One love

I am not perfect, I sometimes get angry, raise my voice, judge, or act in a way that's not conducive to living my best life. I sometimes feel sad, unhappy, or defeated, but I strive to be the best me, try to catch myself when I've been less than pleasant, and fill my life with as much positivity as possible.
When you view my profile you're seeing the best me, the me I strive for everyday, but know that I slip just like you. I need reminders, encouragement, and inspiration everyday.
Remember, I am only a reflection of you, the good and the getting good. So, if we all strive for the best "self", the best "me", our reflections will radiate with the brightest light!
One love!

Day 27

Today is a break through day, a day that has revealed to me what path to choose. As I draw near to day 30 of my juice cleanse, the universe has answered a lingering question. Do I stop cleansing at day 30 or do I continue?

In my first post I listed some ailments I have experienced, one of those being amenorrhea, the absence of menstrual cycle. Treatment for this, of course, is medication, a 10 day dose of progesterone. I also used progesterone cream as a more natural alternative, that didn’t work. So, I would take the pills for 10 days and then my menstrual cycle would begin. I was to repeat this every month when my cycle didn’t start. My doctor expressed concern of allowing too much time to pass without a period, as it could develop into cancer. I didn’t want to consume that much medication so I would wait till I didn’t have a cycle for three months, then take the meds.

My last menstrual cycle was June 5th. Sorry if that’s TMI :). My prescription ran out and I missed my appointment with my gynecologist, therefore no cycle for almost 5 months. That series of events was a blessing in disguise! I started my cycle today!! No pills, no cream, it naturally came on its own! I can’t explain how uplifting this event was. My eyes welled up and I intuitively knew that my body is on its way to a state of healthy bliss.

As of today I have lost 17lbs, but most importantly I have gained inspiration, motivation, and a keen sense of self realization. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I am so grateful!

I no longer need to ask myself if I should continue; I know I should! So, my journey continues.

I affirm, I recognize and appreciate all that inspires me to feel empowered.

Till next time

Day 18

I am amazed and humbled by this experience. I’ve had very few incidence of challenge. I’ve tackled each day with calm, compassion, and self reflection. I’ve treated myself with tender care, something I haven’t done for a very long time.

I have found a new passion for cooking; funny considering I can’t have any of my creations. My girls tell me I am a much better cook now that I’m juicing, they suggest I continue. =)

Self reflection has been a huge part of my journey; I question what it is I have been attracting into my life and whether that is really what I want. I have also taken a good look at my mortality. I chose to be on this earth to enjoy and fully experience all of life’s pleasures. I can’t do that if I’m sick, therefore I chose differently. This journey isn’t about meeting the ideal of what society says is beautiful. This journey is about respecting and caring for the vessel I’ve been given and making sure I’m dancing till it’s time to ascend.

And so it is!

Until next time!

Day 12

Almost two weeks in and juicing has become a normal part of my day. Beyond that, I’m feeling amazing! Although I feel a bit weak during strenuous exercise, I sleep better and feel more energy throughout the day.

Watching the juice slide down the juicer spout into my glass has become a source of motivation, especially juice made with green veggies. Kale, collard greens, broccoli, spinach, and many more produce an almost florescent green juice that I imagine lighting me up within! It truly is alive and definitely healing.

I have to admit that on day 10 I cheated a bit. I dabbed a bit of oatmeal on my tongue to make sure it was ready. It tasted so delicious that I had two more spoonfuls. I decided not to beat myself up or feel guilty about it. After all, it was oatmeal not a cheeseburger. :) Yes, I know, I’m justifying it.

P.S. I've lost 11 lbs so far!!

Until next time!

Day 4

Not much to report today, the day was a breeze!
I've lost 8 lbs so far, but weight isn't my main focus.
Hoping my body is healing and on it's was to optimal health. :)
I will check back in in a few days for an update.
Till next time!

Day 3

Busy busy day at work, grateful as it kept my mind off of food. My sense of smell seems to be a bit hightened, as I could smell food in the air, even in the building. Nonetheless, I maintained focus.

I have done the master cleanse many times in the past and I noticed by the third day I no longer felt hunger. Today, I felt hungar pangs throughout the day. I sense that it's because I'm actually still eating raw fruits and veggies. If I was strictly doing liuids, like on the cleanse, I may not have felt my tummy grumbling. I'm going to wean myself off the raw intake and keep it stricly liquids.

Tomorrows juice is prepared and I'm ready for some reading before bed. Sweet dreams!

