yoga

Recovery from an Eating Disorder: Practical Steps

Hello, friends. I want to let you know up front, where I am at right now is not my finish line. I still have work to do. I know that. I’m taking steps to get there. I think many times, people think any issue can be solved in 10 therapy sessions, and then all is well. But y’all, that’s just not how it works, at least, not for me.

For about a year, I went to therapy every other week, with the main focus being on my anxiety. I showed up, my counselor showed up, and God showed up in amazing ways. I saw many, many breakthroughs and revelation sitting on that couch in my counselor’s office. 

Then, my counselor asked me if there was another area in my life where I was still struggling. Maybe something that we hadn’t addressed yet, because we had been busy tackling the most pressing issue: anxiety. I opened up with her about my body image issues. I hadn’t really told her before about the time spent starving myself. I may no longer be physically starving myself, but my mind is still starving my heart from fully loving my body. I’m ready to be free from that.

So, our focus has landed here. Then COVID hit the world. Counseling via Zoom is very difficult when Internet is not readily available… but I’m doing my best.  Here are some practical steps I have been taking the past year to try and love my body well. 

In terms of exercise: I work out 3 or 4 days a week, instead of 6 or 7. I stick to what I love, and I try not to get caught up in thinking I should be doing more. I like running, yoga, walking, and swimming. I stick to that. If I miss a workout, I do not need to make up for it. I just keep on living my life, y’all.

In terms of food: I eat pretty much the same thing as everyone else in the house. This may seem like a “given,” but it’s not when you’ve had an unhealthy relationship with food. I’ve gone sugar-free, carb-free, dairy-free, plant based, and everything in between. I’ve counted calories, carbs, and containers. I’m over it. I genuinely enjoy my veggies and fruits, so a lot of what we eat IS that, but I’m also gonna eat dessert whenever I dang well please. I no longer track calories, or macros, or containers or points… I just eat real food. (Side note: If tracking is your thing, more power to you. I just know, for me, things get toxic when I track. I tend to obsess, and then when things don’t line up, I tend to be hurtful to myself. So that is why I don’t track. If you can track your food in a healthy and positive way that works for you, then go for it.)

In terms of mental health: I continue to go to therapy. This is a focus for me right now. Although I can practically tell you that I’m doing these things listed above, and that I desperately want to be okay with my body… the truth is I am not. I am all too aware of how my clothes fit and the mommy tummy I still have. So, we’re weeding out the lies and replacing them with truth. I’ve been listening to and I’ve been motivated by these lies for 21 years… I can’t expect to rid them in 21 days. It’s just not that easy. But I’m willing to show up every day, ready to fight another battle towards healing. I remind myself of these truths over and over when the lies try to speak. I know one day, the truth will be louder than the lies. So, I’m fighting for that day.

I hope you will too. You are worth the fight. Your spouse is worth the fight. Your child, friend, coworker, colleague, and teammate; they’re all worth the fight. Let’s suit up for battle, y’all.

A note to loved ones: Maybe you’re reading this, and you don’t struggle with an eating disorder, but someone you loves does. I beg you, please keep showing up in their lives. I know, it’s exhausting. It’s the same old fight again and again. But they NEED you. I remember feeling so alone, even though I was surrounded by people who love me. I hardly voiced anything to them at the time, because I didn’t want to be a burden. I didn’t want to bother anyone with my problems. So, please GO to them. Ask them how they are doing, and listen. Ask them what they need. Tell them the truth. Tell them they’re not a burden. Tell them you will fight this beast with them. Tell them healing is possible. Tell them they are loved. 

If you are battling an eating disorder; please get professional help. Look up some counseling resources in your local area, and call to make an appointment. When you call to schedule an appointment, let them know you’ve got an eating disorder and ask for someone with experience in that area. If there is no one trained in that particular office, ask for a referral. Most offices have a referral list for specific areas of training. You can do it! You really can be free. I’m cheering for you.

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Back to Basics: Foundations for Your Health

Ok, friends, I feel like I should warn you before I dive into this post. It is not going to be the most entertaining post you’ve ever read. It’s not going to be the most enlightening post you’ve ever read. Honestly, it probably won’t be the most memorable post you’ve ever read either. So, why the heck am I even writing about this? Because it’s so foundational that everyone needs to read it. (So please read it! I promise the next post will be more entertaining.)

