Self-love is a journey, it is not a destination. We have been conditioned for so long to pick ourselves apart, disregard our true perfection, and seek flaws. This work of loving yourself is not easy. It's often really painful to find love in what we have deemed so unlovable. We all come into this world the same way, innocent, pure, and ready to give and receive love. The world is not always pretty, and our lessons are not always easy, but we are not alone. My story may be similar to yours, or maybe there are at least some themes within it that resonate with you. The main thing I really wanted to share is we all mess up.

We all go through rough and rocky times, we all do things that our society labels as shameful, but what's really important is that we don't buy into that shame. I bought into it for so many years and all it did was keep me down. Once I began to share more openly about my past struggles with eating disorders, alcohol, relationships, and self-concept I began to hear so many other women's stories. What struck me is how many of us share similar paths and how many of us feel so alone. I feel so incredibly grateful for all my challenges. They have helped me birth my passions and have given me the opportunity to share my experiences in hopes of helping others find their healing journey. I wouldn't be writing this book if it weren't for my challenges; they've given me the confidence. I wouldn't have written Raw and Radiant , I wouldn't have opened my juice bar concepts, I wouldn't have known how to share.

My hope is that this book supports you to make the changes you're striving for in your diet, but really more in your life. I hope you find inspiration beyond the food, beyond the recipes, beyond the surface. My wish is for you to tap in fully to your own intuitive sense and begin creating recipes that will continue to heal your body, heart, and mind. You are a witch doctor, you are filled with secret ingredients that only you can offer. My intention is to help you unlock all that radiance that is living right underneath the surface. I hope that you stop and smell the flowers, dig your feet in the earth, plant your own garden, put the phone down, and really revel in the beauty of your body and this amazing Mother Earth. I hope you feel the power of your spirit and the heartbeat of nature. Let these beauties be what fuels your life, let these gifts guide you into becom­ing a woman who knows her worth and walks in her power.