Showing posts with label Thursday Health Thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thursday Health Thoughts. Show all posts
Happy Thursday friends! For today's Thursday Health Thought I am excited to start a new series over the next few months on the connection between money and health. Lately I’ve been thinking a great deal about the connection between money and health. Not in a trendy “wellness” way. But in the very real ways financial stress affects the body, mind, and daily life.
The exhaustion. The sleeplessness. The constant pressure of survival mode. The way stress quietly steals joy, creativity, energy, and rest.
For a long time, I thought financial rebuilding was only about numbers, but I’m beginning to realize it is also about healing. About creating margin. About living more gently.
About rebuilding a life that feels sustainable physically, emotionally, and financially.
So I am excited to begin talking more openly about that here.
Because beautiful living is not only aesthetics. It is peace, rest, and feeling safe enough and stable enough with finances to breath again deeply.
I am so excited for this series and hope you will enjoy it! Stay tuned to start this beautiful series next week!
Back in 2013, shortly after I was diagnosed with Advanced Late Stage Lyme and Skin Cancer (among a host of other health issues), I spent several weeks out at a Health Clinic as part of my treatment. I had hoped (not understanding or knowing the severity of my illnesses) that it would be the answer for my health issues. While it wasn't, it was a life-saving time (literally) and where I began the journey of being able to walk and eat again.
While I was there I was introduced to several things that I have continued to incorporate to this day, one of them being Cod Liver Oil. When the doctor first mentioned taking it each day I looked at her with skepticism as I thought she must not have tried the "wonderful" taste of it. At the time she laughed and admitted that this was something that she had been recommending her patients do for years, but had only started taking herself recently. I was skeptical until she started sharing all of the health benefits from adding this quick and simple habit into my life.
I will warn you that the Cod Liver Oil truly does not taste good. There are some brands that offer "taste enhancers" but in my opinion nothing truly masks the taste of Cod Liver Oil! I have found that having a small glass of cranberry juice to sip on immediately after is the only thing that truly kills the taste. I would also recommend working up to the amount you will take slowly. This will help with adjusting to the taste and also provide your body the opportunity to get into the habit of taking it regularly.
The brand that I have found to be the best after lots of research is the Carlson's brand (you can find it on Amazon by clicking HERE!
Cod Liver Oil has been used for over a hundred years. There are recorded notes of Cod Liver Oil being given as early as the 1890s to malnourished children and adults with arthritis!
Here are just 13 amazing benefits of Cod Liver Oil:
1. The anti-inflammatory properties of Cod Liver Oil can help reduce some of the swelling that is known to cause arthritis pain.
2. Cod Liver Oil can help those with high cholesterol and heart disease.
3. Cod Liver Oil has been known to help relieve migraine headaches.
4. Cod Liver Oil has been known to fight inflammation.
5. Cod Liver Oil has been known to help regulate the immune system.
6. Some studies have suggested that Cod Liver Oil inhibits cancer cells!
7. Along the same lines as number 6, Dr. Patrick Quillin who holds a PhD, an RD, and a CNS degree and who wrote the book "Beating Cancer with Nutrition" said: "Fish oil is therapeutic and can slow cancer."
8. Cod Liver Oil has lots of omega-3 fatty acids that are important to the body!
9. Cod Liver Oil contains excellent amounts of EPA and DHA which are important omega-3 fatty acids.
10. Cod Liver Oil contains high levels of Vitamin A.
11. Cod Liver Oil may improve seasonal allergies.
12. Cod Liver Oil helps support healthy eyes.
13. Cod Liver Oil may help depression.
With all of those benefits one small swallow and a little bad taste don't seem that important!
With all of those benefits one small swallow and a little bad taste don't seem that important!
The brand that I have found to be the best after lots of research is the Carlson's brand (you can find it on Amazon by clicking HERE!
I am so curious- do you take Cod Liver Oil? What health benefits do you find from it?
