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Ready to twinkle and beam your way to a new you? You can schedule today! I know it's been a while since I've opened my schedule to take on new clients, but I've made room in my schedule to help those of you who are finally ready to see some incredible and magical changes take place in your lives! 

I have evening and weekend appointments available in late April and May in my Largo, Maryland office or online via Skype! If you mention this ad when you schedule, you can receive 10% off your first session or service bundle! Click the Coach Me tab or visit www.janellmorgan.com to see my menu of services and schedule your appointment today!  

I'm looking forward to helping you to shine your light super bright!  Let's do this!

Until then....

Twinkle and Beam, Starlights!

J*

21-Day Move and Shape Challenge: Days 12-21

Whew, LORD!  That was a rough 21 days!  Yesterday was the last day of the challenge, but I even got another work-out in today with my trainer.  I think I really did create a pretty good work-out habit.  I definitely increased the intensity of my strength training and I feel more energized and less impacted by things the challenges I've been facing lately.  I'm proud of my decision to try this out.  Plus...I'm 5lbs down!  Can't be mad at that, huh?

Okay, so if you haven't figured it out by now, I'm addicted to challenges!  Some years ago, I remember cracking open a fortune cookie revealing a fortune that read, "You love challenge."  I turned my nose up when I read it initially, thinking, "Who loves challenge?  That's ridiculous!"  But the more I thought of my life and my choices, I believe the Universe placed the right cookie and scrap of paper in front of me.  That fortune adorns my vision board.  It's right.  I do love a good challenge, sooooooo.....yes, you've guessed it!  I'm starting another one!!! 

You can join me if you'd like or simply be a spectator, but I'm going for another 21 days!  This next Move and Shape challenge is going to be strictly for cardio work-outs.  I'm ready to reveal all of the super-sexy and strong muscles I've been building, so I'm going to focus on fat burn this time around!

Are you with me?

I'll be starting on Wednesday, February 19th.  Forgive me for starting mid-week, but I had to schedule a brief break for myself.  I trust you understand.  :) 

Are you ready!?  I am not!  ;)  Let's show 2014 who's boss, Starlights!  We've got this!


Twinkle and Beam!

J*

21-Day Move and Shape Challenge: Day 11

Starlights,

It is with the deepest sincerity that I tell you that I didn't want to work out today...but I did.  I feel like this is a bit of a theme.  I am changing that.  I felt really drained, and I just wanted to go home and curl up in a blanket and sip some organic chamomile tea with agave nectar and soy milk from the biggest mug I could find in my cabinets while mindlessly surfing the internet for things that I don't need or intend to buy, but filling online shopping carts with the items anyhow.  Yes, this is a real pastime and I enjoy it, but my commitment to me would not allow me to play hooky from my training session.  I had to do it.  Although it took especially long to change my clothes in the locker room and get my mind around the idea of training today, I did it.  Boy, did I do it. 

I ran uphill at 6.5 and 6.8mph in 45 second intervals, a few sets of chest presses, rows, walking lunges, reverse crunches, traditional crunches...and more.  I really pressed through my fatigue and gave it my best despite multiple inklings to quit and retreat to my tea and ' net surfing.  It does help that I have the best trainer ever because she helped to keep me motivated and would not allow me to stop no matter how sad or annoyed I looked. 

So, Starlights, if I can do it, so can you!  Fight through the days when you're least motivated or most tired.  Those are the days that count the most because on those days we show our dedication to our commitment to ourselves.  We deserve optimal health and strength, and each day we push through the voices in our heads and fatigue dragging our bodies down, we conquer the possibility of regret and move closer and closer to our goals!

We can do it when we put our minds and hearts and bodies into it!  Let's prove it! 


Twinkle and Beam, Starlights!


J*

21-Day Move and Shape Challenge Days 4-10

Okay, so I haven't posted in the last few days.  I apologize.  Things have gotten crazy hectic and beyond busy, but I want you all to know that I am still pressing through.  Granted on a few of these days, my work-outs were at a snail's pace and minimal, but I kept it movin' and shapin'!  In this process, and I am keeping my eye on the prize---flat and firm abs, a whittled waist and my Bebe cropped jeans that I haven't worn since my biggest little was about 4 years old, and he'll be 7 this year.  I'll let you do the math.  My visualization often is my motivation to get out of bed or off the couch and from behind this screen to move and shape.  I keep my vision in the forefront in effort to make this thing happen.  It's working!

