There is a clear reason why I picked up this book a few months ago. Especially as we are approaching week 5 of hanging out at home in between the husband and I working each day.
I’ve felt myself slip a few times. Emotional eating, insomnia, feelings of worry.
Yesterday and this morning, mother nature has reminded us the power of NOW – the power of being IN the moment, not worrying of the future, just being in the now.
“Through forgiveness, which essentially means recognizing the unsubstantiality of the past and allowing the present moment to be as it is, the miracle of transformation happens not only within but also without. A silent space of intense presence arises both in you and around you. Whoever or whatever enters that field of consciousness will be affected by it, sometimes visibly and immediately, sometimes at deeper levels with visible changes appearing at a later time. You dissolve discord, heal pain, dispel consciousness – without doing anything – simply by being and holding that frequency of intense presence.” Page 180 – The Power of Now
The true power of NOW is within you – maximizing your time at home – however that feels right for YOU! Ive had varying feelings of needing rest, comfort food, sleep, reading, writing, picking up my camera or phone and capturing the moment, meditating and even spurts of decluttering our home space.
This has emotionally been challenging for all of us. A time when we need to be conscious of ourselves, understanding and patient – patience I believe is the most importance as living through the pandemic has created a lot of fear based thinking, worry and unfortunately hoarding.
The Power of Now – what can you do for yourself, and your children if you have any, that will allow you to feel a bit more peace? This time in our lives that is literally affecting all of us world wide can bring up past feelings that may have caused you stress or upset, there may also be feelings that you knowingly or unknowingly buried without fully processing them. When these feelings come up, allow yourself to feel them, allow yourself to process them however that feels right to you.
Forgiveness truly can set you free. Do you need to forgive yourself or someone in your life. Forgiveness allows you to release from that past pain and to begin moving forward, whether the other person acknowledges this or not. Forgiveness is for yourself – to free you from that past pain and release living in fight, flight or fear mode.
Its OK, not to be OK!
Today, on Good Friday, I am thankful myself, my husband and our children are all together and safe. We dearly miss our extended family, who we would have been celebrating Easter with as we have always celebrated with either on Friday, Saturday or Sunday together, many years we have multiple celebratings on between those 3 days with the kiddos enjoying another down day on Monday as they are typically off from school but business has always got back up and running.
This is our 2020 norm and that is ok. As much as we are missing our family, I am reminding myself of the power of now. Embracing where we are at, forgiving myself for feeling sad that we cannot get together and knowing that its ok to feel sad. We will make the best of our time together and it will be wonderful, given all circumstances.
Regardless of what plans may have been cancelled, if I may offer encouragement to BE present in your life this weekend and make the best of it! Waking up to a very cold, snowy day I am looking forward to “hibernating” in our home today together, with the exception of providing service for our essential business, which means the husband and I are still “on call” – a fact of life for us and much gratitude to our children for their understanding.
Sending health and happiness vibes out to all, we will get through this together. If it helps, turn off the tv. That’s what we did last night, took a break from the “real world” and enjoyed watching music videos on You Tube… the power of NOW! The power of the moment, especially when so many of the songs literally speak to us XO.
Our sweet rescue kitty is a beautiful reminder everyday of how importance patience is and being in the now, providing her unconditional love and space to truly trust us and her new home. Even though it’s been a few months and she has made wonderful progress, trauma does not dictate a timeline and when we are in the now, zero pressure, we can begin to thrive in our own way, what feels right and necessary 💕🙏
It may feel like a long road while you are travelling, until you reach the destination. Its then you realize, it wasn’t all about the destination, it was the journey of getting there. 💕🙏 Pam Zmija
It can at times be too easy to get wrapped up in how “long” a road may be. Which can lead to unhappiness, higher anxiety, depression, anger, irritability… and even more disruption in your life.
When we look back, that road that felt so long, possibly filled with a range of emotions, in the end wasn’t near as “long” in the big picture.
Emotions that must be felt, processed, rather than focusing on the “long road”, focus on the bits and pieces and allow your body, mind and soul to feel what it needs to feel, without the pressure of “how long”.
Reach for tools that support you best. For me it’s my photography, writing, essential oils, rest, meditation, time with my husband and kids, cooking, reading, getting out in nature, water – being in and on, listening to and being hydrated, my supplements… just to name a few!
When you learn to enjoy recharging, it’s amazing at what you can learn about yourself and your body. One of the best things I’ve learned is how living a healthy, holistic lifestyle has been able to allow me to be so much more in tune with my body. Emotional eating is a crutch I’ve used for many years and although I’ve had my share of indulgences, I am able to quickly recognize that I need to shift, as well as forgiving myself and moving forward. No one is perfect, stice to be YOU! 💕
Tonight while my daughter and I were in the kitchen together I was telling her about the new oil kit that arrived! Which by the way, is amazing and will be on my bedside table! ✌I told her how some of my fav’s were in the kit…
She asked me what oil I really don’t like… I knew the smell before I thought of the name – Spikenard! Do you have this oil at home too?! 🙋♀️ She then put the oil in the diffuser. It had been so long since I had used it I completely forgot that it may smell horrible out of the bottle, but it’s really not bad in the diffuser.
Then it hit me… what is the emotional use of this oil…
SPIKENARD THE OIL OF GRATITUDE 🙏 It is exactly what I needed. I’ve been practicing being grateful no matter what, and it helps, so much 💕 I am SO grateful for the emotional support of these oils. Smell great, grounding, uplifting, cleansing. So if you have Spikenard at home… now’s the time to pull it out!!! 🙌
With the floral collection, they are all so delicious! Rose, Jasmine, Neroli, Magnolia – all ones I love and have been so drawn to all of them lately to help calm my anxious feelings. Now… a new floral touch – Blue Lotus! Its gorgeous! Has some beauty benefits too! 🥰 Blue Lotus is beautiful at supporting a heightened feeling of spiritual growth, encouragement, understanding and forgiveness. All beautiful support at time time in our world.
