Beautiful Voices: Emily Shaules

Beautiful Voices is our ongoing blog series that highlights inspiring, empowering women. Our most recent Beautiful Voice is Emily Shaules. See what she says when Annmarie asks her some questions about her own personal beauty…

Emily discovered the raw food lifestyle in 2007 after struggling with illnesses like Fibromyalgia, Ulcerative Colitis, TMJ, sinusitis and depression for nearly a decade. Sick of taking 25 pills a day, Emily went 100% raw overnight and on the fifth day, she felt so dramatically better she knew that whole foods nutrition was the answer for which she had been searching.

Emily gave up the practice of law because she felt compelled to educate others about the powerful effect food has on a person’s physical, mental and spiritual health. She now lives in Asheville, NC and works with Marie Forleo International and the Amazon Herb Company.

Emily has been featured on Keep It Real Radio, and WeLikeItRaw.com and is a regular contributor to RawDoctors.com and Health View TV. She is also a certified Advanced Practioner of Natural Health and Reiki Practioner. Recently, Emily became the face of Living Tree Community Food’s raw chocolate bars!

Who do you feel you are today? What event has defined your life?

Today I can honestly say that I really feel like myself, Emily, and that means different things in any given moment. For so long, I identified myself with what I was doing in the world, whether it be a lawyer, a health coach, etc. However, I have come to learn that I am not what I do, I am something more essential and eternal than that. That realization has given me the freedom and courage to explore paths I may not have had the courage to before and to do so with self-love, compassion and acceptance.

An event that has defined my life is when I told my now former-husband that I did not want to have children. I knew it would mean the end of our marriage and I would have to start a completely new life for myself. It was incredibly scary because although I knew I did not want to have the 2.2 kids suburban life I grew up in, it was the only life I knew at that time. It was truly leaping into the unknown but it taught me I could survive anything and create the life I really wanted for myself. It also gave me the strength to be honest with myself and others, no matter how high the stakes.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration is my nephew, Conner. He is four years old and pure sunshine. My goal is to set an example for him that you can have any kind of life you want and are not limited by the family you were born into or the experiences you’ve had. I dream of the day when he can run away for the summer to my place in Asheville to visit with his crazy Auntie Em!

What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge has always been to believe that I can have whatever I want and that I am worthy of it. It is the easy way out to say, “I want that but it’s just not in the cards for me.” The truly challenging path is to go for your dreams without excuses because then we must take 100% responsibility for who and what is in our lives. I come up against that challenge every day but that is the true “work” of living, isn’t it? For me, the greatest help has been to surround myself with like-minded people who see me for the God-force I truly am, even when I forget in the moment.

If money was no object what would you be doing (or, would it be exactly what you are already doing?)

It actually is pretty close to what I am doing now. I just started acting classes, which is one of those things I always wanted to do but never allowed myself to admit. I see myself acting professionally one day and so working on my skills is what I would be doing if money were no object. Of course, I would also travel more- I cannot wait to go on an Abraham-Hicks cruise!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

The best piece of advice I ever received was simply to have fun. My grandmother is 99 years old and in a nursing home with dementia. Whenever I go to see her she knows who I am and emphatically reminds me to have fun with my life. Whether it is the regret of things she did not do in her life speaking or just pearls of wisdom, I don’t care. It is so simple and true and it is something we can put in practice each day.

Where and when do you feel most at peace?

I feel the most at peace out in nature. Moving to Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains was one of the best moves I ever made because I can get away from it all so easily. Communing with Mother Nature is like pushing my re-set button- everything always looks better after I’ve been outside.

What does beauty mean to you?

To me, beauty means being your authentic self in the moment, simple as that. Truth is beautiful. Taking care of yourself physically, emotionally and spiritually creates the space for the truth of our hearts to come out and therefore is the best thing we can do for ourselves and those around us. Even if your truth right now is sadness or fear, being in that space honestly is beautiful.

What makes you feel beautiful?

Dancing makes me feel beautiful. Moving freely in my body reminds me of what a gift this human form is. Dancing allows me to connect with myself and those around me and I forget about what I am wearing or how much I weigh- I am just myself celebrating life and that is beautiful. Acting also gives me the same feeling and why I am so drawn to it.

What’s your favorite beauty secret or tip?

Leafy greens and water! It may sound strange, but I know when I am putting the right things in my body, the outside takes care of itself. But for the outside, amazing natural skin care is a must as well. That is why I love Annmarie’s line as well as Amazon Rain.

What do you do when you want to pamper yourself?

I get a massage, baby! Massages are one of my absolute favorite things in this world and I get one every chance I get.

How does Annmarie’s mission fit into your lifestyle?

I so love who Annmarie is in this world and what she is bringing to it. Living a lifestyle of health, love and exploration is such an inspiration to me to continue to follow the things I am truly passionate about and not just follow the larger crowd.

What are your words of wisdom to other beauties out there?

Be yourself and be it full out. As I always say, “Go big or go home.” Look deep within to discover what your dream life is and then go for it with all your might. Know that the world is set up to deliver whatever it is you want in life and that your life is supposed to be fun. Follow your bliss, treat yourself with the love and compassion you would give your best friend or your child, and have fun! All your dreams are coming true and I am honored to share this journey with you…Namaste 🙂

Isn’t she beautiful? You can keep up with Emily’s amazing life on her Facebook page!

Much Love,

Annmarie Gianni
“Teaching People About Beauty From the Inside Out”

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(If you’re interested in being featured as one of our Beautiful Voices, please email us at info [at] annmariegianni.com)