Happy Thursday friends! Y'all know how much I love eating fresh and healthy foods and recently I have been having a yummy and delicious and healthy stuffed mushroom receipe on repeat. I always knew that mushrooms were healthy, but I finally decided to research what the health benefits are! Y'all I am absolutely amazed at the health benefits that they bring to our bodies and wanted to share some of them with you today! Here are just a few of the powerful benefits that are found in baby bella mushrooms:
Baby bella mushrooms (also called cremini) are one of those foods that are easy to overlook, but they are surprisingly nutrient-dense and simple to incorporate into everyday eating. If you are trying to eat more intentionally, this is an easy and affordable place to start. Below are eight health benefits of baby bella mushrooms and why they are worth adding into your routine.
1. Support immune health
Baby bella mushrooms are a good source of selenium, an essential mineral that helps regulate the immune system and protect cells from damage. They also contain ergothioneine, an antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and supports overall immune response, especially during busy or stressful seasons.
2. Rich in antioxidants
Mushrooms provide antioxidants that help your body manage oxidative stress, which is linked to aging and chronic illness. While this is not something you feel immediately, it is one of those long-term benefits that supports overall health over time.
3. Help support energy levels
Baby bella mushrooms contain several B vitamins, including riboflavin and niacin, which help your body convert food into usable energy. If you are feeling consistently tired, this is one small way to support your energy naturally.
4. Support brain health
The antioxidant ergothioneine has been studied for its potential role in protecting brain cells. Some research suggests that regular mushroom consumption may be associated with better cognitive health over time.
5. Promote heart health
Baby bella mushrooms are naturally low in sodium, free of cholesterol, and a source of potassium. These factors help support healthy blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health.
6. Support gut health and digestion
Mushrooms contain dietary fiber, including prebiotic compounds that help feed beneficial gut bacteria. A healthy gut supports digestion, immune function, and overall wellness.
7. Help with weight management
Baby bella mushrooms are low in calories but filling, which makes them helpful if you are trying to eat more intentionally. They can also be used to reduce overall saturated fat intake when incorporated into meals.
8. Provide important trace nutrients
In addition to larger nutrients, baby bella mushrooms provide smaller but important nutrients such as copper, which supports red blood cell formation, along with small amounts of vitamin D when exposed to light and other trace minerals that support overall health.
Baby bella mushrooms are not a trendy “superfood,” but they are consistent, nutrient-dense, and easy to include in a balanced diet. Often, those simple, steady choices are what make the biggest difference over time.
Isn't that amazing friends? Those are just 8 simple benefits of eating baby bella mushrooms and there are so many more! What about y'all? Do you eat baby bella mushrooms? What health benefits have you found from eating them?
{Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health care provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.}
{Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health care provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.}
Happy Thursday friends! I originally wrote this post back in 2013, when during my health journey I was going to the Emergency Room frequently. It has been a long time since those days- thankfully- and trips to the ER are infrequent. But this week, if you were following along on instagram, you probably saw that my sweet mama needed to go to the ER and it reminded me of this post that I knew I wanted to update. So please read this updated post and let me know if you have any questions on how to have a smoother emergency room visit.
As I mentioned to y'all in 2013 when I shared about creating an emergency room bag , I wanted to suggest a couple of things that can help you have a smoother emergency room visit. These tips are in no particular order but I hope that they will bring you some help for those unexpected and unwanted trips.
(1) When you arrive at the ER make sure to clearly and specifically state what the symptoms are that you are dealing with. If you can't breathe- make sure that you state that immediately.
(2) If you don't feel that you are being listened to by the check-in nurse and if you feel that you need more attention then ask for the charge nurse. If you still do not have the attention that you feel that the situation needs feel free to ask for the head of the ER nurse or a patient advocate.
(3) Don't shout at anyone- be calm but be persistent in a respectful way. This can be extremely hard if you are in the midst of an emergency, but try to remain as calm as possible. I know that this sounds impossible.
(4) Remember the reality that ER visits are meant to be for serious issues and life-threatening emergencies. If you don't fit into either category you probably will not be seen for several hours.
(5) Before taking a medicine double check that they are aware of your allergies. It is not uncommon to see several different nurses or doctors in one visit. Some information- especially important information- can sometimes be lost in translation.
(6)If you notice that someone is not washing their hands when they come into your room gently remind them to do so. (You don't want to go into the ER with a broken arm and come out with the flu.)
(7) Ask questions.
