Mediterranean Me: Optimize Yourself, Optimize Your Life

“ Trauma is my history; it’s most definitely not my story,” muses Sophia M. Elan, aka, “ The Naked Conqueror” . This uplifting message about traversing through a lifetime of traumas is at the heart of Sophia’s inspirational debut book, “ Roar: Primed for Peace. Self Heal Trauma for Health, Happiness & Harmony. ” Despite chronicling a wide range of traumas Sophia endured throughout her life (including childhood sexual abuse, spousal attempted murder, traumatic brain injuries, heart wrenching divorces and suicide attempts), Roar is an empowering story of triumphing over trauma to live happily ever now. It is a celebration of the incredible power of self-healing and the transformative power of gratitude.  Sophia gratefully considers her debut book to be a book of blessings, attributing her healing success to her innate happiness and unbreakable spirit, as well as gifts of kindness from true friends and random strangers she deems "earth angels". Sophia vulnerably shares her r...

  An illuminating, practical guidebook on why and how to conquer destructive chronic stress. Available @ https://www.amazon.com/author/mediterraneanme Stress less, live more… In this well-researched and engaging book, Elan shares 52 simple, life-changing, proven strategies (based on holistic therapies and neuroscience) to help guide you to a path toward health, happiness, and harmony .  “ Release Yourself ” is the first book in Elan’s “ K.I.S.S. 52 ” series, a collection of self-care made simple books, utilizing Elan’s trademark “keep it simple, sweetheart” philosophy. The “ K.I.S.S. Plan ” is designed to inspire and empower you to achieve optimal mental and physical well-being, via simple, natural, accessible lifestyle routines.  Chronic stress, directly and indirectly, impacts mood, energy, appetite, weight, sleep, digestive health, immunity, and the risk of developing mental disorders and physical diseases, as well as aging in general. It manifests itself psychologica...

  Love is in the Air💞  The word “aphrodisiac”, means pertaining to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, procreation and beauty. Aphrodisiacs are substances revered for increasing sexual desire, performance and/or pleasure. Happily, a number of aphrodisiacs also support heart health. What better way to show someone you love them than preparing a romantic meal which will not only get you both in the mood but also optimize your heart health simultaneously? Although many aphrodisiacs may originally be rooted in myth, superstition or folklore, a lot of them have scientific support for their sexual enhancing impact. They have a proven physiological effect. Some aphrodisiacs work by increasing libido; some by arousing via sensual scent or aesthetics; some by increasing blood circulation and stamina; some by boosting levels of sex hormones; and some by promoting relaxation and “feel good” neurotransmitters and hormones. Ready to give your love life a boost and optimize you and your ...

                                                                           Lost & Found “Nothing” Makes Me Happy This wasn’t my first “pilgrimage” to idyllic Assisi, Italy, but this time it had a particularly special meaning. I had come here before after experiencing prior heartaches in my life. The serenity and palpable peace I felt in Assisi never failed to soothe my heart and soul. The village of Assisi was always a meaningful destination for me. I was blessed to visit it off-season to avoid the thronging tourist groups, obligatory gelato in hand, their descension en masse always detracting a bit from its characteristic serenity.  My favorite area would forever be San Damiano; it was just on the outskirts of Assisi, but felt worlds away spiritually. I had visited the church many times bef...

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Mediterranean Bliss on the Turkish Riviera I traded in my stressful, high-paying job as a corporate lawyer for the simple pleasures of Mediterranean life along the exquisite Turkish Riviera. I’m now blessed with riches beyond my wildest dreams. Collecting experiences and memories instead of possessions. Counting stars instead of money. Socializing instead of “networking”. Focusing on “being” instead of “having”. This country is a glorious feast for the senses. The pristine natural beauty is unparalleled. Turkey is primarily verdant velvety green mountains, valleys and hillsides with endless coastlines of crystal clear turquoise and emerald hued seas. My chosen peaceful haven, Kas, is located along the turquoise coast, aka, the Turkish Riviera, in Southwest Turkey, abutting the Mediterranean Sea.  A typical day starts by watching the glorious sunrise appearing majestically over the sea with the charming Greek island of Meis in the forefront, its nightlights still twinkling.  Ev...

How did I get here? I pondered in disbelief and gratitude as I gazed across the vast swath of the shimmering Mediterranean Sea. I was always taken aback by her sheer beauty, no matter how frequently I stared at her in appreciation. The undulating, velvety verdant green of the majestic mountains cascading down from the piercingly blue skies contrasted beautifully with the pristine, gorgeous turquoise water. Fortuitously, the sun was beginning its slow descent to complete the stunning scenery, casting an ethereal rose-hued golden light over the dreamy view I was enjoying while reflecting on my incredible good fortune. My seaview balcony afforded me a front-row seat for the evening’s events to unfold. I closed my eyes to appreciate the symphony of contrasting sounds, magically blending in a paradoxically peaceful harmony: the buzzing motor scooters, the ubiquitous form of transportation here; the infectious laughter of children running around the piazza in a carefree, chaotic manner; the ...