Beautiful Voices is our ongoing blog series that highlights inspiring, empowering women. Our most recent Beautiful Voice is Sheryl Davey. See what she says when Annmarie asks her some questions about her own personal beauty.
Sheryl is a mom, wife, music teacher, yogini, and resident “no-rules” vegan at her elementary school. When she was 45 years old, she was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer, which entailed a mastectomy, chemo and radiation. More importantly, it spurred a voracious search for health knowledge. On her path, she went from being a sugar hound to the “greens queen.” Finding the books “Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor” by Kris Carr and “The China Study” by T. Colin Campbell was a godsend and transformed her diet. Cancer diagnosis was a nudge (ok, maybe more like a great big shove) to savor all the blessings she has.
What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
Even though breast cancer was a punch in the gut, it was actually the second of a “one-two” punch in my forties, the first being the life and death of my unborn son who suffered from Trisomy 18. By far, this was my life’s biggest challenge. But the breath of yoga that I would have used to bring him into the world had he lived was instead my own breath of survival. Facing a looming future without this much-loved baby seemed impossible, so instead, through my yoga pranayama, I only allowed myself to have to face and conquer one breath at a time. And I made it through.
Where and when do you feel most at peace?
When I am near water. Listening to the waves at a beach, fishing in a remote pond, exploring the edge of a mountain stream, relaxing in a nice hot bath—I can breathe freely. The ebb and flow of water is so primal. Like our breath, it is another beautiful rhythm.
What makes me feel beautiful?
I can feel myself glow when I am belly-laughing with the people I love. I glow when I practice yoga. Savoring scents makes me feel connected, alive, sensual. Being on the receiving end of a smile makes me feel beautiful. Playing piano reminds me of my beautiful light, too.
What’s your favorite beauty secret or tip?
A good night’s sleep is one of the closest things we have to a fountain of youth. Oh, yeah, and drinking water!
What are your words of wisdom to the other beauties out there?
You are a light. You are made of stardust, as we all are. Shine your light. By doing so, you will help other people remember that THEY are light, too.
Isn’t she beautiful?
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.)
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