Lisa Castro

Note from Lisa

Back in June of 2003, I was overweight, suffering from many health issues, including multiple autoimmune disorders, with a bleak prognosis. Getting out of bed each day was a struggle, mentally and physically. I owned a luxury real estate magazine, at the time, that I ran from my home. I hid how poorly I was doing from everyone, including my own husband. I felt ashamed and I became a hermit. After awhile, friends had stopped calling and my husband and kids withdrew.

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My own thoughts were also causing my suffering, and keeping me from having healthy relationships and enjoying any quality of life, feeling overwhelmed and hopeless. We lived what looked like a successful life from the outside, if you judged us by our material possessions, but what was on the inside was broken – and we were financially broke!

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I am beyond grateful that as I recall my life back then, it’s like I was writing about another person. My life has dramatically transformed! Starting first with taking control of my nutrition and weight, and then all kinds of possibilities unveiled themselves. Then I set out on a quest to intentional fulfill what I allowed myself to envision for my future. Now my faith, family, friends, fitness, fun, fellowship and finances have been restored beyond my greatest expectations! –Did you catch that they all started with the letter “f”? 

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There was still something missing. I couldn’t put my finger on it, until a year and half ago, that I had an inspired idea pop into my head. It initially got me excited to think about the possibility of expanding my reach to inspire hope to more people. But then doubting thoughts creeped into my head that countered the possibility. Sad to say, I listened.

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A few months later, upon waking, the inspired idea popped into my head again. As I was praying about something totally different, more clarity came to me regarding the idea I was afraid to explore. To the point that a name (even the spelling) for the “creation” was clear… JoyFull Life. I didn’t know anymore at that point. The questions started coming from within; What is it going to look like? What is the focus? Who is it for? How can I reach more people who have lost hope, and others that want to also inspire hope for a JoyFull Life?

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I started sharing the idea with my husband, Jaime, and a few close friends. Sharing the idea out loud to those closest to me gave me the courage to take action. I no longer used the excuse that I didn’t have time because of our Health Coaching business. Instead, I turned my passion for helping others into my motivation for reaching even more lives for Joy! What I’ve learned is that when I’m in my creative zone, all areas of my life benefit. I show up differently, when I focus on what brings me joy. I know you will too. 

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