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Q: Biggest accomplishment you achieved on your own?
Being selected as a Nikon top collegiate photographer to be included in their annual 'Best Of' hardback book. Also, as a holistic health counselor, watching my first clients transform their health under my guidance; this was truly a blessing!

Q: Best places in Philly to meet new people?
Essence Natural Market, Rittenhouse Square, any Farmers Market, Whole Foods Market, Wake-Up Yoga and Wake up Yoga-West

Q. Favorite Philly bar or restaurant to go solo?
I'm a bit biased on this one, but I have to come back to Essence Market as a solo venture to go for eats. For drinks, I would say, The Urban Saloon, Mugshots and The Green Line Cafe.

Q: As a Holistic Health Counselor, what are some of the most common issues singles face when it comes to balanced living?

One that stands out and is generally pretty common is cooking for one. Most people who are single don't cook on their own because they have said they would rather cook for friends or someone like a partner. There is something that stops singles from cooking for 'ol numero uno. And it's along the lines of self nourishment and appreciation for one that they feel isn't necessary. Ironically, this could be the biggest breakthrough for single people. Cooking for one's self is a sign of self-love which others would find attractive and sexy!

Q: What advice would you give for individuals in need of a life style change?

You must get out of your box and discover who you are. Your mind has a firm grasp on you, and YOU LOVE to be comfortable. That's the blatant Zen version. More practically, I would recommend two things: Try something new (the age old advice), but more importantly watch your mind and discover how you think and react.

This varies by individual with what they are up to in their life and what they are committed to in terms of their health and well-being (note that well-being is defined as all areas of life being balanced). On a general level, I would say beginning or jumping into the personal dreams they have that they aren't fulfilling. There are self development courses I recommend, maybe its something like a yoga or meditation class, or a mild to light cleanse. It could be something more extreme to quitting their job and joining the Peace Corps? I don't know, it really is up to the individual. If you're not happy right now, you must do something.

Ultimately one thing DOES lead to another, and that's some profound wisdom that doesn't always become clear in the present. It's natural for thoughts of, "this isn't me," or "I don't want to" to come up but recognize that may just be your comfort zone holding you back from maybe changing your life forever.

Q: What are some basic coping mechanisms for individuals dealing with stress and anxiety?

B R E A T H E. That's the best place to start.

From there I would suggest many things. Drink a cup of warm herbal tea, eat more whole grains. There are also herbal, nervine tonics and relaxants that balance the nervous system. Make sure you consult an herbalist first for proper dosage. Also, do any type of movement whenever you can. Sweat! Dance! Play in the park! Designate a good friend to be your committed listener, someone you can vent to and they will just listen. This makes a world of difference. And know that whatever you are dealing with will pass and you are ok just as you are right now.

On a deeper level, after I have been working with clients for a few months on nutrition, I will begin to engage them into their life and see what's causing the stress and coach them in making the changes that they may be resisting. Herbs, grains, nutrition, breathing are all great ways to manage stress. Ultimately my intention is to get to the root of it and help cause a beneficial shift in their life.

Q: Any holistic retreats or getaways you can recommend?

Kripalu Yoga Center in Lenox, MA is really great to get away to. They have lots of classes and programs, great food and amazing people. Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY is a bit more rustic, I've heard. I have yet to go but I do hear it's fantastic.

Q: Biggest misconception about being a bachelor?

"There's no one in this city for me!"

Q: How can individuals who are struggling with being single adopt a more holistic attitude?

What you resist persists! If you are resisting being single, guess what…you will only create more being single. So, change your context for being single. That's number one. What I mean is many people who are single and looking, and maybe even a bit frustrated, take on the attitude of "ill never find someone", or "nobody love's me," "I'm lonely," even something like, "everything will work out once I meet the one, but not now." So that's actually what they create.

I would suggest empowering yourself and looking for the opportunity, or what's possible out of being single. Being single and on your own can be a wonderful time to reflect, look inside, be with yourself and create and develop loving yourself, right now for who you are. So first look at your thoughts about being single. Just distinguish it! Then create something new that would empower you like "I'm so freaking magnificent everyone wants to be with me," or "this is my opportunity to grow." I also want to say that there is nothing wrong with being single. Take it easy on yourself and give yourself space to enjoy who you are.

Q: What do you love about being single?

Being alone is confronting. And, it's also the best when I am alone and feel complete and whole with myself. It's the most gratifying experience ever! I really get that I complete myself, no one else does it for me.