Healing...

Jus Juus, Wicker Park

I will rarely talk about living with POTS Syndrome on my blog but today, I will lift the veil.  I believe anyone can heal from a health crisis and a health crisis - to me - includes any long term chronic illness so no stone unturned folks. 

I know for an actual fact that to actually overcome being ill, it takes daily perseverance, healthy daily alkalinity via our diets, tremendous amounts of positivity, a village of supporters and little to no stress.  Also, it takes money.  And if you take any one component mentioned out of the equation? You are not going to get well.  It's pretty close to a promise. 

Because I have felt myself sliding far backwards lately, I have recommitted to a 30 day kickoff of everything written above.  My personality type requires deep diving into whatever it is I am going to accomplish - I do not do well with 'little by little' - 'small steps' - 'moderation'.  I have to go for it - change it all 'overnight'. 

What helped me mentally prepare was watching this video by Hillary Biscay at MindBodyGreen.com http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-14458/how-to-believe-in-yourself-when-no-one-else-does-hillary-biscay.html. Hillary is a 'a triathlon champion who has finished more than 60 Ironmans, making her one of the most prolific leaders in her sport' - MindBodyGreen.com. 

Hillary says ONE line in the beginning of the video that will become my own mental daily trick. It's amazing how someone can say 'one thing' and it's 'THAT' thing that registers and in THIS video, Hillary said it!  It's simple but powerful and it's a game changer.  Yep, you have to watch the video to find out - worth your time!

Hillary Biscay http://hillarybiscay.com/

So, I am mentally ready to regain my health {trust me, you need physical, emotional and mental breaks when you are 'at it' for so long).  Thank you Hillary & MindBodyGreen for sharing!!!

Now onto my diet.  I have recommitted to a high iron vegan diet.  I have created the diet on my own with the help of Jus Juus, Dr. Joel Rosen and a plethora of books that are staples such as The Kind Life, Crazy Sexy Diet and My Beef with Meat.  I won't post what I eat daily but know it will consist of a variety of daily morning juices from Jus Juus.  My lunch menu the next thirty days will range from high iron bean & quinoa dishes, hearty green salads, avocado toast w/ red pepper flakes and collard green wraps.  Dinner will be high in healthy fats and protein.  My body is going to get an overload of greens - kale, spinach, avocados, chard, mixed greens, peppers, grapes, cucumbers, zucchini, apples, etc.  And I will be consuming a lot of watermelon - a LOT of it - along w/ peaches, bananas, various berries and plums.  And yes, chocolate will make it's way into my weekly diet - this is a lifestyle change, not a restriction 'put myself in food jail' plan. I am freeing my body from ill health and this is how you do it.

Spiritually, I cannot succeed - I cannot approach any goal - I cannot even gather the energy to rise - without Jesus Christ.  So, walking in the Word is the only way for me to live my life.  And with God's grace, I intend to grow closer to Him these next 30 days and onward. I am eager to join my boyfriend in Jennie Allen's Chase study in efforts to grow in Christ. If you don't know Jennie Allen, you are missing out!

Exercise? Walk - walk - walk.

My village? I have decided to surround myself with more people who I want to emulate.  I admire integrity - responsibility - The Fruits of the Spirit via character.  I know I am not going to get healthier spending time with unhealthy peeps - at least it makes it a lot more challenging. 

So, that's my game plan.  If you want to join me, please do.  I intend for this to be a lifestyle change and therefore, life long change is a different mountain to climb.  I am very serious about & beyond committed but my feet must do the talking now. 

Finally, I was asked if I would 'cheat'.  Yeah, I prob. will.... to answer your question Carrie (0:  I am not striving for perfection via a 'diet' - diet is only one component.  I want to change my entire life.  I changed my life in 2011 by overcoming odds that are genuinely not achievable without every component mentioned at the beginning of this blog.  And I can do it again.  So can you - on your terms - in your own way.  Just please do it already because I am reminded daily recently that life is short.  And your 'one day' will result in never if you keep waiting and you certainly do not want to live with that level of regret.