Loved unconditionally through 3 marriages, 4 bonus children, 5 careers and much more…
October 26th, 2009
Cicely Tyson once said “Challenges make you discover things about yourself that you never really knew. They’re what make the instrument stretch, what make you go beyond the norm.” Susan Mead has done just that in stepping outside the norm to create a life she is both grateful for experiencing and pleased to share with others. Welcome Susan!
Tell us about the path you traveled to arrive where you are today:
Overall, I believe that “it’s not about getting what you want, but wanting what you have”, I can’t imagine a life I would find to be much more rewarding—though like many these days, a little more cash would be helpful.
What kept you moving forward on the days things were not going exactly the way you were hoping they would?
Yoga and my faith in God, a “higher power”. When I use these tools to live in the present, I am very content—if not actually happy every moment.
What piece of advice would you give to someone who has decided they would like to live in a world of their own creation?
Read a lot, write a lot and follow your passion
What special things do you do for yourself daily to maintain your momentum and energy levels?
Up by 5 AM most days that start with reading, hot tea and quiet time, followed by exercising (brisk walks, lifting weights, yoga and fun stuff like skiing). I’ve also learned that when I’m stressed I’m not living in the present, but worrying about the future—which isn’t here yet, and often doesn’t bring the nasty stuff we envision. Yoga is a big part of maintaining my balance and I attend class as a student 2-3 times a week, and also teach on the side.
If you could spend 3 days on a deserted island with two people of your choosing, who would they be and why?
My 25-year old daughter and my husband (#3 and yes, this one is the charm!) because they are my two favorite people in the world, and the older I get the more I need quiet time which they both allow me. Also, that desert island may be a little stressful, so it doesn’t seem like the time to spend with revered teachers, etc.
What is your favorite audio material and what do you enjoy most about this material?
Music; mostly classic rock, but I also enjoy most anything but country. The reason it’s my favorite is because it can reflect—or shift—my mood.
What is your favorite reading material and what gives it that special place in your heart?
Currently I’m way into Eckhart Tolle’s work, The Power of Now and A New Earth. I find that when I practice living in the moment more, I worry less and love life much more! But I usually have 5-6 books going at once, and one is usually a good novel.
Who has inspired you and what is it about them that you found inspirational?
Since being in private practice as a Master Herbalist since 1996, my clients are my greatest source of inspiration. When I’ve been down about not making much $$, I always thought to myself “hey, every client who leaves here feeling better than when we first started to work together views me as incredibly successful!” Though education is important, it’s truly my clients who have taught me the most.
What do you see in your future?
After living part-time in two places (Fort Collins and Steamboat Springs, CO) for the past 3 years, I anticipate moving to the mountains full-time. My husband and I are crazy about skiing and we want to get more in while we are fit and healthy (we’re both in our 50’s). Though it’s the economy dictating this move soon, it is much more in alignment with our values. We just shoved up the timeline a bit. But I know I’ll continue to see clients and write, also do a little speaking.
Where is your favorite place in the world to spend time, what is special to you about this location?
Skiing, because whenever I’m doing that, I am 100% in the present, and think nothing of my “worries”.
Who has been your greatest support system and how have they shown you their support?
My 25-yr old daughter, Miranda, who has seen me through 2 divorces, 3 marriages, 4 bonus children (step children), 5 careers– and loved me unconditionally through it all. Even when I’ve been far from my best self, she has always been there for me.
What / who are you most thankful for and why?
Number one is God for all of life’s blessings, but on a human level—my husband, Webb Jones. He has supported me through brief bits of think and lots of thin professionally. Herbalists don’t make a lot of money and without his financial support and “encouragement through not complaining”, I would not have been able to pursue this fabulous ‘work’ for 13 years.
What is your favorite way to contribute or give back?
I’m nearly always on a non-profit board, but also have never turned someone away from my practice due to lack of money. We always find a way—and once it was a trade for a side of elk meat!
Please share the top three things you feel people would benefit from doing if they truly desire to create the life of their dreams?
1) Have faith and live in the present.
2) Look for ways to contribute; especially when feeling down, I believe that helping others is the number one remedy.
3) Live in gratitude; a good starting point is writing down 5 things we are grateful for each night before bed. I find that when I’m feeling grateful, I can’t possibly be scared.
Anything I missed that you would like to share?
I’m remembering Christiane Northrup, M.D. (famous author, etc) saying to me (re: my book that she provided a killer endorsement for) “If you feel both excited and scared, you’re likely on the right track”. So true.
What products and services do you offer to assist others on their journey?
My first book, Take Back Your Body, is the least expensive way I know of for average Americans to turn their health around—without drugs, without surgery and without spending a bunch of money on supplements. I’m still in clinical practice and love helping people individually when they think it would be helpful for a “jump start”—often I’m reminding them of what they already know. J But I’m pretty good at keeping it simple, cheap and “doable” in this busy world we live in.
Thank you Susan for taking the time to share your story. I encourage everyone to take a few minutes and connect with Susan Mead at: http://www.SusanEMead.com
In gratitude,
Caryn
Caryn Gottlieb FitzGerald, “the Manifesting Queen”
Set your mind to it and create it today!
http://www.CarynFitzgerald.com
EmbracingMyJourney L.L.C. was created by Caryn FitzGerald in 2008.
Caryn, known as "The Manifesting Queen" is a motivational columnist, speaker and writer, she has been featured in and published several books, including "Tulips In The Sand" "Fish Sticks, Books and Blue Jeans" “Manifest Success” “Visual Arts Junction Interviews” & “Online Marketing Success Stories..."
Caryn is a domestic violence survivor who has triumphed over a 10-year battle with anorexia and bulimia. She is a wife, mother, writer, speaker, blogger, coach and a health food enthusiast Click to connect with Caryn at her website Or click here to get inspired by her latest ebook “Living the Life of My Dreams” There may be paid links on this page, click here to read the blog disclaimer.
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Extremely powerful story Cicely. Three areas that stand out and if people realize the value in the words and can apply it, it will change there life!
1) 100% into the present and think nothing of my worries.
2) Have faith and live in the present.
3) If your excited and scared your on the right track.
P.S. I use Herbal products all the time and there is great value in what your teaching. Keep on Keeping on and this great big world will keep on getting better.
Blessings and Visions of Greatness to YOU and YOURS
Brian J. Donley
Author, The Original Psychology of Success – Methods to Attain a Positive, Powerful Winning Personality