Thursday, October 6, 2011

UNIT 10 - PERSONAL ASSESSMENT

When I compared my unit 3 evaluation and my final evaluation on unit 9, I realized that my initial evaluation was incorrect. My scores were higher on unit 3 because I didn’t explore deep enough. However, after a more comprehensive evaluation, I acknowledged the areas I truly need to work on. Being honest to myself helped me open my mind, my heart and my soul so I can improve in all aspects.
However, I think I’ve come a long way since I started this class and I can defiantly see my progress. Practicing meditation and utilizing other techniques that aid relaxation it’s making a great difference in my overall wellbeing and I know I am getting closer to achieve my goals.

I’ve implemented different activities and I’ve been able to stay motivated by seeing the results and focusing in what works best for me.

My overall experience throughout this course has been AMAZING. I’ve improved in many ways and the experience has been both rewarding and difficult. At first, it was not easy for me to engage in meditation and it got to be somewhat frustrating at times, but I keep trying and I was able to see the results so my efforts were rewarded. I think this experience has enabled me to help others that are experiencing the same issues, and this would be a GREAT asset in my career as a Health and Wellness professional.

Gaby     

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

UNIT 9 - Final Project

Running head: PSYCHOLOGICAL & SPIRITUAL ASPECTS OF HEALING







Application of the Psychological and Spiritual Aspects of Healing

                 

Gabriela Fischer

Kaplan University

HW420-01


October 3rd, 2011



























PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SPIRITUAL ASPECTS OF HEALING                         



Application of the Psychological & Spiritual Aspects of Healing

Introduction.

Why is it important for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually and physically? In order for a healer to heal, he needs to fully understand this process. Thus, the practitioner has to experience it himself to evolve and transform so he can walk the path toward flourishing and later guide his patients through it. Moreover, one cannot preach nor teach something we don’t believe in. Therefore, is necessary for a health and wellness professional to develop in these aspects.        

What areas do you need to develop to achieve the goals you have for yourself? I looked within to evaluate my development and acknowledge the areas I need to work on to accomplish human flourishing. I know I’ve come a long way in recent years, but I still need to work on psychological, spiritual, and physical aspects. For example, I need to resolve family issues that have dragged me down for years.  I have to accept that there are things I have no control over so I am letting go of unrealistic expectations that relate to my relationship with some family members. I also need to make more time to develop awareness through meditation and engage in physical activities in regular basis.







PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SPIRITUAL ASPECTS OF HEALING                         



Assessment.
How have you assessed your health in each domain? As I mentioned before,

I assessed my health in each domain and overall I am proud of my development although there are many areas I need to work on. I started by looking within and testing my abilities in the different aspects and doing self evaluations as well. 

How do you score your wellness spiritually, physically, and psychologically?

Spiritually, in a score of 1 through 10, I give myself a 7. I can say that my relationship with God helps me immensely, but I need to evolve a bit more beyond religion.  

Physically, in a score of 1 through 10, I give myself a 5. I must admit that although I eat a very healthy diet, I am not active enough. Thus, I certainly need to work in this aspect.

Psychologically, in a score of 1 through 10, I give myself a 5 as well. As I mentioned before, I have issues with the relationship I have with some of my family members and is very difficult for me to let go of the negative feelings this generates. Thus, I in order to flourish I need to work in these aspects as well.

Goal development.
List at least one goal you have for yourself in each area.

Physical. I want to exercise enough to stay healthy, tone, and have more energy.



PSYCHOLOGICAL & SPIRITUAL ASPECTS OF HEALING



Psychological. I want to open my mind and let go of the things that hurt me and make me feel sad and depressed.  

Spiritual. I want to open my heart and my soul and I want to develop spiritually beyond religion.

Practices for personal health.
What strategies can you implement to foster growth in each of the

following domains; Physical, Psychological, and Spiritual. Provide at least two examples of exercises or practices in each domain. Explain how you will implement each example.

Physical. I’ve developed a schedule so I can engage in more physical activities to stay active. I am hiking every Sunday for an hour and I am also exercising for 30 minutes a day 5 days a week. I usually exercise at home using the Wii Active videogame.

Psychological. I’ve scheduled an appointment with a professional so he can help me deal with what I haven’t been able to deal with and resolve myself. I am also reading self-help books and using meditation to relax and unwind. 

