Watch Your Step!

A while back, I was walking to the Metro station and was stopped by an older woman (that I would see each morning) who said that she noticed that I'd always look down and appear very concerned when I am walking. She proceeded to tell me that I should have a greater deal of esteem and that I shouldn't look down. She said I "should hold [my] head up high and look at all that God has made." I smiled and first thanked her for both her concern and her encouragement and expressed that I agree that all that God has made is indeed beautiful. We both smiled in awe of that simple thought, and I proceeded to explain that I wasn't looking down because I have low esteem or because I'm feeling down-trodden, I look down because I am actually watching out for what God has made. I'm looking down because I don't want to step on the ants who are doing God's work just as I was going to work to care for my family.

I realize that we all have duties and responsibilities and just because I was bigger in size didn't mean that my responsibilities are more significant than those smaller than I.  Each day, I'd watch the ants working diligently to move rocks and crumbs and whatever else they'd set their sights on. I'd walk cautiously, intentionally in effort to avoid crushing the little bugs beneath my feet. I wasn't sad, or depressed or overwhelmed by the pressures of life as the elderly woman had assumed. In my short lifetime, I've been blessed to have experiences that have helped me to find that everything we need to see or care for isn't always at eye level or above us. Some of the most significant lessons we must learn or things we must see are what we consider to be beneath us. It is helpful to look around us to completely to see all that is there because as much as we may want to believe it doesn't, it ALL matters. So, if/when you see someone looking down, try not to assume that they are down on themselves or something is wrong with them. Perhaps they just don't want to kill the ants.

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!

My Salad was SOOOOO Freakin' Good Today!

Yeah, what the title says.  OMG!  That salad was delicious!  I had to do a little work beforehand to prep some of the ingredients (I pickled some red onions and boiled and pickled some beets---BTW, I pickle without sugar.), but the rest you can easily grab at local grocery stores.  All of the ingredients were squeaky clean and perfect for anyone trying to steer clear of animal products.  So, here's how you put together your very own Purple People Pleaser (Yes, I name my food.):

A few handfuls (or more) of spring mix salad
A handful (or 3) of shredded red cabbage
A handful of grape tomatoes, halved
One 1/2 Haas avocado, sliced lengthwise
Two heaping spoonfuls of pickled beets (I used a slotted spoon to avoid getting too much liquid in my salad)
Two heaping forkfuls of pickled onions
A pinch of blanched, slivered almonds
10-12 Trader Joe's Sesame Sticks

I made a dressing with freshly squeezed lemon juice and Bragg's Liquid Aminos.  Distribute the dressing evenly on your veggies and dig in! 

Freakin' delicious!!!!!  I'm having another one for lunch tomorrow!

If you try it and like it, let me know!

J*

14 Days to Freedom: Day 5

Day 5:                                                                                                                                                                                

I think my cellulite must have studied with David Copperfield.  Gone again!   Is this some sort of wicked curse?  I’m feeling a little Disney princess-esque, but at least the pattern is consistent and considering the temperature and wind-chill factor, no one will bear witness to the cursed ripples adorning my belly.  Not much is different today.  My energy level is fab, I’m sleeping very well and I’m looking better and better by the minute.   I’m getting messages and direction more and more clearly and I feel love and peace expanding within me.  It’s such a surreal experience.  I often feel like I’m dreaming!  Many of the things that mattered to be before I started this process no longer seem significant.  My mind won’t even allow me to focus on trivial things.  This is what detachment is.  Freedom.  Saying that I’m loving this is an understatement.

14 Days to Freedom: Day 4

Day 4:                                                                                                                                                                                

As soon as I wake up, you know what I’m checking for!  It’s gone!  O…..M……G!!!!!!  The cellulite is GONE!  I mean, I have a tiny bit that I’ve had on my thighs since having the kids, but the rest of it is gone and my mid-section looks like someone put a vacuum to it overnight!  It’s SO much flatter!  No more bloating!  Yay!  I think everything I drank the day before sweated out of my pores overnight because I woke up with my  pajamas drenched as though I sleep-walked into the shower the night before.  I dry off, dry brush and hit the shower.  I’m feeling energized, yet extremely peaceful.  I think I’ve awakened my inner Mahatma Ghandi.  I’m going to the potty every five minutes, but after having two kids, and surviving the 9-months pregnant potty parties, this doesn’t bother me at all.  I am a little concerned that I haven’t gone #2 in a couple of days, but I’m sure my body is just adjusting to this new routine.  I’m not worried.  The pee-pee schedule is keeping me busy enough anyhow.  I know that was TMI (too much information), but it’s quite relevant.  

I’ve gotten clear messages today on how to begin some major projects that I’ve been contemplating over the last year, and I’ve actually gotten a major start on them.   I’m more productive than I’ve been in a very long time!  I’m impressed and proud.  In the words of the illustrious Ice Cube, “Today was a good day.”  Speaking of music, by the end of the day, the DJ must’ve started playing because the cellulite party started again.  Here’s to a repeat of its vanishing act tomorrow morning.

 

Bite for Your Life!!!

Consistently ingesting a high vibrational diet (HVD) rich in living and whole foods (fruits, veggies, beans, seeds and nuts) is HIGHLY beneficial in keeping the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies balanced and in harmony. As I am an avid promoter of holistic health and fitness, I'd be remiss not to include some nutritional info on my blog.  So, lucky for you, periodically I'll be sharing some of my favorite HVD recipes and their health benefits so that you guys can begin to see and feel remarkable changes from the inside out! I'm SO excited about the changes we'll see in 2014! Stay tuned!

Please note, I am not a licensed Nutritionist nor do I aspire to become one.  I am just really passionate about creating a healthier world.  Maybe we can do this together one bite at a time.  Feel free to share your favorite recipes in the comments section.  I'm always open to trying something new!

Twinkle and Beam, Starlights!  

Muah!

J* 

My Banana Soy Milkshake Brings All the Boys to the Yard

Mmmmmm.....my absolute favorite Summer (or Winter...or Spring...or, even Fall) treat is a tall, cold, refreshing banana milkshake from Johnny Rockets or any old-school diner or restaurant that specializes in shakes and malts.  They're just....GOOD!  Trouble is, they're not good for you.  So, last year, when I embarked upon my squeaky clean eating journey, I HAD to figure out a healthy adaptation of this yummy delight. 

Here's my far healthier version of the banana milkshake:

Original Silk Soymilk frozen into cubes (use 2-4 for one shake)
Original Silk Soymilk (4-6oz.)
1-2 frozen banana(s), sliced in half
Vanilla extract to taste
Blend until smooth.

Pour in your favorite cup, sip and enjoy!  Heavenly!

NOTE:  I've since replaced the soy milk with unsweetened almond milk and this recipe is even better!