Wednesday, July 10, 2019
Catching Up on the Books
I promise this post will not be as long as the last! Just wanted to mention my latest reading material! In April, May, June I read 3 books and started my current one about 2 weeks ago. I have done Facebook live book talks on most of them and plan to do another later this week. Here are the books!
Fasting, Smoothie Bowls and Summer
So clearly I have a ways to go before becoming a serious blogger! I had no idea I haf not posted in 4 months. But life does sometimes get in the way of the best intentions. As I continue on this journey of intentional living, healing and self-realization I am learning to keep my commitments to myself so I hope to do better with my posting here.
Fasting...Intermittent Fasting, that is, has been a game changer for me. After my back issues started to ease I knew I had to get rid of some weight (or a lot of weight if I am being honest) to take pressure off my joints. I tried my go-to clean eating, but it just wasn't cutting it this time. I LOVE bread and I LOVE sweets (refined sugar and all) so the thought that I would give them up for good...not gonna happen. Somewhere along the way, my hubby mentioned that someone from work was doing intermittent fasting and only ate between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. While I applauded the dedication of anyone who could go that long without food, I dismissed it as a possibility because I was not about to skip my beloved Arbonne smoothie for breakfast. Fastforward to mid-March when we returned from Spring break and I saw myself in the pictures. Oh Mama! Bad, bad, bad. I decided right then and there that as soon as I had dinner that night, I was starting IF. I started with gusto and only ate from 11 or 12 until dinner for a week and then emailed a friend to tell her of my endeavor (she is super great at encouragement so I knew she wouldn't tell me I had lost my mind). The next day I got a response and, low and behold, she was doing IF too! She told me about an awesome book called "Delay Don't Deny" that had helped her on her journey. I immediately added to my reading list and haven't looked back. Most days I do a 20:4 fast (Fasting 20 hours and eating what I want I a 4 hour window). Today my friend and I are doing a full day fast together. It is tough here in hour 23, but I am not breaking my commitment to my friend or myself. I feel great doing IF, I am losing some weight (marathon style, not a sprint) and my body is trimmer and leaner than in a long time!
Fasting...Intermittent Fasting, that is, has been a game changer for me. After my back issues started to ease I knew I had to get rid of some weight (or a lot of weight if I am being honest) to take pressure off my joints. I tried my go-to clean eating, but it just wasn't cutting it this time. I LOVE bread and I LOVE sweets (refined sugar and all) so the thought that I would give them up for good...not gonna happen. Somewhere along the way, my hubby mentioned that someone from work was doing intermittent fasting and only ate between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. While I applauded the dedication of anyone who could go that long without food, I dismissed it as a possibility because I was not about to skip my beloved Arbonne smoothie for breakfast. Fastforward to mid-March when we returned from Spring break and I saw myself in the pictures. Oh Mama! Bad, bad, bad. I decided right then and there that as soon as I had dinner that night, I was starting IF. I started with gusto and only ate from 11 or 12 until dinner for a week and then emailed a friend to tell her of my endeavor (she is super great at encouragement so I knew she wouldn't tell me I had lost my mind). The next day I got a response and, low and behold, she was doing IF too! She told me about an awesome book called "Delay Don't Deny" that had helped her on her journey. I immediately added to my reading list and haven't looked back. Most days I do a 20:4 fast (Fasting 20 hours and eating what I want I a 4 hour window). Today my friend and I are doing a full day fast together. It is tough here in hour 23, but I am not breaking my commitment to my friend or myself. I feel great doing IF, I am losing some weight (marathon style, not a sprint) and my body is trimmer and leaner than in a long time!
Because I have chosen the IF way of life, I now make sure I eat the things I enjoy. This doesn't mean Diary Queen burgers and blizzards for every meal (but I won't deny that I enjoy them on occasion). It means that I choose foods that taste great and are made with the best ingredients. Enter smoothie bowls. I am way late on joining the group of folks that swear by these amazing concoctions, but I am in love! As I said earlier, I was hesitant to try IF because I did not want to give up my smoothies. Smoothie Bowls provide me a healthy way to open my eating window with plenty of protein and vitamins from fresh fruits and veggies. I am enjoying playing around with the recipes and have a little work to do before becoming a smoothie bowl "artist" but here are a couple of pics. The top is a mixed berry with chocolate, coconut, berries and granola on top and the bottom is peanut butter and banana!