(8) Don't be afraid to speak up for your needs. Waiting is appropriate but if your loved one is very sick and you need attention don't be afraid to ask for a nurse to come help.
(9) If you are going to drive yourself (or have someone drive you) and you are not going to come by ambulance consider calling your doctor to alert the ER that you are coming (if it is a serious situation).
(10)If you can try to go early. One statistic stated that most ER's are busiest at 7pm.
(11) Make sure to ask if you can go to the bathroom or eat something. Certain tests are compromised by eating.
(12) If you are not comfortable with your doctor request a specialist or a more senior ER doctor. You have the right to do so and if it is necessary use this right!
And finally...
(1) When you arrive at the ER make sure to clearly and specifically state what the symptoms are that you are dealing with. If you can't breathe- make sure that you state that immediately.
(2) If you don't feel that you are being listened to by the check-in nurse and if you feel that you need more attention then ask for the charge nurse. If you still do not have the attention that you feel that the situation needs feel free to ask for the head of the ER nurse or a patient advocate.
(3) Don't shout at anyone- be calm but be persistent in a respectful way. This can be extremely hard if you are in the midst of an emergency, but try to remain as calm as possible. I know that this sounds impossible.
(4) Remember the reality that ER visits are meant to be for serious issues and life-threatening emergencies. If you don't fit into either category you probably will not be seen for several hours.
(5) Before taking a medicine double check that they are aware of your allergies. It is not uncommon to see several different nurses or doctors in one visit. Some information- especially important information- can sometimes be lost in translation.
(6)If you notice that someone is not washing their hands when they come into your room gently remind them to do so. (You don't want to go into the ER with a broken arm and come out with the flu.)
(7) Ask questions.
(8) Don't be afraid to speak up for your needs. Waiting is appropriate but if your loved one is very sick and you need attention don't be afraid to ask for a nurse to come help.
(9) If you are going to drive yourself (or have someone drive you) and you are not going to come by ambulance consider calling your doctor to alert the ER that you are coming (if it is a serious situation).
(10)If you can try to go early. One statistic stated that most ER's are busiest at 7pm.
(11) Make sure to ask if you can go to the bathroom or eat something. Certain tests are compromised by eating.
(12) If you are not comfortable with your doctor request a specialist or a more senior ER doctor. You have the right to do so and if it is necessary use this right!
And finally...
(13) "The American College of Emergency Physicians says that sometimes a patient will come in with mild symptoms, and while they are waiting, their medical condition worsens. It's very important for emergency patients in waiting rooms to notify the triage nurse if they are in pain or if they start to feel worse. If they are still concerned, they should ask to speak to an emergency physician or a patient advocate. People should not leave the emergency department without being seen."
Looking for other health tips? Check out all of the Thursday Health Thoughts from the last 13 years HERE!
I hope that these tips are helpful! What are some of your best tips for having a smooth emergency room visit?
Lately, I have found myself reaching for pistachios more often than usual.
Maybe it is the season of early spring here in upstate New York, when the air is still cold but the light begins to shift. Maybe it is simply that moment in the afternoon when you want something nourishing but simple. Either way, pistachios have quietly become one of my favorite small rituals during the day.
There is something about the act of opening each shell slowly — a small pause in the middle of a busy day — that feels almost meditative. But beyond their simple charm, pistachios are also one of the most nutritionally powerful nuts you can add to your daily routine. For those of us rebuilding health, routines, and even finances later in life, small habits like this matter more than we often realize.
Here are five health benefits of pistachios that make them such a wonderful addition to everyday living.
1. Pistachios Are Rich in Heart-Healthy Fats
Unlike processed snacks that leave you feeling sluggish, pistachios contain primarily monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health. These healthy fats can help:
* Lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
* Support healthy blood vessels
*Reduce inflammation
Heart health becomes especially important as we move through our 40s and beyond. A small handful of pistachios — about 49 nuts — offers satisfying nutrition without the heaviness of many snack foods.
In many ways, pistachios offer that rare balance: something that feels indulgent but is quietly supporting your long-term health.
