63. HOW TO GET OUT OF YOUR ROCK BOTTOM with Lauren D’Agostino

In this episode of Balance with Sam Podcast, I talk with Lauren D’Agostino, a private vegan chef, cookbook author, and a happy hour event’s organizer. She wasn’t always this successful, and she’s a great reminder of how your rock bottom may be just the thing you need in order to build you up! Lauren talks about her rocky journey and how discovering vegan lifestyle has offered her the much-needed peace. She describes how she turned a childhood obsession with cooking to a blossoming career she loves. Listen in to learn how you can still pick yourself up even when things are not looking up. You will also learn the importance of journaling in transforming your inner self. “You can’t be what you can’t see. You need to see what’s possible in order to know you can achieve it.” - Sam Altieri Top Takeaways: Turning a childhood passion into a full-blown career. Finding clarity in veganism. The power of networking and having mentorship. New age practices in self-discovery. The courage in sharing her story after finding herself. Understanding the role of money in building or destroying relationships. The importance of journaling to get off life’s difficult moments. The power of believing that you’re unique. Key Moments: [0:45] Who is Lauren D Agostino and what does she do? [6:00] Lauren shares the details of her story on how she went from being a food-loving child to a professional chef. [11:00] The consequences of not taking care of her health and hitting rock bottom. [12:24] When did she transition into veganism? [16:25] How does she feel about the person she has become? [18:19] How her journey shaped who she is today- through networking and mentorship. [21:07} Lauren describes what being a vegan chef is like and how she’s working through it. 24:50 The story of how her mindset changed from outward to inward. [28:30] Why it is okay to acknowledge the difficult moments that makeup who you are as a person. [33:30] Lauren shares a story of love gone sour- her experience in losing herself in a partner’s dreams. [42:05] When did she know she needed to end the relationship? [45:28] How money relates to love in relationships. [50:48] What advice does Lauren have for anyone who’ve hit rock bottom as she had. [55:20] How to change your thinking. [57:34] What legacy does Lauren want to leave behind? [1:00:14] A quick roundup of fun questions. Relevant Links: Website: https://www.laurendagostino.com/ Instagram: Chef Lauren D'Agostino (@cheflaurendagostino) Get Connected and Supported by Sam: Apply to the Balance and Shine Group Coaching Program: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScdceYAOh_W72v-u--SAiuc_OiCig0LXSn1GLDl7AlC8S6C8w/viewform Join the Fit and Free Membership ($28/mo): www.fitandfreeforlife.com Instagram for Free Content: www.instagram.com/saltylifts Facebook Support Group: www.facebook.com/groups/fitandfreelife