Beautiful Voices: Lori

Beautiful Voices is our ongoing blog series that highlights inspiring, empowering women, who are also Annmarie Skin Care customers. Our first Beautiful Voice is my amazing friend, Lori (whom I happen to know very well). Lori opened her doors to my husband and me when we were traveling a few years ago and we had an instant bond. Mother, raw food chef, holistic health practitioner—Lori’s wisdom and compassion for those around her inspires me! See what she says when we ask her some questions about her own personal journey with beauty, skin care and living her best life.

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

What event has defined your life?

Losing my 5 year old daughter, Brittany, to leukemia 20 years ago. Watching her struggle and having to make the heartbreaking decision to remove life support broke me, utterly and completely. Over time it also served to shift me from a very unhealthy life to one of compassion, service, and health. Sometimes what breaks your heart will ultimately be the thing that rebuilds – strengthens you and makes your life’s path clear.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

First off, my children! Erik, 22, and Gage, 17, and My Little Angel Brittany. Secondly, The Human Spirit. Watching people triumph over adversity, seeing their smiles and the light in their face. Compassion and empathy for each other and seeing the beauty in ALL. Being a part of someone’s healing, growth, or just watching something inspiring fills me with so much joy…it keeps me going and striving towards being a better person.

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

After I lost my daughter I plummeted into a severe depression and alcohol abuse. It’s been a journey to overcome and regain my life. But through making conscious choices to put one foot in front of the other each day and live a life of compassion, love, and service, always looking for ways to grow, and having the courage to walk through painful and scary things I have found my purpose. Living authentically, on purpose, with love guiding me I have found strength as well as forgiveness for myself and have been able to help others find their way through their tough times, too.

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

I’ve gotten so much great advice over the years! Recently I was given some great advice from a few people.

“ No Fear! When you go into a place of fear, you stop your growth! Do what your heart tells you with NO fear!” – Omar from Rawtopia

“The walk UP the mountain is the hardest part of the journey, that takes many steps. At the top of the mountain all you have to do take is that ONE step and leap…Take the leap of Faith” – Shivie Cook

“Stop looking at the negative!” – Uncle Wayne

I’m so blessed to have some of the most amazing people in my life. I have depended on everyone’s advice. So MY advice is to LISTEN when people give you advice. There have been seeds planted that I didn’t “get” at the time but as time went by these words of wisdom have taken root and they started growing in a place in my life when I really needed them.

When and where do you feel most at peace?

I feel most at peace in the mountains and nature. Connecting with the natural world, sitting on rocks, hearing the wind blowing through the trees. Finding peace, beauty, and stillness in Nature connects me to Spirit. Being in Nature for me is like the very breath that keeps me alive. It’s the RESET button. I come away from my time in nature with clarity, calmness, and a glow – ready to take on life.

Who do you think you are today?

Today is a far cry from who I was 20 years ago, but also from 3 months ago, as well as a week ago. Every stage of my life has brought challenges and opportunities for amazing growth. But as for who I am right now, I am filled with joy, love, compassion. I radiate from deep inside and I can feel it intensely in everything I do! From my smile to the way I walk, my energy and sense of aliveness. I LOVE helping others find their own sense of peace through health counseling, raw foods, yoga and massage. I’m simply a vehicle through which the Universe/Great Spirit sends healing. I have just found a way to be open for that energy to flow through. Walking on a path of love, light, and health opens my incredible spiritual energy….

What does beauty mean to you?

Beauty to me means an inner peace and calmness and an “ok-ness”; a feeling of joy and compassion that radiates through your smile and eyes. It’s the very foundation that everything else sits on. No fancy clothes, make up or hairstyle will really do the trick unless you carry that inner joy that shines through you. Food is also a critical part of what creates beauty. It makes your skin glow, your eyes clear, gives you energy, and helps create better moods! Choose nutrient dense food!

What makes you feel beautiful?

When I feel most beautiful is when I have an inner sense of purpose and joy and being able to take action to bring that purpose to life. So caring for my spirit and living my dreams no matter what and living authentically is key. I smile more, my eyes sparkle, and I walk taller with grace. I listen to uplifting, spiritual music…it makes my heart shine and that “shininess” radiates out and makes me feel beautiful!

How does Annmarie’s mission fit into your lifestyle?

Annmarie has the biggest heart! She is truly dedicated to bringing education, truth, love and compassion to all she does. She actually walks her talk and is selfless with her time and heart. She inspires me.

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

Look inside to find your true path. Live authentically. Stay positive. Don’t allow yourself to live in excuses, victim mentality, and fear. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and weed out the people who drag you down. Exercise every day! It improves your attitude and mood as well as your body. Practice deep breathing and listen to uplifting music. Spend time in nature! Do something to help someone else. Write affirmations and “Happy Words” on your body like “I love you”  “You are beautiful!”  “Joy”  “Health”!

To keep up with Lori, visit her site at pureblisshealth.com!

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

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