2. They Are Surprisingly High in Protein
Pistachios are one of the highest-protein nuts available. A one-ounce serving contains about 6 grams of protein, which helps:
* Keep you full longer
* Support muscle maintenance
* Stabilize energy levels
This makes pistachios a wonderful afternoon snack — especially on long teaching days, writing days, or travel days when meals sometimes become irregular. Instead of a quick sugar spike, pistachios offer steady nourishment.
3. Pistachios Support Eye Health
One of the most fascinating benefits of pistachios is that they contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants known to support eye health. These compounds help protect the eyes from:
* Blue light exposure
* Age-related macular degeneration
* Oxidative stress
For those of us who spend long hours reading, grading papers, writing, or working on screens, this is a quietly important benefit. It is remarkable how often the foods that seem simplest — nuts, olives, fresh fruits — contain the very nutrients our bodies need most.
4. They Can Help Support Healthy Weight Management
Despite being calorie-dense, pistachios can actually support healthy weight management. There are several reasons for this:
• The protein and fiber increase satiety
• The act of opening the shells slows down eating
• Studies suggest the body does not absorb all the calories from whole nuts
In fact, pistachios are often called a “mindful snack.” When you eat them in their shells, the small pile of empty shells beside you becomes a natural reminder of how much you have eaten — encouraging awareness rather than mindless snacking.
5. Pistachios Contain Important Vitamins and Minerals
Pistachios are a nutritional powerhouse in a very small package. They contain:
* Vitamin B6 – supports brain health and immune function
* Potassium – important for blood pressure balance
* Fiber – supports digestion
* Magnesium – supports muscle and nerve function
In many ways, pistachios reflect something we are rediscovering about nutrition: the most nourishing foods are often the ones closest to their natural state.
A Small Ritual Worth Keeping
There is something quietly grounding about a bowl of pistachios on the table.
They are simple. They are nourishing. And they invite you to slow down — even if just for a few minutes.
Perhaps that is why I have been craving them lately. In a world that often moves too quickly, even a handful of pistachios can become a small act of care: for your body, your mind, and the quiet rhythms of everyday life. And sometimes, those small habits are where restoration begins.
Happy Thursday friends! In today's Thursday Health Thought post I am excited to talk more on the importance of detox baths! This was something that I did throughout my fight for my health and life with Advanced Late Stage Lyme Disease, Cancer, and other multiple illnesses that was exceptionally helpful and I have continued it to this day! You can read more about Lyme Detox bath specifically, HERE!
For a LONG time my life consisted of two detox baths a day to help in the role of healing. I did one every single morning and every single evening during my fight for my health. As I healed I lessoned these and now depending on the week, my commitments outside the home, and different times of year I do some approximately 4-6 times a week to help protect and support my health.
To be frank, I am not sure why I didn't start doing detox baths before November 2013. I used to take a relaxing bath once a week years ago, but I never really investigated the arena of detox baths until 2013 when a fellow Lymie suggested it. After several of my Lyme symptoms continued to flare and worsen and become debilitating, I was desperate to find relief and a friend suggested Epsom salt baths.
I researched a ton about it, talked with several other "Lymie friends", discussed it with a naturopath doctor, talked with my physician and medical team, and continued to research some more. After about 4 weeks of intense research I thought it was worth a try and could help me on this journey. Frankly I have never regretted it or looked back.
The benefits that I have found plus the benefits to my health and help in healing were priceless. For a long time I was asked if I really kept up with 2 a day detox baths and the answer was a definite YES. I did them every single day- even on holidays and when I traveled for treatment and continued to do them even when I didn't feel like it or I was exhausted from intense treatment. I did them on the morning of surgeries, on Christmas day, trips for the blog, on vacations, and even on my birthday. In the summers at the cabin where we do not have a tub, someone would drive me (when I was so sick and weak to drive) the two hours back and forth to the house each day to do the baths. There was literally no break. Consistency was a key to healing in general. If I was traveling somewhere where there was not a tub (for instance for the cruises) I would do a modified bath with a LONG shower and a foot detox bath. It wasn't the same, but it still helped keep up the detoxing every single day.