Spiritual. I am practicing meditation in regular basis, and the more I practice the more benefit I am experiencing and expanding my spirituality is definitely one of them. I usually do visualization and muscle relaxation exercises.     





PSYCHOLOGICAL & SPIRITUAL ASPECTS OF HEALING



Commitment.
How will you assess your progress or lack of progress in the next six

months? I am keeping a journal so I can assess and evaluate my progress as I go along. 

What strategies can you use to assist in maintaining your long-term practices for health and wellness? I think that commitment is the key to success. Commitment entails wanting to change and doing what it takes to accomplish the goals you set for yourself. Thus, staying motivated is important and I think that finding what best for you best is the best strategy. For example, trying different exercises to figure out what you enjoy best so you can stay motivated as you progress.   

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

UNIT 8 - MENTAL FITNESS

The two practices that I found most beneficial are the Meeting Asclepius Exercise and the Skillful Action Exercise.
Meeting Asclepius Exercise
This exercise helped me learn new things about myself, and practicing it on regular basis is helping me open up and aid my transformation toward human flourishing. I’ve been able to become aware of my abilities and flaws so I may work on the aspects that need improvement. While practicing this exercise, I became conscious of many faculties I wasn’t aware of. Moreover, I realized that I’ve come a long way since I started to make changes in my life.
Skillful Action Exercise
This practice was of vital importance. It helped me put things into perspective and prioritize my real needs versus the things I thought I needed. It helped me have more control over my thoughts and feelings, and develop self-control. I am now able to employ will as a tool control my attitude, speech, and actions to consciously guide my path toward integral healing and skillfully craft a fulfilling and meaningful life. However, accomplishing this task is not easy so I have to continuously remind myself of the things I need to change and deviate from negative behaviors.
Indeed, these practices are certainly contributing to improve my mental fitness and the more I integrate them into my daily routine the more benefits I am experiencing. However, I continue to practice other techniques such as Loving Kindness, Subtle Mind, and different types of meditation.
Gaby

Friday, September 16, 2011

UNIT 7 - MEETING ASCIEPIUS EXERCISE

The exercise was very interesting and I actually learned something about myself while I was practicing it. As the narrator instructed, I was trying to think of a wise person I respect and honor, but I couldn’t think of anybody in particular so I created one as she suggested. I thought of the different characteristics that this person should have, and as I was following the exercise, I was reciting each characteristic in my head. Then, each characteristic transformed into energy represented by different colors, and as the colors came together, they started to take shape. Then, the image transformed into a distant silhouette that started to get closer and closer. At first, I wasn’t able to distinguish the person, but as the image got closer, I was able to see that it was a woman. She had long hair, thin figure, not too tall, and she was dressed in white. I couldn’t see her face yet, but I could certainly feel her calming energy. Her voice became my voice so my speech could become loving, wise, and sensitive. Then, the beam of light that came from her heart entered mine so I could fill my heart with kindness, love, and compassion. Next, she left my body and transformed into a light that became a being. When I looked into her eyes to see who she was, I saw myself. My eyes were filled of joy, and my soul was overflowed with peace and I was able to experience those feelings as I looked into her eyes. Indeed, this essence became my inner guide, healer, and gift giver. This was an amazing experience, and the first time I was able to submerge so deeply into an exercise. Thus, I plan on practicing it more often. As Dacher explained, mastering these skills will take practice and I am staring to see the great benefits of these exercises.
Gaby

UNIT 7 - ONE CANNOT LEAD ANOTHER WHERE ONE HAS NOT GONE HIMSELF

On the statement "one cannot lead another where one has not gone himself” (Dacher, 2006, p.477), Tom Janisse refers to the fact that in order to practice integral health and provide holistic healing, the practitioner himself needs to transform to bring back the pleasant doctor-patient relationship. Thus, he can see each patient as a unique being and illness as a grace through which both the healer and the patient may transform their respective lives (Dacher, 2006, p.477).

How does this apply to the health and wellness professional?
The basis of this idea portrays an overly utopian healing concept. This paradigm sees sickness as an opportunity for human flourishing in which the health and wellness professional is able to walk his patient through a healing process that will heal the patient and transform both of them. Thus, guiding human development trough a path that transcends all barriers and transforms healing into a spiritual practice that embraces the body, the mind, and the spirit at the same time.   

