until he asks God why he hasn’t helped him reach his goal. God replies ‘You need to at least meet me half way and buy a ticket!’ It amazes me how many people have this mentality – they will pray, and affirm and do all sorts of dreaming, but when push comes to shove they won’t take the action required to assist in making the change occur.

All change comes from our will. It comes from a desire so strong that we won't let anything get in the way of our achieving our goal. I will be honest I have been pretty fearful a lot recently myself. I feel I am walking in almost uncharted territory for me. Re-starting my business - walking away from the potential of a well-paid, regular job, with a great pension in the voluntary sector - back into the fickle world of self-employment is a huge change, and the fact that I am not intending to go back to 'normal work' again makes it a very daunting prospect. But my determination to make it work has me learning new skills in marketing, has me working even harder with my clients to create a better experience for them, has me learning everything I can to be the best therapist I can be for all of you. I am scared stiff I will end up where I did before, when I chose to give up and go for a 'normal' job, but I am fighting that fear every moment with my will to succeed this time, to really make it work.

Now, I am not saying that what I have chosen to do has been an easy decision - even taking the decision I had to fight a lot of fear, nor am I saying that I stay courageous all day every day. I have moments, sometimes even whole days when I think myself into panic, and my will seems to desert me - but when I wake up to what I am doing I reapply my will and get going again. I use my goal - to help as many people as I can to change their own lives for the better - to spur me on. This ultimate goal keeps me on track, and is so exciting and important to me that it will work every time so I find the courage to work through my fear, instead of allowing myself to wallow in fearful thoughts (I've made the wrong choice again, I'm not good enough, I don't have the right skills etc).

So my parting question to you is this…

What are YOU allowing your fears to intefere with in your life?

What are You not manifesting because you are too scared to just take that first step over the edge, to take that leap of faith in yourself?

I am often fearful, but because I know what I want and I have faith in myself I keep putting myself out there, giving myself chance after chance to fail - and yes occasionally I do fail and I do it in splendid fashion, but I pick myself up, learn the lesson and try again  - but more often than not I succeed and I have learned that this is the part to hold on to.

One of my favourite sayings is 'Feel the fear and do it anyway', and all of my clients will tell you how much I love the marketing slogans used by Nike 'Just Do It' and L'Oreal 'Because you're worth it'. I challenge you now to make use of these phrases, or some you have thought up that are applicable to your own situation, use them as affirmations regularly over the next few weeks and start with small actions. I guarantee you will be manifesting things you were scared to dream of in no time!

I'm off to manifest a beautiful, strong and healthy body, an overflowing client list, and a holiday to Greece, oh and one of the gorgeous NYR diffusers in the ad below - wish me positive affirmations and courage, I won't need luck!

4 Steps to Healthy Glowing Skin

Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it has a number of vital functions. It regulates blood temperature; it stores blood; it protects us from the external environment; it detects sensation; it excretes and absorbs substances; and it synthesizes vitamin D.

In medical terminology it is known as the Integumentary System, and of all the body's systems none is more easily inspected, or exposed to infection, disease, or injury.

It reflects our emotions (frowning, blushing etc), and the levels of functioning of normal physiology and homeostasis (sweating, and deficiencies are just a couple of examples.

The diagram below is a very detailed view of all the components that make up the skin, in cross section. I won't bore everyone with everything about this, but will cover the important stuff that relates to how massage, and the products we use day in day out can make to our skins.

Our skin covers an area of between 1.2 and 2m². It is about 12% of our body weight. Being constantly in touch with the environment around us it has to be tough enough to withstand physical and chemical attack, and be sensitive enough to respond to subtle changes in both our internal and external environment.

Healthy skin provides protection from:

• physical injury
• chemical damage
• infra-red/ultraviolet damage
• invasion by bacteria and other micro-organisms
• sudden temperature changes
• excessive water loss
• penetration by foreign bodies
• allergens

Essentially our skin is made up of layers, from the deepest layer - the subcutaneous (fat), through the dermal, and into the epidermal layer. These layers have layers within them too.