I am oiled up with the florals and ready for a beautiful nights sleep! Much needed after waking a few times last night! I really love how these ‘gentle’ florals are with my emotions 🙏💧.
Ive been getting much better at handling this emotionally. As hard as it can feel some days.
I welcome the break, the free time in the evenings and weekends to get things done at home and relax.
This has felt more surreal than real life. For the most part, being at home and work and no where in between isn’t out of the norm for me. Thats what would have happened at this time of year with hockey and skating coming to an end. But this was completely not by choice and not within our control.
We have had more “time” on the weekends at home, which has been beautiful. However I have also recognized that I certainly have been having some slower mornings on the weekend and just need time to just be – which is completely ok! Saturday’s are better than Sunday’s for sure. Sunday is typically when Ive been grocery shopping. Purposely avoiding the rush of Saturday. The online grocery orders now more than a 1.5 weeks away.
Ive had my moments, little spurts of energy to get stuff done. Ive been getting really good at keeping the kitchen cleaner. My kids are comfortable being in the kitchen, which does also result in more dishes. However they are cooking themselves food, with healthy options so its all ok.
Then Ive had my sinking moments. Ironically, perhaps not, its when I have to go out in public. And not because I am afraid I will get sick. I am being realistic, I understand how serious this is, I have loved ones who are considered high risk. What freaks me out is now what we are currently living in. Let me be completely honest though, I love my personal space. Space is one reason we have two new home additions, not to fill with more things, literally for more space. So when I say the distancing is something that pulls on me, its because we must stay at a distance, for our health and safety as well as everyone elses. Seeing people distancing, physically wearing masks and gloves. I feel completely safe in my home and at our office. When I am out, I do not feel that same “safe”. Because of the visual triggers. Which at this time are important in the control of this pandemic. This I understand and respect.
Not that long ago we took advantage of being able to just run into the grocery store to grab a few things on the way home from work, perhaps meeting your spouse there after work to figure out dinner together, walking the town streets during ladies night browsing in all the windows that were lit up and the stores with shoppers, our kids with friends at the hockey games and skating, cheering on our local sports, enjoying a meal out, hair, lash and nail appointments, celebrations…
This is also a very big disappointment for me. Celebrations that we will now have to celebrate virtually. Our family has always been about family dinners, celebrating birthdays and holidays. Today we would have celebrated Kelsey’s birthday, if we could. Its these moments that I miss so dearly. Shopping in the grocery store seeing the hams, even some lamb, the easter things. It hurt. Very conflicted feelings, which I think is why I ended up feeling worse. It hurts that we cannot get together, its also important that we not get together. That’s where I am conflicted.
Easter will still be a wonderful weekend with us and our kids. Not the new normal, just for this year. Perhaps even be able to “see” everyone virtually might be an option as well. The next time we see each other physically, it will mean even more. My reasoning for taking photos at family events, much more strengthened in my heart and soul.
Being a futuristic person, it can be challenging for me to be completely in the now, without moving into the future. This has proven even more challenging with the effects of Covid-19 on our business with even more restrictions but still providing emergency service for customers. Going through a screening process, even denying some, that plays on your emotions too.
Seeing conspiracy theory beliefs online, various people doing their own reporting etc. Ive been trying really hard to be positive. To allow myself the downtime and rest when I need it. To not be hard on myself if I just don’t have it in me to declutter the office (filing and organizing a massive pile) – yes it would make me feel so much better in the end, I just cannot get the motivation to get started today, especially after the grocery store. These theories and beliefs are exhausting. What I have seen is the people with these belief’s, are doing as they please, which goes against staying at home and physically distancing. Many are in the US. The numbers are also, perhaps coincidentally, skyrocketing… Am I a huge fan of the government, no. Do I listen to the news regularly, only recently. Am I extremely religious, no – I have my beliefs and choose to be non-denominational.
As much as this is an inconvenience, this IS happening. We have exhausted nurses and doctors. All that is being asked of you is to stay home. Simply refusing to distance and stay home, all that does is put everyone at even more risk. Ive been working so hard to be upbeat and positive, this however pisses me right off. Hearing of someone encourage others to go reach out to people and hug them, or that we are all essentially getting brain washed by the government.
As someone who is involved in the daily operation of a business, with employees – why would the government purposely want the majority of businesses in the world be shut down?! The government earns money from its people. Its exhausting to people, like me, who are hands on involved in a business, is also a wife and mother. Its not just about me. Its not just about you. Its about all of us collectively.
I left the grocery store and was driving home, which isn’t that far and suddenly began crying. Seeing the physical distance between people, the face masks, gloves, some bare shelves, mentally asking myself over and over again if I should be getting more of this or that. It felt good to cry. Which I waited to do at home after bringing the groceries in. Looking at the bins on the floor, thinking about how after I touch the baskets and foods I have to immediately wash my hands as well as wash everything down. Really not a bad habit to get into, we all could avoid a lot less “bugs” if we were a bit more conscious about this. Removing things from packing and properly disposing – recycling when applicable and storing in food storage containers, helping them to last longer!
My trip to the grocery store in total from leaving home to getting the groceries put away would have been about 3 hours. 3 hours of my time, which was also emotionally draining, especially for an empath. Kudos to the grocery sore, both of ours in town have been wonderful at encouraging distancing and also updating stock. I am happy to see limits on things now, as unfortunately there are hoarders who are literally buying all they can of a few things – which for some strange reason has been toilet paper, as well as cleaning wipes and sprays – that I can understand. We all need to be prepared, however the government has also said they want to keep food moving, people need to eat.