I’m going to be posting more often on this blog, on social media, and on my podcast about doTERRA essential oils, holistic health remedies, and some natural DIYs. I’m doing this because my heart is truly to show others that we really can take control of our health and wellness naturally. HOWEVER, it is extremely imperative that we get the foundation right. For example, I’ve chatted about how essential oils can help support your immune system, but if you’re filling your body with Twinkies, and not sleeping or exercising 24/7 then you’re going to run into some issues. We’ve got to get the foundation solid… Not perfect, because I love a cupcake every now and then, but solid. So, let’s dive in!

1. Nutrition: We’ve all heard it. “You are what you eat.” It’s so true. My normal routine and habits have gotten thrown off (Let’s be clear, I did the throwing. I’m not blaming circumstances) and I can feel it. It’s been more difficult to get up early in the morning, I’ve been less productive, and just kinda felt blah. I’ve just spent a couple of days getting back to my normal and I’m already feeling better. I’m not going to get into vegan/paleo/keto/gluten free argument. I will say, we all probably need to up our veggies. So start with that, and pound the water. Drink at least half of your body weight in ounces. Flavor it with some doTERRA citrus oils to keep it interesting.

2. Rest: There’s this Daniel the Tiger song that always get stuck in my head… “When you’re sick, rest is best, rest is best.” I wish I could sing it to you, because words on a page doesn’t do it justice, and if you don’t have kids in your house under the age of 5 you probably have no idea who Daniel the Tiger is. That’s okay, you get the point. When we’re sick, when we’re well, and every day we need adequate rest. Maybe if you’re in your twenties you can rock your day on 3 hours of sleep, but trust me, you will perform and feel much better if you get at least 6 hours of sleep in your system. Some people even feel the best when they get 10 hours of sleep, but let’s not get crazy. Find how you function the best.

3. Love Yourself: I know it may not seem like it at the time, but negative self talk doesn’t serve your body or emotions at all. You’re actually physically harming your mind and body when you beat yourself up with negativity. Be gentle and kind to yourself. Treat yourself with the same care you would treat someone else. Give yourself grace. Start speaking love and life over yourself. It sounds cheesy, and it even feels awkward when you start speaking love instead of hate, but get over the awkwardness. Your love for yourself will bleed over to how you love others. It will make the world go round. Ok, not that last part, but you get my point. If you want some science to back this up, then go and check out the book Switch on Your Brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf. It’s very eyeopening.

4. Movement: I used the word “movement” here instead of “exercise” because I feel like we associate exercise with grueling, intensive workouts that are only for the elite athletes. However you want to word it: movement, exercise, working out… you need to do it. Pick a movement you like: going for a walk in the woods, having a dance party with your kids, hard core sweat sesh, running, yoga, whatever. Find what you love and do more of that. Movement releases toxins in your body and pumps you full of endorphins. I can use all the endorphins I can get!

Now, I could go on and chat about supplements, probiotics, meditation, sunshine, and much more, but those will be other posts for later days. This truly was meant to be a very basic and general post. Help me out though: What are some foundational steps you take towards enhancing your health and wellness?

Soothe and Support Muscles with doTERRA

One thing I’m really passionate about is education. I love all things about it: the research, the collaboration research, and the execution of the research. I think that’s why I love teaching about doTERRA essential oils every week. Something that I’ve started doing with my team is a weekly Facebook Live video covering a different topic. This week was soothing and supporting your muscles with doTERRA. I thought it would be fun if I shared my weekly topic with you guys too! Now, this won’t be nearly as in depth as my videos, as they are usually around 20-30 minutes long, but you’ll still benefit from it. Let’s chat oils!

But first! Disclaimer: I am not a healthcare professional. I’m a mom who loves research and has seen many benefits from these essential oils. I’m simply sharing with you how your family can benefit as well. This information is not meant to treat, diagnose, or replace medical advise.

Something I always start with before ever diving into doTERRA products is to make sure you’re giving your body a good foundation. What does that mean exactly? Get an adequate amount of sleep (this varies from person to person), drink plenty of water (half your body weight in ounces), and eat a healthy variety of food (vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, ancient grains, etc). Set that healthy foundation for yourself!

