We had the good fortune of connecting with Jill Anenberg Lawrence and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jill, what makes you happy? Why?
I’ve always thought, gratitude is the yellow brick road to happiness. And comparison, is the buzz kill to joy! Finding the balance between the two in a human way, I’ll admit, can be tough. Realistically, there will always be people who have attained more “success”, or seem to have what accomplishments and goals I’m striving for. On the other hand, we never know what someone’s life is truly like behind closed doors, the hardships and struggles they go through and if they are, well- happy. In saying all that, I learned a long time ago from a meditation teacher, happiness lives in us…like right now! It’s not on the other side of something, or when we get or accomplish that big goal. Otherwise, being happy gives our power to an elusive entity.

So, what makes me happy? Choosing to be happy. Choosing to see what life brings as beneficial and positive for me. Smiling at strangers and seeing their face light up in return. All my animals that I’ve rescued and the ones I talk to and feed out in nature. Dirty jokes make me happy! Blending humor into my wellness presentations, writing and coaching and watching clients improve their life through laughter. And as cliche as it sounds, the saying is around for a reason- I rarely focus on lack, instead- counting my blessings and being grateful for everything I DO have! Try it! Put your energy and focus on all the good stuff and it will come back to you 100 times…ok maybe 10 but those are still great odds!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My background is in comedy and entertainment, which created a really fun compliment to Nutrition and Health Coaching. I bring humor and lightness to wellness. (In my professional opinion, laughter is a great ab workout!) I take health seriously, but I love to get people laughing and seeing life from a decompressed perspective. Coaching is very intimate because we are literally changing your life. So, what the heck is a health coach? Well, imagine if a life coach, nutritionist, and therapist had a threesome… I’d be their baby!

As I write this in a ‘Love & Dogs’ sweater, I am beyond obsessed and passionate about animal welfare and rescue, the health of the planet and reducing toxins and chemicals that impact not just animals but humanity in a big way. We need global change. Through one on one sessions, content I create and presentations, I aim to educate and empower us all to shift towards better options and demand higher quality products. We vote with our dollars. I am the “Swaps Queen” and truly have an awesome alternative for everything from cookies, to plant-based delicious meals, to gorgeous makeup and cleaning products that won’t make your eyes water more than a non-organic onion. Pantry and home makeovers are always fun and so impactful for clients! I love collaborating with brands I truly believe in that have incredible impacts on our health and the well-being of all life on it.

The main lessons I’ve learned in business…the ups and downs are normal, the hustle is real, as an entrepreneur we wear all the hats even when they don’t fit or ya’ look like a jackass and to just keep pushing forward never taking no for an answer…unless it could get me arrested. Actually, that wouldn’t stop me! 😉 Remain in gratitude for each and every client, speaking gig or even conversation with a random on the street saying hi to each other’s dogs & giving a nugget of wellness wisdom. Positive changes start small and I remember to be appreciative of every small win.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Los Angeles hit the vegan restaurant jackpot! If you’re cringing at the word vegan, don’t hate the plant-based plate, these beef free bistros are some of the highest rated spots around! Talk with your hands at Italian themed Crossroads, bring your rescue pup and eat on the tree topped patio of SunCafe and go with a group to SAGE so you can split, like everything!

Find out how many times you can say, “Ahhhh, cute!!” in a few hours at The Gentle Barn barnyard animal sanctuary in Santa Clarita! Brush a cow, cuddle a huge pig, feed the Emu and twirl the goats goatee while being filled with so much animal love. LA also has some of the best stand up comedy and improv clubs around! A night filled with laughter is always health coach approved! Hit up the Groundlings or UCB, The Comedy Store, Laugh Factory and The Improv. I adore being outside in nature and exploring the hikes and adventures all the mountains have to offer. Just an hour drive from LA is Balboa Island which is a blast to walk around, take the ferry to the fun zone and eat some fun snacks!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
“Behind every great man is a great woman”… nope time to evolve friends! Behind every great WOMAN is another bad-ass woman who has paved the way, encouraged, guided, mentored and been an amazing friend. Now imagine me in my high school cheerleader uniform standing high on the shoulders of my base, shouting out my appreciation and love for my friend and mentor, Keri Glassman (Registered Dietician & Nutritionist). The master behind the successful brand, Nutritious Life, where I received my second nutrition certification and continuous education! Staying consistently educated is so important in the world of nutrition and wellness because the science is always evolving,. The value of a community to brainstorm best ways to serve clients and grow our businesses is beyond necessary and Keri has provided all that and so much more! Plus, she’s a blast to be around and will never decline a chocolate chip cookie!

Website: https://jilllawrencehealth.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jill.anenberg.lawrence/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillanenberg/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jillanenberg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JillAnenberg
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jill-lawrence-health-los-angeles
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/janenberg

Image Credits
Denise Duff

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