Today I don't stick that to strict of a schedule simply because I have healed and am now in a supporting role of health with my body. So for example, when I travel I don't do the foot detox baths anymore, but just get back into my normal routine when I get home. During the winter when more toxins seem to bring more sickness and because I am out living life, I do more than I do during the summer. In the summer I probably do 1 a week if that but in the winter I probably average 3-6 a week depending on the week.
Today, to be frank, I sometimes do not feel like doing them. Honestly for a while I didn't even want to do them anymore because I was tired of "sick world things". But I have learned over time how vitally important it is to keep supporting your health- even at times you may not "feel like it". Detox baths are one easy and practical way for me to do this. I am on year thirteen of doing this and it is a discipline that isn't really "fun". BUT, while I might not "feel" like doing them, or I am tired, or (the main reason) I often feel like doing something else that is more "fun", I have learned how important that this discipline is for my health and for the support of my body and I view it as a gift.
One of things that best things that a detox bath does is help my body remove unwanted toxins. Due to the fact that I do have the MTHFR gene my body struggles (more than the "normal person") to detoxify. Having added toxins is never good for your health but especially when you are recovering from an intense fight for your life, you do not need to carry additional toxins. These baths are a simple aid that I can use to help my support this detoxification process.
A second thing that a detox bath does is to help strengthen my immune system. When you are seriously ill detox baths can be a simple way of allowing you to absorb some things that you might not be able to otherwise do through your skin. Some of the products that you can use in your detox bath can help strengthen your immune system which can also be a wonderful help! I found the same thing is true when I returned to working outside the home after being homebound for nearly a decade in 2019.
Today, like I mentioned I use the detox baths as a way to gently support my body and plan to continue this for the rest of my life. There are SO many reasons for this:
Benefits of Epsom Salt Detox Baths
So as I mentioned before I take Epsom salt baths (as my base).There are so many benefits of Epsom salts which include:
(1) improving heart health
(2)reducing blood clots
(3) lowering blood pressure
(4) improving the body's ability to use insulin,
(5)reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes,
(6)Flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells
(7) easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances,
(8)Improve nerve function by regulating electrolytes and more."
(All of this information was found on the Epsom Salt Council's website page.)
Type of Baths
I add to the Epsom salt baths a 1/3 of a cup of raw apple cider vinegar (you can read about the benefits of apple cider vinegar here), a 1/3 of a cup of Aloe Vera Juice, and then certain essential oils that I have researched and found to be helpful. For a long time, I did this not only with my symptoms but also help in the healing process of after a fight with a serious illness like Lyme Disease. [I have also been known to add in additional kinds of Aloe Vera juice, probiotics, and even water from stems of greens].
There are so many different detox bath recipes that you can find online or in doing research. Kris Carr has created a detox bath recipe which you can find by clicking here. (Honestly I could list about a thousand so I would encourage you to talk with your physician and do lots of research!)
Temperature of the Bath
As far as the temperature goes I actually varied the temperature every day with every bath while I was sick. It took a crazy amount of planning but I took the time to really think through and map out my baths and their temperatures. There were a couple of reasons for this:
First, many people believe that very hot baths are the best at killing toxins. I believe that there is merit to this, but there is also research coming out of Japan (Kyoto Prefectural University) that states that there is some correlation between extreme hot baths and heart attacks. Due to this (and I don't think this can be stressed enough) it is VERY important to consult with a physician before beginning detox baths.
Second, I also varied the temperature because there is some research that states that taking a cold shower can actually improve your immune function. All of that to say it is best to consult with a physician to come up with a detox bath schedule that works best for you!
Because this is so much part of my life and routine I follow a more simple schedule and rotate throughout the week- adjusting to my body's needs.
Negative Side Effects of Detox Baths
At the end of the day there are some negative side effects of detoxing (which again is why you want to consult a physician) and I would encourage you to go slow. Anyone who has done any type of detoxing knows what I mean. Unfortunately when I first started in 2013, I didn't research as much as I should have, I didn't talk with a physician and jumped right into doing several different detoxifying things. I was sick on top of my fight for my health for several weeks and it was awful and instead of helping me it ended up putting me farther back in my health journey. So definitely consult with a physician before doing anything.
