Family & Friends

Me and Mila

Posted by Jean

My friend Elisa has many things to admire about her — but the thing I admire most is her enthusiasm.  She’s one of the many women I know who stopped working full-time when her children were little (it was hard for her, she enjoyed her work in employment law but the hours were unsustainable).  But unlike those who have been tentative about how to get back in, when to get back in, if they should get back in, Elisa always knew she wanted to find something else to excite her and fill her days — and though she hasn’t exactly found it yet, she has been willing to try many things.  And I think that’s great.

So when last week she called and asked if she could come over and talk to me about her latest business, I said no problem. She is selling a product called Mila which is a shaved form — I’m telling you what she told me — of the Chia seed.  (Not to be confused with Chia pets.)   It is full of Omega 3s, which my friend nutritionist Joy Bauer is always saying we should get more of.  So, I’ve been trying it — putting it in my yogurt, oatmeal, Raisin Bran.  It looks a little like dirt, but has absolutely no taste, so it’s pretty easy to just sprinkle it on.  I’m not ready to weigh in just yet.  I may be sleeping a little better, but that may also be a result of the nicer weather and the fact that I can run outside again for the first time in months.   (I’ll keep you posted.)

I’m writing this post because I’m more focused on what Mila is doing for Elisa than what it is doing for me.  When we find work that makes us excited and interested, it makes us feel alive, rejuvinated, engaged, and useful.  I saw a real difference in Elisa.  Which was just a reminder for me, that even in these difficult economic times, we should all be looking for something that’s not just financially rewarding but psychically rewarding as well.