I work full-time as a certified nursing assistant in long term care. I see every day of how the current healthcare system has failed many. I take care of people who depend heavily on Western medicine as their primary source to getting better health. The patients seem to be getting younger and sicker. The youngest patient/resident within the facility is 24. As far as myself, I need to work on myself, as a whole. And not just eating patterns. Being from the south, or rural Tennessee, I was raised to eat a certain way. Which in my opinion, was and is very unhealthy. My mother always cooked the vegetables to mush, fatback and grease. And because of that upbringing, I have always felt a meal was not complete with meat included. Although, I am not totally vegan, I am starting to lean in that direction. I have seen so many people within my family and otherwise, suffer from the same illnesses. Illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and other related illnesses. I have come to a conclusion that some of these ailments are lifestyle and food related. From a teenager, I have always been what you might call “semi health conscience”.  However, I think tradition would always win out over all else. This where I am now. I want to help break some of the unhealthy lifestyle patterns I have witnessed as well as been a part of. I want to re-educate myself, so I learn from my own past mistakes and to also be able to help others with their journey in re-directing patterns of behavior……which may have been a setback to achieving a full balance in mind, body and spirit.