I am happy with the progress that I'm seeing and I'm feeling more and more energized as the days progress. I'm proud of me and I'm hoping you're movin' and shapin' your way to your goals too!

Twinkle and Beam, Starlights!

Muah!

J*

21-Day Move and Shape Challenge: Day 3

I didn't feel like doing this today, but I could NOT give up on my commitment to moving every day!  I had a slight headache and I was really hungry, but I just grabbed a snack and got to work so that I could check this off of my to-do list ASAP.  I'm rarely one who doesn't follow through on commitments, especially if there is a challenge in play, but today, forgetting about it was pretty tempting.  I'm not competitive generally, but when I challenge myself, I like to push through to the end, so I couldn't let myself give up today.  So after a full and busy day of work, grocery shopping, cooking dinner, enduring the big little's anti-homework tantrum, changing the little little's diaper and fetching his milk, paying bills and balancing my checking account, I managed to pull out my aerobic step and get sweaty!

Today's work-out was strictly cardio.  It was not all that intense in comparison to my original plan to do one of my Insanity videos, but I still worked up quite a lather.  I hit my aerobic step for 30 minutes while I watched television with the littles, jogging up and down and adding a few punches and kicks here and there. It wasn't thrilling, but I got it in and I feel really proud of myself.

So, I'm going at this another 18 days.  Are you with me?

I hope so!

Twinkle, beam and sweat, Starlights!  


J* 

21-Day Move and Shape Challenge: Day 2

I did it!  2 days down...19 to go.  **Sigh**  Well, at least 2 days are down.  I'm proud of myself for getting this work-out in.  It felt good! 

I set up an at-home Cardio/Core circuit with my mini-stepper, mini-trampoline and stability ball.  For this 21 days, I really want to focus on fat burn, so I'm hitting cardio pretty hard and adding some intervals and light resistance.  I'm leaving the tough stuff to my trainer.  I spent an hour stepping, rebounding, jogging in place, then doing crunches and reverse ball tucks on the stability balls.  I did each exercise until my muscles felt like they would give out, then I'd move to the next.  It was quite a challenge.

I'm very pleased with me right about now, and I'll be back at it tomorrow for sure! 

I hope you got yours in, Starlights!  It's never too late!

Twinkle and beam!



J*

21-Day Move and Shape Challenge: Day 1

Day 1

I did it!  I moved and I shaped! I was really happy to get started today!!!  I hit the gym and started with an uphill (2.0 incline) walk on the treadmill at 3.0mph.  Nice and easy.  After my 10-minute warm-up, I tossed in some high-intensity one-minute intervals where I'd run uphill (4.0 incline) beginning at 4.5mph and increasing by .5mph for each interval.  For my rest intervals, I'd decrease to 3.5 or 4mph depending on what I needed.  This was the peaceful part of my work-out.  I had just about hit 20 minutes when, my trainer walked up and told me we were going to work out at her studio rather than the gym.  **Sigh**  I knew I was in for it.  And as the Law of Attraction would have it, what I was thinking became my reality.

She and her nephew tag-teamed me and my mom who joined later.  We were whirled into a 60-minute circuit of jogs, sprints, lunges, squats, chest and shoulder presses, planks and push-ups despite the fact that I was wearing my "I Hate Push-ups" t-shirt.  I thought it was sending an very clear message, but neither of them had any respect or regard for my preferences.

My tee is just like this one!

 

 

 



I worked HARD!  I walked away winded, tired and SWEATY, but I was proud of myself for following through on my commitment!  On top of that, I shopped for groceries, then came home, fed my littles, worked out on the mini-trampoline with them and danced to my oldest little's favorite Kids Bop tunes!  We had a BLAST, but judging from the sweat dripping down my back, I burned a few extra calories having fun with the kids!  That was a nice bonus though.  Thanks, Universe!

So, okay, y'all, one day down.......20 to go!  WHEW!  I hope you guys got yours in today!!!

Twinkle, beam and get sweaty!

