Praise

“I can finally be who I really am!”

When I first started Michelle’s Mission Permission program, my relationship with food was so incredibly screwed up that I was afraid to eat. It was abusive, out of control, demoralizing, and isolating. I wanted to divorce food and never see it again.

Michelle helped me recognize, acknowledge, and embrace the belief that I can have a respectful relationship with food. With this internal shift, the entire universe shifted for me. Our work in Mission Permission validated my conviction that food and my weight weren’t the problem.  Given permission, I was able to let go of old judgments, thought patterns, and habits that kept me stuck.  Doing so improved my self-awareness and allowed me to heal my relationship with myself and with others. 

Food is no longer my nemesis. I enjoy food for its nourishment and 
beauty. It feeds all my senses! During the program I looked at my body for the first time in twenty years and was 
appreciative of all it’s done for me in spite of the abuse I’ve heaped 
upon it. I can finally be who I really 
am. I see and experience myself differently. I am not fat. I am curvy. Really curvy. It’s great!!

What I’ve learned continues to impact every aspect of my life. As I was able to relate to food in an honest, open way, I learned to do the same in relationship to my family and friends, finances, health, work, intellectual pursuits, recreation, and even my environment. I enjoy life. I enjoy being myself. I enjoy food. My world is beautiful in every aspect, including those places between a rock and a hard spot.

Most importantly, what I learned about my relationship with food led me to continue working with Michelle to more clearly define and pursue my life’s purpose. It was hard work getting underneath all the false beliefs to what is real for me, but absolutely worth the effort. And, it was fun!

– Carrie Barton, Age 54 

“I have so much more joy around food in my life and I feel better in my clothes.”

Before working with Michelle, every day was a struggle. I agonized over every decision about what to eat and how much. I was so embarrassed about my eating and I would secretly devour sweets, and binge on foods that I craved. To make up for my indulgences, I drove myself to exercise or shamed myself when I didn’t.

I have now stopped binge eating and eating in response to anxiety! Michelle helped me learn how to trust myself and my body, which allowed me to let go of the judgement around what foods are healthy or not. It has allowed me to enjoy food again, and realize what my body is truly needing in the moment. Sometimes this is chocolate, but not always ;). I can now give myself what I truly need and let go of forcing food to fill those gaps in my life.

I have so much more joy around food in my life and I feel better in my clothes. But what really surprised me was the incredible shift in my self-esteem. I also recognized that many of my food cravings are in response to a desire for connection and purpose on this earth, so I chose to continue working with Michelle to further explore and embrace a life where I can live my purpose.

I am so thankful to Michelle for her sharing her wonderful gifts with me and nurturing me through this healing process!

– Laura, Age 35 , Santa Cruz, CA

“I’m truly loving this new relationship I have with myself.”

I’ve never felt this way before. I’m flying emotionally high and it’s out of this world. The restlessness, self criticism, loneliness, fear and hopelessness is gone! I like who I am and feel valuable. I know those old feelings will try and creep back in from time to time, but I know what to do now. I no longer feel powerless. Thank you so much for all your support and love. Even after these months of not having our calls, you still are with me. :)”

– DeDe, Age 44

“A clarity and energy that I haven’t felt in years.”

Before I met Michelle, I felt pretty hopeless about my weight loss prognosis and couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me since I knew the mechanics of eating in a naturally thin way. I felt like I was all alone in this, with no way out.

Michelle helped me see that I had a story that was holding me back in a big way…and once I recognized it, it kind of just went “poof” and had no more power over me.

I no longer feel the pull to constantly graze in the afternoon or evening, searching for whatever is missing at that time (this is huge for me!) I’m also able to really delve into a fear or feeling and come out the other side to a place of clarity and energy, that I haven’t felt in years. What’s even more exciting is I’m living in the moment and feeling good in my skin…right now. And I’m finally finding purpose in my life… Exploring my dreams and the things that make my heart sing was just so much fun and I didn’t know how to do this on my own… It was fun and energizing!