Do you have an obligation to your clients to be developing your health psychologically, physically, and spiritually? Why or why not?

Most definitely, you can’t teach or preach what you don’t practice. Furthermore, you can’t heal someone else if you suffer from the same disease. For example, a doctor that smokes won’t be able to help a patient that wants to quit smoking. An alcoholic can’t give advice on how to give up the addiction, but a recover alcoholic has walked the same path so he can guide someone through it. A person that is obese can’t give nutritional advice and succeed on helping someone lose weight if they can’t apply the principals they teach in their personal lives.   

How can you implement psychological and spiritual growth in your personal life?

Personal growth means change. Thus, we need to let go of negative behaviors and replace them with those that promote personal growth in all aspects. Now, in order to change we need to know what needs to be changed and how to implement those changes. Thus, we need to assess and define our character and recognize which habits we need to change to evolve. Once we know what needs to be changed we need to make a plan to implement those changes and in order to succeed we need determination. Now, to be able to take on this challenge and accomplish our goals we need to maintain motivation and self-awareness and we can accomplish that by utilizing techniques such as meditation and positive affirmations. Many of the exercises we’ve gone over this class are perfect examples of such. Love-kindness, subtle mind exercises, mental workout, etc.

Gaby

References

Schlitz, M., Amorok, T., & Micozzi M. (2005). Consciousness and Healing: Integral Approaches to Mind-Body Medicine.  St. Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone.

Dacher, E. (2006). Integral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

UNIT 6 - LOVING KINDNESS MEDITATION EXERCISE

Exercise and Assessment Process

I truly enjoyed this exercise and the message it portrays. As Dacher (2006) explains, “our capacity for empathic listening, seeing, and caring for the other – open heartedness, sensitivity, generosity, and emotional intimacy can spread to all our relationships”(Dacher, 2006, p.93). Thus, focusing in these factors can certainly make a difference in our lives and the lives of those around us and hopefully create a domino effect that spreads throughout. Furthermore, if we acknowledge others, listen to others, make your presence felt, and feel for others this is not only a gift for them, but also for us (Dacher, 2006, p.93). However, to make it count, this mind-set should not exclude anyone, it should be offered to our partner, friends, strangers, and even our enemies because the development of Universal Loving-Kindness should embrace everything and everyone as the name suggests. Accomplishing this skill is the final leap in interpersonal development (Dacher, 2006, p.93).
Integral Assessment Exercise
This assessment helped me see beyond what I display to the outer world and pay attention to the essential elements I often disregard. By analyzing the aspects that are a source of difficulty in my life and focusing in these areas I was able to seek for answers and give satisfying resolution to negative feelings I’ve been dragging for years. I also acknowledged the areas that are ready for growth and development as well as those that have evolved. Thus, I realized that I’ve come a long way, and although I have to keep working in many aspects for further improvement, I am very proud of my progress so far.  
Furthermore, writing down a personal assessment helped me be honest with myself and find different alternatives on how to approach each aspect. Indeed, it was like looking in a mirror and seeing every element from the other side. The exercise also helped be more aware so I can use this skill as an unbiased and ongoing assessment tool to make necessary changes along the way to further develop in the integral process.  Indeed, as Dacher (2006) explains, the aim is to become proficient at constantly assessing ones life so we can move forward and grow (Dacher, 2006, p.114).
What did you discover about yourself?
This practice taught me that being kind to others regardless of the situation not only helps me feel better, but it also opens the door to feelings you didn’t know you could experience. I realized that by listening to others and seeing things from a multidimensional perspective can help me understand others better and be able get along with ease.   
What area have you chosen to be a focus of growth and development?
The area I want to focus on is the integral process so I can improve all the aspects that need to be developed and be able to give closure to memories that don’t have a positive inspect in my life. I also want to understand myself better and get to know who I truly am so I can transform in whom I want to be.
What are some specific exercises or activities that you can implement to foster greater wellness in this area?
I think that honesty and an open mind are vital for any practice that aims to foster wellness, and I had to follow a few steps to find activities that could help me on my Journey to Wellness.
First, I took this quiz developed by psychiatrists to assess my personality http://www.personaldna.com/
My results were very similar to the opinion and perception I have of myself and doing some research according to my personality I came across this site http://www.essentiallifeskills.net/knowyourself.html and some of the exercises I use are exercises that help me
-          Be aware of my strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes
-          Observe and be aware of my moods, reactions and responses to what is happening around you
-          Become aware of how these moods and emotions affect your state of mind
-          Examine how you interact with others
-          Observe how your environment affects you (Essential Life Skills, n.d.)
This site has GREAT tools to promote human flourishing, but my favorite exercise is on how to expand my comfort zone by…
1.       Breaking away from my routine and try new things.
2.       Staying active!
3.       Getting in contact with nature.
4.       Going out and JUST having fun!
5.       Wind down and relax with my favorite leisure activity.
6.       Do volunteer work (Essential Life Skills, n.d.)
Without a doubt, this was one of my favorite activities and I’ll definitely continue to utilize these tools to continue my Journey to Wellness.
Gaby
References