We've got some Light to shine!

J*

14 Days to Freedom: The Plan

The Plan:                                                                                                                                                                        

Lots of people have been asking me what’s next now that the fast has ended.  Well, I’ve got big plans in mind to maintain the progress that I’ve made and keep moving in the direction of my goals!  Now that I know what I know, here’s what I intend to do in order to maintain my progress (I’ll keep you all posted on how things are going.):

·       I’ve designated the first 60 days of the year as “squeaky clean” days for me, so until the 2^nd of March, I will only be eating a high vibrational, plant-based diet---That’s right NO ANIMAL PRODUCTS (yes, that includes eggs and dairy)---with fruits, veggies, beans, nuts, whole grains and the like.  I’m also cutting back on the addition of honey and agave nectar to foods to lessen the sugar content that I take in.  I’ll have in occasionally in tea or my stir-fry dishes.

·       I am weaning myself from animal products this year, so I will only have chicken, poultry or fish 3 or less times per week.  My aim is to be meat-free or close to it by 2015!  I’ve never tried this before, so I really want to see if a vegan lifestyle works for me.

·        All of my meals will include a large serving of fresh, raw, steamed or roasted fruits and/or veggies.

·       I will always maintain my focus on health, fitness and nutrition (even when it's difficult), and unless I’m in a competition that requires me to monitor my weight, I will not place focus on that.  Been there, done that.  It’s overrated.

·       Processed foods and dining out will be limited to 1-2x monthly (only after March 2^nd), decreasing over time.

·       For the next 60 days, I will continue having 1 fast day per week (pray for me) and I’ll engage in my normal eating habits the remainder of the week.  My fasting day will always be a work-out day so that I can capitalize on the calorie deficit.  I am considering also scheduling fast days around my cheat days to help with flushing out excess sodium, toxins, etc., although I intend to limit cheat days significantly in 2014.

·        I will mix it up with a variety of flavors and spices and clean recipes and try developing new recipes from the flavors I love to keep my palate guessing and me away from my favorite restaurants.  Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to share the yummy recipes.

·       I’ll always have a full refrigerator, so that I always have healthy options.

·       Since I have quite an active sweet tooth, when I’m craving something sweet and carb-laden, I’ll try grabbing a fruit first, but it that doesn’t cut it, I’ll only indulge in homemade sweets that I prepare myself, so that I’ll know every ingredient I’m taking in.

·       I want to always make nutrition fun for me and my family.  I’ll engage the kids in making fun foods that are really healthy, so that they learn the importance of healthy eating early.  This goal also offers me additional accountability. 

·       Above all, I intend to maintain my gratitude, meditation and spiritual enhancement practice daily.  It has been a phenomenal process and I have grown beautifully and that is not something I’m willing to give up! 

So, that’s my plan in a nutshell.  I’ve decided that 2014 is a year of purpose for me and I intend to enhance my lifestyle and bring the good of my experience to an audience that is looking to move toward their absolute best as well.  Through consistent practice, dedication, prayer, outcries for support and self-compassion, I KNOW we can all be our best and healthiest!  So this 14 days really did act as a catapult into a more in-depth holistic health journey for me.  I am inspired by my own dedication and all of the awesome things that readers have shared with me as they followed along with me this last couple of weeks.   This is the start to something amazing as health truly equals freedom for me, and trust me, I'm feeling more free than ever before! 

So, Starlights, this is my plan to twinkle and beam in 2014!  What’s yours?

21-Day Move and Shape Challenge! Who's With Me?

For the last couple of weeks, I've really been struggling with my motivation to get my cardio and strength training in.  My aim is always to be active 5-6 days per week, but I really want to get to a point where I'm moving and shaping 7 days per week for no less than an hour.  So, in effort to get this goal underway, I'm going to start a 21-Day Move and Shape Challenge!

Scientists say that it takes 21 days to create a habit, so why not try out the theory?  It can't hurt right?  Well, maybe my muscles will ache a bit, but at least I'll be moving toward creating a healthy habit that I can feel proud of.  So, starting Sunday, January 26th, 2014, I'm going to begin hitting the gym, the floor, my mini trampoline, breaking out some of my fitness videos and consulting with my trainer to put a cardio-strength habit into consistent action and keep my healthy lifestyle goal progressing. 

