The further I get in this life, the more I realize the importance of the people behind the scenes, that put in the work to help those in the spotlight shine. Most often, they are humble and selfless people who use their God given talents in extraordinary ways, but are not often recognized for it. Whether it’s their family, organization, or company, the people I know who fit this description are diligent and organized and they support others who know they can count on them 100%. It’s hard to put a price tag on their duties.
Meet Lori Kirk. She fits this description perfectly. I met Lori when she was hired at Pacific Ethanol to be my then husband’s assistant. At the time, I had 3 kids under the age of 5, and soon to have a fourth on the way. Lori was the calm in the storm, the “work wife” (in the best way!), and the glue that held a lot of crazy details in our even crazier family together. She was poised, collected and had a level of organization that I admire to this day. She weathered a lot of ups and downs with us and I was always grateful for her composure in times of stress and her unwavering loyalty.
Well, a lot of things have changed over the last 10 years but I couldn’t be more thankful that I have held on to this relationship with Lori, even after we both left Fresno, she to the Pacific Northwest and I to Hermosa Beach, CA. I spend a lot of time thinking about the voices that I would love to see lifted up and recognized and Lori is definitely one of them. I have watched Lori not only manage a major health crisis, being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 52, but begin to thrive over the last few years because of the way she has embraced this adversity in the healthiest way. She has absolutely become one of those voices that should be heard because of her passion, diligence and ability to help other people. She has done this for me in the past and will continue to inspire me with this partnership.
Although she has a full time day job, Lori has the passion and dedication to her health, and helping others, to create delicious recipes, low in carbs and sugar, that do not sacrifice taste or the joy that a great meal can bring. She has curated her recipes into a beautiful Instagram Page (@lorpsyspantry), FOLLOW for simple, good and easy recipes suited for anyone who is interested in curbing a sugar addiction...and boy, is that a real thing in America. Whether we are diabetic or just looking to live our healthiest and best life, we are a culture addicted to refined sugar and it is causing massive inflammation in our systems that leads to quicker aging, brain fog, and chronic illness and disease. Lori’s recipes have kept her blood sugar in check, without sacrificing flavor and I want to help her spread her good work and bring these amazing and health conscious recipes to TOJ readers.
With that same commitment to healthy living, Lori has also started a beautiful and informative Instagram page (@lorpsysgettingoily) that highlights effective ways to incorporate pure essential oils into your life.
From improving sleep, to natural hormone therapy, to cleaning your home, essential oils are a safe, non toxic and effective way to feel good about the way you take care of yourself and the people you love.
Every week, we will highlight a recipe and lesson, complete with pictures and clear direction, from @lorpsyspantry and another from @lorpsysgettingoily. We feature essential oils of the highest purity and quality from Young Living Essential Oils that will help improve your lifestyle and make you feel more in control of your own health and home and an easy way to purchase directly from The Optimists Journal website.
Click here to check out so many amazing products to bring better health into your home.
I am so excited to partner with a wonderful woman like Lori. Full of passion, purpose and drive, she should definitely be out from behind the scenes and into the spotlight.
- Wendy Jones
