The Heartbeat: "I haven't eaten in 36 hours."

I haven't eaten in 30+ hours — by the time I can, it'll have been close to 40.

Why?

Because I'm getting a colonoscopy today (fun!) and to prep for this exam, I've had to not eat solid foods; not eat fruits and vegetables; and drink a gallon of what's basically Epsom salt water to clear out anything else.

The thing is, I invest most of my money in my health:

• A personal trainer I see 3x/week
• A naturopath I see every 3 months
• A therapist when I need additional support
• Top-tier supplements + organic foods
• Memberships to breathwork/mindfulness/spiritual apps
• And more...

Growing up, my parents always said:

"We didn't do you any favors in the genetic health department."

• All of my dad's family members have heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol (my dad now has a pacemaker)
• Many of my mother's family members either have or have passed from cancer (my mom has severe arthritis)

But here's what's interesting:

• "Well actually, that's not true," my naturopath said to me. "Historically, our genetics helped us survive. For example, people who had Celiac disease generations ago were able to survive dysentery and the plague. Yet, because our life spans increased, we're now experiencing the other side of what was once a health benefit. You have these great umbrella indicators of health —?there are just some genetic things in there that are preventing you from receiving what you need, but most people are the opposite. They struggle with even getting the big things turned on, which you already have."

We subscribe to so many stories in life that are slightly askew...

Looking at it from a different angle, we can see the blessing rather than the curse.

It's just no one's really taught us —?as the authors and narrators of our stories —?that there's a different perspective that could benefit us more.

Thankfully, we're entering a new paradigm of the world.

What story are you writing in your life?

I now take this storytelling to new levels with my personal branding clients...

I help them see the other sides of the story.

In their mindset.

In their business.

In their lives.

That, to me, is super healthy.

If you'd like to connect, schedule a complimentary meet + greet.

Keep reading for more physical costs of beauty for me and previous/future generations of women.

My Kickstarter is about to go live!

If I can get 20% of the total $5850 ask funded within the first 24 hours, I'll become a Kickstarter "Projects We Love." Better still, if the entire project is funded within the first 24 hours, they may email their entire list about it!

I have stretch goals I'm aiming to achieve, and every bit of support matters the most to bring this dream project to life.

If you're interested in being part of my launch team, please email me back! I'd be honored to have you amplifying the AANHPI community.

And, you'll get a sample chapter before any supporter!

The physical cost of beauty.

My 9-year-old daughter is increasingly interested in her physical appearance and that of others.

We talk about things she'll want to do when she grows up, why people wear makeup, and what genuine beauty is.

(I remind her that real beauty comes from the inside —?that society has told us there are certain parameters for what's considered pretty, which is subjective. I also focus on health. And, I tell her that our physical bodies will always be evolving, and that what's most important, is what we're cultivating on the inside and the impact we create in the world.)

Yesterday, we were at Trader Joe's, and a box of corn fell on the ground... two employees went to start cleaning it up.

My daughter saw what happened, walked over to them and asked: "Can I help?"

The employees were a little taken aback.

After they were done, one of them came up to me and said:

"Y'know, it definitely is about who the kid is on their own, but a lot of it also comes from the parents —?good job, Mom."

At the end of the night, I reflected back to her how proud I was of her. And how that desire to help came from inside.

I remind her of these things, because I spent 15+ years suffering from:

• anorexia
• bulimia
• compulsive overeating and exercising
• severe body dysmorphia

That's 15 years I could've had devoted to my gifts...

My writing.

My acting.

My presence.

Instead, I tried to shrink myself to oblivion.

Imagine where I would be today if I wasn't held back by mental, emotional, or physical health challenges?

Even now, my trainer will hear me want faster or more intense results and say, "That's body dysmorphia talking."

What society said was "pretty" in China — and how it impacted my grandmother.

In ancient China in the 10th century, a beauty practice known as footbinding captivated society's elite, beginning as an art form but evolving into a painful ritual.

It aimed to reshape women's feet into delicate "lotus feet," symbolizing wealth and status. This involved agonizing steps: breaking toes, folding feet, and binding them tightly with silk for years.

Despite debilitating effects and societal bans by the 20th century, footbinding persisted clandestinely, revealing a stark lesson: beauty, often celebrated, can impose profound suffering and limitations, highlighting the enduring quest for freedom amidst cultural norms.

Even though my grandmother passed when I was 21, she's still one of the most important people to me in my life... I had forgotten that she also underwent this procedure, her toes turned to the sides, forever impacting how she walked until a recent podcast episode reminded me of this practice.

You can learn more about the history behind footbinding in this video:

This is the woman who I see when I think about my grandmother:

That's who I tell my daughter I wish she could meet. (My daughter says that maybe she already knows her.)

Love,

Judy

P.S. My Kickstarter campaign officially goes live on September 23, 2024 —?I'd be honored if you would consider supporting me! Click on the "Notify me on launch" button.

About Wild Hearted Words:

Welcome to a team of strategic creatives who create mighty results for your branding, marketing, sales, and platform. In a world of algorithms, you can be the anomaly.

You’re receiving this email because you signed up on my website, booked a call with me, or joined one of my events — and you're curious how to create a life and business you love, especially one that may not look like the one you were told you were supposed to live.

I started Wild Hearted Words because I believe in the power of storytelling. I also believe in living authentically. And, most importantly, I believe in helping empower others to thrive.

We're currently preparing to rebrand our company to reflect the talents of our lead gen experts, sales strategists, SaaS professionals, SEO analysts, creative thinkers, and big hearts (get ready!).

From the beginning of time ever after, there will never, ever be another you. #bewildlyyou

If you're looking to write your life and business story into one of success, then you're in the right place! I'm doing it right along with you.

Through my various marketing channels, podcast, and upcoming Kickstarter campaign for my next book, I share the tactics and tools I've acquired over the last 25 years to build a mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually healthy life. It's all rooted in the power of connection and being true to you.

As I always say in my F*ck Saving Face podcast, "Life may not always be pretty, but it is indeed beautiful —?make your story beautiful today."

You can do this. I have. And it's great over here. Join me.