Want to Move and Shape with me?

Let's twinkle and beam....and sweat it out!

Get your minds right, Starlights!  It is a challenge, but we are totally worth it!

LET'S GO!

14 Days to Freedom: Post-fast Take-aways

Post-fast Take-aways:

Now that I’m back to eating my normal super-healthy and squeaky clean diet which is mostly organic, sans processed foods and animal products (for now at least; I can’t believe I don’t miss chicken and eggs yet!), I wanted to give a quick and dirty list of pros and cons I observed during and after my fast.   I hope that this offers a snapshot of my cleansing experience.   Here goes:

PROS	CONS
gLOWING COMPLEXION	HUNGER
DRASTIC INCREASE IN ENERGY	INCREASED PERSPIRATION (I KNOW IT’S GOOD FOR ME, BUT YUCK!)
DEEP, RESTFUL SLEEP	INCREASED DREAMING (ALTHOUGH THIS COULD ALSO BE A PRO)
UNLIMITED CLARITY AND AHA MOMENTS	LIGHT-HEADEDNESS DURING INTENSE EXERCISE
COST-EFFICIENT	FREQUENT VISITS TO THE POTTY
significant WEIGHT LOSS
LIGHT and happy FEELING
FEELING SPIRITUALLY CONNECTED
Huge dECREASE IN WORRY AND STRESS
CLEARer AWARENESS OF LIFE’S PURPOSE
INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY
GREATER RESPECT FOR SELF, OTHERS, NATURE, ETC.
INCREASED CONFIDENCE rapid progress (great jump start for lifestyle change)
ODOR-FREE GAS (No one knows when I poot or burp unless it makes a noise.)
increased regularity

As you can see the pros far outweigh the cons.  I HIGHLY recommend trying this out.  I feel ridiculously amazing!!!  I feel clean, clear and connected!  It’s really indescribable!  Even if you feel like a full fast is too much for you to dive into, I suggest trying adding a simple green juice a day to your normal diet (check out the Bite For Your Life! page for recipes regulary), then perhaps eliminating processed foods and/or animal products one day per week while making some time for physical exercise, spiritual readings, prayer and meditation.  Try out healthy lifestyle changes at YOUR pace.  This process worked for me, but I realize that while we’re all created equally, we all have very different tolerances.  Experiment and see what works for you, and share your experiences here!  I’m sure all of the Starlights would love to hear all about it!

 

Twinkle and Beam, Starlights!

 
J*

The BEST!

So, finally, my hometown has confirmed what I've known all along!  I'm the BEST!  I've been telling my boyfriend this for years, but....I digress.  Today, I actually received a press release confirming it.  I mean, I know I'm pretty awesome, but a press release?  Wow! 

It seems the town of Largo, Maryland where my private practice is based has awarded me with the 2013 Best of Largo Award for Psychotherapists!!!  This is amazing news!  I feel so honored that I'm being recognized by the clients that I've served as well as professionals in my community for the quality of services that I provide.  I'm super honored that what I do is appreciated and I'm even more driven to continue this work and even greater things! 

Thank you all for the love, appreciation and support!  I hope to take my healing work to even greater heights!

I'm twinkling and beaming crazy bright today, and as always, I'm hoping the same for you, Starlights!

J*

AKA (Also known as)

The BEST!

14 Days to Freedom: Day 14

Day 14:
                                                                                                                                                                      

Thankfully, my headache is gone!  Even though, I feel awesome about being mentally strong enough to fast for such a long time, that headache was KILLER!  I guess you just have to take the bitter with the sweet.  I really feel very proud of myself!  Today’s menu offers soaked prunes for breakfast (YUCK!), a small salad for lunch, veggie soup for dinner and all the same delectable liquids I’ve been limited to over the last couple of weeks throughout the day.  Tomorrow’s menu offers more of the same, only with larger portions and I can add 1-2 slices of whole wheat bread and finely chopped nuts.  On the following day after (the 4^th day post-fast), I can resume a normal diet.  I’m looking forward to it!   