When I started the research process again specifically on detox baths I did things more slowly (even with the amount of the ingredients that I use) and slowly starting adding different detoxifying methods in. At the beginning it felt that I was doing absolutely nothing, but now, over a decade later I can't believe all that my body was doing and does to this day!
So take things slow... and especially if you are seriously ill take things even slower. Treat your body like the warrior that it is and honor it with taking things one step at a time. Drink lots of extra water and rest more. Detoxifying is a process and it is not a sprint so take your time and you will get there!
I would love to know if you take detox baths and what you put in yours! Do you find them helpful?
Looking to read more "Thursday Health Thoughts, The Benefits of Posts"? Click HERE for all of the posts in this series from over the years!
ALL of this information is only to be helpful and I can't stress how important it is to follow the path of a doctor in your detoxifying process. Detoxifying is a necessary part of healing but must be done under the care of a knowledgeable physician.
This post was one of my original Thursday Health Thoughts post in 2013 and I wanted to update it for 2026, especially in light of mom's recent breast cancer diagnosis. I love this encouragement and hope it helps you today also!
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These past few weeks I have been reminded of how important "the code" is to my life. And why I need "the code". When you are healthy you need to have "the code" but when you are dealing with an illness this becomes an even more profound need.
So what is "the code"? "The Code" has been referred to in a number of different ways but the key part of it is the idea of boundaries and what you will and will not allow into your life. Or more accurately who you will allow in your life and the approach that they have with you. I have talked about this before on the blog but I have received so many emails, facebook messages, and phone calls recently that are related to this issue that I knew that this is such an important topic to discuss again. I know for myself that I am constantly and prayerfully working through this.
Even just yesterday there was a work situation where this came into play. An incredibly harsh conversation was taking place and even though I am healthy, I remembered how important that this is to have the code.
Everyone is walking through something. It might be known or it might be hidden behind the private doors of your home and heart, but one thing that we can never regret is instead of being harsh is to be kind.
If you are sick the last thing that you need is a harsh word or criticism about what you should be doing to get better. I understand. Truly I do. When I was walking through my battle for my health (you can read all of the posts about this journey HERE!) I heard everything from being told that I need to have more faith to get better or that I shouldn't do this or that (including comments on opinions on different supplements or seeing certain doctors) to even opinions on getting a port for treatment.
Recently, with mom's breast cancer diagnosis this has started all over again in numerous different ways. I have been shocked honestly by all of the different things that I have heard, been told, and just the way that in most cases people have approached this with me. The number of "horror breast cancer stories" I have heard in the last 2 months has been absolutely shocking. And to be frank, most have come from people who are people of faith. I have been so grateful for people who have spoken hope and life into this situation and have prayed for us and have joined with us in believing for complete healing. But my heart hurts for those who must be walking through the same thing that I have been.
Enter in "the code".
Our code is pretty simple: If you have love and hope you are welcomed into my tribe, anything else is not accepted. End of story. No exceptions.
I love how Kristian Anderson in his book Days Like These, (found HERE) states his "code":
"When you come to me or my family, there is now a dress code in effect. Come to us wearing Faith and Hope, you will be warmly welcomed. Come to us wearing Fear and Doubt, and you will be politely asked to leave. This dress code will be strictly enforced."
Kris Carr, in her book, Crazy Sexy Cancer (found HERE) states it incredibly well when she states: "Some people and activities may have to take a back burner for now. When confronted with a social obligation or engagement, ask yourself: does it tire me or does it inspire me? Stuff {or people} that bring ya down just has to go. If the people in your life can't roll with your decisions, then unfortunately the tribe has spoken and they'll get kicked off Cancer Island. You'll find out pretty quickly who you can really count on {and} not to take it personally."
Realize, as one member of my tribe has lovingly said to me recently: If you are struggling with health issues, you have the right to be selfish for your health. Make decisions that protect and help you get well. Enacting "the code" is one of those decisions.
As I have healed and continue to heal from over a decade of being seriously ill, I continue to find how important "the code" is for my health and my life. In some ways I have found it to be even more precious and yesterday was a fierce reminder of this.
How do you enact "the code"? Here are a couple of things that I have done and had to put into practice over the last years:
(1)Establish Boundaries.