The more we work together, the sooner we will all heal through this. Its an opportunity to feel these types of emotions and learn to actually begin processing them vs putting on the shelf for later. For everyone of all ages, if you are “bored” – why? What could you do? If you have feelings like I experienced at the grocery store, why is that? I know for me its mainly because I am a mom, I know we have a family to feed so I want to be prepared, but then I get way far ahead of myself and think but how much do we need, what if I dont get enough, what if we are suddenly locked down like Italy. Its also a very visual reminder seeing and just being out in public. Very realistic measures that have been helping in Canada, that can still feel sad even though they are helping. A reminder that its all in divine timing.
Part of these emotions are most likely fueled by the additions. Which divine timing is a huge part of. We had tabled the addition for the year, had the foundations installed to suffice the township, let our framer know and went with the flow, knew that it most likely would happen in the spring but were open to shifting. We shifted big time, what I thought at the time being a big stressor, has actually been a blessing. In this moment though, we have another couple significant things happening in the next 1-4 weeks that has me both excited and also apprehensive.
Tonight, as a family we came together in the kitchen. I admit I didn’t do much after groceries. So when my husband and son were prepping for dinner, I cleaned up and did some dishes. My husband cooked while my daughter made some apple crisp for dinner! A great way to end our day and weekend by reframing my mind!
My husband made a home made tangerine chicken and gravy. We had mashed potatoes, salad and veggies and then finished with a delicious apple crisp!
I’ve had a challenging time sleeping the past couple weeks. There are times I allow the outside world to influence my inside world, which can result in my sleep being altered.
Monday felt emotionally challenging, the numbers of this illness are increasing daily, thankfully not directly around us, but for some countries at a staggering rate. I didn’t sleep well that night and was up very early Tuesday. I allowed myself to sink into the feeling and just be.
The world is so consumed with the Corona Virus, and yet “real” life continues on, sometimes adding to the emotional challenges. Which is ok.
I’ve noticed growth in all of us, although at times we each pull back and inward in our own way.
This virus, although numbing and alarming at the rate of the daily numbers, is here to collectively teach us as a world.
Gratitude is key! What are you grateful for in your life. Even the small things that may seem like they don’t matter, they do in a very big way! I truly love my Dailygreatness Journal. It is with me daily. I haven’t missed a day, albeit I have missed a morning or evening, or my writing isn’t very in depth (I’ve realized is a clue for me that I’m way too far up in my head and need to come down, thanks Anxiety 🙄). The less I write, the more I am silently struggling. Interesting eh 🥰! This journal which is also a planner starts the day off with questions, many of which pull out your gratitude first thing to get your mind moving in the right direction. Be grateful for what you have, truly grateful. Grateful for where you live (even if it’s not your dream home), grateful for those you share it with etc… Grateful for everything in your life, because even challenges help us grow! For true healing, we need to go within. For some that is and will be difficult. You can do it. We are literally being told to stay home. At this moment all plans have been cancelled – except being in your home with yourself and whoever else you live with. It’s the perfect time to do a deep dive! Start with a journal, listen to some podcasts. People I find motivating to me, may or may not be for you and that’s ok! Whoever you feel drawn to, go with it and be ok that it may change again and again too! Our emotional health greatly affects our physical health. I’ve noticed often with my own health, how I FEEL is the best indicator of how I am doing physically. If I feel good that means I am eating well for my body, getting adequate rest, hydrating etc.
You are what you consume! This has been on the forefront of my life for the past almost 6 years. This was when I decided ‘OK it’s time to make a shift’
You are what you consume! This has been on the forefront of my life for the past almost 6 years. This was when I decided ‘OK it’s time to make a shift’
For true healing, we need to go within. For some that is and will be difficult. You can do it. We are literally being told to stay home. At this moment all plans have been cancelled – except being in your home with yourself and whoever else you live with. It’s the perfect time to do a deep dive! Start with a journal, listen to some podcasts. People I find motivating to me, may or may not be for you and that’s ok! Whoever you feel drawn to, go with it and be ok that it may change again and again too! Our emotional health greatly affects our physical health. I’ve noticed often with my own health, how I FEEL is the best indicator of how I am doing physically. If I feel good that means I am eating well for my body, getting adequate rest, hydrating etc.
You are what you consume! This has been on the forefront of my life for the past almost 6 years. This was when I decided ‘OK it’s time to make a shift’. What you consume is more than just food, its who you surround yourself with, what you see online and watch on tv, read in the newspaper, the people in your community. We are now being told to stay home, you have been more “control” over your consumption now! What goes on your skin, what you touch, the products you use, the foods and drinks you consume matter!
Sometimes when it feels like the end, it’s actually the beginning. Shift your mindset. I remind myself of this daily, sometimes multiple times. It’s ok to shift. As we learned in Gabby’s Anxiety Workshop, we must be ok with forgiving ourselves and moving forward to grow. We ALL experience this, some are just more in tune with the process.
This is a challenging time for everyone of all ages. Yes even kids who are so resilient at times. I am so proud of our kids for doing as well as they are. It hit me last night how these past couple, hmm maybe its few by now 🤔🤷♀️, weeks have completely shifted our lifestyle. Especially in the winter when we have school, work, kids sports, social and hobbies! I am thankful for my kids ages, they have shown us maturity and responsibility as well as the importance of just BEING! Our family has been going with the flow. There have been times each of us has individually felt frustrated, stressed, overwhelmed, sad, happy, worried and that’s OK! It’s ok to feel these things, it’s ok to not have a completely structured day and routine (no really it’s ok… this routine thing is something I am still working on!), its ok to enjoy jammie days and movies, especially on dark and dreary days! I will be honest we have NOT even tried to incorporate “home schooling” yet and I’ve been ok with that because they have been actively participating in REAL life at home. Cooking, cleaning, laundry, helping their dad or I with various tasks in the house or garage. The announcement last night, albeit expected, hearing the message from our school board instantly made me cry. I’m not exactly sure why, I had a feeling this was coming, I honestly don’t think the kids will be going back before September. Hearing that message sparked more unknown in me. Especially when their dad and I are still working (thankfully). The majority of the evenings we eat as a family together, it’s been so nice. There also has been some evenings where we allow buffet style eating freedom. Here are the options, you are welcome to choose and figure it out. We have watched alot of movies. Something my husband and I loved doing, before kids. As we maneuver through this, we can model for our kids. I’ve told my kids how I feel, I’ve apologized to my kids for not having patience (the first week of unknown/uncertainty was challeging), I’ve reminded them of their capability and encouraged them. We have spent time together but honestly we have each all enjoyed alot of time as individuals, each of us, which I feel has been fabulous to support ourselves with some downtime. Something that’s truly needed.
