Yesterday I had a migraine. I was expecting it, it's part of my monthly ritual. My migraines, however, have "evolved" over the last few years though into somewhat of a monster and no doctor, neurologist, gynecologist, or specialist has been able to diagnose me with anything other than "body migraines". I guess that's ok because THAT is what they are. Migraines all over my body. In every part. With seizures that radiate throughout like thunderstorms. In a nutshell.
Ok, enough of that. Just needed to share so there is an understanding of where my journey has come from, what pushes me and where I'm headed.
Recent events with our healthcare system are wrecking havoc on people who have "pre-existing conditions" and had great healthcare that was handling their particular issues. As much as I understand the need for that same care for everyone, regardless of wealth, (I was a single mom who owned her own restaurant and couldn't afford insurance when I started having my seizures and was told by the emergency room doctor to "just take Excedrin for Migraine until you can afford insurance so you can have the tests and get the medicines you need.") I also believe things should have been better thought out before it went into effect. But, it wasn't. And there is no doubt that insurance companies will be using every excuse to raise rates, drop customers and be choosy about each new customer they get. My insurance already requires a "healthy you" checkup each year with required tests and an information sheet filled out regarding my "lifestyle choices" My rates depend on those results and whether I smoke, drink, have multiple partners (I don't!) and what sports I participate in.
I see the train derailing and I am NOT going to be one of those who sits and waits and has no knowledge or ability to take care of myself, my family and my friends (if they so choose). There is no harm in using century old, proven methods, to take care of ourselves and make ourselves better. Inside and out, mentally, physically and emotionally.
First of all, I suggest to everyone to get into a group that meets at least weekly. Bible study, kick boxing, coupon swapping, continuing education, church, yoga, WHATEVER! Just DO IT! I have discovered having a support group, faces that see my face, hugs, coffee, community....these are things we all need. There is a 98 year old man that just started going to the church I attend often. They were talking about him at Bible study and how his wife died last year and he said he is just lonely and doesn't want to be alone anymore. He says the most amazing, heartfelt prayers each Sunday before offertory. He is touching so many lives just by continuing to LIVE. The preacher changed his whole sermon after hearing him pray and let God lead him to give the most enthusiastic speech I've heard in a long time. He is touching MY life. I was someone who had almost given up on people as a whole, on community, on fellowship. Then I thought...."how dare I give up? Look at him. He drives himself, he dresses for church, he shows up, he volunteers, he has not given up when everything and anyone would say "it's ok, you've done your work, rest now." Who else's life is he touching? Anyone that lets him. Anyone that lets God. He still has purpose because he is BREATHING!
OK, get involved, you have PURPOSE because YOU are still breathing!
Second, work on your heart and soul. Get books, read cute, uplifting sayings and quotes, subscribe to a mediation program. I just started one with Oprah and Deepak Chopra. Here's the link if you are interested: https://chopracentermeditation.com/. It just started so you can still catch up. And it's FREE! I feel the need for it in my life because I am doing a Bible study and everyday I find myself praying that I will have the ability to hear God, to hear my spirit telling me what I should do. But, the world is buzzing around me. There is so much noise.....dogs, cats, chickens, cows, ducks, 4-wheelers, dirt bikes, TV, Pandora, kids, telephone, Facebook, Pinterest, etc., etc., etc. So, I truly believe God led me to this series to answer that prayer. To give me that ability to be able to shut out and tune in.
And I'm GOING to do it!
Third, clean out that body! Look, I know. Believe you me, I KNOW how hard that one is. I have two teenagers and a 9-year old at home and a husband who, I believe, was attracted to me initially because I was a chef that specializes in good old-fashion, just-like-Grandma-use-to-make, home cooking! Well, that and Thai....but he's not so thrilled with fish sauce (another story for another day). Anywayyyyyy, detox. Get those preservatives, artificial sweeteners, GMO's, chemical based, can't pronounce ANY of the ingredients FILLERS out of your system!!! (because, face it, Twinkies and Ding Dongs no longer have any taste, they are strictly comfort foods. Just like Pop Tarts, microwave popcorn ((ok, they do pump enough chemicals and add enough salt to make popcorn have a "movie theater butter flavor")) and potato chips.)
Just relax and let your mind wrap around it without getting all defensive.
Most food, yes, even fruits and vegetables, have no flavor. We have to ADD it.
THAT IS SCARY. Isn't it? I am scared. I want my body cleaned out and I want to start over. I want to watch everything that goes in it and I want to find natural solutions to problems that we have only had in the past 20 years. Think of all the new diagnoses that didn't even exist when we were children. Think of all the things our grandparents NEVER had that we have at younger and younger ages.
Children with obesity and diabetes.
Young teenagers having heart attacks.
Young adults with fertility issues and cancers.
In the past five years I have lost over ten friends MY AGE (pushing 50 with a shovel) to diseases. That is NOT our new "norm" y'all! (yes, I am from Mississippi with the "y'all")
I will be starting a cleanse, detox, whatever......first thing Monday. And ummmmm yes, I realize it's close to Thanksgiving and Christmas and this is severely going to affect my usual "goodies" I partake of BUT, I will feel better in my skin. I will learn better eating habits. I will learn discipline and control. Here's the link to the program I will be starting for those who aren't afraid (or who watch my progress and then decide AFTER the holidays to try it...and no, I will never judge, it won't be my journey, it will be YOURS) http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/clean-detox-manual?page=11.
And for those who want to know why I'm waiting, it's because I'm going to tailgate with my son and his new wife this weekend to watch the Alabama (ROLL TIDE)/MS State game. My husband is a State alum as well as my new daughter-in-law, my son is finishing (I hope) his degree there and I have been a Bama fan from birth (thanks to my dad and Uncle Mike!) So see, I have priorities too. I am not perfect. I love football, chili and pecan pie (all of which I intend on enjoying even more knowing I have to give up two out of the three on Monday!)
I will leave you today with this Bible verse that I randomly opened the Bible up to after writing this post.
" Mine eyes do fail with tears, my bowels are troubled, my emotions is poured upon the earth for the destruction of the daughters of my people; because the children faint in the streets of the city." - Lamentations 2:11
How fitting is this? How can we say there are no miracles when we witness them everyday we open our hearts, souls and mouths?
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