Solo: My Weight Loss, Living In Austin, Babies, & Horse Updates
On this episode of Pursuit of Wellness, Mari Llewellyn shares a slew of personal updates. She discusses her move to Austin — a city she finds more peaceful and community-oriented — as well as her Thanksgiving hosting duties and attending an F1 race. Llewellyn also details her foray into Western riding with her new, more relaxed horse and talks about her fertility journey, expressing excitement about trying to conceive.
Llewellyn also touches on wellness products she's been exploring — from her beloved ClearStem skincare line to hair supplements like collagen and glutamine, as well as Bloom's nutrient-dense offerings. The episode offers a window into various aspects of Llewellyn's life, including her home, hobbies, health goals, and self-care routines.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Oct 24, 2024 episode of the Pursuit of Wellness
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1-Page Summary
Personal updates and life events
Mari Llewellyn shares about her move to Austin, where she hosted Thanksgiving, and attending an exciting F1 race through Aston Martin. In Austin, Mari Llewellyn says she feels more at peace compared to previous cities she's lived in, attributing this sense of fulfillment partly to the slower pace and strong sense of community.
Horses and equestrian activities
Mari acquired a new horse named Red and transitioned to Western riding with her friend Michelle's guidance. Llewellyn is relieved by Red's calm demeanor, a stark contrast to her previous horse which caused her anxiety. She enjoys the relaxed atmosphere of Western riding as she bonds with Red on scenic trails.
Fertility and Pregnancy
Mari Llewellyn is actively pursuing pregnancy, taking supplements and monitoring her fertility. She expresses excitement about her positive ovulation test and hopes her relaxed mindset aids her fertility journey. Beyond conception, Llewellyn looks forward to the profound experience of motherhood and an opportunity for personal growth through raising a child.
Skincare and wellness products
To address acne and aging concerns, Llewellyn uses the ClearStem skincare line, which she praises for its clean, comprehensive formulas. For hair health, she experiments with supplements like collagen and glutamine, avoiding biotin due to breakout concerns. Llewellyn endorses Bloom's nutrient-dense supplements, now available at major retailers.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can explore the therapeutic benefits of nature by scheduling regular outdoor activities, such as hiking or trail walking, to foster a sense of peace similar to the one described by someone who found tranquility in a new environment. By immersing yourself in nature, you can reduce stress and improve mental well-being, which may be especially beneficial if you're undergoing life changes or seeking relaxation.
- Consider starting a hobby that involves animal interaction, like volunteering at a local stable or animal shelter, to experience the bond and relaxation that come from working with animals. This can provide a new perspective on leisure activities and introduce you to different styles of animal care, which can be a refreshing change from your usual routine.
- If you're on a wellness journey, try tracking your health metrics using apps or journals to understand your body's patterns and needs, similar to how someone might monitor fertility. This proactive approach can help you make informed decisions about your health, whether it's related to diet, exercise, or managing stress, and can empower you to take control of your well-being.
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Personal updates and life events
Mari Llewellyn shares personal updates and memorable experiences, including her move to Austin and hosting Thanksgiving in her new home.
Attended exciting F1 race event in Austin with Aston Martin
Mari Llewellyn recounts a fun and eventful weekend attending an F1 race in Austin, Texas.
Gained access to Aston Martin garage and witnessed the race firsthand
Through Aston Martin, Mari gained exclusive access to their garage and had the thrill of observing the race team perform tire changes up close, providing her with an immersive racing experience. She shared about the F1 event where she initially wore a red latex top from Meow, which she purchased on Revolve, but changed out of it due to the heat.
Moved to Austin and is enjoying the community and lifestyle
Mari enthusiastically speaks about her decision to move to Austin and how it has positively impacted her life.
Feels more at peace and "full" living in Austin compared to previous cities
After possibly experiencing burnout in Los Angeles, Mari relocated to Austin, where she finds herself recalibrating. She's embracing the Austin lifestyle, including equestrian activities with her horse Red. She's enjoying local events, like the F1 race, and feels a sense of fulfillment and peace in her new city. Mari appreciates Austin’s sense of community, finding pleasure in knowing her neighbors and running into friends at coffee shops.
