This idea of "No sacrifices" is ultimately meant to be a message just for you. You define it for yourself. For us, it's about embracing a life without restrictions, overthinking, and self-doubt.
When we were all gathered on set the day of our billboard shoot to illustrate this jubilant message, there were lots of moments in between shots to sneak in good conversation. Nothing is ever by chance; the universe culled this group of extraordinary characters together and we were inspired by their stories. Each person in front and behind the camera reflected on "No Sacrifices" in a unique way, and we let them riff on their take, here. Like us, I'm sure you will identify, empathize, and cheers with their thoughts on what they're no longer willing to sacrifice. It’s about choosing food with intention, eating cake on your birthday, going to a rave in Tulum, and giving thanks to the body you have now.
Roanne Adams, Creative Director and Founder RoAndCo
“I'm a much happier person when I get to start my day with an almond milk latte. It's part of my morning ritual that makes me feel cozy and energized simultaneously. I also really enjoy having a cocktail every so often. Mezcal is my drink of choice! The key for me… is happiness. It’s feeling like a balanced person which to me means making sure that I am eating clean, but also that I'm enjoying life, because if you're depriving yourself of the things that make you happy, then what's the point? I'm not willing to sacrifice happiness. Nights out with my friends and having a few cocktails makes me happy. And I'm not willing to sacrifice that latte each morning, that I love so much.
If I can have those things I love, eating whole foods isn’t a sacrifice at all. Because eating this way is actually delicious. Way more delicious than eating processed foods. Savoring each bite of a whole food is a ritual in and of itself. It’s a much more delicious way to eat and delightful way to live. I’m not willing to sacrifice my health or my happiness." (photo credit: The Ingalls)
Joony Kim, Model/ Actress
"I had a love-hate relationship with food. I used to control my eating way too much in order to lose weight. I couldn’t feel satisfaction whenever I ate because I felt so much shame. Then, I went and did a temple stay in Korea. We had to follow the monk’s routine and eating habits while we stayed there. The monks went to sleep at 9 pm and woke up at 4 am, and ate a vegan-breakfast at 6 am. The breakfast was especially delicious since I was very hungry. If you want to discover temple food and what it’s all about, I highly recommend that you watch the Jeongkwan episode of Chef’s Table.
Having this routine and adding more vegetables to my plate solved my digestion problem. Now I feel very balanced not only in my eating but in my general life. I don't want to sacrifice the health of my mind and body. It took a long time to find. I think a good sacrifice shouldn’t be followed by regrets. I regret that I didn’t treat myself well in the past. It’s a matter of adjusting a little bit instead of giving up your pleasure of food. I have finally been able to find my balance."
Ibrahim El-Baaith, Artist/Designer/Model
"I view health as being in good physical, mental, and spiritual condition. That all varies, and I am a firm believer in that, you are what you eat. And if you are eating things that have not been treated well; with respect, with humanity, that you can absorb those same lower frequencies that food may have experienced before being digested by you.
The sacrifice that we need to make—if there are any sacrifices— is that we're letting go of our irresponsible, dismissive, disassociated state of being with our food. And sacrificing that shell and becoming responsible humans. Sacrificing our apathy and our complacency with how we're being fed, how our food comes to our table. Know where your food comes from, and how it got to you."
Jacalyn "Jacky" O'Shaughnessy, Actress/ Model
"[When I first moved to New York], I was 17. I started hanging out with my friend Janet, whose boyfriend was in his 50s, and he was very adept at food. He gave me a book called, Food Is Your Best Medicine, by Dr. Henry Bieler. That was in the early 70s. I was 18 when I read that book. I started incorporating more vegetables [into my diet]. He talked about organic and the chemicals in food. The chemicals in sugar, and what sugar does. It was not widespread, let's just say, at all. I was definitely a trailblazer on this, I didn't want to be. I didn't want to cause a stir or anything.
I believe in not sacrificing your inner peace. If you're going to, you're taking the specialness away from the things that are supposed to be special. I hope to have chocolate cake on my birthday, and not have it be some sort of, 'Oh no.' I mean, that's crazy. The whole saying, I'm going to hate myself in the morning, that's just not cool. I think the emotions dictate [the physical]."
Steph Simon, Consultant/Artist
"I really love this “no sacrifices” concept, because that’s something I’ve adhered to since the age of 29 after I had this “awakening.” I thought I had all the things everybody told me I should have. The big job, a corner office, the husband, the car, the house, and my dog… but something was just not working.
I think you need to think about that shift, what are you allocating? Money? Your spirit? Your most free self? I think reprioritizing things that actually are fun and exciting, even if it doesn't seem quote, unquote, adult-like. Why would you sacrifice something that brings you great joy? It just means, taking the time to really balance it out with whatever that means to you.
I’m never going to sacrifice a crazy rave, dance party ever. Never. Whether it's Burning Man, or if I’m down in Tulum. Traveling for amazing experiences is something I will never sacrifice. It brings me so much joy. People always ask me, 'Why are you going to that?!' It's because I'm always 100% searching for an adventure."
