Envisioning Possibilities
Health
My daughter is Vegan, but her dad is not. There was an evening she prepared dinner for this delightful man whom Alzheiners were challenging. It was a beautiful dinner with black rice and vegetables. Jerry, the astrophysicist, asked, “What planet did this come from?”
Last night, while visiting neighbors, we discussed a doctor’s visit. “A plant-based diet could cure your diabetes,” he suggested. My meat-loving neighbor is having a struggle. Loves the meat, she claims. I thought I did, too! Then, I discovered it was a mental habit. I’m a flexitarian. I’m primarily vegetarian except when an outstanding chef presents a beautifully prepared hamburger. Then I’m in.
Here are the top three health benefits of a plant-based diet
Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: Plant-based diets are associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer. This is primarily because plant-based diets are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants while being lower in saturated fats and cholesterol.
Weight Management: Plant-based diets can be effective for weight management and weight loss. They tend to be lower in calorie density and higher in fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied with fewer calories. Plant-based diets often include more whole foods and fewer processed foods, which can support a healthy weight.
Improved Digestive Health: The high fiber content of plant-based diets promotes healthy digestion and can prevent constipation. Fiber also feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut, which is essential for maintaining a healthy microbiome. A healthy gut microbiome is linked to improved immune function and reduced inflammation.
Although my neighbor’s first dinner was not satisfactory – I’m going to invite her for dinner and give it a whirl.
From Fearful to Fearless:
Every confident speaker once shook in their shoes.
How to Answer “Tricky” Questions
When you stay calm, clarify with repetition, and bridge back to your core ideas, you guide the dialogue rather than chase it. The result? You come across as thoughtful, credible, and persuasive exactly the qualities clients and colleagues remember.
How Humor Can Lighten the Room
A smile can make your design pitch twice as memorable. Humor, when done right, isn’t about being a comedian it’s about being human. A little laughter reminds everyone that design is supposed to bring joy, not stress. So the next time you walk into a presentation, bring your sense of humor along with your fabric swatches. You’ll leave behind not only a beautiful concept but also a positive impression.
Creating Connection: The overlooked power of eye contact
Eye contact is the designer’s secret to presence. It’s what transforms a presentation from mechanical to magnetic. Slides may show your ideas, but your eyes show your confidence and that’s what clients and audiences remember most.
Why Every Designer Should Practice Their Speech
In design, presentation is persuasion. When you practice speaking as much as sketching, you build trust, authority, and excitement around your ideas. A polished pitch can make the difference between a “maybe” and a “let’s do it.” Remember your voice is part of your professional toolkit. Use it well, and let it sell your vision as powerfully as your designs do.
NETWORKING …. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER
Networking is more about follow-up than first impressions.
Sound as Good as You Look
Trade shows can showcase your talent and brand but shouldn’t cost you your voice.
The Designer’s Elevator Pitch:
If you can’t explain your vision in a minute, you’ll lose the moment. In the world of design, opportunities often appear unexpectedly,a quick chat at a showroom, a brief meeting at a networking event, or a chance encounter with a potential...
I keep reading about health benefits that plant based food is supposed to provide. Lately I have been willing to try almost anything. I drew the line at kale and beetroot, though 😉
My BP, glucose and cholesterol levels improved a bit. I also did a lot of walking plus acupuncture, so it’s hard to say what contributed the most.
Good job! I drew the line at kale and beets too! UGH! I love the acupuncture.
I am trying to add more fruits and veggies, too, and I was actually vegetarian for a couple of years. But I missed meat and went back to it. Now, I think I should just add all the good veggies and fruits and not worry about it.
Linda, I love vegetables and fruits. I eat lots of both. The more of those I eat, especially avocados, the more young and smooth my skin is. As an energy healer, of course I see the energetics of food as very important: eat energy, get energy. So raw salad is more energizing than broiled vegetables. Thanks for making these points about plant-based eating!