Restart…to begin anew.  A fresh start. Discovering and  picking up the tools that we have already been given, and learning to use them efficiently and productively.  That’s what Restart means to me.  The Restart program explains the tools we each have, and how to use them to our benefit.  Through Restart I have been given the resources to make new, appropriate choices for my life, giving me options to make my life more comfortable and peaceful. THIS IS EMPOWERMENT!   There is never guilt when I don’t follow the program, but only an “Aha…” moment, knowing that next time, I have the tools to make better choices for a better outcome. Navigating life around chronic pain and gut issues isn’t always easy or fun, but I do remember that about the second week of the program, as I climbed into bed that night, it dawned on me that I had not experienced any pain that day.  That was very unusual…and it was obvious to me that Restart was working well and so worth the effort!  Restart empowers each of us with knowledge to know how to eat well for our individual bodies,  how to nurture our body and help it to heal.  (I’m still learning that it’s okay to treat my body nice, to nurture and love it into healing).  I love knowing that the choices I make with the tools already in my arsenal can make a huge, positive impact on my quality of life.  I appreciate not having to purchase special foods or outlandish supplements. I appreciate that I can go to the grocery store or farmers market, and get everything I need within a realistic budget.    And Lori… she is truly a light in my life!  She is ALWAYS patient, always positive, and is always encouraging me to keep trying, to keep making good choices. 

– Merry Collop