Dacher, E. (2006). Integral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA:
Basic Health Publications, Inc.
Essential Life Skills (n.d.) Know Yourself. Retrieved from: http://www.essentiallifeskills.net/knowyourself.html

Sunday, September 4, 2011

UNIT 5 – The Connection of the Spiritual Wellness to Mental Wellness and Physical Wellness.

Integral Healing embraces all the aspects that are part of our being which include the body, the mind, and the spirit. All these elements are interconnected and addressing each one with the same level of importance is essential for human flourishing. As we detach from reductionistic approaches, we begin to see beyond the physical body and have a better understanding of an integrated being with a higher consciousness that gives us access to areas of our biology that traditional practices do not take into account and do not comprehend. As Dacher (2006) explains, “our span is greater as we perceive the interconnection and interpenetration of mind, body, and spirit. An ease and lightness enter our life and cleanse our mind and body. In this manner, biological development progressively extends our ability to prevent mental distress and physical illness, enhances recovery from disease, and promotes integral health, happiness, and wholeness. This is the spectrum of biological flourishing” (Dacher, 2006, p.86). Thus, we can comprehend and explore the connection between spiritual, mental, and physical wellness.

Gaby

Reference

Dacher, E. (2006). Integral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA:
Basic Health Publications, Inc.


UNIT 5 – Loving-Kindness Exercises vs. Subtle Mind Exercises

The Subtle Mind Exercises use controlled breathing as a focal point while exploring the essential nature of our mind to diminish involuntary thoughts, feelings, and images that penetrate our mind. The basic idea is to develop the ability to still the mind and have access to a witnessing consciousness that subsequently will evolve into the calming-abiding mind (Dacher, 2006, p. 65). In contrast, the Loving-Kindness Exercises aim is to diminishing focus on ourselves to be able to expand and enhance our concern for the welfare of those around us. The purpose of this practice is to develop a psychospiritual life that will reveal a natural and effortless higher consciousness vital for human flourishing. Moreover, the practice of Loving-Kindness will help us attract what we give and aid our path toward human flourishing by helping us live more fulfilling lives (Dacher, 2006, p. 65).

I didn’t experience frustration with any of the exercises, but I noticed that it’s harder for me to practice the Subtle Mind Exercises because they require more concentration. However, engaging on exercises that embrace all living beings and give my imagination a bit of freedom was a lot easier.

Gaby

Reference

Dacher, E. (2006). Integral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA:
Basic Health Publications, Inc.

Friday, August 26, 2011

UNIT 4 - MENTAL WORKOUT

What is the concept of Mental Workout?

Mental Workout goes beyond closing your eyes and relaxing which is why it requires plenty of practice. This practice aims for the progressive development of an expanded consciousness and its healing capacities (Dacher, 2006, p. 64). There are thousands of methods available and the best way to find out which one is best for you is to try as many as you can and stick with what works best.

What does the research indicate are the proven benefits of a Mental Workout?

Research on Mental Workout indicates that practicing it an hour a day results in health, happiness, and wholeness (Dacher, 2006, p. 64).

Moreover, as an article by Joanna Glasner (2005) explains, “it's common knowledge that a proper exercise regimen can do wonders for the body. Only recently, however, have psychologists and gerontologists aggressively applied the same principle to the mind. Among people who work with older adults, the concept of "cognitive fitness" has become a buzzword to describe activities that stimulate underutilized areas of the brain and improve memory. Proponents of brain-fitness exercises say such mental conditioning can help prevent or delay memory loss and the onset of other age-related cognitive disorders” (Glasner, 2005).

