How/Where do you spend your time?

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Permalink Reply by Amanda White on November 14, 2008 at 2:49pm

I recently been sucked into the video blogging world. And have been spending some great time making funny raw videos for the raw humour group. LOL

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Permalink Reply by liz♥ on November 14, 2008 at 3:47pm

i read a lot more, but not because my social life has changed....i do most of the same things....

~ i realized that if you feed people your food with love and are not negative about what you are eating (even if you are out & only get a slice of iceburg lettuce for a salad) then your friends & family will soon follow....or at the least except you just as you are!

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Permalink Reply by Apryl Electra on November 14, 2008 at 4:58pm

On a typical day off I do things much differently than I would have 2 years ago, pre-raw. I like to wake up early instead of sleeping in. I spend my day preparing various types of raw treats and meals. At some point I'll hit up a yoga class or two. I may walk to the co-op to pick up fresh produce. At the end of the day I'll go to bed early and read before I think some positive thoughts and drift off to sleep.
Other things I like to do vary with the seasons. Yesterday my girlfriend and I played a game of scrabble. In the summer we go to the farmers' market. We don't stay up late going out to bars and drinking a ton of beer anymore. Sometimes in the summer we'll bike down to the park that shows free movies... I usually fall asleep before they're over!
Life is simpler now. There's no rush to do anything. Tonight is my second night off before I go back to work in the morning. I have to pick up a rough mix of a song for my next CD. I'll probably talk on the phone with my closest raw friend while I do laundry at my parents' house. And of course I'll be playing some grand piano and see if i receive any new songs to write before I head home.
Then my girlfriend Sarah and I will curl up in bed with our cat and dog and snuggle.

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Permalink Reply by Nicole Brenny on November 14, 2008 at 11:24pm

Haha, you would have talked to me had I not fallen asleep...... I am glad you are more productive then ever before. Isn't it amazing how much more energy you have on raw food? My days off are usually jam-packed, although it is not always a good thing!

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Permalink Reply by Jeetha D. on November 14, 2008 at 5:36pm

I have been dragged along to go barhopping by husband and his social network for years and finally said, "naw, you go without me" for the past year. I enjoy being home and reading, listening to music and relaxing.

Recently, I have been hanging out with all the children in my family which includes an entourage of cousins under the age 15. We go the movies, to the park or just goof off and have fun. As I was driving home from one of these evenings, I noticed a content smile that I was not budging. It had been there 10 minutes before I realized I was even smiling. It's the same silly grin I used to get when buzzed from alcohol except this time it was real and natural.

I also have read about 10 books in the past month, on food, history, sociology, agriculture. I organize my home, organize my mom's home. There is so much to do! I am planning a garden as well.

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Permalink Reply by Sara on November 14, 2008 at 5:54pm

I wake up early and help my daughter get ready for school. After I send her off, I either read, check the internet or go back to bed. Once my grandmother is up I feed her breakfast, give her her morning meds, and shell usually lie back down for about half hour before shes up for the day. She has alzheimers and I care for her full time, so she keeps me busy. We take lots of walks throughout the day. Today we danced to music I know she likes in the livingroom. She takes lots of short naps, during which I check the internet, find something to clean, or eat. When my daughter gets home I feed her and help her with her homework. When the day is winding down I assist my grandma with her nightime routine, bath, brushing teeth, pills, etc. Once shes in bed I usually stay up and enjoy a little quiet time before going to bed myself. If you think this day sounds boring, think again. Caring for someone with alzheimers is the most mentally challenging thing Ive ever done, and Ive been a stripper.
Two days a week Im off, and I take full advantage. One day usually consists of whatever beach on Oahu I feel like hanging at, trying to surf, farmers markets, grocery shopping, shopping in general, housecleaning, going to the movies, hanging with my aunt in Waikiki,going to the library..etc. The other day is more relaxed. I just unwind and enjoy the peace before my weekly routine starts again.
My lifestyle changed completely before going raw, this is like the raw icing on the cake:)

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Permalink Reply by Kelly Myra on November 14, 2008 at 6:29pm

I used to feel like it wasn't a proper weekend if I didn't go out. If I stayed home on the weekend I would sort of feel a little depressed about it. Now that is by far what I would rather do. I am totally happy and content with just pottering around the house, listening to music, reading, researching, doing yoga, playing guitar, watching movies, spending time on GITMR! I also go to a lot more yoga classes and I love going to shop for fruit and veges and tending to my vege garden. I get up early now and have the house to myself for a couple of hours before my flatmates finally make it out of bed which is nice. When I do hang out with friends now we do things like go for a big walk or go to the movies or - even if they aren't raw - have a vege potluck dinner instead of meeting up for a drink.

My social life hasn't evaporated. It's just changed form. And I'm all the better for it.

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Permalink Reply by Andrea on November 14, 2008 at 9:33pm

Going raw is such an AMAZING step in life. Making the choice to be healthy can seem as if you're separating or isolated from people you used to hang out with. I had an experience similar to that, and it can be heartbreaking. It is all in how you are 'being' about the situation. At first, people may think you're strange for making the choice, but once the results begin to appear as your life transforms, some may come around. Others may not.

I went raw 2 years ago, and live in Wichita, KS. There were virtually NO raw people here. I also worked as a bartender, so my choices seemed REALLY strange to the people I was often surrounded by here in this 'meat and potatoes' state. I was so committed, I didn't let anything deter me because I felt SO good! Yes, it's true, my 'friends' eventually stopped calling me and inviting me to parties, and I spent a lot of Friday and Saturday nights at home reading amazing books and in meditation sessions. What you may find - or at least what I have found - is that people may not support you because having you around invites them to take a good look at the choices they are making, and sometimes people just aren't ready for that. You may, to them, represent the courage, self-love and strength that they have not yet found.