I have worked with several coaches over the many years , always in an effort to get to my weight goals, which always eluded me. Michelle is undoubtedly the best! Her ability to hear MY issue, when I didn’t even know what my ‘issue’ was myself, was = astounding. This was not therapy, but how to unravel the negative stories I had created for myself, and learn how to live as my best self, by being able to recognize these things on my own, and create new ways of thinking.

She helped me to find a place of energy and peace about myself and my weight. Before, I never really felt like I was any further along in my journey, despite working with coaches or going through programs. As I work on living and eating fearlessly, Michelle’s coaching ability and level of insight actually moved me far forward!

That is what I have always hoped for in a life coach. Thanks, Michelle!

– Lauren

“I’ve regained a sense of joy and nourishment!”

Before working with Michelle, meeting the demands of work and family was sucking the pleasure out of my life, and I was making up for this by over-consuming caffeine and sweets and feeling totally weighed down.

My work with Michelle really helped me reconnect with my love for food and cooking. I’ve discovered that the more I browse cookbooks, wander in the grocery store and experiment in the kitchen, the less I eat. And a love for cooking and delicious food is not a “guilty” pleasure!

Another paradox is that the more I give myself permission to eat, the less I want to eat. Now I often give myself that moment/pause to think: is this really what I want right now? It’s surprising how often the answer is “no.”

I also have better boundaries and have established healthier habits that leave me feeling nourished. I realized that after literally DECADES of believing I needed to lose weight, that I am actually fabulous just as I am. This has been a HUGE weight lifted!

And there were side benefits too. For years I wore mostly “blah” colors: black, grey and olive green. I always loved nice clothes but I thought to be interested in clothes was selfish and conceited. Now, taking pride in my appearance is constructive self-care. Nice colors, the feel of a quality fabric, a graceful drape… this is another true pleasure I was denying myself. And here’s another paradox: I’m buying more selectively so am not spending more any more money!

I still have difficult days. Life can be hard. But our sessions helped me regain a sense joy and nourishment.

Thank you!

– Elaine, Age 57, Fresno, CA

“Working with Michelle has changed my life forever”

Before working with Michelle my life felt out of control. I was so wrapped up with taking care of my two children, worrying about money, my days were consumed with point counting and making sure I did not go over my point allowance, sleeping all day and not taking care of myself. I felt like I had lost myself and could not figure out why I was here.

Now I am more relaxed about food and life. I am kinder to myself, I’ve learned to ask for what I need, and I do more things that I enjoy. Another huge change is that I don’t compare myself to other women as much and I’m more confident in speaking my truth. I can honestly say for the first time in my life I am proud of who I am as a mother, wife, and friend. This has made a huge difference in how I am in relationship with myself and others.

Working with Michelle was an incredible opportunity for me. I have never trusted another woman with “who I really am” but she made it so easy to be my authentic self. She gave me a safe place to express my feelings, fears and insecurities. She gave me the opportunity to forgive myself. She even helped me find my life purpose!

Working with Michelle has changed my life forever. I will never look at the world the same way that I used to. My eyes have been opened to life’s possibilities that I could never have imagined. I will always hold a space in my heart for Michelle, she was not only my coach but she became my friend.

– Gabrielle, Age 56

“My life and my relationship with food now have a deeper awareness to them”

Prior to working with Michelle, I was consumed by the thought of food & trying to manage food through a variety of diets including calorie counting, Weight Watchers, and Atkins. I struggled to find a “routine” that gave me results & that I could sustain.Through our work together, I’ve become more relaxed in my approach to food and I’ve been able to give myself permission to truly enjoy food. I’ve been able to think differently about “things” in general, and what’s really powerful is that I’ve realized my own self-worth.I’ve never done anything like this for myself before! I applaud Michelle for her patience, wisdom and guidance. She truly partnered with me and at the same time took the lead when I was struggling. She even helped me to step outside my comfort zone and take a trip that I previously might not have taken had it not been for what I learned through this journey.My life & my relationship with food now both have a deeper awareness to them – an awareness that I had very superficially before, and I know that I will be able to go back to the tools that Michelle has given me and apply them to new situations. I so appreciate all that Michelle has opened up for me.

