Justin’s Story
I didn’t always look and feel this way. Confident, happy, relaxed and comfortable in my own skin. In fact, I used to be stuck in the grind of public & corporate accounting, with my soul silently being crushed each day.
I didn’t really want to go into accounting and become a CPA. I was always interested in business and always dreamed of starting my own business one day. In college I started out with a general business focus and found out through trial and error that my logical brain was good with numbers and order. Accounting seemed like a safe route to break into the business world.
Everyone needs to know about finance to run a business right?
Fast forward 10 years and those dreams of working for myself still burned away inside. I was good at my job and good at climbing corporate ladders – my former peers and bosses would tell you I was one of the best. But for me – It just wasn’t working.
Big changes have a way of making you re-examine your life. In the span of three years I got smacked around by life. I lost my dad to a heart attack. I got married and it ended in a divorce. Hello reality.
It was time to make a big change. I started eating real, unprocessed food (a mostly Paleo diet). I sought out therapy and had regular sessions with a career counselor.
I still wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life.
Through all of my counseling sessions, the theme of food and health kept coming up. The real food diet was working for me. I connected with the food, how it made me feel, and found a renewed sense of passion for cooking. Maybe there’s something there?
Enter Erica.
Her love and support gave me the final nudge – that last bit of confidence I needed to start something. Read her inspiring story here.
We started a food blog from nothing and built it into our business, personal brand and livelihood – The Real Simple Good Life. I love living it and want to share it with you.
I’m here to help you figure out how to live the life you were meant to live. You too can change your path and get out of that career you hate. You can make changes to be a better person and live better.
Are you with me?
I’ve just subscribed to your site based on my determination to eat real, real food. I am sick of processed foods and have embarked on a Keto lifestyle for the second time. I’m looking again for the energy, happiness and the joy of wanting to cook (and I was never interested in cooking before except out of necessity) and avoid the pitfalls processed food manufacturers had waiting for me. I’m looking forward to this journey to address A-I issues I’ve developed over the years, too. Thank you and Erica for sharing your inspiring story and continuing journey.
Hi Shirley, we are so glad you found us! It’s great to hear that you are committed to eat real food and we hope you find helpful recipes and resources you can use on our website.
Justin!!! I was just Googling for ‘Keto breakfast casserole’ and you guys were one of the first sites that popped up.. I clicked the link and said “I KNOW HIM!”. You guys have some delicious looking recipes, and I am proud of you for all you’ve become! Who would have ever guessed the Canyon would produce a food connoisseur?
Thanks Angie! Glad you found our website and hope that you enjoy our recipes. We love doing what we do and the Canyon can produce quite the variety of individuals, as you know :).
Justin – I just stumbled upon this. I am really proud of you for living a life that has meaning and purpose for you. I always wondered if public accounting was truly your passion like it was mine. These photos on your website bring out pure joy in you and makes me so happy to see. I wish you all the best.
Thanks Resa, I appreciate that.
Just found your website and I’m excited to get back on track. I am 72 and have several autoimmune issues, brain fog, lethargy, and too many other issues to mention. I’ve been on the Paleo diet off and on, but have struggled to stay on it due to the time needed to prep recipes. I love your “Simple Life” philosophy and am inspired to move forward in that direction. They say, “It’s never too late.” You are both so encouraging, you make it seem doable. Here I go again. I wish you well, God bless you. Sharon
Sharon, we are wishing you the best! We truly believe that food is medicine and it’s never too late. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or if you need help with anything.