The Subcutaneous layer isn't technically part of the skin, and consists of fatty tissue and fibres that extend from the dermis to anchor the skin into this layer, and subsequently attaching to underlying fascia (connective tissue) around muscles and bones. It is a storage depot for fat, and has large blood vessels that supply the skin. It also contains nerve endings. This layer cushions the internal organs from shocks, acts as an insulator, and can be a source of energy when required.

The Dermis provides the packing material, which supports all the other stuctures. It contains collagen and elastin, which are crucial for maintaining healthy looking skin. Collagen gives the skin it's structure, and elastin it's elasticity. When these degrade, skin loses its plumpness, and wrinkles can appear. This woven network of cells has great tensile strength, and stretch and recoil easily. Its thickness changes throughout the body, being at its thickest in areas such as the palms and soles of the feet. Stretch marks are a form of internal scarring that occurs in this layer of the skin. If harmful organisms or chemicals penetrate the dermis, they get transported round the body by the blood, causing widespread problems.

The Epidermis forms the outer protective covering of the body, it is designed to keep out the bad, and keep in the good. It varies in thickness throughout the body, being at its thickest on our palms and the soles of our feet. This outer skin is made up of stratified (layers) squamous (made up of scales) epithelium (covering cells). It is a production line that converts living cells at the base of this layer, into dead, hardened and compacted layers of protein (keratin) on the outer surface (keratinisation). The cells of the epidermis are more loosely packed in the upper layers to prepare them for desquamation (shedding) which is happening continuously to remove debris and micro-organisms which may otherwise settle on the skin and cause infections.

The rate at which this cycle of cell production, keratinisation, then desquamation depends on the body's available energy. This is why when we overeat/undereat/have dis-ease/muscle tension etc. our skin can look so tired and dull. All the body's energy is going to other areas to 'heal' or undertake other processes. Therapeutic intervention is not just about beauty treatments to make the skin look good - it is also to help improve the cycle of regeneration above, so skin stays youthful looking, plump, and healthy - with good levels of collagen and elastin, and with a great blood supply of nutrients, fluid and oxygen, and great functioning of lymph to get rid of toxins.

All forms of massage, and reflexology improve blood circulation to the skin, speeding up this process, so keeping our skin smooth and supple and able to withstand external invaders - pollutions, irritants, allergens etc. It can also help improve the visual appearance of cellulite, and the brightness and tone of our skin. Facials aren't just about looking good - they are an essential part of a healthy skin routine too.

My top recommendations are to body brush daily, long strokes towards the heart - starting at your feet; body scrub once or twice a week, and keep clean and moisturised. Think about having a regular massage treatment once a month to really keep your skin looking and feeling great!

So we get to the key part of this – your simple, straightforward, foolproof way to achieve a healthy skin.

Step 1 -Have a great skincare range for your face that includes a cleanser, toner, oil or serum, and moisturiser twice daily

Step 2 - Add in a natural facial scrub once or twice a week.

Step 3 - Use a moisturising or deep cleansing mask weekly –

Step 4 - Stick with it, and enjoy the results. Your skin will almost sing with glowing health!

Now, we get to the bit about it's as important what you put in you, as well as on you. Many of us have been steadily moving towards foods without chemical additives; that are less processed; and aim to be organic where possible. Yet we then continue to use products filled with synthetic chemicals; derivatives from the petrochemical industry; that are skin irritants; and have oestrogenic properties. As you have just read, if our skin isn't in optimal health it isn't always the protective barrier we think it is - these chemicals can easily be absorbed into our blood streams.

We are what we eat, and what we put onto our skin - so I am of the school of thought that if you aren't sure what it is, or what it does - don't eat it or put it onto your skin or hair! If in doubt, go for products that leave these potentially harmful things like mineral oils, 'parfum', and parabens out.

This is why I use Neal's Yard Remedies Organic products on myself, and you - my wonderful clients. They are 100 % natural, Soil Association Certified, Fairtrade, and on top of that are a British family run company who really care. And you all deserve the very best, very purest products that I can provide you with.

For more information simply visit www.rosemarypeckorganic.info for more details.

Spotlight on...... Myofascial Release - The Secret Technique that gets rid of tension every time… well almost!

Those of you that have visited the website and blog, or seen any of my posts on Facebook or Twitter, but who haven't been to see me in a while and experienced Myofascial Release (MFR) may well be wondering what on earth it is all about, and why I keep harping on about it!

