Natalie

Natalie grew up in a big Northeastern city and now lives in a Southern suburb near the beach. She is married with two children and at home with them, navigating terrible twos and online learning. Her five words are Funny, honest, resourceful, creative, curious, and her home runs on culture: I cook alot of cultural meals, and they are the family favorites, we listen to the music and speak the language.

Her defining moments are about learning to stand on her own. Her first job let her save for college and built confidence. Then, at 22, a daughter: Family did not approve, so I had little help and felt alone. I soon moved out and things improved. Felt in control of my life and proud of myself. Then the death of her grandfather, The family glue. My first major loss. Later came the move south, away from everyone she knew: I was depressed for a while and wanted to go back home. What changed it was small and practical. I pushed to get my license at 30. With a car she could explore, build a routine, and appreciate things more. One reading is that her lifeline climbs each time she wins back a little independence.

Her mother cooked every night, but My Mom did not teach me how to cook. She learned from the internet and from her grandmother, whose meals live in memory, not recipes. Cooking beside her was eye opening: her style is a bit more closer to nature, with fresh herbs, eggs from the farmers market and vegetables she grows. Rice and beans, chicken, plantain and yucca are the staples; burgers and pasta she calls more "american" dishes. She plans the week's menu and writes it on the calendar: It's such a load off, mentally. Soda is banned: I cant just have one drink.

Her husband eats meat about twice a month, for his health and out of conviction, and she has followed partway. She eats less meat, shops cage free, and uses almond milk creamer. Climate is one of her reasons: Another reason I have elected to eat less meat is because factory farming is bad for the environment. Going fully vegan would be hard, especially letting go of cheese, but she is open. She is one of the few women in the study who connects her plate to the climate in her own words.

Her superpower is optimism: I remind myself that "this too shall pass" and count my blessings even when times are tough. Her weakness is the strong woman's habit: I dont like feeling vulnerable, so I bottle things up. When she finally told her husband what was upsetting her, he said that if she acted like she had it together, that is what he would assume. Her response: Like huh. Ok, I see that. She breathes deeply and walks. Under stress she wants coffee, chocolate and heavier dinners, and she is blunt: I honestly think I'm a sugar addict. Her 2 a.m. person is her best friend: She doesnt judge people and she is very open.

On Day 5 she names Impulse eating. When I'm stressed I over eat. She has just taken the sugar out of her coffee: Today was my first day and it tasted terrible. What would help is a talk at home, since her husband brings back pie and ice cream. Her letter is a promise: I'm glad you finally broke the cycle of putting others before you. You're health comes first.