Healthy Chicks

Happy Friday, beauties! I’m loving all the discussion happening around yesterday’s post, which I shared on instagram and Facebook. It’s good to know I’m not alone when it comes to craving more downtime, away from social media. It’s been really freeing realizing it is a choice, and we get to choose how we spend our time — in all aspects of our lives.

Anyway, it’s time for this month’s feature on Healthy Chicks in the Community, a monthly series highlighting rockstar Girl Bosses doing their thang in the wellness world. I couldn’t be more thrilled to spotlight Michaela of More Positivity, who makes it her mission to spread more wellness, happiness and positivity into the world.

She seriously oozes good vibes, and scrolling through her instagram feed makes you feel good — it’s contagious. In today’s post, we chat about her giant unicorn pool float, the power of truly living your life (even when things look dark), and why there’s always room for a little dessert. I’ll let Michaela take it from here!

NAME: Michaela P of More Positivity!

DESCRIBE YOUR BUSINESS/LINE OF WORK: I created More Positivity, which is an empowerment website and blog! It is my belief that we all deserve to live a life we love, no matter how difficult our past has been or how impossible our dreams seem.

Each day is a gift, one that many people aren’t given! I believe we are capable of so much more than we think, because we unknowingly allow barriers to keep us stuck. I am here to teach you to tap into your heart, mind and soul so you can empower yourself to truly live every day — not just once in a while.

From writing blogs to speaking engagements, More Positivity is multifaceted. I don’t believe in boxing yourself in. Follow along on Instagram too, where I share weekly videos and daily inspiration. I will also be offering coaching and courses in the future, which I am elated about!

WHERE YOU LIVE: Portland, Maine

HOW YOU SERVE THE COMMUNITY THROUGH YOUR WORK: Currently I write to inspire — whether that is a teenage girl locally in my community or someone on the other side of the world. Sharing my story and being a source for inspiration is heavy on my heart.

I created More Positivity a few years after two traumatic losses, a journey I was brought on when I was an innocent and young 21-year-old. During that time of my life, I often wondered I’d ever truly “live” again. Through the dark days, I never lost sight of the light. I knew it was there and I was capable of finding it again.

Now, I want others to know that too. Finding compassion, love and positivity for others (and even yourself) can be life changing. This how I aim to serve, in many different ways. The opportunities are endless and always growing!

NUMBER ONE PASSION OUTSIDE THE JOB: Enjoying life with friends and family! Dancing, laughing, having new experiences, furthering my knowledge of holistic health and wellness, cooking, fashion and indulging in dessert every so often.

INTENTIONS/GOALS YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS: As MP is in its beginning stages, in the next three years I hope to guide others to see their worth along their unique journey by offering more talks, more blogs, and more coaching sessions.

As far as my life, I plan to continue to live in a way I am proud of! One filled with peace and calmness, laughter, excitement, enjoyment and most of all love. Love for the people around me, the days I have been given and the journey I am on. May there be travels, new places and new experiences. I never want to be complacent. As long as I have my health and love surrounding me, I want to make the most of it all.

I have always been inspired by this quote by Steve Jobs, perhaps you will be too:

“I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” And whenever the answer has been ‘No’ for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.” – Steve Jobs

ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’D TELL YOUR CHILDHOOD SELF: When your mom wants to teach you how to cook, be all there! Pay attention and write down her recipes. Time is so precious and you can’t take a moment for granted with anyone you love. Ask questions, take more photos (even more than the 10,000 you have) and take more videos, too!

FOODS THAT MAKE YOU FEEL ALIVE & BRING THE MOST JOY: I used to be obsessed with sugar. My friends still make fun of me because I would always have a snack next to my bed at night! I blame it on my fast metabolism and not understanding how food was medicine. Now I’ve toned down my sugar intake astronomically…but I still love a good Tattes chocolate chip cookie or a donut once in a while. Some things will never change!

I try to eat plant-based the majority of the time now. I’ve healed myself of ailments with food and it taught me the power food has on our wellbeing. So now, eating well is a priority for me to feel my best! I love grocery shopping and cooking. I know I’m not the only one! One of my favorite things to make is a quinoa bowl with garlic chicken, zucchini, onion, sweet potato, kale or spinach with an avocado, pink Himalayan salt and lots of garlic. YUM!

