Easy living is a new blog series featuring interviews with amazing wellness enthusiasts and experts who love what they do and inspire others to be better every day.
Today I am talking to an amazing human being — Jonny Imerman. Founder of non-profit Imerman Angels and co-founder of CLOZTALK. While fighting a rare form of cancer at 26 years old, he got an idea for an amazing non-profit which connects cancer fighters with survivors, giving people inspiration and hope. Since that time he is changing the world of non-profits by helping them thrive and raising awareness.
I met Jonny at a social event and couldn’t be more grateful for that gift of life. Spreading positive energy to the world and always smiling, he is the person who you want to talk to and get some mentorship from. Incredibly empathetic and honest, Jonny inspires me to volunteer more often and explore beautiful missions of local non-profits.
He defines himself in a few statements: “health/workout addict. Vegan/whole foodie, plant-based. Whole Foods, Plum Market addict. Equinox Gym. Stand over sitting. Loves walk & talks. Detroiter, Michigangster. Love humans/animals/ideas. Minimalist. Simplifier. Dream: make the world a better place! Religion: kindness. Fav weather: 70/cloudy/breezy.”
While it’s a pretty cool description, I believe that it’s not enough! Read the interview below and learn more about Jonny!
If you had to define all that you do in a title, what would you say?
TRYIN’–WITH ALL I’VE GOT– TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE.
You are doing so many amazing things! What do you enjoy the most?
I ENJOY SOLVING SOCIAL PROBLEMS THAT MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE! I LOVE TRYING TO FILL CRACKS IN SYSTEMS THAT ARE AT LEAST PARTLY BROKEN.
I LOVE TRYING TO FILL CRACKS IN SYSTEMS THAT ARE AT LEAST PARTLY BROKEN.
How did your healthy lifestyle journey begin?
I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH ADVANCED TESTICULAR CANCER TWICE IN MY 20’S, AND IT WOKE ME UP TO THE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE! I ALSO LIKED WORKINGOUT, BUT NOW I GO EVERY DAY! I BECAME VEGAN. I LOVE SUPER GREEN JUICES– HA! I REALLY DO. I TRY TO SLEEP MORE HOURS. I MEDITATE NOW. AND ALSO I’M BLESSED TO BE A PART OF TEAMS THAT CREATED IMERMAN ANGELS, AND CLOZTALK, BOTH ORG’S FOCUSED ON SOLVING REAL SOCIAL PROBLEMS! AND LOVE BOTH MY JOBS!
How would you describe your philosophy on being fit and healthy today?
BE DISCIPLINED, BE CONSISTENT, AND ENJOY EATING HEALTHY AND WORKING OUT! START GRADUAL, IF IT’S TOUGH FOR YOU– THE KEY TO CONSISTENCY IS FINDING A WAY TO ‘BELIEVE’ IT’S THE BEST THING FOR LIVING A GREAT, LONG HAPPY LIFE AND FEELING GOOD– AND THAT HELPS YOU LEARN TO ENJOY THE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE.
START GRADUAL, IF IT’S TOUGH FOR YOU– THE KEY TO CONSISTENCY IS FINDING A WAY TO ‘BELIEVE’ IT’S THE BEST THING FOR LIVING A GREAT, LONG HAPPY LIFE AND FEELING GOOD
What would be your advice for someone who wants to start making healthier choices?
START SMALL… LITTLE CHANGES AT A TIME. JUST KEEP MOVING DOWN THE PATH AND MAKING PROGRESS– YOU’LL GET THERE!
What is your definition of happiness?
HAVING PURPOSE AND COMMUNITY! THE KEYS TO HAPPINESS.
HAVING PURPOSE AND COMMUNITY! THE KEYS TO HAPPINESS.
Have you found your formula for keeping a life/work balance? If so, please, share!
UM, NOT EVEN CLOSE! IT’S ALWAYS ABOUT MOVING DOWN A PATH, MAKING PROGRESS, BUT I DON’T THINK YOU EVER GET THERE. FOCUS ON BEING BETTER THAN YESTERDAY.
What does your morning routine look like?
MEDITATION, EATING OATMEAL WITH FLAXSEED, CHIA SEEDS, AND RAISINS (YUM!), READING THE NEWS DIGITALLY — MEDITATION MIGHT BE THE MOST IMPORTANT PART 🙂
START THE DAY CENTERED– ALWAYS– BEFORE LEAVING THE HOUSE.
What is your favorite way to unwind at the end of the day?
I LOVE MY SOCIAL IMPACT JOBS, SO OFTEN I JUST KEEP PLOWING FORWARD! SOMETIMES A GREAT NAP IS NICE.
We all go through challenges — the stress and hardships. How do you deal with them?
MEDITATION AND SOMETIMES A NAP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY. A SHORT ONE. MMMMM SO NICE. STRESS WILL ALWAYS BE THERE. MINIMIZING IT IS THE KEY.
STRESS WILL ALWAYS BE THERE. MINIMIZING IT IS THE KEY
What brings you joy and makes you smile?
HELPING OTHERS OVERCOME AN OBSTACLE! SEEING ACTS OF LOVE. STRANGERS HELPING OTHERS. OUTWARD EXPRESSIONS OF LOVE. SPENDING TIME WITH GOOD PEOPLE AND GREAT, CONNECTED, DEEP CONVERSATION. AND WORKING ON A TEAM TO BUILD SOCIAL IMPACT MOVEMENTS THAT MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE.
You are an inspiring mentor for many people. Who or what gives you the most inspiration?
MY MOM AND BROTHER INSPIRE, THEY ARE SUCH GOOD PEOPLE! AND MY MENTORS INSPIRE ME. AND ALSO THOSE WITH DISABILITIES WHO DON’T EVER QUIT– AND OVERCOME! OMG TEARS.
You are traveling so much and it’s incredibly inspiring! What is your advice on staying healthy while traveling?
FOR A VEGAN LIKE ME, WHOLE FOODS IS THE FIRST CHOICE, AND CHIPOTLE IS EASY TO BE VEGAN– YOU HAVE TO PLAN IT OUT. HIGH MAINTENANCE, BUT WORTH IT, HAHA!
What’s your favorite quote or mantra you can’t live without?
NOTHING IN THE WORLD WILL TAKE THE PLACE OF PERSISTENCE.
If you have any favorite health and wellness related podcasts, apps, books, blogs, authors you admire, please share!
BRENE BROWN’S TED TALKS ON VULNERABILITY, AND SHAME. BEAUTIFUL!
What is your personal favorite breakfast recipe?
OATMEAL + FLAX SEED + CHIA SEEDS + RAISINS = YUMMM!
So where can everyone keep up with you to learn more?
Thank you, Jonny!
Did you enjoy reading this interview? Please let me know what you think here or on social media! Use #lemonsqueezylife or tag me! Thanks!
xxx,
Zhenya