Oh, how I love summer! As an educator, summer is a time for me to rest, relax and reset. Time to explore new interests or re-visit hobbies I've put to the side (painting!). Time to really focus on becoming my best self. This summer I have made and am making (I officially have 2 weeks of summer break remaining) changes that I plan to keeping for the rest of my days.
Monday, February 25, 2019
Sunday Afternoon Pie
This post is a week (and one day) late due to our house being overtaken by a general case of "yuck". Last week, while shopping at a big box store, my husband and I came to a table of baked goods. We had just eaten, so there was no reason for us to be so tempted by the sugary, carb-loaded goodness before us...but we were. I maintained all the will-power I had when we looked at the chocolate bundt cake and brownies and then he saw it --the biggest pecan pie I had ever seen. He wanted so badly to buy it, but I said "No! If you want pecan pie I will make you one!"
You see, pecans have a special place in my heart (if a nut is allowed such a place). I have memories of picking up pecans with my Granny at my grandparents house on the family farm when I was a child. We always had pecans in the freezer. I don't ever remember my mom buying any at the grocery store. When I got married, I got my own freezer bag of cracked pecans. When Blake and I were first married, as he left for work one summer day he made a comment about me making him a pie. I don't remember exactly what he said, but I did it. I made him a homemade pecan pie and he was so surprised! He loved it and a love of baking was born.
Over the years I have made pies for Thanksgiving or just here and there throughout the year when we needed some special dessert to hit the spot. Always completely homemade, crust and all. I am a messy baker and my pies aren't always pretty, but they usually taste pretty good and are a labor of love.
So on a cold Sunday afternoon, I sat in front of the television and watched a Hallmark movie while I shelled pecans for my pie. I have to say, it might be the prettiest one I have made in a while. Pie and coffee with my boys...just perfect. A bit of hygge -- a cozy moment surrounded by people and things that I love.
You see, pecans have a special place in my heart (if a nut is allowed such a place). I have memories of picking up pecans with my Granny at my grandparents house on the family farm when I was a child. We always had pecans in the freezer. I don't ever remember my mom buying any at the grocery store. When I got married, I got my own freezer bag of cracked pecans. When Blake and I were first married, as he left for work one summer day he made a comment about me making him a pie. I don't remember exactly what he said, but I did it. I made him a homemade pecan pie and he was so surprised! He loved it and a love of baking was born.
Over the years I have made pies for Thanksgiving or just here and there throughout the year when we needed some special dessert to hit the spot. Always completely homemade, crust and all. I am a messy baker and my pies aren't always pretty, but they usually taste pretty good and are a labor of love.
So on a cold Sunday afternoon, I sat in front of the television and watched a Hallmark movie while I shelled pecans for my pie. I have to say, it might be the prettiest one I have made in a while. Pie and coffee with my boys...just perfect. A bit of hygge -- a cozy moment surrounded by people and things that I love.
Books 2 and 3
The Book Share Experiment has gotten off to a great start! I still get super nervous and hyper-critical about my Live Posts, but everyone is so kind with their comments! So far, two books have been finished and sent to the next reader. I can't wait to get word that they have been passed along! My dream is one day seeing one of the books and reading the messages written inside the covers by each of the readers. Just to see that journey sounds amazing.
Below are pictures of Books 2 and 3. My first two books of the year were non-fiction, so I decided to go with a fiction read for Book 3. When I announced it on Facebook, I received mixed reviews so I am excited to see what I think.
Below are pictures of Books 2 and 3. My first two books of the year were non-fiction, so I decided to go with a fiction read for Book 3. When I announced it on Facebook, I received mixed reviews so I am excited to see what I think.
