Real Life Advice

Peacock and Friends- Antalya, Turkey

Recently I had the pleasure of interviewing Lisa Taylor, founder of Poemeopathy and a wonderful woman who is thriving in her 60s.

My interest sparked when I noticed just how much advice we take from social media, and how most of that advice is gauged to grab our attention and sell us things. We listen to people who manipulate our emotions so they can profit from our insecurities, sadness and addictions.

Needless to say, I wanted a fresh perspective from a real human being who has lived a full life - someone who can give us real advice based on real experiences.

So, let's get into it!

I started off by asking some simple questions. What is simpler than regret? Ha!

What is one thing you regret?

We took a family vacation out of state. While we were there, we visited a relative. This

relative had no immediate family and was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. We had a lovely visit.

When it was time for our family to leave, this relative proceeded to follow us out the door as if

they were coming with us. I didn’t want to tell them they couldn’t come with us. It was easier

to smile and say “We’ll be back.” It turned out to be a lie. We went back to our home state and

never came back to visit. I regret not living up to my words. I regret saying something I wasn’t

prepared to back up just because it was easier. I regret that my words were empty and without

integrity.

What would you tell your 20-year-old self?

I would tell myself that I was born worthy and nothing outside of myself is needed to

prove my worthiness.

What can’t you live without?

The most important part of my life today is my personal relationship with God. Building

and maintaining relationships with family and friends is also very important to me.

How did that change from when you were in your twenties just starting out adulthood?

In my twenties I looked to things outside of myself to feel worthy and validated. I kept

myself busy with “doing.” Now, I realize I was often filling time with distractions. I feel more

grounded now by going within. It’s okay to do nothing and just “be.”

What have you been eating habitually?

I am learning the importance of eating locally and organically. Breakfast is now the

biggest meal of the day for me. I have a healthy salad with breakfast most days along with my

eggs and toast. I wash and cut the produce the night before so it’s ready to go in the morning.

I put it all in a bowl and top it with organic olive oil and freshly squeezed organic lemon juice. It

feels good to start the day with a heavy dose of good nutrition.

How is your health today?

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 - about a week after my mom passed away. I

believe there was a connection between the two major events. I believe many women in my

generation agreed to be cycle breakers. Many of us took on the role of mom to our parents

and siblings. We gave more than we received and this spiritual imbalance manifested as breast

cancer. Feelings of resentment and unforgiveness are out of alignment with our source and can

cause disease. There is no judgement. It’s just a lack of awareness. I know we did the best we

could. I have been on a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual healing journey ever since.

Everything is connected. My health is good today as I continue to take care of myself, grow,

and forgive (myself and others).

How do you manage stress?

I write poetry. I take walks. I take hot yoga classes. I pray. If the weather is nice, I

ground in my back yard with the trees, sun, and wildlife. I spend time with family and friends. I

like to purge my space and simplify my environment. It helps me stay organized. It always feels

good to release and let go of things that are no longer needed. It creates space for new things

to come my way. It’s important to keep the energy flowing so things don’t stagnate.

How do you manage relationship disputes?

When my husband and I had disputes in our younger days, we would both withdraw

and give each other the silent treatment. Sometimes this would last for days. This was

withholding love and it was very painful for both of us. We used love as a weapon and for that

we paid the price. It is a cruel tactic and out of alignment with who we are. Now, we are older

and wiser. We forgive each other often and quickly.

What does it take to make a relationship work between any two people?

I guess the short answers would be honesty, respect, patience, forgiveness and being

present. Making your relationship a priority is also important. Make time for each other.

When you are with that other person give them your undivided attention and truly be with

them. Even if you are at home watching a show together, put your phone away. If you are

having lunch with a friend, put your phone away. Giving someone your undivided attention

sends the message that the other person is valued and worthy.

What is your morning routine?

One of the first things I do in the morning is have about 16 ounces of alkaline water a

half hour before breakfast. The night before I wake up, I put three slices of organic cucumbers

and two slices or organic lemon in a glass pitcher filled with filtered water. As it sits overnight it

alkalizes. I was told that cancer doesn’t like an alkalized environment. Starting the day off with

a good dose of hydration is also a plus. Barbara O’neill recommends bouncing on a rebounder

for three minutes, three times a day. This helps support our lymphatic systems. I do this

religiously so my first rebounding session is also in the morning. I am mentioning these things

because I believe they are important. The rest of the morning usually involves other forms of

exercise, writing poetry, working on creativity for my poemeopathy.com website, working on

Love Stems stuff, texts, emails, phone calls, home chores, etc.

What is your night routine?

I usually make a list for the next day of what I need to do.

How do you get what you want?

I pray to God and ask. I believe I am not separate from God. God is greater because

God is all. God is love but so am I. As long as what I desire doesn’t hurt anyone -then if I desire-

it’s because God desires through me. I am a powerful manifestor because God is manifesting

through me. I trust God to help guide me to my fullest happiness. It helps to find things to be

grateful for and to be patient. I feel like I am about to manifest some things I have wanted for

decades. I am grateful to be alive. I am ready.

What do you say to a server who brought you burnt food?

I was a waitress for ten years. I started waiting tables when I was 16. I understand the

challenges and having a service industry perspective has served me well. I think everyone

should be a waiter or waitress at some point in their lives. It gives you valuable perspective. To

answer your question, I would ask my server’s name if they didn’t tell me on their own when

they first approached my table. Addressing someone by their name is always the better option.

If something isn’t satisfactory, I would say: “Natasa, would it be okay if I sent this food back?

It’s a bit too burnt for me.” Then I would say “thank you.”

Thank you Lisa for sharing your insight with us. Your advice speaks volumes to uncertain generations who are lost and confused about the way life is.

Understandably so, we look for guidance in the nearest source we can find. Unfortunately for us, this source is typically social media- a space where marketing companies thrive off making people insecure enough to buy their products.

Let's not forget that most of social media is one big shopping mall. Be wary of the advice you take from people who are trying to sell to you.

For those who are in need of uplifting magic- Lisa's website Poemeopathy.com offers beautifully crafted poetry which she has been working on for over three decades. The site also includes nature photography meant to heal and reconnect us to good vibes. It's unlike any online platform we've seen before, and the best part? Its' aim is not to steal your attention or to sell you product, but a space for healing and love.

Check out Lisa's favorite song- a positive tune for the spirit.

Over the Rainbow - Eva Cassidy