Life Reset

Most of you who know me well, know that I try to live a healthy lifestyle. Recently, my mom and I drove to Texas to visit my son and we listened to podcasts - specifically Culture Apothecary. I love it! So much information. Now, I’m on a mission to make my life even more healthy. Perhaps some of it stems from watching Lee die from Glioblastoma. I am pretty convinced that he developed the tumor from exposure to chemicals during his job, or cell phone use. I will never know for sure - but according to all I’ve read, chemical exposure is definitely high on the list. Here are some things I’ve tried to implement lately:

1. Cutting out toxins. Do you know HOW hard it is to cut toxins from your environment? Almost impossible…they are everywhere…my rugs, furniture, cleaning supplies, food, toilet paper, paper towels, makeup and clothing. I could go on. I know I can’t cut all of them out, but I am trying to make a dent. I swapped my toilet paper (which is toxic, by the way) for bamboo paper, paper towels for cloth towels and bamboo towels, cleaning supplies (get rid of yours!) for Branch Basics, and makeup for Adele cosmetics. Then, there are the rugs. I started by getting rid of my polyester rug in my family room but when I removed it (only 6 or so years old), I discovered termites were eating my wood floor! Now, I have to have the wood repaired.

I purchased a wool/natural fiber rug from Quince and will lay it down once the repairs have been made.

I’ve started my clothing detox with my shirts. I got rid of all my clothing that was not wool, linen, or natural fiber. This left me with about 5 shirts. (I haven’t gone through my t-shirts yet. That’s a tough one!) I purchased a few linen / cotton shirts from Quince and Pact. Next I’ll need to hit my pants but I need to save up first! I’m not sure when I will do about my bike clothes. They all seem to have Lycra in them. I’m still searching for a natural fiber bike clothing company and haven’t found one yet. 

2. Diet. I’ve been a healthy eater for years. I try to buy all organic and avoid processed foods. I recently heard Candi Frazier (Primal Bod) speak about eating more meat. I can’t say that I will stick 100% to her plan, but I am trying to “up” my protein.

3. Exercise. You know I am a cycle fanatic. I love being outside on my bike. It is spiritually therapeutic for me. I just returned from a beautiful vacation with Trek Bikes to Crater Lake and Three Sisters. Enjoy the views! 

My goal this week is to incorporate more walking into my day, and to start strength training again.

4. Sleep. I love getting a good night’s sleep. For most of my life, I have been a “early to bed, early to rise” person. I go to sleep and get up at the same time, regardless of whether or not it is the weekend. I use red light therapy in the morning, and go to bed once the sun starts setting. I try to remain consistent (which, I admit, did not happen during vacation). 

5. Mental Health. Taking care of someone with cancer during COVID was highly stressful. After Lee died, the stress continued to mount. While I still have bouts of anxious thoughts, relying on GOD as my source of strength has been #1. I start my mornings with prayer and reading His Word. I love my quiet time. I pray all day long, throughout the day. I end the day in prayer. When I feel anxious thoughts creep in, I consecrate my mind to God and give it to Him. 

6. Family.  I adore my family. My mom has always been my best friend. She is an amazing woman of God. I love how she stays “alert” by playing bridge with friends. My daughter and son are both wonderful child and parents. I adore my grandkids and spending time with them. 

7. Friends. I would love to list and thank my friends here - but I’m afraid I would miss someone! So, I am going to give a special shoutout to my best friend, Jerrine. Our moms were best friends and got us to be penpals in 4th grade. We have kept in touch ever since. And although we’ve only met in person a handful of times, I feel like Jerrine understands me like my family. She is a faithful and true friend! We always joke that if we get neighbors in heaven, we want to live next door to each other.

What do you do for your health and well being? Have you made any changes lately? After reading this, are there any things you would do differently?