 It doesn't have a nice, obvious title like Sports Massage or Physiotherapy.

It isn't so well-known in the public because of a recognised status in society like Osteopathy or Chiropractic.

 However, it is rapidly increasing in its devotees, and is being more and more widely used by Sports Massage therapists and Physiotherapists, and recommended by Osteopaths, Chiropractors, and musculo-skeletal specialist doctors as a technique that can be beneficial in many kinds of complaints where Muscles and connective tissue is involved.

I was reading the FHT magazine ‘International Therapist’ an incredible article about advanced massage techniques, written by Rachel Fairweather, and she managed to sum in just a short paragraph what I am about to put in even greater detail below.

She described MFR as a 'method of freeing restrictions in the myofascial system where the practitioner uses the "listening touch" to tune into the tissues and follow the fascia to where restrictions are held. MFR techniques help to relieve pain, resolve structural dysfunction, restore function and mobility and release emotional trauma.'

She also points out that fascial work is useful in cases of acute and chronic pain; fibromyalgia; ME; pelvic and menstrual problems; IBS; headaches; and sports injuries. She also reminded me to point out that all fascial techniques are done without oil.

In my MFR treatments I also use craniosacral techniques, which work on the deepest layers of the fascia (the dural layer) that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, and acupressure techniques (also listed in her summary of techniques).

I couldn't have summarised it all better myself (in fact I didn't!) - and I am thankful to her for this incredible article. If you would like to read the whole article, please drop me a line and I will send you a copy - it is well worth a read.

The Sciencey Bit ….!

Myofascial Release is beneficial in many types of pain and trauma. As a therapist in this modality for over 3 years I have assisted clients to heal themselves from many types of muscular overwork and shortening; chronic inflammatory processes including micro-traumas or unresolved injuries; and direct injuries with resultant scar tissue.

My clients have presented with a range of symptoms including migraine and headaches; temporomandibular joint (jaw) problems; back pain (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral); postural imbalances; patients who are post-trauma; those with decreased range of motion or mobility; those with excessive scarring (post-surgical, and trauma); and many forms of chronic and acute pain. MFR has helped patients with musculo-skeletal problems in every limb, and joint. It provides the necessary stimulus for the innate ability of the body to heal itself, and it works on the physical, neurological, and psychological aspects of the body. Many clients have experienced an emotional release alongside their physical release, particularly if their muscular problems have stemmed from emotional stresses - this makes it a very holistic method of treatment.

However, please do not think that I advocate MFR above any other form of therapy, it is an addition, not a replacement for other techniques, and is best used in combination in a well though out and implemented treatment plan. But moving on to the nitty gritty, for those who want the lowdown on the science!

MFR is all about creating space. Elongation (or stretching) of the tissues is important, but creating the space for this to take place is critically important. Creating space brings in oxygen, which allows the decrease in tissue tension. Without the space for the stretched muscle (for example) to move into, it won't stay there once the treatment is over, because it will have to revert to the space available to it.

Some Definitions:

Myo is: a prefix used in biology to denote muscle, originating from the Greek derived

Fascia is: the fibrous connective membrane of the body that may be separated from other specifically organized structures, such as the tendons, the aponeuroses, and the ligaments, and that covers, supports, and separates muscles. It varies in thickness and density and in the amounts of fat, collagenous fiber, elastic fiber, and tissue fluid it contains. Kinds of fasciae are deep fascia, subcutaneous fascia, and subserous fascia.Mosby's Medical Dictionary, 8th edition. © 2009, Elsevier.

Connective Tissue is: a fibrous type of body tissue with varied functions; it supports and connects internal organs, forms bones and the walls of blood vessels, attaches muscles to bones, and replaces tissues of other types following injury. Connective tissue consists mainly of long fibers embedded in noncellular matter, the ground substance. The density of these fibers and the presence or absence of certain chemicals make some connective tissues soft and rubbery and others hard and rigid. Compared with most other kinds of tissue, connective tissue has few cells. The fibers contain a protein called collagen. Connective tissue can develop in any part of the body, and the body uses this ability to help repair or replace damaged areas. Scar tissue is the most common form of this substitute. See also collagen diseases. Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc.

structural tissue composed of fibrous materials and a substrate that contains a variety of cells. Bone, cartilage, hair, nails, and fibrous tissue between cells and around muscles are all considered types of connective tissue. Jonas: Mosby's Dictionary of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. (c) 2005, Elsevier.

