Linda Milagros Violago - Grazing A Trail Consulting, Consultant Sommelier + Server At Restaurant Lawrence, (Canada)

Years In Industry:

30+ years, always front of house, mostly independent restaurants, with some consulting with hotels and resorts, through 13 countries, including Charlie Trotter's in the US, Mugaritz in Spain, Geranium in Denmark, and In de Wulf in Belgium.  I also completed four harvests and a stint at a Japanese sake brewery. 

My Biggest Challenge To Wellness: 

Getting enough sleep.  My body is used to long restaurant hours, so I don't typically get to bed until late, no matter when I get home. I am a big fan of "Linda Days" which includes self care including yoga, maybe a pedicure, massage, or  visit with an acupuncturist.

Because I consult as well as work service, I try to really keep the (out of service) work hours condensed to a certain amount per day, which means I need to be organized.  If I am not organized, it means that I am working seven days a week and that isn't fun for me anymore.

How I Keep It Together To Stay Well:  

I define boundaries - if I take work home with me I am sure to do it in my home office, or in a place that I don't leisurely things - this helps avoid distractions, and keeps the work and lounge space separate.

I have moved quite a lot in the last couple of years and have been very lucky to have friends and co-workers around to support me I am very introverted and am super happy to be on my own.  I have trouble asking for help, but I've been able to do that, and it's made a world of difference. 

I love walking, and public transport.  If I can't have one, I'll take the other.  In Montreal, most of my life's "stuff" is within a 15-minute walk. Public transport affords me the time to read, and walking means great people-watching and fresh air.