Despite Austin's lack of LA glamor, she feels more at peace, highlighting that her equestrian l ...
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Personal updates and life events
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Explore your new city like a tourist by creating a 'New Resident Bucket List' with unique local experiences and events to attend, such as visiting landmarks, trying popular eateries, and attending community gatherings, to immerse yourself in the culture and feel more at home.
- By actively seeking out the special spots and happenings in your new city, you can create a sense of belonging and excitement similar to what you might feel when traveling. For example, if you've moved to a coastal city, add beach clean-ups, surfing lessons, or a seafood festival to your list. This approach helps you connect with your new environment and community on a deeper level.
- Host a 'Cultural Potluck Dinner' where each guest brings a dish that represents their heritage or a place they love, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences in your home.
- This kind of event encourages storytelling and sharing of personal backgrounds, much like a Thanksgiving gathering, but with a twist that celebrates diversity. You might learn about a friend's family recipe from Italy or try a traditional dish from a local cuisine you've never experienced before. It's a way to create a warm, inclusive atmosphere and make your home a hub for cultural exchange.
- Start a tradition of attending local sporting events or races, even ...
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Horses and equestrian activities
Acquired a new horse named Red and transitioned to Western riding
Mari Llewellyn has found a fresh sense of joy in her equestrian pursuits since moving to Austin and transitioning to Western riding, thanks to her new horse, Red, and the guidance of her friend Michelle. She reflects on the challenges she faced with her previous horse, which led to increased anxiety and a loss of enjoyment in riding. When her old horse began kicking and bucking, making them incompatible partners, she realized it was time for a change. The decision to transition from English to Western riding came after dealing with fear, especially regarding her plans to become pregnant and the pressured environment of English riding. Once she embraced Western riding, she immediately appreciated the more casual and enjoyable atmosphere, which contrasted with the judgmental nature she experienced at her English riding barn.
Red is a perfect fit, standing calmly for mounting and handling well on trails
Mari is relieved and pleased by the stark difference in Red's demeanor compared to her former horse. Red stands calmly for mounting and handles well on trails, offering Mari a newfound sense of safety and relief from her previous anxieties. Her comfort with Red's canter, or lope as it is referred to in Western riding, has grown, especially as they enjoy the scenic trail environment together, peaceful even amidst cows and other horses.
Enjoying the more relaxed and less pressured atmosphere of Western riding
Mari's enthusiasm for Western riding is evident as she talks about the more relaxed and less pressured environment it provides. She notes that she started trotting ...
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Horses and equestrian activities
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can explore a new hobby by starting with a beginner-friendly version to build confidence. For instance, if you're interested in horseback riding but find it intimidating, consider starting with a more relaxed style, like Western riding, which is often considered easier for beginners due to the saddle design and riding style. Begin with simple trail rides to get comfortable before advancing to more complex techniques.
- Enhance your connection with animals by scheduling regular, undemanding interaction time. If you're drawn to horses, arrange to visit a local stable where you can groom or feed the horses without the pressure of riding. This can help build a bond and comfort level with the animals, similar to how daily quality time at the barn can deepen the relationship between a rider and their horse.
- Address personal fears by gradually introdu ...
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Fertility and Pregnancy
Mari's journey through the stages of actively pursuing pregnancy sheds light on her hopeful vigilance and the deeper implications she sees in motherhood.
Actively pursuing pregnancy and taking supplements to support fertility
Mari is proactive in her efforts to conceive as she navigates the fertility process with intent. She addresses her fertility-related appointments and intake of supplements as steps towards achieving her goal of getting pregnant. She also shares her excitement about being on a fertility journey, stressing her intention to focus on conceiving within the year. Most notably, Mari exhibits optimism when she talks about her positive ovulation test, signaling a potentially successful cycle. She mentions feeling relaxed, which she hopes will contribute positively to her fertility.
