Lisa Jacobs is a 51-year-old professional mediator and collaborative attorney on Oahu whose parents passed away young – her father at age 59 due to complications from type 2 diabetes. Jacobs knew diabetes is a hereditary disease, so when she discovered that she had gained ten pounds in six months; it was a life-changing wake-up call. She had recently been under an immense amount of stress, had difficulty finding time to be active, and wasn’t putting in the effort to eat healthy, balanced meals. Jacobs knew she needed to make a change right away.
A few days later, Jacobs stumbled upon Blue Zones Project®. She eagerly learned about healthy cooking classes, purpose workshops, and Walking Moai® groups. This was definitely the change she needed. She joined a Blue Zones Project Walking Moai that meets at Enchanted Lake Elementary School, only a mile from her home. “The moai was the most impactful thing I did and I cherish the connections I’ve made,” Jacobs says. “I would encourage people to strongly consider reaching out and joining a moai. Of the Power 9 principles, there are at least three objectives you can achieve by joining a moai: moving naturally, downshifting, and right tribe, surrounding yourself with others who have the same healthy lifestyle.”
In addition to joining a moai, Jacobs has engaged in numerous Blue Zones Project activities and events. Cooking classes taught her to conveniently change her diet and after attending a purpose workshop, she was thankful that she took the time reflect. “I kind of had a sense of what my purpose was, but attending a purpose workshop helped to reaffirm my purpose of being here. Coincidentally, the first purpose workshop I attended was on my 51st birthday.”
Jacobs realized in the workshop that her job excites her and as a mediator, she is able to engage in helping the community find peace in conflict. With this renewed sense of purpose and happiness, her healthy diet, and regularly walking with new friends, Jacobs has lost 20 pounds over a three-month period. This change has not only helped her physical health but has infused a fresh sense of energy and excitement into her daily life.
Want to get involved with Blue Zones Project – Hawai‘i and attend a purpose workshop cooking demo or walking moai? Email us at bluezonesprojecthawaii@sharecare.com or visit Hawaii.bluezonesproject.com. Like us on Facebook (@bzphawaii) and Instagram (@bzphawaii) too!
Ashley Takitani Leahey is the statewide engagement lead for Blue Zones Project – Hawaii. Born and raised on Maui, Ashley is passionate about her island home. When she’s not volunteering and giving back to her community, Ashley loves to be outdoors – gardening, practicing yoga, and spending time with her chocolate Labrador. See more Blue Zones Project – Hawaii updates @BZPHawaii.