Now that I’m on my second day of eating food, it seems like my body has adjusted quite well.  Like I said, the headache is gone, and my energy level has increased even more.  I feel pretty darn great!  I was a little worried about what the adjustment would be like (I was especially worried about the number of trips I’d have to take to the potty), but everything was perfectly fine.  No need for worry.  I think my body enjoyed this process.  My tummy feels squeaky clean!  It’s like I’m floating when I walk!  Incredible!

So…yesterday, I wasn’t feeling as connected spiritually as I had been throughout the fast, but after meditating and centering myself, I feel that my spiritual link has been fortified!  I love it!  I love God!  I love ME!  It feels like my crown chakra is wide open and I can clearly hear all that God is telling me.  I feel Divine energy all around me and I feel fully supported and loved all on my own.  I realize that the only connection I need is my connection to God.  I feel more spiritually connected than ever before and I feel I’ve gained deeper wisdom, heightened creativity and increased patience and compassion.  Don’t get me wrong, my ego still rears its head from time to time, but my ability to redirect it with Love is a natural reflex.  It’s absolutely amazing!  I’m so happy that I’ve given myself this gift!  Other than life and my family, I don’t think I’ve ever received anything greater!  Although my Vitamix is a close second (Thanks, Mom!).

14 Days to Freedom: Day 13

Day 13:                                                                                                                                                                            

I ate and now my head hurts.  I wouldn’t wish this feeling on anyone.  This is the first day of my gradual transition back to my normal diet.  I thought I’d feel better than this.  I ate 14 blueberries about ¼ of an apple and a bowl of homemade kale and leek soup in addition to the liquid regime I’ve been following.  It’s a relief to finally have food, but who knew my poor head would have to pay for it.  I guess my body is in shock.  I’m not as ravenous as I thought I’d be, but I tell you, I’ve never tasted a blueberry or an apple so delicious in my life!  It was absolutely heavenly to taste something other than tea, diluted veggie broth, juice and water.  I have such a greater appreciation for food.  Really!  It’s like a gift every time I chew now!  This experience has put things into a brand new perspective for me.  I have so much more to appreciate! 

I still feel pretty connected spiritually, but I’m not feeling the same high as I did earlier in the process.  I’m wondering if blueberries, apples and soup can really have that much of an impact on my spiritual connection or if I’m just dealing with the transition.  I do feel as though I’m in mourning a bit.  Although I welcome the food, I miss the fast.  I miss the sacrifice.  It felt good to sacrifice for my growth.  No, it felt phenomenal to sacrifice for my growth.  I’m so thankful that this practice was introduced to me for it will forever be a part of my life and spiritual routine.  For all the benefits that I’ve experienced, it is definitely worth the headache.

14 Days to Freedom: Day 12

Day 12:

So, this is my last day of fasting.  I’m beginning the next phase tomorrow wherein you guessed it, I get to eat food!!!!!!  Real food…the kind that you chew.  In all honesty, I’ll miss the process.  It has truly been cathartic.  I feel great.  I feel clean.  I feel energized.  I feel alive!  It’s so amazing that a couple of weeks of starvation could make me feel so incredibly clear and….HAPPY!  I really feel happy!  I understand what I want and I feel like it’s a necessity to make my dreams come true and to really live on purpose.  I can’t wait to see how life unfolds from here!  I’m excited about life and where I’m headed!  And I’m really excited about having some fruit and a bowl of vegetable soup tomorrow!  Day 13 can’t get here fast enough!

14 Days to Freedom: Day 11

Day 11:                                                                                                                                                        