Excited about the prospect of having a child and the personal growth it represents
Beyond the process of trying to conceive, Mari looks forward to the profound connections and experiences of motherhood, such as w ...
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Fertility and Pregnancy
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Mari is proactive and optimistic, it's important to acknowledge that fertility can be unpredictable, and despite one's best efforts, it may take longer than a year to conceive.
- Feeling relaxed is generally positive, but it's not a guaranteed factor in improving fertility; there are many complex biological factors at play.
- The excitement about personal growth through motherhood is valid, but it's also important to recognize that personal growth can occur in many different aspects of life, not just through parenthood.
- Looking forward to motherhood is natural, but it's also worth considering that the reality of parenting can include challenges and moments that are less idyllic than waking a child to smiles.
- While aiming to heal from past familial tra ...
Actionables
- Create a vision board that encapsulates your dreams of parenthood, including images and quotes that reflect the joy, connection, and transformative journey you anticipate. This visual representation can serve as a daily reminder of your aspirations and help maintain a positive mindset. For example, you might include pictures of happy families, affirmations about personal growth, and symbols of healing to inspire your journey.
- Journal your thoughts and feelings about the future as a parent, focusing on the positive changes and growth you wish to foster in your lineage. Writing can be a therapeutic way to process emotions and set intentions. You could write letters to your future child, expressing your hopes and commitments, or document your plans to create a nurturing environment, detailing the values and traditions you want to instill.
- Engage in mindfulness or relaxation practices tha ...
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Skincare and wellness products
Mari Llewellyn shares her skincare and wellness routines, emphasizing the importance of quality products for both acne management and hair health.
Uses ClearStem skincare line to address acne and aging concerns
Mari Llewellyn finds that having clear skin is a significant factor for her well-being. She posted her full skincare routine with ClearStem, essential for her as someone prone to acne and who is also mindful of aging. Llewellyn appreciates ClearStem's comprehensive approach to skincare, which combines anti-acne and anti-aging properties with clean ingredients. She has trust in the products because the founders have personal experience with acne and have a deep understanding of formulation. She also highlights the acne lab test on ClearStem's website that helps individuals identify the root cause of their acne with detailed testing and lifestyle advice.
Experiments with various supplements for hair health, including collagen and glutamine
For hair health, Llewellyn takes various supplements, including glutamine and collagen, choosing to avoid biotin because of concerns about breakouts. She values a nutrient-dense diet and looks for high-quality, well-sourced ...
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Skincare and wellness products
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Quality skincare products are important, but individual results can vary, and what works for one person may not work for another due to different skin types and conditions.
- While ClearStem may offer a comprehensive approach, it's important to note that no single skincare line is a one-size-fits-all solution, and some individuals may require a more personalized regimen.
- Trusting a product because the founders have personal experience with acne might not always be the best approach, as anecdotal evidence is not a substitute for scientific research and clinical trials.
- The acne lab test offered by ClearStem could be helpful, but it's also important to consult with a dermatologist for a professional diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Supplements like collagen and glutamine may benefit hair health, but the scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of these supplements for hair growth is still emerging and not conclusive.
- Avoiding biotin due to concerns about breakouts may not be necessary for everyone, as biotin is generally considered safe and beneficial for hair and nail health, and not all users report breakouts as a side effect.
- While a nutrient-dense diet is beneficial, the role of supplements in providing ...
Actionables
- You can start a skincare diary to track the effects of different products and ingredients on your skin and hair health. Note down daily observations, any new products you try, and changes in your skin or hair. This will help you identify patterns and ingredients that work best for you, similar to how a lab test might reveal the root cause of acne.
- Create a personalized supplement plan by researching and documenting how different supplements, like collagen or glutamine, impact your hair health. Instead of relying on biotin, which may cause breakouts for some, explore alternative supplements and monitor your body's response to find the best fit for your needs.
- Optimize your diet for ski ...
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