Hey there, welcome!
I’m Karen. These days that name comes with all kinds of connotations: Privileged. Entitled. Obnoxious.
As much as I’d like to say I am NONE of that – there’s probably some truth in there somewhere. There’s always an element of truth in any joke or meme. And while I wish the stereotype had been plunked down on another name, I guess it might as well be mine.
So here I am – redefining Karen. Exploring who I am in this second half of life. Remembering who I was before all of the hats I’ve worn in my life (mother, daughter, sister, wife, publisher, entrepreneur, health coach, clean beauty advocate). Checking my unconscious assumptions & often unseen privilege. While also remembering how to lighten up & play again.
As a certified health coach & clean beauty advocate, my mission is to help my community understand that health is about more than just food & exercise. It’s the products we use, the environment we live in, the people we surround ourselves with & the attitude we carry.
Looking back, I’ve had my share of successes. I’m in peak health. I raised two amazing women who are now building lives of their own. I am enjoying a happy, playful 30-year marriage to my best friend. I’ve built my own businesses, developed expertise in non-toxic living, participated in advocacy work for safer products, studied nutrition & eating psychology. I’ve coached, mentored, advocated, educated, trained & developed.
Yet with ALL of this incredible experience & expertise, the more I learn, the more I know I need to learn. And UNlearn. In fact, I think we have a LOT to unlearn these days.
So again, welcome. If you’re yearning to live your best life as you age & you’d like to surround yourself with others who feel the same. Who don’t want to struggle against aging, but to embrace it. To live life to the fullest. To age with confidence & grace. You’re in a good place. Stick around!
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Karen Friend Smith, Certified Health Coach & Clean Beauty Advocate