How can you implement mental workouts to foster your psychological health?

Without a doubt, commitment is the first step to any goal we set for ourselves. Moreover, as I mentioned before, mental workouts require practice so we can start to see the benefits with time; therefore, patience and perseverance are also necessary. Thus, as Dacher recommends, I am setting a time, a place, and a space to practice mental workout every day so I can foster psychological health.

Gaby

Reference

Glasner, J. (2005). Brain Workouts May Tone Memory. Retrieved from: http://www.wired.com/medtech/health/news/2005/08/68409

UNIT 4 - EXERCISE

My experience with the exercises was GREAT! I’ve noticed that the more I do these exercises, the more I am able to concentrate and get into them. I will recommend others that have trouble with meditation to keep trying because I used to have the same problem, but it just takes a little practice to be able focus and get the full benefits.    

Gaby

Thursday, August 18, 2011

UNIT 3 - RELAXATION EXERCISE

The relaxation exercise was GREAT! The voice of the narration is VERY soothing and the music is calming as well. However, I’ve noticed that the more stressed I am, the harder it is for me to be able to concentrate on the exercise. Therefore, I realized that I need to do these exercises more often to lower my stress levels and get the full benefits of this technique.
Loved it!!!

Gaby      

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

UNIT 3 - WELLBEING RATING

On a scale of 1 to 10 my PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING is 7 – I’ve come a long way during the last 5 years. I’ve learned to forgive others and myself for the mistakes we sometimes make, and I’ve been able to let go of the past and the things I have no control over. Moreover, I’ve learned to enjoy my present and have hopes for the future, but I still have some emotional issues I need to deal with. For instance, my relationship with my mother and two of my siblings is not optimal and although I don’t let it bother me, I must admit that my heart doesn’t feel complete without the family everyone longs for. Unfortunately, the situation makes it very difficult and complicated so I have to accept the status quo because I have no other choice.

On a scale of 1 to 10 my PHYSICAL WELLBEING rate is 8 – I eat very well, but I should exercise more and use stress relief techniques more often. Maintaining and ideal weight through good nutrition is great, but wellness doesn’t only involve aesthetics. Thus, I should incorporate more physical activity in my daily routine and take time to relax as well.
On a scale of 1 to 10 my SPIRITUAL WELLBEING rate is 10 – I have a VERY close relationship with God and my faith makes me feel fulfilled and complete when it comes to spirituality.         

I want to improve in these aspects and my goals include engaging in more physical activity, making more time for myself to relax, and coming into terms with the family issues I am experiencing. In order to accomplish these goals I need to make a plan to move toward each goal.

PHYSICAL WELLBEING – In order to make time to exercise more, I need to get up earlier to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day and include a routine that incorporates the five elements of fitness. “Whether you create your own fitness training program or enlist the help of a personal trainer, make aerobic fitness, muscular fitness, stretching, core exercise and balance training part of your overall exercise plan. It isn't necessary to fit each of the five elements into every fitness session, but factoring them into your regular routine can help you promote fitness for life” (Mayo Clinic, 2009). Thus, I need to create a program that integrates all of these elements and make sure I make them part of my routine.   

PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING – I need to come into terms with the problems I am having with my family and I was thinking seeking professional advice to accomplish that because I haven’t been able to do so on my own.

Gaby


Reference

Mayo Clinic (2009). Fitness training: 5 elements of a rounded routine. Retrieved from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fitness-training/HQ01305

Thursday, August 11, 2011

UNIT 2 - RELAXATION TECHNIQUES

Nowadays, it is impossible to go even a day without having to deal with some type of stress. Our busy lives, global warming, the economy, and the chaos that exists around the world are only a few of the many uncertainties we have to deal with on a daily basis. Thus, to prevent experiencing the negative effects of the tension produced by all kinds of stressors we need to find ways to cope with stress effectively. There are many techniques we can utilize, but we need to test as many as we can and practice whatever works best for us.
 
Relaxation techniques include:
Autogenic relaxation, Progressive muscle relaxation, Visualization, Hypnosis, Massage, Meditation, Tai chi, and Yoga among others (Mayo Clinic, 2011). Follow this link for a comprehensive description of each technique http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/relaxation-technique/SR00007/NSECTIONGROUP=2

“Relaxation techniques are an essential part of your quest for stress management. Relaxation isn't just about peace of mind or enjoying a hobby. Relaxation is a process that decreases the wear and tear on your mind and body from the challenges and hassles of daily life” (Mayo Clinic, 2011).