Sunday, January 27, 2019
Word 1 and Book Share
Each year, I join the masses and set a New Year's Resolution. Some years I do better than others. The last few years, I have made my resolutions more general: "get in shape", "be healthy", "be more kind and generous". This year was no exception, I do want to work on becoming the best version of myself but I also want to practice self-care so that I can take better care of those I love.
I define "self-care" as taking care of myself: body, mind and soul. The body part is easier said than done. I love my gym and up until Christmas could be found there 4-5 days a week. Since making my resolution, I have been out of commission, suffering from sciatica, which has kept me from being able to walk across a room without help, much less attend a cycle class. Now not being able to exercise regularly means that eating healthy is even more important, but guess what? Being injured makes me want to eat! I guess I am taking full advantage of all that "comfort food"! I am happy to say that I have got the eating under control and am slowly starting to be able to walk longer distances, but I have a long way to go. This leads me to the self-care for mind and soul. I haven't been able to attend regular church services (not able to walk) so I have relied on online services, Bible reading, prayer and devotional books to feed my soul (and mind). Since reading can be good for mind and soul I decided to read at least 12 books this year: one for each of my 12 words. I love books. Reading online is great, but nothing is better than turning the pages and seeing how far you have read or how much you have left. My dilemma, however, is I have LOTS of books and so do my husband and children...a whole room full to be exact. I did not need to add 12 more, so my Book Share was born. With the encouragement of my daughter, I faced a huge fear and took to social media to do a "Facebook Live" sharing my idea. I would read at least one book each month and then do a book talk on Facebook when finished and offer up the book to whomever wanted to read it. AND. IT. WORKED!!!
Book #1 was "Just Open the Door" by Jen Schmidt. It was not the book I wanted to start with, but I believe God sent me to it. As I searched a local bookstore for a book on a different topic, I saw this book at every turn. I reluctantly bought the book on HOSPITALITY expecting to feel ashamed of myself for not being more hospitable. Boy, was I wrong. It was such a blessing. Yes, it stepped on my toes a bit. But it taught me the difference in hospitality and entertaining and gave me grace. I now have so many ideas for be hospitable in every aspect of my life. I did the book talk a few days ago and 3 people have already asked to read it. I know people can go out and buy their own copy and that is fine, but I want to use this experiment to bless people. Each time someone finishes the book, they will write a blessing for the next reader with the date they finished. I pray that one day I will see this book again and the covers will be filled with blessings and well wishes.
I define "self-care" as taking care of myself: body, mind and soul. The body part is easier said than done. I love my gym and up until Christmas could be found there 4-5 days a week. Since making my resolution, I have been out of commission, suffering from sciatica, which has kept me from being able to walk across a room without help, much less attend a cycle class. Now not being able to exercise regularly means that eating healthy is even more important, but guess what? Being injured makes me want to eat! I guess I am taking full advantage of all that "comfort food"! I am happy to say that I have got the eating under control and am slowly starting to be able to walk longer distances, but I have a long way to go. This leads me to the self-care for mind and soul. I haven't been able to attend regular church services (not able to walk) so I have relied on online services, Bible reading, prayer and devotional books to feed my soul (and mind). Since reading can be good for mind and soul I decided to read at least 12 books this year: one for each of my 12 words. I love books. Reading online is great, but nothing is better than turning the pages and seeing how far you have read or how much you have left. My dilemma, however, is I have LOTS of books and so do my husband and children...a whole room full to be exact. I did not need to add 12 more, so my Book Share was born. With the encouragement of my daughter, I faced a huge fear and took to social media to do a "Facebook Live" sharing my idea. I would read at least one book each month and then do a book talk on Facebook when finished and offer up the book to whomever wanted to read it. AND. IT. WORKED!!!