It’s time to dig into meal planning, recipes and
The unknown can force us to explore a part of we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to get to know.
I had the opportunity to listen to this wonderful workshop this afternoon with Gabby Bernstein about relief for our anxiety during these uncertain times! Gabby provided us with 6 tools in addition to meditation that can be helpful during these times when our anxiety is higher and there is so much unknown circulating throughout the world.
Before I began the webinar workshop I got myself grounded by applying Balance Essential Oil to my wrists and chest as well as the back of my neck. I also applied Wild Orange Essential Oil to my wrists. Balance is one of my key oils we use in our home daily, it was one of my first oils I was introduced to and still one of my favourites for feeling grounded. Wild Orange is incredibly uplifting and I also find it very calming. I personally (and my family) find citrus oils to be beautifully relaxing vs say Lavender, which most people naturally lean to. Either way – whatever you find grounding, uplifting, lean into that! I listened to the FREE Positive Energy Affirmation Meditation and I was ready to lean in and listen! <3
I asked Gabby’s permission to share my own personal notes with you about the webinar. I also included the link so you too can get registered and listen to this at 8pm TONIGHT!!! If you are unable to listen tonight, get registered so you can receive the recording and links! Click on the Register link below! Once you are registered and you have access to the webinar workshop and also be able to download your FREE Meditation! YES you have time to meditate, especially now my friends XO!
“We can change our experience, of our experiences.” ~ Gabby Bernstein
Voo Chanting
Vibrational lower belly sound that stimulates your vagus nerve to shut down your over stimulated nervous system so you can relax. I get that!!! I am feeling that in a very big way.
Benefits – physical sensation of the vibration of the sound, tingling sensation possibly felt in the body, inner sense of security and orient us in the here and now. Trauma Therapist Peter Levine – has a book.
Make a VOO sound – vibration stimulation of the belly
Inhale slowly, hold your breath, then when exhaling say VOOOO
Allow your breath to fully exhale and pause
Practice several times – repeated 5 or 6 times.
That felt really good! I feel SO much lighter. Awesome thank you! I used this technique again this afternoon after going to get grocery’s and it helped put me back into that zen balanced state I was in after the webinar!
Jyutsu – the art of releasing tension
Chronic pain of any kind can benefit from this practice
This will help regulate your nervous system to balance the body, mind and spirit
Two holds – can do for 2 – 10 min and can use the moment you feel anxiety
Right hand over your forehead and left hand over your heart
Then right hand over your stomach and left hand keep on your heart
Both holds – breathe normally and with your eyes closed
I have practiced this before in various meditations, but did not realize this is what it was called. It was so very calming as well, especially after Voo.
EFT – Tapping – Emotional Freedom Technique
Relax and restore our energy field
I am feeling anxious and out of control – 7
Tap on various points on your body
Feeling 4 or 5 now
Now a 2
I am safe.
I love tapping. As odd as it sounds and looks, it really does shift energy. This tapping exercise was very enjoyable. Gabby stops 1/2 way through so you can rate how you are feeling and then again afterwards. We hold so much power within our own body and mind!
Cognitive Behavioural Tool
Choose again method – Super Attractor
Talk our way out of that monkey mind – obsessive thoughts – especially the unknown, the economy, job, food, etc
Give permission to regulate your thoughts and bring back
Step 1 – Recognize where you feel the pain or discomfort and why you are feeling it
What is the fear I have on repeat and where do I feel it – Unknown and in my chest
Step 2 – Forgive yourself for having that thought
Even if you are a spiritual person – everyone experiences these feelings and thoughts – recognize and return to love
“A thought that you keep thinking becomes a belief” – Abraham Hicks
That thought is not who I am – I forgive myself – takes the pressure away
Step 3 – Choose again
Reach for the next best feeling or thought
Helps get back into a state of peace
Think of thoughts that make you feel good to help yourself rise up
Use this tool so it becomes second nature – when you are in the moment you catch yourself, forgive and move to the next best thought!
I am a big fan of Super Attractor, reading about choosing again makes such divine sense, honestly. Everyone feels’ what they feel, we may have a negative or bad experience its natural to need to feel whatever way! Energy needs to flow in our body and when we think bad thoughts it can feel really heavy, thats the best way to describe how I feel, my shoulders can get tense, tight jaw, that uneasy feeling in the gut – sometimes we can feel this so often we really don’t know what it feels like to feel good – I had this with my health for years. Part of my journey to be gluten free – wow I can feel this good. Also easy to flip that to saying to myself “OMG if you would have just listened years ago…”. We cannot change the past, deal with it however appropriate and move forward. Including forgiving yourself. So important. The more we love ourselves, the lighter we feel, the happier and healthier.
Peripheral Vision
Choose a focal point to stare at
Slowly then expand your focus out
Breathing slowly while taking in your surroundings
When overwhelmed and stressed can force us to single in our focus, we need to pull back and experience our peripheral vision again – YES this is so very true!
