Recently we decided that we needed to hear more from those inspiring women that live harmonious lives every single day.
People who inspire us and motivate us to find happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives.
We want to know how they do it and what advice they can offer us.
We recently got talking to Meghan Telpner; nutritionista and an all round awesome person!
Meghan Telpner is a Toronto-based author, speaker, nutritionist, and founder of the Academy of Culinary Nutrition. She’s written two bestselling books: UnDiet: Eat Your Way to Vibrant Health and The UnDiet Cookbook. Meghan’s success in cultivating a global community of UnDiet enthusiasts and Culinary Nutrition Experts has garnered her features in Forbes and ranking her as one of the top 100 female entrepreneurs in Canada.
What are some of the ways you make your day-to-day life more harmonious?
As cliché as it may sound, gratitude is a big part of my day-to-day happiness plan. I wake up every morning with the best intentions for the day and part of that is acknowledging how grateful I am for where I live, the work I get to do, my husband that I get to share my life with- those things that we can easily start to take for granted.
I also take steps every day to care for my health through good food and movement. I typically make most situations as fun as they can be, I’m friendly, make conversations with strangers as I go through my day and remember that my life is bigger than any one moment. It helps keep things in perspective.
How do you stay creative and inspired about the things you do every day?
Even after being in this field for nearly ten years, I am still inspired by things I read, see and experience every day. Ensuring that I remain engaged and interested in my work is important. And when the creative juices stop flowing, I know it’s time for me to take a break. Typically a weekend off will replenish me for a new week. If the feeling persists, it typically means that it’s time for me to start something new and exciting. And so I do!
What was your biggest learning/growth experience in the past year?
I made 2016 the year of “No thank you”. I know that sounds counterintuitive for someone whose professional title is Chief of Awesome, but I committed this year to say no thank you to anything that wasn’t making me say “YES!”. As a result, I turned down events and other business and personal engagements that I didn’t feel jazzed about. As a result, I had more time to connect with the people I really wanted to spend time with, had more time to work on aspects of my business that support my definition of success and most of all, had nearly every evening and weekend free to just live my life- to go for dinners, go to yoga, shop the markets and travel.
It’s easy to get FOMO when we see all the things other people are doing but I committed to doing much less and as a result, I feel that I gained so much more.
How do you stay focused on the things that are important (love, happiness) and not be distracted by all the drama that goes on around us?
I steer very clear of drama. I am open and honest and for better or worse, will say what’s on my mind. I have no tolerance for drama in any relationships- whether it be with family or friends. Life is too short to spend it gossiping about others hardships.
I don’t read or watch the daily the news, stay far away from gossip mags, and even avoid violent TV and movies. It’s kind of nuts that it takes more effort to surround ourselves with kindness and positive messages than the negative.
What’s the biggest thing that people can do right now to create more harmony in their life?
Shed your conflict and check that baggage. You can choose to carry around hurt and resentments, but you are the one who will suffer the most. It’s not worth it.
Take on a hobby, a project, a creative endeavour, learn a skill, or take a class in something just because you really, really, really want to.
With my school, the Academy of Culinary Nutrition we run an annual 14-week certification program. It begins with students introducing themselves and seeing the spark of inspiration and passion that ignites when they give themselves the freedom to give time and energy to something they are excited about is truly powerful.
What are your goals for the future? What have you got planned for this year?
I have a new program that is in the early stages of hatching which is always exciting and I am working on getting my company, now eight-and-a-half years old to a place where it can run well without as much of my time. I am looking forward to some winter travels and developing a brand new awesome living program for my friends at MeghanTelpner.com and am about to begin the writing on my third book. At least those are my plans today. If I feel inspired differently tomorrow, it all could change too! Maintaining that freedom is my biggest plan of all!
You can check out Meghan Telpner’s awesome website here: http://www.meghantelpner.com/
You can also find her on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meghantelpner
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghantelpner/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/meghantelpner