Now, over 2 years later, I have created a Raw Food Meetup Group here in my town (46 members and growing strong), own a successful private cheffing enterprise and offer small caterings, health parties, dinner parties and teach classes. I am also planning a national tour with a new friend, who is one of the most inspiring people I have ever met. I make choices that are the best for me and my life reflects that. People are drawn into my life now who want to help me in any way they can, because they see the positive impact I am making in our community. It took a lot of strength and vigilance at first, but now people have really started to take note of the transformation in my life and are inspired to do the same for themselves.

I attend regular meditations on Thursday nights, spend a lot of time in the library, in seminars and coaching my new friends. I have also began running and working out again - not to lose weight or build muscle - but because I enjoy the feeling I get from pushing myself past what my mind deems is possible for me.

Tonight for instance, it's Friday night. Where am I? At home, partaking in a beautiful community that has been created online to support us in our raw journey. It is my hope and invitation that you find this information inspiring and I extend the offer to you to contact me for recipes and possibly - if you desire - support and guidance through your transformation.

This evening, rather than hang out at the local bars - where a lot of hip and fun people go, as there aren't many other social outlets here - I am kicking it at home, creating a vision board, posting my new meetup for next week and catching up on some reading. I also thought about going to the gym for a quick run. Last night, I relaxed and put together this great puzzle of a tropical scene, which was inspiring because winter here is drawing near.

Your current social life may very well evaporate, however, it will be replaced - over time - with a new exciting realm of possibility, discovery and positivity. As they say, "Rome wasn't built in a day".

I may very well be in bed at 10pm tonight, which may not sound very exciting. To me, it is rewarding to wake up before the sun and take a nice run and meet the surise which greets me when I'm done. Or, I could easily stay up all night in my computer room making vision boards, getting ideas for my tour, and skyping with my friends. I also contemplated having a little personal dance party with James Brown, who knows? All I can say is that I feel good and am content being by myself for extended periods of time. My mind no longer races, I no longer need to chase the scene or be in everyone's social graces to have a 'good' day, as my days are always rewarding, no matter the outcome. I have realized that everything I encounter in life is for my own personal growth and development and I look forward to those opportunities when they arise. It's not always easy, but it is always graceful, compelling and beautiful. I have come to learn that once you make a commitment that is in alignment with you true self, the universe will turn your way and support you!

After a couple of years being 'Raw", social situations have become so fun. No longer am I looked at - nor do I look at myself (which is KEY!) as 'that raw girl' or as someone wierd who makes radical choices. I make healthy choices and am a stellar example of the love and grace which is possible for humanity. People regard me with respect and often want me to teach them about how I have become so healthy. They are curious, engaged and interested, which reminds me of a quote that has been in my head for about a week now: "We do not see the world as it is, but as we are." - Anais Nin . This quote rings so true to me every day. If you're feeling isolated, have you isolated yourself? At times, this is necessary, as we are healing and 'raw' - no pun intended! We are like an onion with many layers, and as those layers peel off, new, fresh ones are exposed. The more we learn about ourselves, the more opportunities we gain for transformation and growth. The more of those opportunities we take, the more rewards we reap.

With the holidays coming up, I plan on preparing a few raw dishes for myself to eat and to share with my family, who have become increasingly 'raw curious'. I would be happy to share any of them with anyone who wishes to try them out. For other social engagements, I will bring raw dishes as well to ensure there is something for me to eat and to have something to share with anyone interested. When I do go out and engage socially, I feel positive and happy and spread that love to everyone I come into contact with. It feels good to be happy and loving. Some nights I stay out late, others I am home, in bed really early. I really just do my best to enjoy whatever situation I am in and to see the positive aspects of whatever life brings to me, as everything exists in the form of comparison. A situation may look really good or really bad depending upon what we're comparing it to. I mean, really, everything is a good situation compared to being on fire! lol.

Anyways, life is beautiful, life is bliss, life is extraordinary, life is love and loving. Life is what you make it.

"We are all self-made, only the successful will admit it." - Earl Nightengale

With Love and Gratitude,
Andrea

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Permalink Reply by Tina! on November 16, 2008 at 7:59pm

Andrea,

Thanks so much for sharing this...you are inspiring and have hit on a truth that I am experiencing: "What you may find - or at least what I have found - is that people may not support you because having you around invites them to take a good look at the choices they are making, and sometimes people just aren't ready for that. You may, to them, represent the courage, self-love and strength that they have not yet found." It is as if sometimes I almost feel like some folks are "mad" at me...and I can't figure out why.

I know I feel like I am at a higher vibe than before...I wonder if others can feel that??

Thanks so much for posting this...you have enabled me to put my finger on the pulse of something. Something that I am secretly dealing with in my life. Thank you, thank you.

Big Love, Tina

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Permalink Reply by Andrea on November 17, 2008 at 1:16am

WoW! Glad I could be of service... Thanks for the friendship =D

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Permalink Reply by sara on November 14, 2008 at 10:13pm

i've always been a person who's social life revolved around music so it's easier for me because i spend my time at drum circle and open mic night and such. it's hard when my family would like to socialize with me and go out to dinner but besides that it's easy becuase it's what i do for a living so people around me are usualy interested or they respect it.

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Permalink Reply by Debbie on November 14, 2008 at 10:20pm

I spend my time reading, hanging with my kids, writing, listening to books on cd in the car, riding my bike, exercising, making raw food, reading online about raw foods and other issues, meditating and with my friends.

My friends and family. are changing, and man, do they look and feel great! More and more are going to vegan diets, juicing, getting rid of dairy, meat and processed foods. I love raw so much, it's like a giggle, I spread the joy and everyone around me just soaks it up!

Stay RAW, don't be SAD I say!
love deb

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