So I’m at it another day.  I started the day as usual.  After going to the bathroom, I reported to my full-length mirror to check my progress.  I’m pleased!  I swear!  I am shrinking like crazy!  Incredible!  I’m not a fanatic of the scale, so the one that I have is broken.  I have no idea how much I weigh.  I asked the doctor not to tell me, but he felt comfortable to tell me that I was 50-60lbs overweight…as if I didn’t already know.  Thanks for the reminder, Doc.  No, really, thanks for the reminder.  A wake-up call like that motivates forward movement.  At any rate, I look like I’m losing like 3-5 pounds per day.  Seriously.  So today, I got a little nervous about coming off of the fast.  I feel ready to begin my transition back to enjoying solid vittles, but I was feeling a little concerned about the idea of putting weight back on when I start eating again.  During my pre-fast visit, my doctor assured me that if I maintain a healthy diet sans dairy, processed and fried foods, excessive animal products, etc., while consistently maintaining a moderate level of physical activity, the weight will never return.  Never.  I trust him, but…I called my BFF/trainer, Ewuria Darley (CEO of www.wellspacefitness.com; Yes that was a shameless plug for my bestie, but she’s the bomb!  Check her out!) to vent, get a pep talk and solicit her expert advice.  Those are the benefits of having a BFF who doubles as your trainer.  She gives me just the right amount of pep and schools me on which fruits have the lowest glycemic index (she suggests apples, blueberries and raspberries), so that my transition is successful.  I’m feeling much more confident that I will continue to coast to 6-pack ab status and begin planning my transition. 

So, I’ve decided.  Saturday is the day.  One day shy of the 14-day mark, but I think it best considering I’m not sure how my body will respond to the transition.  I’d rather be at home just in case I have to set up a temporary residence in the loo.  I’m excited about next steps.

Status update:  My energy level is phenomenal. My tummy feels clean.  My skin and teeth are gleaming.  My hair feels softer.  My cellulite has stopped its daily fiestas, and I’m looking and feeling pretty hott!  Yes, with two t's.  I think this fast has awakened my dormant Diva.  She’s been resting peacefully since my first son’s birth, but she’s about to make a crucial comeback!  Spiritually, I’m feeling so much more alert and conscious of my life’s purpose, the impact of my and other’s actions on circumstances, etc.  I’m able to really see what matters...nothing but this moment.  Nothing else.   It’s all there is and all that will ever be.  I’ve accepted that and it feels extraordinary!!!  It makes me want to cherish every moment that I have and spend my life teaching others to do the same.  I am and I will.  Life is perfect and so am I no matter what I do or what I’ve done.  It all happened the way it was supposed to.  And I have a far greater appreciation for all of it now.  I’m so thankful. 

Tomorrow’s my last day.  For sure.  I’m ready!

    

14 Days to Freedom: Day 10

Day 10:                                                                                                                                                                             

It’s decision day!  To quit or not to quit?  I’m going with….drum roll please……NOT TO QUIT!  Sigh….I know.  I know!  Now I’m just asking for abuse.  But…I’ve got a really good reason for it.  My body is looking incredible!  I’ve made some pretty significant headway in the last 10 days and I’m kind of addicted to the progress.  The progress feels more valuable than noshing on some fruit and veggies right now.  I emphasize the words “right now.”   Who knows?  By tomorrow I may be singing a different tune.  

I was reading over the previous days’ posts and I realized something that I neglected to mention is the extra-weird, sticky, yellow film that collects on my teeth throughout the day.  I asked my boyfriend (who has done extended fasts in the past) whether he has ever had this as a symptom and he confirmed it.  It is really gross.  Imagine sticky, yellow plaque on the crowns of your molars and the backs of your incisors every day…all day…even after brushing…multiple times.  It’s gross.  I have no other description for it.  I’m not even going to try to fancy it up with collegiate vocabulary.  It’s just gross.  Since it has been happening near daily, today, I put on my Google crown (everyone says I'm the Google queen) to investigate the origin of my gross symptom.  After surfing around and reading a few different articles on the topic (Sidebar: I learned today that while fasting, the body metabolizes stored fat 1300% faster for women and 2000% faster for men.  See why I’m continuing?), I came across an article about fasting wherein this guy talks about his fasting experiences.  He talked about the icky (there, I found another word to describe it) film on the teeth and indicated that the film is a sort of discharge that comes from inside of the tooth as your body works to eliminate toxins.  So this gunk lives in our teeth, and evidently it’s not supposed to or else it would stay inside.  Ugh!  Disgusting!  Needless to say, I brushed my teeth with more intention and vigor after reading this.  Wow!  What else is my body getting rid of?  I feel like I must’ve been a walking, talking nuclear plant before I embarked upon this.  Yuck!  I’m glad it’s coming out although it’s really, really gross…or icky…whichever you prefer.

