Like with everything in life we have good and bad. Like you, there have been days where I feel less than motivated for whatever reason. It's the spring and I asked myself "self, why do we only spring clean our homes, why not our minds and our bodies." So I sought out to eat healthier, meditate and move more.
A week ago, I made the decision that I was going to challenge myself; no processed or fried foods, no refined carbs, very little dairy (if any), no refined/processed sugars, no coffee, no alcohol. I would only eat real and whole foods. I already don't eat read meat so I would allow for some fish and occasionally chicken.
The first day was ok. The day after? It was HORRIBLE. I had a headache like no other. I had chills. I was unbelievably fatigued. Nauseous. I have never faced addiction issues (other than with art of course), but this was next level. My body was not happy with me whatsoever. The good news? Our mind is stronger - and I told mine that I would get beyond this happier and healthier, than I have ever been.
Days 3-7 were much easier than expected. I felt like a new person. Day 6 I went to a Mexica Fiesta and it was the only day I had a bit of dairy - sour cream on a chicken taco. I even said no to churros (my favourite!). I wasn't about to let a delectable cinnamonny, chewy, flaky, baked good spoil my run. Fortunately, it wasn't too hard because buddy at the next table took about 20 of them to share with his table and there were only two left which I gave to my son. Yes, it was an all-you-can-eat.
Day 7, the day I' m writing this, was the pinnacle.
I woke up early (didn't even hit the snooze button!), went for a walk in nature (gorgeous day), meditated, enjoyed the sauna finished by a cold shower. I worked out, completed business tasks, made an amazing lunch (big salad with artichoke, pumpkin seeds, red onion, kalamata olives, hemp hearts and a drizzle of balsamic- highly recommended). I even made some homemade hummus which, if you haven't tried, is AMAZING! I so much as peeled (most of) the chick peas by hand! The day was pure joy - full of momentum, tree hugging, spending time with my son (we played pickle ball!), and writing this journal. It was one of those rare days where I felt as though I spent it to the fullest. It was amazing.
By the time this is posted it will have been two weeks since I started this journey. My goal was 10 days. Whether I exceeded that goal is yet to be determined. I know feeling the way I do that I need to share this experience with everyone. I'm not saying give up everything or to do it all at once. This is how we are meant to feel. Clear headed, vibrant, - at peace physically and mentally. I'm sure my online community sees the difference too as I bust out in song and dance occasionally- I just can't help it. The rhythm is going move ya, the rhythm is going going to move ya (cue Gloria Estefan).
I also decided recently after watching people dance online carefree in the parks that I one day want to be "that" old lady with the fun hats and wild patterned dresses (featuring my artwork of course). I want to be the person who inspires and illicits joy wherever I go. I stopped giving guffs awhile ago. Covid taught us that nothing is guaranteed. The world can change on a dime (which we should now rephrase that to a quarter because of rampant inflation).
People are going to talk about you whether it's good or it's bad. It's just facts. At least they're talking. What people think is none of my business. This world has way too much negativity and low vibration to get dragged down. As they say we're here for a good time, not a long time. I intend on making that time memorable- I encourage you to do the same.
I'll see you dancing in the park.
-Julie
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