Day 2

Day 2, a little bit more challenging.
Started my morning juice a bit late, which probably contributed to my headache.
I went to my cousin Krista's baby shower, there was so much yummy food! I enjoyed fresh fruit and my juice. Todays juice consisted of carrots, apples, oranges, and a bit of ginger. DELICIOUS! The only thing that was a challenge while I was there was my headache. Headaches are normal when cleansing, it's the bodies reaction to the release of toxins. So, I've embraced the headache and I know I will wake up tomorrow to find it has gone away.
I have found it interesting how my mental preperation has really allowed the last two days to go smoothly. I affirm my commitment to myself each day and remind myself of the reason I have taken this journey.
Until tomorrow   

Day 1

I'm a little surprised at how easy it was to get through the first day of my journey.
Juicing, raw veggies and fruit and surprisingly I wasn't hungry!
I think the key was keeping busy. We drove the coast from Zuma Beach to Santa Monica, making pit stops along the way. The day was gorgeous!
Exhausted from all the walking and am ready for a good nights sleep.
I'm inspired and I know that the universe brought me exactly what I asked for today, a first day of ease.
Until tomorrow

My Journey to Health

So, the time has come for me to embark on a journey that has been a long time coming; a personal journey that’s all about me. This is a foreign concept to me, after all, I am an Aquarian, and for us it’s all about doing for others. In the process of doing for others I have forgotten about myself.

I have been living with psoriases since the age of seven and although it has been manageable, I’m really over it! J Psoriasis is said to be an autoimmune disorder that has no cure. I have been treating it with topical creams. In no way is my condition serious or as extensive as some experience, but the underlying cause has remained undetected.

In addition, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in May of 2009. (I think I must have had this condition many years prior to being diagnosed.) Nonetheless, the diagnosis helped me understand why I had been feeling the way I did for so many years.  Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is inflammation of the thyroid gland, which damages the gland's cells. Hypothyroidism is also an autoimmune disorder, do you sense a pattern?

My underactive thyroid causes a myriad of symptoms;

·         Fatigue

·         Weakness

·         Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight

·         Coarse, dry hair

·         Dry, rough pale skin

·         Hair loss

·         Cold intolerance (you can't tolerate cold temperatures like those around you)

·         Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches

·         Constipation

·         Depression

·         Irritability

·         Memory loss

·         Abnormal menstrual cycles

·         Decreased libido

I have had all of these symptoms at one point or another. Unfortunately, conventional medicine typically views the thyroid in isolation from the other systems of the body. Although my medication has worked as far as keeping my thyroid condition from getting worse, in many cases women with thyroid problems spiral steadily downward, feeling worse as the years go by and finding themselves on an ever-expanding list of medications. I DON’T want to get to that point.

I have to say that my diet isn’t by any means BAD, and for someone free of disease it would suffice. For someone who needs to heal, more aggressive measures are needed.

My journey begins October 1^st, inspired by the documentary “Fat Sick and Nearly Dead” and others. I know that the human body can heal itself of disease; it’s just a matter of feeding it whole foods from the earth.

I chose this outlet not only to keep myself ”in check” but also because I know I will need your support!

Stay tuned for more details as I document my experience!

Paris: The City of Lights

The city of lights is one of the most beautiful and amazing cities on the planet. Situated on the River Seine, Paris never fails to intrigue its visitors. I’ve been to Paris three times and I would go back.  There are many sites to see, more than you can see in one trip! I suggest choosing the sites you want to see beforehand. Here is a list of some of the most popular;

Eifel tower: You can reserve tickets online at http://ticket.toureiffel.fr/index-css5-sete-pg1-lgen.html

Louvre Museum: The Louvre is huge, where comfortable shoes.

Palace of Versailles: About a 40 minute train ride outside of Paris.

 Church of Notre Dame: You can climb to the top to get a great view.

Moulin Rouge: Have a cup of coffee at the café across the street.

Latin Quarter: One of my favorite places, bohemian artists and the best crêpes.  

Champs Elysees: The shops and restaurants are overpriced on the Champs, I would suggest a drink at one of the cafes while people watching.

There are so many more places to see, Jardins de Luxembourg, Palais Roya, Les Halles, Musee Picasso, Montmartre, Les Invalides, Montparnasse, and Père Lachaise Cemetery.

The metro system in Paris is fantastic, but walking whenever you can gives you a whole different experience.

The biggest expense in Paris will be your hotel, there are so many, I would suggest checking TripAdvisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/ for reviews and prices.

Dining is in abundance as well, Chez Georges, Restaurant Mariette, and Le Petit Centre du Monde are just a few. 

Most of Paris is pretty safe; we walked around late at night and found it was just as safe as walking during the day. There’s a nostalgic air when walking late night along the River Seine!! Of course, always be aware of your surroundings.

You can find metro and city maps in most metro stations. Although English is spoken by many, you are likely to find that in many places you go there isn’t anyone that speaks English. Here’s a list of some common phrases:

Merci beaucoup - thank you very much
Bonjour - Hello
Bonsoir - Good evening
Bonne nuit - Good night
Au revoir - Good-bye
Je m'appelle - My name is&
Madame - Mrs.
Monsieur - Mr.
Oui - Yes
S'il vouz plit - Please
Je voudrais - I would like&
Vin - Wine
Pain/Baguette - Bread
Fromage - Cheese
Combien - How much?
O - Where
Gauche - Left
Droit - Right

Numbers: Un - One, Deux - Two, Trois - Three, Quatre - Four, Cinq - Five, Six-Six, Sept - Seven, Huit - Eight, Neuf - Nine, Zro - Zero

Hopes this gives you a little insight into the city!!

Au revoir