“I’m enjoying food without guilt or judgement!”

I’ve noticed that I am thinking about food differently. I’m much more aware of what I am eating, and I am choosing to eat food that fuels me rather than just grabbing what’s quick and easy. Plus, I am allowing myself to choose foods that give me pleasure, and thoroughly enjoying them without guilt or judgement. As a result I am feel more in tune with my body and actually find myself eating less. I feel as though I have taken off a restrictive corset of guilt and ‘shoulds’, and I’m finally allowing myself to be amazing!

-Yvette

“My eating is more mindful and purposeful!”

I have struggled with dieting and my relationship with food my whole life, which contributed significantly to a lack of self-love and inability to keep weight off when I do lose weight through a temporary program or the more drastic measure of a gastric bypass surgery.

Since joining the Live & Eat Fearlessly program, my eating is more MINDFUL and PURPOSEFUL. I take time to breathe and release any negative energy, and savor the flavor and nutritional value of the food I’m enjoying. When I indulge in a “treat” I don’t beat my self up with negative chatter in my head.

The biggest internal shift has been realizing I can really love myself, UNCONDITIONALLY. My relationship with food is healthier and I take it one day at a time. I’m not beating myself up as much as I used to. And I know I can restart my day at any time. Because I’m more mindful with food most of the time, I’m making new choices in the way I eat and shop.

Michelle is genuinely kind and a joy to work with. From the moment we met I sensed these qualities. Her knowledge of nutrition paired with a sincere passion brought a soulful perspective to eating and living. Thank you Michelle!

– Patricia, Age 53, Clovis, CA

“I’m taking positive steps for myself with a new sense of confidence!”

My weight has been a lifelong struggle for me. One of my main challenges was beating myself up about food that I would eat, obsessively weighing myself every day, and calling myself names for not being happy with my weight. Michelle helped me to look at things that I would not normally have thought of, and gave me a whole new set of tools to use to be happier and healthier. The biggest shift for me has been realizing that I deserve to have pleasure, and that food is not my enemy. I’m giving myself permission to enjoy food and to enjoy life! I am reclaiming my power am no longer weighing myself every day. Instead I am listening to my body and trusting myself to choose food that makes me feel good, and I am looking at exercise as a way to feel healthy instead of a way to punish myself for the food I have consumed. I am taking positive steps for myself with a new sense of confidence, courage and commitment, and fear is losing its grip on me. Best of all my inner dialogue is shifting from self-abuse to self-love and compassion, and as a result I am more relaxed, I feel lighter, and am experiencing more gratitude than I have in a very long time!

– Kelly, age 33

“I’m on a great new path!”

I’m feeling more energy and staying tuned in to my body, resulting in healthier choices and a greater sense of permission and satisfaction with food. The day I spent with Michelle has helped me integrate my recent cleanse and set me on a great new path. I’m also happy to report that I can now fit into 3 pairs of pants that were too small for me a year ago…and that feels really great!

– Julie, age 54

“My clothes fit better and I feel lighter!”

During our VIP Day, I became aware of just how much damage my negative self-talk had done, and realized that I was free to move past silly ideas that had been put in my head as a 9 yr. old, since they weren’t even MY ideas. Now I’m letting go of old ideas, beliefs and ‘stuff’ that just don’t fit in my life. I am no longer obsessing about food, my clothes fit better, I feel lighter, and I’m enjoying meals with ALL 5 senses, and the sensuality of the food. I could go on and on, this has really been a fun and exciting journey of re-learning for me. THANK YOU Michelle!!!

– Tami, age 50

“I’m not letting food take over my life anymore!”