Whenever possible focus on the big picture. The current global crisis is projected a lot of fear onto all of us. One of which is toilet paper, which still is not available at our local small town grocery store, they sell out every order!? Guys, why!? Big picture – what is that much toilet paper going to do for you? Hoarding is not healthy. This is not focusing on the big picture. The grocery store today was well organized and flowing. It still felt weird. I had to remind myself the big picture. This is short term, people will not be wearing gloves to the grocery store forever. It does though remind us how wonderful it is to slow down. The grocery store was not packed, the parking lot about 1/4 full, unlike any week day I had been by. They reminded of social distancing, had line up markers. It didn’t feel rushed packing groceries either. So as weird as this is, I was able to find a sense of calm in the moment by looking at the big picture.
Meditation for Kids
Time – 41:25
Mudra and Mantra – fingers and thumbs
“Peace Begins With Me”
Start with the pointer finger touching the thumb and then middle, then ring, then pinky with each word that you say you touch a different finger.
Try saying it, thumb to pointer finger – Peace Begins With Me, then middle to thumb, Peace Begins With Me – then ring finger to thumb – Peace Begins with Me, then pinky to thumb – Peace Begins With Me.
I said this a few times, starting faster and as I said it, I could feel myself slowing down to a beautiful natural pace.
Meditation
Meditate regularly
Meditations to calm an anxious mind – gift of the free meditation when you sign up!
Allow yourself and your body to FEEL what you are going through, allow the emotions to flow through you. Rather than letting the emotions and energy getting stuck in your body. By releasing the energy you can allow your body to heal.
“These 7 tools help you to get out of the flight, fight or freeze mindset” – Gabby
Are you listening? I honestly feel like these last 5 years, thats what Ive been doing. Its quite talkative when I really pay attention – to the good and not so good. Key is to listen, and shift your lifestyle…
I briefly mentioned in some previous posts that I had been working at cleaning up my diet, actually I really don’t like the word “diet” because when I think of diet, I think of restriction in a not so healthy way. So Im going to re-phrase that to cleaning up my lifestyle!
Last summer I had some really funky things going on with my body that had me very confused and uncomfortable. Thankfully after months, I was able to get some answers and movement forward after reaching out to my nurse practitioner and telling her my odd story!
When I met with the Gastroenterologist Specialist she was wonderful at going through what I was experiencing, offering some suggestions and moving forward with some tests for further investigation. One of her suggestions was gaining control of my digestive system with an elimination diet called The Low FODMAP Diet. This is a “diet” where you remove 6 types of foods that are known to be challenging to the digestive system and then after not eating any of the foods in these 6 categories for a couple weeks, slowly adding them back in.
What I did already know was the gut – brain connection! We actually have 3 “brains”… our actual brain, our heart and our gut. Our gut health controls alot of how we feel around our emotions. Think of that, when you have a stomach ache or pain how do you feel? I know this all to well, I felt run down, exhausted, short and irritated, unhappy, blah and over weight! Gut health is so key!
Interestingly enough my body thrives when I am gluten free! Something I honestly did not think would be an outcome of this trial but one that I am embracing and enjoying life without. I’d also known that ice cream and milk have been sensitive on my system (especially after some ice cream indulgences last summer), so I am now reaching for lactose free greek yogurt, which is SO good.
When I left the doctors office I burst into tears, I immediately let my mind go to that dark place of my body letting me down, again! I was used to this for years… it was like a flash back to years of pain and unknown. I called my husband sobbing and how I left without any answers and now have to restrict my eating. I really love that my husband and I can provide a logical sounding board to each other. He simply said, remember when I made a decision [to make a shift in my life], I set a date and stuck with it. He knew I was completely up in my head worrying about how to adapt to this change.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s a significant change. It’s literally removing food from my lifestyle, shifting in a very big way. The shift I needed!
I began this shift saying to my family, I dont know why I’m giving up bread, because it will be one that’s fine, I eat it all the time. After 2 1/2 weeks of not having bread, we made sandwiches. One thing I’ve learned is that when you already have emotional eating tendencies, bread or more specifically gluten can add to that “addiction” feeling.
Why is gluten addicting?
There are two main reasons why gluten is so addicting:
I used to blame the veggies portion of a salad on why it used to fast track through my system and that my body didn’t like veggies… when in reality it had nothing to do with the veggies and everything to do with the gluten! I was adding in croutons or crispy onions, left over breaded chicken etc…
It’s important to remember everyone’s body IS different, so what affects me, may not affect someone else and vice versa.
I followed through this “diet” adding things slowly back in, until December. A month I’m sure everyone can understand why. But, I stuck with what I knew. Avoid gluten, lactose, spinach, brussel sprouts (which does make me sad because in the past 2 years I was really enjoying them). Spinach and brussel sprouts make me feel extremely bloated and uncomfortable. This really is trial and error! One thing I learned about myself only a few years ago is that I cannot eat reheated starches, so potatoes, pasta, rice etc. So I was used to this lifestyle already (if I had left overs it meant eating cold or making less, which we have been getting better at doing!).
How do I now feel when I consciously eat? I feel fuller faster, my blood sugar levels feel balanced, I sleep really well, my time in the bathroom is “normal”. What does normal mean? Well for a while I didn’t feel I had a normal, this goes way back to my teen years. I made my “normal” – running to the bathroom after I just ate as things literally rushed through me. Sometimes multiple trips, sometimes in the bathroom for a very long time. Remember where I mentioned “teen years”, yeah this is devastating to a teen girl and affected my confidence in a very big way. And yet even though this was happening at least once, sometimes multiple times a day, I was still feeling so gross IN my body because I was still gaining weight and unable to loose it, even though I literally couldn’t keep all the food in me. I felt derailed so many times. I think this is why my first reaction was calling my husband in tears.
My new normal feels awesome, when I listen to myself. My body processes things as it should, I am pain free, comfortable, healthy. I CAN eat all the salads and not have to run to the bathroom, I just have to watch what goes in it! Hint… there is gluten in a lot of things, secretly!