I’m finding that I’m less and less hungry during the day, but by evening, I’m thinking more about food.  I think I’m used to it though.  It’s probably because I now have the option of stopping at any time.  That is pretty empowering.  My boyfriend is trying to convince me to go at it for 21 days.  I don’t think I have it in me.  Wait, I’m not being honest.  I have it in me.  I’m feeling a little like Berger, I’m just not that into it.  Going at this for 14 days is going above the requirements outlined in my opinion.  Anything after today deserves kudos, and I’ve been getting them left and right from colleagues, my trainer, my boyfriend and my old clothes.  That’s right, I can fit into things that I haven’t fit into in years.  All that PLUS I don’t care about anything stupid any more.  I mean almost everything that I worried or stressed myself out about (which isn’t much, but it’s enough) no longer carries the same weight with me.  I feel like I’ve released my attachments to a lot of things, and it feels good.  I feel like I’ve climbed a rung or two on the enlightenment ladder.  This is the kind of thing that I most value in this process.  I hope it stays this way post-fast.  I know it will.  I’ve decided.  I’ve worked very hard to get here, and I’m holding onto this...forever!

14 Days to Freedom: Day 9

Day 9:                                                                                                                                                                                

One day closer to Day 10 and the BIG decision.  I still haven’t made up my mind.  Today is going pretty well, but I’m a bit tired.  My youngest son had a midnight urge for warm milk and I struggled to fall back asleep.  People have been making more and more comments about how much of a physical change I’ve made so far.   That’s just the fuel I need to make it through the rest of the day and tomorrow.  Despite the brief lapse in sleep, I feel good today.  The cellulite played its usual vanishing act and my mid-section is continuing to deflate.  Can’t be mad at that.  Today is FREEZING cold out---a whopping 4 degrees when I left the house this morning---and the cold has also played a part in me not feeling as vitalized as I have been.  I just want to eat something.

14 Days to Freedom: Day 8

Day 8:                                                                                                                                                                                

Today was ROUGH!!!  I’m SO HUNGRY!  I fantasized about food all day, but I am determined.  I am pushing through.  As of today, I’m going to wrap this thing up on Day 10.  I’m ready for something savory.  Even a salad would do.  I’m looking forward to chomping on some solid food.  Don’t worry.  I’ll choose wisely and chew slowly.  I could have some fruit today because I’ve passed the 3-day mark, but I want to press through to the end.  I think I can.  I think I can…Sigh.  I really am doing my best.  My vacay officially comes to an end today, and I return to my office tomorrow.  I think that reality may be exacerbating my hunger pangs, so I’ll just wait and see how I feel when I get to Day 10.  Maybe I’ll have a change of heart.  Maybe.

Aside from the hunger, I’m still feeling very connected and appreciating my guidance.  My productivity and energy levels have not changed at all and I hope this continues beyond the fast.  The cellulite cycle is still going strong, but the dry-brushing at night seems to help it fade a bit before I hit the bed.  Today, I feel like I’m drowning from the level of fluids I took in today, and I probably should just set up shop in my bathroom because I’ve been in there at least 70% of the day.  I do have to admit…I feel clean and clear and no matter how hungry I get, I’m still grateful for the process.  It’s a good process.  It’s an incredible process!  So far, I have no regrets. 

14 Days to Freedom: Day 7

Day 7:                                                                                                                                                                                

And on the seventh day...I wanted to rest (and eat), but I wanted to press through this process more.   I’m very much feeling like I want to make a really healthy meal for myself, but I find solace in cooking for the littles, reading and napping.  I hit the gym HARD today with my trainer and had boat loads of energy.  Backward walking on the treadmill with a 15 incline, uphill walking lunges, jogging intervals and some intense ab work were no match for me today.  In fact, I did a little extra.  I was proud of myself.  I guess borderline starvation has its benefits.   The cellulite cycle is still going strong, but I have a far more deflated mid-section and I’m beginning to see a glimmer of my pre-baby, work-out body!  I haven’t seen myself like this in almost 7 years!   I’m feeling (and looking) pretty good.  I’m making it a point to tell myself that I love myself as often as possible and believe it or not, it makes a difference.  I feel love everywhere that I go and people tell me over and over again that I‘m glowing.  The best part about this is I feel like I’m glowing.  I feel pretty awesome considering I haven’t had solid food in a solid week.  My skin breakouts seem to have taken their bows and left the stage and my skin has an orangish-rosey undertone that looks absolutely radiant!  I’ve traded dry patches and stretch marks for a smooth, glowing, Brazilian bikini babe-esque look and I actually stare at my skin in the mirror.  All of this has made me think of what I had been doing to my body for it to look the way it did pre-fast.  I mean, don’t get me wrong, I was far from a gremlin, but the changes that I‘ve made are obvious and significant. 