Book #1 was "Just Open the Door" by Jen Schmidt. It was not the book I wanted to start with, but I believe God sent me to it. As I searched a local bookstore for a book on a different topic, I saw this book at every turn. I reluctantly bought the book on HOSPITALITY expecting to feel ashamed of myself for not being more hospitable. Boy, was I wrong. It was such a blessing. Yes, it stepped on my toes a bit. But it taught me the difference in hospitality and entertaining and gave me grace. I now have so many ideas for be hospitable in every aspect of my life. I did the book talk a few days ago and 3 people have already asked to read it. I know people can go out and buy their own copy and that is fine, but I want to use this experiment to bless people. Each time someone finishes the book, they will write a blessing for the next reader with the date they finished. I pray that one day I will see this book again and the covers will be filled with blessings and well wishes.
A Word on Words
Words...they are so important. They can harm, they can help, they build you up or tear down. It's been said that words are like the toothpaste in the tube; once they are out they can't be put back. We've all felt the power of words. Many years ago, I noticed a scripture that has become one of my favorites and one I strive to live by. Ephesians 4:29 says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Now, do I live this verse faithfully everyday? No way. I fall short so many times. I get my feelings hurt or get angry and say things that definitely are not good for building up...and then I feel guilty! The further I journey in life the more I learn to choose my words wisely. My words don't have to be many. It's okay, preferable even, to listen more than I speak (I really struggle with this one sometimes). I want my words to mean something. To benefit those who hear them.
Saturday, January 26, 2019
Word(s) for 2019
Shortly after Christmas each year, I get excited to log on to social media and see what words my friends and family are choosing for "their word" for the upcoming year. People share the share and why they chose it. Most of the time it has something to do with a goal or resolution, something to help them be better in the new year. As I read the words others have chosen I normally am trying to decide on what word I will share as "my word of the year."
Choosing my word is not always an easy task. Is it okay to choose the same word as someone else? Will people think my word is a good word? Will it be a word that I can really embrace or will I forget about it before January ends? SO many things to consider and choosing a word for 2019 was no different. So, I did something I always do, I prayed for guidance in choosing my word and the funniest thing happened...one word became two and two became three. Before I knew it, I had 9 words on my heart and that is when I decided that 2019 would be the year of 12 words; one for each month.
The first word that came to me was "Helper". I had studied it in a devotional in December as my role in my marriage. I also identify with it in my role as a counselor. They came "Hygge". Not a biblical word (they don't have to be, do they?), but one that I love. The feeling of coziness and being surrounded by things and people I love. Then I thought off "Healthy" because I was not feeling very good between Christmas and New Year's and longed to be healthy again. Notice a pattern? I did, they all started with the letter "H"! No, it isn't my favorite letter. It was pure coincidence, but I was intrigued. What other "H-words" could I embrace for 2019? After a little soul searching and help from Google, I had 12 words that I believed could help me become the best version of myself. One for each month or all 12 all year, no matter the time. Written with a Sharpie on a random canvas found in a messy cabinet. It's not perfect and that's fine. It's my reminder to live these words every day.
Choosing my word is not always an easy task. Is it okay to choose the same word as someone else? Will people think my word is a good word? Will it be a word that I can really embrace or will I forget about it before January ends? SO many things to consider and choosing a word for 2019 was no different. So, I did something I always do, I prayed for guidance in choosing my word and the funniest thing happened...one word became two and two became three. Before I knew it, I had 9 words on my heart and that is when I decided that 2019 would be the year of 12 words; one for each month.
The first word that came to me was "Helper". I had studied it in a devotional in December as my role in my marriage. I also identify with it in my role as a counselor. They came "Hygge". Not a biblical word (they don't have to be, do they?), but one that I love. The feeling of coziness and being surrounded by things and people I love. Then I thought off "Healthy" because I was not feeling very good between Christmas and New Year's and longed to be healthy again. Notice a pattern? I did, they all started with the letter "H"! No, it isn't my favorite letter. It was pure coincidence, but I was intrigued. What other "H-words" could I embrace for 2019? After a little soul searching and help from Google, I had 12 words that I believed could help me become the best version of myself. One for each month or all 12 all year, no matter the time. Written with a Sharpie on a random canvas found in a messy cabinet. It's not perfect and that's fine. It's my reminder to live these words every day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)