We have shifted our household over to gluten free pasta and after trying a few types have found some our family really loves!
I was able to naturally loose that weight that the doctor had told me if I could loose, would help lessen my IBS symptoms as well. Actually thinking back, this also triggered me that day leaving the Dr’s, being told to lose another 10% of my weight after I had already lost a significant amount, for me felt like a slap in the face. BUT, It was merely a tap to get moving and listen in to my body even more!
I talked to my kids. I put up a chart on the wall of what I could and couldn’t eat as part of the FODMAP diet. This helped immensely with meal planning and for their understanding. When you are suddenly forced to think outside of the box, it’s incredible how less stressful it is!
As my husband had told me, just set a start date and start. I couldn’t argue with him, because he literally did that and he knew how supportive and proud I was to him. So I did. I printed off the food lists, downloaded the FODMAP app from Monash (which has research behind it supporting this 6 week diet) and got started! If I didn’t know, I would learn on the way!
Now that we are all social distancing, what better time than now to truly take a dive into your eating habits! Be conscious of how you feel AFTER you eat something, and make note. If you are curious about more support, check out the app in your app store or google FODMAP Monash University. I found it to be a very helpful resource while out to eat or doing groceries, even meal planning at home!
5 years previous to this I began getting more in touch with my body and me. I had went through a couple cleanse and restore protocols that helped immensely. I know for a fact those cleanses combined with my energy work propelled my health higher than it ever had been.
So take this time that we have been given, we are all home much more now. Use this as your opportunity to rise up even more, even if that means sinking down into some challenging emotions.
For the emotional eaters out there, I hear you. I hear you, I feel you. I was, no I am you. Being an emotional eater, is triggered by something in your life. For me it can be boredom and sitting in front of the tv, however its typically deeper than that and more linked to stress or other more significant feelings. Which has been my trigger. During this global pandemic I’ve had to really push myself to walk away from the kitchen. I shared the other day on insta of the pain I was in, because I indulged in a food I shouldn’t have. Pain like that I hadn’t felt for a very long time. Truth be told I was allowing myself to feel stressed, scared, worried. All legitimate feelings but also all feelings that food wasn’t going to “fix”! Acknowledge it, be ok with shifting again. Just like when we all learned to walk at various ages, when we fell down, we got back up!
P.S. it’s ok to fall down and get back up again! This is how we learn. We just want to get ourselves to the point where we do not continually fall down the same hole again, and again and again.
So a little insight into what I did and do to help myself when I have an IBS flare up… One oil I have used since the beginning and is with me at all times, DigestZen to calm my digestive system, its incredible and totally helps calm and balance. Peppermint has been scientifically shown to help with IBS symptoms, so I took 2 Peppermint softgels, also took digestive enzymes and a probiotic. At my daughters advice, because she knows it works, I also laid down on my left side for 15 minutes! Plus I cannot forget my oils I use to ground myself, lately I’ve been really pulled to Nerolo, Magnolia and Balance. It all totally helped… BUT in retrospect I wouldn’t have had to even need IF I followed my body’s lead and consumed things that helped my body thrive!
Sugar is also a BIG immune depressant! Something we all should be avoiding especially at this time, yes emotional eaters I’m speaking to you and your kiddos!
With being home more, many restaurants closed or only open for take out, use this to your advantage to figure your body out! Because once you do, and once the world gets back to our “new normal” it’s totally doable to still enjoy meals out AND be healthy! We did all snowmobiling season, how? I pushed judgment aside and asked when in a restaurant!
This is one thing I used to do and will no longer do. I would push my own lifestyle or dietary needs aside because I didn’t want to “inconvenience” someone else?! Which essentially was telling my heart and soul that their feelings and plans mean more than how I feel myself – NO! It’s even been a bit of an adjustment for some of our family, more so when eating out when my options were more restricted to “just eat it tonight”, I pushed through what I would have found embarrassing and just settling to confidence in needing to know what I could eat and feel good!
One thing I have learned is once you clean up your diet and your body is liking what you have done, it’s much quicker to let you know when you have consumed something you shouldn’t have! My kids even remind me of this! Which I am grateful for!
So, what are you waiting for? Use this time. Use this opportunity you have to be cooking more at home to figure out if you should be making shifts in your eating habits! Let’s all come out of this so much healthier and happier as a collective! ✌
On this gorgeous Friday evening I was sitting on my front porch with my dog, enjoying a drink in the sunshine. It’s so quiet. The odd vehicle goes by. Sure it is quieter than town, but as of lately, its eerily serene.
As a true introvert I was completely welcoming of the slow down to prevent large gatherings or shows etc. Where this virus could spread quickly, to flatten the curve. Got my attention but very understandable. Then schools are closed. Closed for 2 weeks following March break. I heard the breaking news over the radio in our office, that literally made me stop. That was my WTF moment. When my heart sank and the uncertainty grew.
I have challenges with the unknown. It’s something that as a very futuristic person can cause major feelings of anxiety.
That is exactly what happened.
It went from large events being cancelled to schools being closed to everyone needs to stay home and only if you are essential can you work. Oh and you cannot see your family and friends as you normally would. Parks are closed. Trails are closed.
What The Actual F?!
This happens in the movies, not in real life. And yet it was. This was, no this is our current life. I have to say current because I know we will all grow from this.
But seriously, this is surreal. As a person, a wife, mother, working mom this ignited a fire of worry and uncertainty of ‘what would happen’. My children were now going to be home for 3 weeks. We work in an essential business that then had to begin asking our customers some serious questions and even denying some people service because of Covid-19 and our need to protect our employees, ourselves, all of our families and the customer as well.