I’m still feeling a major connection with Spirit and I am hearing my inner voice crying out for me to make some major changes with regard to my health, my career and my faith.  I’m being urged to trust my inner voice and know that nothing will ever go wrong for me.  I’m seeing so many examples of people doing what they love in untraditional ways, and I’m inspired.  I’m getting messages left and right about how to break through my challenges and exercise courage and strength as I face them.  I’m being told clearly that the courageous road is not always cozy, but the destination is always desirable.  I’m so pleased with all that I’m learning and all of the growth that I feel myself making, but I’m strongly considering wrapping up the fast in 10 days rather than 14.  I’d still be proud of myself and I’d still feel like I’ve done my best.  I’ve got some time to think it through, but I’m definitely leaning that way.  I’m ready to chew again.

14 Days to Freedom: Day 6

Day 6:                                                                                                                                                                                

Sigh.   I’m hungry!   AND sleepy!  I wake up with my usual energy, but by 3pm, I’m spent.  The only thing that changed from my routine was my decision to begin thinking about my vacation coming to a close and I felt quite a rush of sadness and physical weakness come over me.  The idea of leaving the peaceful haven of my home and taking this cleansing process outside of my sacred walls saddens me.  This is such a personal process and I’d hate to be among others while doing it.  I fear perhaps, I won’t hear the Divine as clearly, but that notion is quickly reversed by a clear message that the Divine will see me through this process and doing this outside of my home allows me to be an example to others as my Light shines more brightly during this time.  I’m relieved, though still, I felt exhausted, and I needed to rest.  So, I took a midday nap, and woke up in time to make dinner for the littles.  I felt much better after the nap and resumed my thoughts of gratitude and Love, and engaged in my writing.  Something I noticed when I was feeling sad earlier was my immediate reflex to reach for food when I felt sad.  That was a definite eye-opener.  Yes, I was hungry, but I clearly see, that the “hunger” was emotionally-motivated because after my talk with God (and that much-needed nap), the hunger was gone.  I wondered, "How many times have I reached for food to resolve an emotional issue?"  I couldn’t answer that question, but my guess is more than many.  I’m more conscious now, and I intend to resolve my emotional challenges by going immediately to God rather than the pantry.  I may even put a note reflecting this epiphany on my fridge and pantry doors.

"Look upward and inward to solve your problems.  The solution is NOT in here!"

I’ve noticed a few pimples debuting on my cheeks and chin.  The cellulite cycle is continuing, though ironically, I am noticing more definition in my face, shoulders, arms and legs and my tummy is less and less jiggly by the second.  I can only imagine what I’ll look like in 8 days.  I’m feeling more and more grateful for all that is going well in my life, but I’m simultaneously feeling an urging---no, that’s too subtle of a term; it’s more like an alarmingly aggressive shove---to fulfill my life’s purpose.  I’m asking how and waiting patiently for answers from the Divine.  I know the answers will come.  I’m happy.  I’m hungry again, but hunger never felt so good.  Each time I feel a hunger pang, I pray, sip some tea, water or broth and breathe deeply.  I feel peaceful.  I’ve planned out all that I intend to eat for the next month or more after the fast ends next week.  I’m much more conscious of what I intend to ingest.  I feel an obligation to maintain this free and clear feeling that I have and I know that pizza, cakes and cookies aren’t going to bring this sensation on.  Although such treats are quite tasty (and they bring me loads of joy—albeit temporary), this feeling is surreal and I am loving it!!!  I feel a sense of clarity and connectedness with the Divine that I have not felt in a very long time.  I can’t express in words the degree to which I am grateful for this feeling, so I am electing to express my gratitude through my work, my service.  This brings me far greater joy.   This is pretty awesome!