One Mom's Journey to Health and Wellness

 Today is my third of the Standard Process 21-Day Purification Program. I woke this morning with joint pain that I do not usually experience. I have already been warned that I may have aches and pains for a few days as my body moves all the toxins. I woke at 6 AM ready for my day, feeling fairly clear-headed for someone who is decidedly not a morning person. I noticed a sense of calmness that isn't usually part of waking up for me. 

    Last night I watched two movies that were very convicting about how I have been eating and living. The first was called Fat, Sick And Nearly Dead. It chronicled one man's journey to healing from an autoimmune illness and an unhealthy lifestyle by going on a 60 day juice fast. His transformation was amazing! The other movie was called Forks Over Knives. It looked at the fact that despite having the most advanced medical technology in the world, we Americans are sicker than ever by nearly every measure. It examined  the benefits of a plant based whole food diet. Both movies really made me think and to consider being more intentional about how my family eats. 

     My twelve year old son, Elliott, was sold right away. He is ready to become vegan! I am a little slower to jump in the deep end. I think I will slowly dip my toe in the water and see what healthy changes we can make moving towards a more plant based diet. I have gone on diet tangents before only to return to eating the standard American diet, and I am committed to have whatever change we make last for a lifetime.

     Today I am looking at some activities to nurture my spirit. I took a lovely walk earlier with my Chiweenie puppy, Lola. Actually she walked me, which was fine. I got some exercise in brisk, fresh air and a little sunlight in my eyes which helps with sleep as it increases melatonin production. I need all the help with sleep I can get! That has been one of the casualties of me burning the candle at both ends for so long.

     I intend to spend some time in my hammock today too. It is my favorite place in the world. I have a patch of woods in the back of my yard which to me feels like my own private forest. The hammock is a place where I can gather my thoughts and commune with nature. My favorite time to be in my little hammock is at night. It feels like the sky is putting on a show just for me. I have let little rituals like this go since I have been so busy. I have realized that these little pockets of delight in my day are what happiness is made of, and they have been sadly neglected. I am committed to developing a lifestyle of joy and delight, and to create it, I must schedule self-care just like I make appointments with my clients. It is that important. I'll let you know how it goes!