I began having a hard time sleeping. Eating for comfort, half and half it was good for me. My guts this week were in physical pain. I hadn’t taken my vitamins, minerals and omegas in almost a week, simply because we were totally out of routine and my mind was very cluttered. I was disconnected from myself.
Nature is so grounding for me, being outside, especially near water when I am able. After work the sun was shining so bright and warm. My dog and I enjoyed sitting on our front porch. My husband put some chairs on our new deck, that still needs the decking but has plywood, and we were able to enjoy what it will be, listen to the birds from our new space. I needed Friday night in a very big way. To envision what is to come, to appreciate what we already have, how we can shift to enjoy our home and property even more.
Last weekend I felt productive around our house, that first weekend, after school closures were announced on the Thursday, was a complete write off. This weekend I’m stoked for the temps, not so much for the rain, we’ve got lots we can be doing at home for our additions, which just let me say it’s good we started when we did and that we had already received our mortgage advance months ago, because this would have me even more freaked out and I would have justified to myself that we didn’t need to do this… when in reality, sitting on our new covered deck last night enjoying a drink and listening to the birds, this is exactly why we did this. This is exactly why we transformed this house into our custom nest. Love the space you are in, however that looks for you. For us, for me, I pushed past my fear of taking a big leap, we added a big chunk to our mortgage, that I had to push through so much fear and doubt and once the framing was done, it all became so much clearer for me, so much more worth it. In these slightly uncertain times, I love that this home is completely us. Each one of us.
Although we are an essential business and are still operating to a certain extent, has reassured me because we are still able to work, thankfully because we have a mortgage, utilities etc. Being an “essential business” providing plumbing and heating services also means going into peoples homes and businesses… which is slightly nerve wracking. However, I am also comforted though in how the government has really stepped up to provide people with some financial relief for those who need it, with so many businesses closed it’s very real. Even in our small town it’s very real how many are currently shut down BUT those who have also stepped up offering home delivery of their products! It’s truly heart warming seeing everyone pull together, for understanding, gratitude.
I acknowledge how this has affected my own mental health, my children have been incredible at rising up themselves. Our son designed and built, all on his own, a stand for his PS4 wheel and pedals so he can play online more comfortably with friends. He has also been helping decluttering and cleaning. Our daughter has been cooking and baking, and doing some decluttering and cleaning herself. While also making time for her creative mind to explore some of her art projects. They have honestly been a huge help. Especially when my mind has been on our family but also on everyone who I work with, our work family.
Being patient, acknowledging how this is affecting every single one of us. We truly are lucky that the seriousness of this is to stay home to help flatten the curve. We are literally being told to stay home, which yes that in itself being told we cannot do this or that, that is enough itself to wrap your head around. The government is telling us we cannot operate our businesses unless they are essential, our children cannot go to school, they cannot play with their friends in person, we cannot get together with friends or family to celebrate or even just hang out, people who have lost loved ones cannot even have a funeral. This is a time in our lives that is literally making history.
A time in our life that while making history is also forcing every single one of us to get comfortable with our home life, our family and most important ourselves. A time when we need to focus on what we CAN do!
Be kind to yourself and others. This isn’t the time to be greedy or negative, in various ways (hoarding toilet paper, seriously?!). This is the time to take a good look around your home and shift what needs shifting. We have all been given, in a slightly odd way, the gift of time. It can feel challenging to rise up, especially for anyone who has had mental health challenges in their life. If you feel yourself sinking, cause remember everyone is experiencing the effects from Covid-19, but also “life” continues on and for some there has been some more challenges to deal with along with the corona virus. Life itself doesn’t completely stop during a pandemic, my heart goes out to those experiencing even more heart ache at this time. Reach out digitally or on the phone to people, share your heart when needed. We do not have to walk this road alone. What IS within our control?
What helps me during these times?
Take your supplements to ensure your health (physically and mental) is boosted to the levels that you know help your body feel good!
Get outside in nature, even if it’s just sitting outside on your own property. Breathe in the fresh air, listen to the birds – they are so happy! Even if just for a few minutes, even of it’s raining.
Clean up around your property and/or roads nearby. I find the sunshine so motivating and was able to get out after work yesterday to pick up some building and roofing material scraps.
Diffuse essential oils that are both uplifting and cleansing! This morning I’ve got Tangerine, Grapefruit and Peppermint going in the diffuser. Grounding oils are also very helpful! I intuitively select which oils we will diffuse on a daily basis. All of our oils have physical health properties they support with, but also and perhaps most important during this time, they have emotional uses for every single oil! Tangerine is the oil of spontaneity. Grapefruit is the oil of honoring the body. Peppermint is the oil of a buoyant heart.
Read. This is something I’ve started doing more of in the past 2 years. Last weekend I got 3 chapters into a new book, Woman on the Edge, perhaps it was resembling how I was feeling. The one morning I woke up at 430am, wide awake, so rather than pick up my phone and get on social, which is far to easy to do, I picked up my book and read the entire thing, before heading to work?! Whaaaat?!
Journal, however its comfortable for you, on paper, online or both! Share your thoughts, we are all in this together and your words may help encourage someone else or even just free the thoughts from your mind putting paper to pencil.
Hydrate. Thankfully I love water, however when we are at these in between temps I find myself I do not tend to drink enough water so be conscious of upping your water intake.
Healthy food, we are all spending much more time at home. Move away from the “comfort convenience foods” and get yourself in the kitchen. Better yet get in the kitchen with your kids! When we fuel our bodies with healthy foods (and drinks) we boost our immune system, sugar is a big immune depressant.
Claim your space – I’m sure we all have some area in our home we can declutter, organize, purge… renovations aside I know we do!
Be gentle to yourself and your loved ones. I was initially stressing about how we were going to parent, work and home school and I’ve pulled back realizing that real life can provide so many learning experiences for our kids. Connect with loved ones online or on the phone.