Do this with those in your personal and public (work and social media) lives. One step that I took was de-friending, unfollowing, and putting space between some "friendships" on facebook that were toxic and literally causing me additional health issues. Receiving such negative and hurtful and unkind comments and behavior was not healthy for me so I took this step. Honestly, it was painful at first back in the beginning of my health journey, but now I have seen how freeing this has been. I have worked through forgiveness for each person and then prayed for their blessing and moved forward in God's love and grace. I truly believe that there are seasons in everyone's life and sometimes for a season the most loving thing you can do for yourself is establish some strict boundaries.
(2)Make Hard Decisions on Who You Want in Your Tribe.
Kris Carr shared a story that resonated with me (and one that was very similar to an experience I had): "A few months after my diagnosis, a longtime friend of mine flew into town to take me to lunch. How nice, I thought. It had been awhile since I'd seen her, and I was touched by the effort. Well, about three sips into my soy latte, the following pamphlets appeared on the table: A Guide to End of Life Issues, Is Your Will in Order, Who Pulls the Plug When This All Goes South?... Major boundary citation!"
I laugh out loud and yet I completely relate to this story. I was brokenhearted when I had to make the difficult decision to separate myself from one of my former best friends in the middle of my health journey. I literally cried my eyes out as I consulted with Godly leaders who are in my life over some extremely hurtful and difficult text messages and emails. Despite my wish, dream, hourly prayer, and goal to find grace and restore our friendship, I was only met with criticism, harshness, and judgment and many conversations like the ones above. This person questioned my faith throughout my illness (blaming this on the reason I was sick) and even at one point when dealing with a serious blood clot with my Picc Line ("Nic the Picc" *smiles*) was texting me to ask if I had prayed. This unfortunately had been taking place for almost a year, and I spent so much emotional energy and even physical energy as I literally wept for hours over these situations, and then got a HUGE wake up call from my caring medical team. They bluntly yet lovingly said that it was time to make some hard decisions over who needed to be in my tribe and who I wanted to be in my tribe.
I realized from that specific situation that to love anyone in my life well (which I wasn't able to do because of the stress and pressure that was coming from this one specific relationship) I needed to really prayerfully evaluate the friendship. I realized that despite everything I tried it was not a friendship that I was healthy. It was one of the most painful decisions of my life but it was also freeing. As it has been more than 7 years I can attest to the fact that I have never for one moment regretted this decision. In fact as I look back I wish I had moved forward sooner. It was truly a time to "dust your feet" and move forward in grace.
(3) Offer Total Forgiveness and Move Forward in God's Grace.
One of the best books that I have read on forgiveness is called "Total Forgiveness". It is a resource that I have returned to again and again throughout my life. Even these past couple of months something incredibly painful occurred that has some extremely severe consequences and I returned once again to this book. These past several weeks I have been reading and re-reading through this as I move forward and forgive.
I also have been gently and lovingly encouraged to commit to not discussing in great detail the actions that happened against me with anyone. I can honestly and truthfully say that by working through and totally forgiving those who have hurt us we are able to move forward, prayerfully wishing those who have hurt us the best, and not holding on to any bitterness or resentment, and only thinking of that person in light of who God has made them to be. If you are interested in the book you can find it HERE!
(4) Completing the Two Steps Above Opens Up a Completely Different World.
As you create the code you will be amazed (as I have been) at all of the people that are in your tribe and will find love, laughter, and most of all kindness. Truly I am so blessed. My tender heart has been loved so well and so much grace has been given that I have been swept away by God's tender hand and mercy throughout painful weeks and years and again recently with mom's diagnosis.
It might look completely different than the tribe you first imagined, but it can be absolutely beautiful if you look for it. As you enter into your own code I am confident that you are going to feel the exact same way.
Be thankful for the past, let go with trust, totally forgive, and prayerfully ad joyfully focus on the future and the possibilities that are in front of you. Don't be bitter but instead be thankful for all of the good around you.
Do you have "the code"? What is yours? How do you set up boundaries for your life?