SONG THAT MOVES YOU: “My Wish For You” by Rascall Flatts and “I Hope You Dance” by Le Ann Womack. “May you never take one single breath for granted.”They both always bring me to tears — they were my mom’s songs to me!

TWO FAB THINGS ABOUT YOU:
1. I’m an auntie to four beautiful babies! Well, I guess they aren’t babies anymore. My nieces are nine and the other is almost three, and my nephews are both eight! My oldest niece is nine — she recently got a Kindle and can send me messages. It’s the sweetest thing. If I get out of work at 4:00, she texts me at 4:01. “Hi Auntie! Are you out of work yet?”

2. A few years ago, I got a six-foot unicorn pool float as a gift — you can find me floating on that in the lake in the summer!

FAVORITE BODY PART & WHY: I think my eyes — not for their color or any physical reason but because they allow me to see the world. I also love my hair; it’s been long since I was little. People always told me to cut it short, but I never listened!

I GET MY INSPIRATION FROM: People and their hearts. I love hearing people’s stories, where they’ve been and where they hope to go. I also gain inspiration when I visit my favorite place in the world — the beach!

EXERCISE THAT MAKES YOU SHINE: Honestly, whenever I work out with my best friend Kara I feel unstoppable! She motivates me and we laugh our way through the entire workouts, which can only amplify an ab workout right? We could be doing cardio, lifting weights or anything in between and I feel amazing. Aside from that, vinyasa yoga, a walk on the beach or jumping on a trampoline is my ideal way to exercise!

SOMETHING IN YOUR “WELLNESS TOOLBOX” YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: Gratitude. Even on the hardest days, I look at all that I have and instantly feel blessed. I learned growing up “things can always be worse than they are right now.” It always puts things into perspective.

I also love a good nightly bubble bath and taking time each day for skincare — it’s so important to me! I love lymphatic facial massages, my jade roller and putting Drunk Elephant Marula Oil on each day — pure relaxation!

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Staying true to who I was/am when others tried to tell me what I should look like, do or be. Spoiler alert: if you love yourself and are the best person you can be, it won’t matter if anyone thinks you should be XYZ whether you are 13 or 28. (I only know from experience thus far, talk to you when i’m 80!)

FEMALE LEADER(S) YOU LOOK UP TO: Every woman who isn’t afraid to speak up and live her truth, no matter how difficult it may be sometimes. So many woman come to mind, but for the purpose of this interview I would say Jen Sincero who wrote You Are A Badass. She fearlessly teaches women (and men alike) that we are all badasses, we just have to believe it. This book captivated me and I recommend it to everyone.

IF YOU COULD PICK ONE PERSON TO HAVE DINNER WITH, WHO WOULD IT BE & WHAT WOULD YOU MAKE THEM: Without a question, I would have dinner with my mom and grandfather — they’ve been gone for too long! I would make an Italian meal and ask my mom’s guidance along the way. I’ve never had a better sauce than hers!

GO-TO MANTRA OR INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE: “What’s for you, won’t pass you.”

When I was 18 as a sophomore in college, I remember I stumbled upon this quote, back when quotes on your Facebook status were the thing to do. I remember reading it and not understanding it! It wasn’t until a few months later that I truly felt it. If someone, something, or anything is meant to be in your life, it will be. You won’t have to chase it, manipulate it or create an opportunity for it.

If you don’t get that job, it’s okay. Stay hopeful and remind yourself that something even more amazing is coming. If the person you are in love with chooses to leave you, thank them for the love and lessons they’ve given you. Something even more amazing is coming!

MESSAGE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OTHER HEALTHY CHICKS: You deserve the coffee, the pastry, the trip. Don’t settle for anything less than what makes you feel alive during this one life you get. Don’t apologize for who you are, don’t let the past dictate the future, and love yourself. Then, love yourself a little more. Its more powerful than you think.

Want more Healthy Chicks in the Community? Take a peek at past interviews here!