Before I started working with Michelle, I was thinking about food way too much, feeling critical of my body, and pushing myself to the point of exhaustion with exercise I didn’t really enjoy… All this effort and I wasn’t losing the weight I wanted to.

Now I’m more relaxed about food and exercise, I’m letting go of all the stress and rules, and I am aware of how to approach food. I am the one who decides, and I am not letting it take over my life anymore! Before our work together, I believed that if I wasn’t always doing something or exercising every day that I was lazy. Michelle helped me see that slowing down and taking time to nourish myself actually supports my metabolism AND gives me more peace and balance in my life. By prioritizing my wellbeing, I feel like life is lightening up, and I am lightening up! This has been a wonderful experience. I now know that I have the ability and power to make my life and my relationship with food and my body the way I want it to be. Thank you so much, Michelle, for leading me on my journey of self-discovery. I will forever be grateful.

– JoAnn, age 68

“I received the answer that had been hidden in the fog!”

Feeling that I was on the cusp of an incredible breakthrough, but unable to clear the fog myself, I had the incredible opportunity to spend time with Michelle during one of her “breakthrough sessions.” Her ability to hear my pain, my longings and my desire for clarity created an opening – a safe container – for us to explore possibilities. Not possibilities that she might have wanted for me, but possibilities that were mine, just beyond my grasp. She wanted for me the highest calling of what I wanted for myself. And in this framework she gave me two incredible gifts. First, she gave me a simple tool to help me trust my intuition, my soul voice. Second, she gave me the gift of a question; a question that brought me right to the core of my search for clarity. Sitting with this question, journaling about it, and listening to my soul voice, I received the answer that had been hidden in the fog of my confusion. Sometimes we just need a safe and caring counselor to offer keys to doors that we are longing to walk through. I can’t thank Michelle enough for her kind and gentle wisdom, and for giving me the keys to unlock that door.

– Alicia

“We have a new approach to food and eating!”

I just want to say how grateful I am to you, Michelle, for all the amazing information you shared with the Women’s Wellness Watch these last two weeks. It was wonderful, soul-searching, and so useful. You are the buzz at the gym! The women came away with so much that they can use and feel this sense of refreshing new approach to food and eating. I am blessed to have been a part of your classes and look forward to seeing you again. Keep changing lives!

– Jennifer, Speaking Engagement Host

“Something finally clicked deep inside of me”

Listening to Michelle talk something “clicked” deep inside of me. Everything Michelle talked about made perfect sense, but I had never heard diets and food talked about that way before. Her approach is informational, inspiring, and intensely practical. I have been struggling with food and body image for years now, and felt like I was getting nowhere. After the seminar I was able to put many of her tips into practice and right away things began to change. It is a miracle! Thank you Michelle for showing me that I have everything I need already within myself.

– Erin, Seminar Attendee

“I feel more confident!”

One of my biggest struggles was that ugly feeling of not being “good enough.” Because of that issue, I learned through Michelle’s coaching how much I had been limiting myself in quite a few areas of my life. The coaching that she gave helped me to see my own possibilities and how I can experience more joy and happiness in my life by just being who I am and sharing all the good things I have to offer with others. I would highly recommend Michelle to anyone who struggles with their own inner battles. I have gained a lot in the few months I have worked with her as far as feeling more confident and “self-full.” I am a lot more aware of the things that tend to take away my happiness and now can “kick them to the curb.” Thanks Michelle for all that you have made possible for me!

– Sue

“I’m more empowered and relaxed!”

I signed up for a VIP Day with Michelle because I was looking for a way to connect with my body in a different way, and to develop more compassion for myself. The exercises provided me with some powerful shifts and the day offered enough content to make real progress. I found Michelle to be very intuitive, and I felt she was able to quickly understand where I was coming from, and how to best serve me. At the end of the day I felt empowered and relaxed, and have continued to make progress since then. I found it all to be wonderfully surprising and it was well worth the investment of time and money!

– Kim, age 43