Happy Thursday friends! Today I am excited to share some practical ways that I use avocados in my daily life and hope that they inspire you! These are thoughts and ideas that I have gathered from around the world and were such incredible concepts that I am so excited to share with you today!First, if you missed my post all about the amazing health benefits of Avocados you can read that HERE! I highly recommend reading that first because it is simply amazing all of the health benefits that this berry offers! (Yes, Avocados are berries - and I share more interesting facts in the post also!) Again, start HERE to read that first!
Second, when a food has so many incredible health benefits, I always look for ways to incorporate that throughout my day in different ways. These uses for avocados are simple things that you can do that will bring you additional health benefits! Here are 9 simple ways to use avocados in your daily life beyond just eating them:
(1) Hair Conditioning
Avocado oil is beneficial for hair health and can be used as a natural conditioner to soften and hydrate dry, brittle hair. It helps repair damage, reduce frizz, and enhance shine, making it a popular ingredient in hair masks and treatments.
One of my favorite combinations is a shampoo and conditioner set that I found on Amazon (and has more than 20,000 5 star reviews!). It combines the best of apple cider vinegar (which I have written about extensively on the blog - you can read more HERE!) as the shampoo and then avocado and coconut as the conditioner! It is a great set and is extremely affordable (less than $25!) Find it HERE!
(2) DIY Face Masks
Mashed avocado can be combined with other natural ingredients such as honey, yogurt, or oatmeal to create homemade face masks. These masks help nourish the skin, unclog pores, and improve overall complexion, leaving the skin feeling soft, smooth, and rejuvenated.
Looking for superfood masks? Check out THIS 12 Pack Sheet that includes many different superfoods including an avocado mask! For less than $6 these are a steal! Click HERE!
(3) Natural Skincare/Soap
Avocado oil is beneficial for skin health and can be used as a natural oil to soften and hydrate dry, skin. It helps repair damage and enhance glow, making it a popular ingredient in many skin treatments.
Avocado oil is also a common ingredient in handmade soap recipes due to its moisturizing and nourishing properties. Avocado oil-based soaps are gentle on the skin and help maintain its natural moisture balance, making them suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
You can find one of my favorite soaps (for less than $2!) HERE! Looking for one specifically for the men in your life? Dove puts out a soap specifically for men that includes avocado oil. You can find it HERE!
(4) Wood Polishing
Avocado oil can be used as a natural alternative to traditional wood polish. Its moisturizing properties help condition and protect wooden furniture, floors, and surfaces, leaving them with a rich, lustrous finish.
(5) Lip Balm
Avocado oil can be used to make homemade lip balms and lip glosses. Its emollient properties help hydrate and soften dry, chapped lips, while its rich texture provides a smooth, glossy finish.
You can find a lip balm that includes avocado oil HERE!
(6) Burn Relief
The cooling and moisturizing properties of avocado oil make it a soothing remedy for minor burns, sunburns, and insect bites. Applying avocado oil to affected areas helps alleviate discomfort, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. While I also use aloe for minor burns (I have an aloe plant but also love this aloe HERE), avocado oil has also quickly become a favorite. You can find a wonderful avocado oil HERE (and guess what? it is less than $6.00!!)
(7) Massage Oil
Another use for avocado oil is to use it as a massage oil. Avocado oil is an excellent base oil for massage blends due to its lightweight texture and skin-nourishing benefits. It glides smoothly over the skin, allowing for effortless massage while moisturizing and conditioning the skin.
Again, find a wonderful and affordable avocado oil HERE!
(8)Natural Dye
If you are an artist who likes to use eco-friendly methods in your creations, than avocados can become your answer! Avocado pits can be boiled to extract a natural pink dye, which can be used to color fabrics, yarns, and other materials. This eco-friendly dyeing method produces soft, muted shades of pink and is popular among environmentally-conscious crafters and textile artists.
(9) Gardening
Y'all might remember doing this as a project in school (I know my mom used it as an Elementary teacher in her 3rd and 4th grade science classes) but you can grow your own avocado plant at home!
Avocado pits can be used to grow avocado plants at home. By suspending the pit over water with toothpicks, roots will sprout, and eventually, a new avocado tree will grow. This can be a fun and educational gardening project for children and adults alike!
I hope that these 9 easy and effective ways to include avocados in your daily life have been helpful friends! What are ways that you include avocados in your life?
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