Journey on Relaxation Exercise

This guided exercise will help you unwind, relax, and reduce stress. The narrator will guide you through a series of steps and explain the effects the exercise is having in your body. These visualizations will help you experience the sensations described as you reach a stage of calmness and a feeling of wellbeing.

My experience with this exercise was GREAT! However, the first time I tried a relaxation exercise I had a hard time concentrating so I didn’t get the full benefits of this technique. Indeed, it can take some practice to learn to focus, but the more you practice relaxation exercises the more benefits you’ll obtain.  

Try this exercise and share your thoughts please!  




Gaby Fischer

Reference

Mayo Clinic (2011). Stress Management. Retrieved from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/relaxation-technique/SR00007

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

UNIT 1 - INTEGRAL MEDICINE

To achieve absolute wellness we MUST create balance. However, we can’t create balance without harmony and we can’t have harmony in our lives if we don’t integrate a holistic approach that incorporates body, mind, and spirit.

In a Utopian society, medicine would be able to cure every existing disease and health professionals would have all the necessary answers and adequate treatments for every individual.  However, in reality, regardless of all the advances in medicine, this science is far from perfect.  Moreover, until recent years, only two systems were available; Allopathic Medicine and Complementary and Alternative Medicine.  These two forms of medicine are very different and far apart. Thus, there was a need to fill the gap in between which gave life to the theory of Integral Medicine.  

Allopathic Medicine is defined as “a system in which medical doctors and other healthcare professionals treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery” (National Cancer Institute, n.d.).  In contrast, Complementary and Alternative Medicine is defined as “a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine” (NCCAM, 2010). Thus, Conventional Medicine treats the illness and Alternative Medicine treats the person, but Integral Medicine goes one step further and treats the illness, the person, and the physician (Schlitz, Amorok, & Micozzi, 2005).  

I will continue to discuss different elements of Integral Medicine in this blog to give you a better understanding of this practice. Please feel free to ask questions or give me some feedback. Your comments will be well appreciated!

Gaby Fischer

References
National Cancer Institute (n.d.).  Dictionary of Cancer Terms, Conventional Medicine. Retrieved from: http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary?CdrID=44921

NCCAM (2010). CAM Basics: What Is Complementary and Alternative Medicine? Retrieved from:  http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/
Schlitz, M., Amorok, T., & Micozzi M. (2005). Consciousness and Healing: Integral Approaches to Mind-Body Medicine.  St. Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone.




Thursday, August 4, 2011

INTRODUCTION

WELCOME TO MY BLOG!!!

My Name is Gabriela Fischer and I am 38 years old. I am happily married and the mother of a 5 year old boy that bights my days with just a smile.   
I chose to study Health and Wellness because the field fascinates me, and it changed my life in many ways. When I was attending college back on 2001, I used to be obese so I took a nutrition class to learn healthy habits and lose weight. Putting into practice what I had learned, I lost 130 pounds in about two years, but most importantly I was able keep to them off and gain my life back.

When I was overweight, I experienced the terrible effects of this disease. Thus, I want make a difference in people’s lives by helping them be healthier and happier.
I am working on a Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness, but I plan on continuing my education to become a Registered Dietitian once I graduate.
And that is me!!!

Gaby Fischer

My Philosophy of Life

Like a child, be spontaneous and sincere.
Laugh a little, and don’t take life too seriously.
However, don’t forget to exhibit responsibility and respect.
Like a philanthropist, be kind to others
and love them as they are.
Don’t try to change the world, adapt to it.
Accept yourself for who you really are,
and transform into who you want to be.
Fight for your dreams like a warrior,
focus in the moment and aim for a goal.
Don’t get caught up in the material.
Instead, put your heart into everything you do to give it value,
and center on your soul.
Use your human instinct of survival to live well,
nourish your body and treat it like a temple.
Make God a priority and love a necessity.
Only then,
you’ll be able to understand and experience
the true meaning of life.
Each stage has good and bad times
because you can’t create balance
without something on each end.
You can’t find hope if you haven’t encountered despair,
you can’t enjoy happiness
if you never have experienced sadness,
and you can’t survive if you don’t learn to LIVE!!!

By Gaby Fischer