Connective tissues (fascia, muscle, blood, bone, etc.) are made up of 3 layers, the superficial, deep and dural layers; 3 components, elastin for flexibility and resiliency, collagen for shape, support and strength, and ground substance (or cellular matrix) which determines the functional capabilities of every cell in the body. They surround, support, protect, separate, and play a role in metabolic and cellular communication. Just think about an orange. The peel (the superfical layer) supports, and surrounds; the inner 'skin' (the deep layer) surrounds, supports, and separates each segment, and within each segment every juicy little particle (the dural layer) is surrounded, supported, separated, and protected.

Many practitioners of original Myofascial Release techniques have unwittingly been performing an often agressive, symptom-focussed form of soft tissue mobilisation in which not all components of the fascial system are reached (often the dural layer is not activated). These are excellent forms of remedial massage when used appropriately, and can be combined with other modalities as a wonderful beginning for what was to come - true Myofascial Release (MFR). When compared against other soft tissue mobilisation techniques MFR differs mainly when it comes down to the length of the stretch applied.

• Trigger Point techniques (used in Sports Massage etc.) hold a stretch for up to 45 seconds.
• Shiatsu will hold the stretch for 45 seconds
• Strain/Counterstrain (orthobionomy) techniques and Rolfing hold for 90 seconds.
• Massage has no hold, or very short holds.
• MFR, goes beyond the traditional - see Figure 1 above. MFR holds for 3 minutes, and more ...

A release is complete when there is the sense that when let go the stretched tissue won't bounce back, that it will remain where it is at the end of the technique.

                                                         Figure 1. The timeline of hold

Essentially MFR is a low load, long duration stretch into the tissue. It increases the biomechanical efficiency of the joints, co-ordination and movement quality. It increases metabolic efficiency, and increases strength, power and endurance.These effects counter the mechanism of tissue damage (ie the spilling and loss of proteoglycans with a resultan loss of water; degydration with the inability to move lactic acid; the solidification to a crystallised substance of the matrix; signals to the brain that there is a problem and that repair needs to commence; and signals to other parts of the body which creates symptoms often far from the site of injury).

Cellular tissue damage has 2 responses: to repair what is damaged, and to brace the area for that healing. The goals of tissue treatment therefore need to be to decrease the neuromuscular response; to open the fascia; and to stop fibroblast activity. Fibroblasts are specialised cells that create chains of proteins to build fibrous tissues in areas where it should, and often shouldn't be (scar tissue; new connective tissues like elastin, collagen and cellular matrix - including the matric constituents like proteoglycans). There is no system to control the fibroblast activity, they can either lay down more scar tissue, or they can absorb themselves. It is important to 'talk' to the body and stop an over-reaction. MFR, by applying its low load, long duration stress to the fascia changes the electrical potential in the cells, which signals the fibroblasts to change their function from laying down more scar tissue, to absorbing themselves more.

Scar tissue is a normal part of healing, but it is weaker and less elastic than normal tissue, and has a much more fibrous matrix.The proteoglycans found in the matrix are like sponges, and they need to be 'fed' (with oxygen), and they require water. Dehydration of the cells is a big part of inflammation, and without water there will be an abundance of elastin and collagen, but a very dense and fibrotic matrix. Immobile scar tissue is not normal, however it will deform with less force if it is stretched in more than one plane at the same time. To minimise the effects of scar tissue it is important to modify cell permeability and allow cells to 'communicate' chemically. This can mean that the deposition of fibres can take place in more appropriate patterns. MFR, by stretching tissues in more than one plane, with its low load, long duration stretches increases cell permeability, changes the electrical potential to affect cell communication, preventing overwork by the fibroblasts, creates space for nutrient and water flow, and stretches the myofascial tissues to cause release and rehydration - this leads to a reduction in pain, helps to increase range of motion and mobility, and makes you feel great. What more can you ask for from a treatment?!