Follow your intuition. For many this means slowing your brain down first to be able to listen to your heart and soul, truly listen. If you feel the need to clean, clean, if you feel the need to nap, nap. If you think of someone and want to reach out, reach out.
Meditate and Breathe. This has been significant for shifting my mindset. For pulling myself out of my head and back into my body. If you are new to meditations check out some of my fav’s… Helen Murray, Gabrielle Bernstein, Tamara Arnold, Angela Kontgen. Gabby Bernstein has also created an Anxiety Relief workshop happening on Sunday click here to sign up!
As much as this has drastically changed our life, we all have the opportunity to choose to grow ourselves. This honestly is an incredible opportunity to take a deep dive within. I acknowledge how uneasy this can feel for many. Lean in keep going and find someone you resonate with to guide you, whomever that may be!
Think of anything you go and grow through, a lot of times it gets worse before it gets better. That’s the growth part.
This afternoon we were outside cleaning up our yard from the various construction activities during the winter. It felt SO good to see progress. To also feel progress. For brunch (we enjoy lazy mornings on Sunday) I made mini quiches and breakfast sausages. I was purposely keeping myself busy to not go outside.
Last week when all of this clovid-19 stuff began it felt, and let’s be real still does, feels so surreal. I was letting every decision about these additions stress me right the F out! Decisions I was forcing on myself that I clearly wasnt ready to make.
After we ate I asked my husband if he really needed me out there. He looked at me like I had two heads. Of course he wanted the help, he and our son were doing a great job but with more people we could accomplish even more. So out I went… I wasn’t informed of the loading requirements and began throwing whatever I picked up in the box for the bin… I was wrong and reminded multiple times that I also wouldn’t be fired from helping 🤣 haha I tried 🤷♀️!
We got alot accomplished! It felt really good! Visually I could see we were making progress and that is a huge factor for me!!!
As I was walking back into our house when we had finished, I looked into our back yard. I’ve always been able to “see” our vision on paper, it’s pretty awesome to see it in real life coming together. As I walked up to the door admiring the deck it hit me… It gets worse before it gets better! We lived this with each reno. Especially when the basement flooded.
We have this amazing vision for our family home, now conveniently have an abundance of time to get moving on our project again! Its wonderful to see each new stage, one step closer. In these times of uncertainty, one thing is certain, this home is exactly what we have always needed it to be and I am grateful.
I am also, honestly, grateful that we were able to negotiate a lower mortgage percentage rate before starting the additions which helps ease my mind while the world reconfigures itself, literally.
Similar to how many of us are feeling now. With so much uncertainty in the world right now. It may feel confusing, stressful, even fearful at times. There will be worry, wondering if you are making the right decision or how that could be. Any challenge we are faced is a challenge because we find ourselves in a position we have never been in or decision we have never made. Its growth. Ive learned on this journey in life this is the process, we all embrace the process in our own way. When it feels difficult, like you cannot reach the top of the hill, you take a few steps further and achieve your goal!
We will get there. We will all experience growth again, we will all rise up. At a time when it feels really bad, because we have not experienced this in our lifetime, if we all do our part, just like us helping in the back yard, we can reach our goal much quicker, by working together!
Take this downtime as an opportunity. How do you want to grow from this? How will you BE a better person and live your best life? How can you improve your living space to be more of a reflection of you?
Earlier today I heard the radio announcer say that we were in a rainfall warning with up to 25mm of rain.
I instantly went negative. The rain, and alot of it, is still a big trigger for me. The more I’ve learned about PTSD, the more dots Ive connected.
We have all been through highs and lows in life. There are times that leave a really big imprint. When these imprints are negative and/or associate with trauma this makes it emotionally feel defeated and depleted. Literally. Triggers are a reminder of a significant event or time in your life, both good and bad. They are totally different for everyone, given we all live completely different lives. What could suddenly set it off, may not also be the root cause.
Rain is a trigger because our basement flooded.
I am learning how to best handle these triggers, whatever they may be, not just for myself but also my relationships with my husband and kids. Last night I was feeling really low. Allowing everything to stress me out, although I’ve been taught many times ‘patience is a virtue’! Stressing over various choices we need to make for the additions, one that I am totally hung up on and feeling very indecisive. Worrying of the business, most specifically our guys who have to enter people’s homes to fix their plumbing or heating. Hearing all the doom and gloom that is literally the entire world.
This shit happens in a movie NOT in real life!?
Then I walked outside tonight.
It is raining.
It smells so fresh, so new.
Cleansing.
Something I was stressing about earlier, felt exactly right.
A lesson in patience, again, reminding that sometimes chaos comes before the calm, and that’s ok. Confusing, but ok.
This sweet girl reminds me the importance of patience, space and trusting in the journey.
All good things in life take time. Now is when we need to give ourselves and the entire world time. A slight pause. To be ok with not always feeling ok, to be ok with the unknown. Honestly not a feeling I enjoy, however I am reminding myself daily, sometimes multiple times, it will be ok.
This girl reminded me today multiple times to trust in me, trust in the process. Most of all be compassionate and love. It’s not often this sweet girl will snuggle in our room, she herself is still working on her own fears that we unfortunately wont know of. So we must be patient, give her space, respect her and support her in over coming her fears to be comfortable in all areas of our home.
We are making progress, just like we are doing to help flatten the curve. A very surreal moment in life, one that most certainly will be a significant time in history.
As anxious as this can make me feel, as my husband reminded me this morning, I grab my oils to help calm… thankfully Balance was near by and did just that!
Reach for your comfort, honor your feelings. I can admit I’ve fell into some of my old emotional eating habits. Albeit they are much healthier than years ago, I could feel myself losing touch with my motivation. Shine light on the darkness. Call yourself out. If you feel yourself getting down, you aren’t alone and it’s ok!
Tonight a movie and popcorn with my girls, was exactly what I needed, my patience reminder! 🙏💕🌎