Got that covered? Want to know what else you can do for your body to help soothe those aches and pains? Well, let me tell ya!

Lifelong Vitality Pack (LLV): This product is my answer for almost every health concern someone asks me about: Sleep support? LLV. Uplift energy level? LLV. Emotional balance? LLV. Immune support? LLV. What exactly is the LLV? In a nutshell: it’s all natural, whole food supplements containing vitamins, minerals, and omegas… Basically it’s life changing, and I’m not exaggerating. I’ll be doing a post on this soon because it deserves a post and you deserve to know about it.

Deep Blue (Soothing Blend): Y’all I’m not an essential oil expert. I have a book that’s the expert at telling me what products to use, and this book tells me that doTERRA Deep Blue is one of the top oils to be used with any sort of pain related issue from headaches to muscles to joints. Deep Blue is a blend of Wintergreen, Camphor Bark, Peppermint, Blue Tansy, Blue Chamomile, Helichrysum, and Osmanthus oil. This oil can be applied neat (without dilution), but if you know your skin is sensitive to peppermint or wintergreen, you probably want to dilute as you put on the area of concern. You can use this oil as needed, but definitely before and after workouts to help with post workout soreness. I love using this after yoga!

DB on sheet

Lavender: Lavender is an oil that everyone should have in their homes. It’s a very universal oil, meaning it can be used for practically anything: immune support, mood support, sleep support, you name it! It can be used topically, internally, and aromatically. (Please note: I only recommend doTERRA essential oils. Yes, I sell these oils, but I used the product for over a year before ever diving in the business and it was the one brand I trusted at that time as well.) Lavender oil is great for soreness and can be used topically on the area of concern. For most people, you can use this oil “neat,” meaning without dilution.

Lemongrass: Lemongrass is such an interesting oil. It always surprises me in its uses! This oil can ease joint discomfort, and should be used topically for that purpose. Now, some people are sensitive to lemongrass (like my hubs who won’t let me forget the time I didn’t dilute it for him), so dilute accordingly. You can use this as needed, multiple times a day on the area of concern. The cool thing about lemongrass is that you can also clean with it, diffuse it to purify the air, and even use it for a natural bug repellent.

Marjoram: This oil is wonderful to use before and after workouts. It’s commonly used to soothe those discomforts related to muscles and joints. Marjoram can also be used to promote a healthy cardiovascular system and a healthy immune system. doTERRA Marjoram oil can be used internally, in a diffuser to take advantage of its natural calming properties, or topically. You can dilute with fractionated coconut oil for any skin sensitivities, and apply directly on the pain.

Are you ready to get started using doTERRA essential oils? You can order the oils HERE, and I’ll be with ya, every step of the way to answer any questions! If you begin with one of doTERRA’s start kits, I’ll send you a fun Welcome Gift!

Sharing is caring! What natural solutions have you found effective and soothing and supporting your muscles?

Friday Fun Facts #21

1. January was all about simplifying my home. February is going to be about simplifying my food choices. Be prepared for recipes, rants about sugar cravings, and raging headaches due to lack of caffeine.

2. Speaking of caffeine, our electric coffee grinder broke the other day and I was desperate for some coffee. One of my sisters had given me an antique manual coffee grinder as a bridesmaid gift, and we really weren’t expect it to work. Well, I dusted that puppy off and figured out how to grind coffee with it! It was a great accomplishment. Plus, look how cool it will look on the counter? And that’s coming from someone who doesn’t like things on her kitchen counters.

coffee-grinder

3. The weather here has been gorgeous lately. We’ve been spending lots of time outside, and my boys love to pick ALL the flowers they can find. They are so sweet and picked flowers for me, their dad, baby Sarah, Nana, Pops, Grandma, Grandpa, and the mailman.

4. This past Saturday I did yoga for the first time in years. I used to think that yoga was this easy peesy workout… Y’all, the next day there were muscles hurting that I didn’t even know I had. If you wanna get ripped, go to yoga.

5. Speaking of yoga, have you ever tried using essential oils along with your routine? I wanted to be able to come with a clear mind, and not be worrying about the stresses of life. I rolled doTERRA InTune on my wrists and it really helped to keep me grounded.

yoga-intune