(Summary of some of the Human MFR coursebook, by Ruth Mitchell-Golladay, an absolute artist at the 'listening touch', and my mentor. Thank you so much for teaching me this amazing technique.

Any errors in the above are definitely not hers - they are all mine!)

Crazy cat lady on a mission to change the world view!

Hello.

So I have finally gotten round to setting up a blog again after many months of being away. I sincerely hope I will manage to be a bit more consistent this time around. I am not entirely certain what this blog will be about. I am simply passionate about everyone living life to the fullest. So I suppose it gives me a pretty broad scope of the things I can add here!

I suppose the best place to start is with a little bit about me and why I do the work I do - hope you won't find it too dull.

I have been many things throughout my life. I have spent 95% ish of my life trying to fit in, get a proper job, have the right qualifications, be the right size and shape etc etc and son and so forth (am massive fan of The King and I!). With every new job and career, every new college course, every new diet and exercise programme I woul always get so excited and be so passionately devoted to this time getting it 'right'. I still have absolutely no idea why O had this feeling that who and what I already was wasn't enough, but I never felt 'normal', never felt that I fitted in anywhere, and never felt I deserved happiness.

I went on my first diet when I was 14. At the time I was at the top end of the healthy weight spectrum (according to my school nurse), but had been bullied from the age of 7 about being fat. Now I was bigger than most of my school chums, but that was because I shot up to my current height by the time I was 11. By 14 I had a woman's figure and had already been menstruating for 5 years. I swam a lot, I played hockey, squash and tennis, I walked everywhere and at a heck of a speed! I was fit and healthy. Yet tye prevailing body image we were supposed to aspire to was that of Kylie Minogue and many other diminutive and slender stars. Kate Moss was the new supermodel on the block and the 'heroin chic' look eas huge. Looking emaciated and going straight up and down didn't fit my body. None of the era's fashions suited me, so I tried to change me. Of course I didn't know then what I know now and that what I thought would be a quick and simple process of just losing 1 stone 7lbs in order to be a bit more of a waif, but still healthy would be the beginning of a disordered relationship with food, my body and my self esteem until I reached 36 And discovered Health at Every Size, got some counselling and started to develop a life for me rather than 'them' whoever 'they' may be. Bit by bit I built my confidence and pride in myself and my achievements. I learned to see myself through the eyes of my friends and loved ones rather than my own 'societal stigma tinted' ones. I began to love me as I was, not as I may be if I just lost weight, got the right job, helped the right person, got the right piece ofnpaper certifying my adequacy. I finally learned that I am more than adequate just the way I am. There is no need for me to change. What I needed was to stop standing in my oen way, and stop listening to the views of people I didn't know or accepting a view I knew science actually said was incorrect, or at least inconclusive!

I now help others to start out on their journey to finding peace with themselves and the body they inhabit now. I am an active Tweeter/Twitterer (whatever the term may be), Facebooker, please come and find me there and get involved. Am a complementary therapist and exercise instructor, and have set up wellbeing groups to help people of all ages to be proud of themselves, their bodies and build the confidence they need to Love You Love Life Live Life! I love my work passionately and the honour I have of seeing people blossom and grow into the person they want to be without the pain and restriction of dieting, the humiliation of accepting jobs and situations beneath their capabilities or any other issues that havr negatively defined their lives and sense of worth is a privilege I never take for granted.

I will probably go into more depth about the stigma and pressures I felt through most of mynlife in future posts, as I explore and offer help (I hope) to those just starting on their journey towards body confidence. I feel that it is easier to use my examples than those of my clients most of the time because I know exactly how I felt. I know exactly what I did to make that change, and I know exactly how that has made me feel now. I will give exampkes from others too when I can, but most of what I say comes from my personal experience. I hope that what I writr inspires just one person out there, if it can be more so much the better.

Hopefully today's post has explained a little bit about why I now do what I do. I am determined that all people should be free to embrace and enjoy the body they have, to build the life that they desire and should not let the opinions or fears of others stand in their way. I will keep fighting until we have acceptance of who we all are, just the way we are. I hope you will join me as I do so.

Thanks, much love and positive thoughts to you all.