Perfection

"As humans, we're all hardwired for struggle. You're imperfect, you're hardwired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging. You're enough.

Perfect is status quo, unmoving, a boundary, stagnant, stubborn.

Imperfection is liquid, a movement away, a new way of looking, a development.

From imperfection comes new ideas, new words, new language, new vision, new ways of describing.

In the lens of perfection, we all look the same, we are all the same, we can say this is or this is not. Perfection is useless. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and as soon as it is beholden it falls from perfection-- somebody, somewhere will consider it hideous.

Perfection is nothing more than conforming to an IDEAL type. Ideals just happen to be created from imperfect humans.

HE is the only one who is truly perfect, but even He knew the beauty of imperfection when He created the earth and developed the people to live in it.

Perfection in our world is not real, it's not tangible.

Beauty is subjective, and is not nearly as closed or as confined as the term "perfection."

A bald headed cancer patient who develop spots on their skin, a three-legged dog who skirts around valiantly... it all can be considered beautiful because it's imperfect.

God created you, and you're beautiful because of it. "

                                                                                            --GML

Thank you for making me see myself in a whole new light 6 months ago. You are a greater blessing than I can possibly express. All I can simply say is...thank you for your unconditional love.

Working Out For A Purpose

There is the obvious reason we work out- to lose weight, right?

But other reasons might be to de-stress, get stronger, or just wanting to fit better in our clothes.

All of these are great reasons but underneath this all there has to be some driving force that must get us out of bed, off the couch and off our behinds. At the very core of us, what ultimately keeps us alive?

Our hearts.

Whether we know it or not, we bring this deeper core of meaning into everything we do and it all comes from that place in us. We long to nurture our physical, emotional and spiritual health, so that we can live and be the very best we were made to be.

An integrative physician, Tieraona Low Dog, MD, of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona in Tucson, said in an article in Delicious Living, “When you make health the goal rather than viewing it as a resource, it’s easy to get stressed out, rigid, and narrow-minded. Health is what helps you live the life you want -- it’s a resource, not a destination.”

She is referring to the negative stress we bring to the act itself: working out.

Say you are exercising to get thinner. We beat ourselves up every day we are not thin enough (and let’s not even mention the pressure the media on us to be thin!) but in the process we are actually wearing ourselves down and letting it affect our mood. Who likes cranky people? I don’t.

Looking back on the resource-not-destination thought, let’s take it to the next level. If you are a believer that we are here for a purpose, and why wouldn’t we be? Then what better way to take care of our family, friends, community, jobs, so on and so forth than having the resource of our good health and wellness as the main ingredient of our drive to fulfill our purpose?

Those are some questions to ponder, indeed.

How we live in this world matters. Our attitudes towards our workouts is just one aspect of how we are in our lives that will pour over into all other aspects of our lives.

I am not talking about becoming Mother Theresa here but I am talking about the small things we do every day that will ultimately make a difference. If you think about it, our actions have the power to make the world a better or worse place. Look at how we treat people, for example.

Did you smile at the barista when you got your coffee this morning? Or were your thoughts fixated on the stresses that the day already held for you as you mindlessly paid for your drink and turned and walked away?

Remember the ripple effect. The energy we bring to our life affects those around us, and ripples outward. You know what I mean-- those people who make you feel awesome by just being around them. (...or vice-versa, those Debbie downers!)

When we are healthy and well nourished, we are much more likely to have that same positive energy to spread around.

That’s what our purpose is. And in the end, it should be the reason we work out.

So next time you are huffing and puffing away on that treadmill or hitting the pavement-- remember your purpose and let the updraft of that energy carry you through.

Why I Do What I Do

I remember when I first started my health journey back when I was in high school. It's like the moment news gets around in your family that you are on a diet, all the judgements, side glances and of course, jokes upon jokes come rearing their ugly head at you.

It's not become easier for me to say the least.

When you tell people you are in the health field...suddenly everything you do is under scrutiny. Your life gets put under a magnifying glass. You can't even glance at a cupcake without hearing gasps all around you! (Yes, us Nutrition people are in fact...HUMAN.)

While I've learned to take the teasing, jokes and judgements easier these days. (Frankly, I find it amusing now...) I find it a challenge to really help people understand why health, nutrition and wellness are so crucial especially in this day in age where fast food is becoming an ever growing industry and healthy food is being compromised by pesticides, drugs and fake substitutions.

So, why do I do what I do??

• To be my best so I can do my best for the purposes of what I am here in this life to do.  When I workout consistently, eat clean, get sleep & rest, laugh and love others...guess what? That's when I feel my BEST.
• I want to be able to help others be their best. Plain and simple.
  
• I want to give my children the best life possible. And they won't get that if I am not taking the time to be intentional about my health now.
• I want to be around to see my kids have kids. I don't want to be in a rocking chair watching them run around. I aim to be right there with them, chasing butterflies and riding roller coasters!
• I want to be the best girlfriend, daughter, sister, friend, granddaughter, niece & employee for the people in my life.
• I want people to be happy. I know when I went through all my life's struggles, I couldn't help but notice the correlation between my poor health and the state of my mentality. They honestly go hand in hand. 
• I want to simply enjoy life to the fullest! A poor diet affects EVERYTHING. From brain function/mood, joints, mind clarity, sex, mobility, sleep, stress responses, digestion... should I go on?

This list can go on and on, but my point here is simply to ask you this...


What's holding you back from achieving your optimal health? Any excuse that comes to mind pair it with something or someone that is SUPER important to you.

Sometimes we forget that health is more than just looking good. Health is your family. They need you. We all need each other.

 In closing, think about this...

You wouldn't want to get any less then the best service when you go out to eat a restaurant, right? Well, that person can't give you their best smile, full attention, energy and focus when behind the scenes they are suffering from a poor diet, next to no exercise and extreme lack of sleep...on top of all those medications for the myriads of random ailments.

Same goes for the supermarket cashier, the car salesman, the teachers....no matter what your profession, you can't be your best if you don't understand the importance of your health...and do something, anything, about it TODAY.

It really goes beyond eating carrot sticks and lettuce ;)

The Cure or The Band-Aid?

The real problem begins with believing that how we FEEL is a good measure of how healthy we are. 

Think about this for a minute, really think about it. The next time you wake up in the morning feeling not too hot, with a fever or a runny nose, or you vomit, think about why. Next time you have a headache, think about the cause. And the very next time someone passes away because of cancer or has a "sudden" heart attack, think about how they were feeling 2 or 3 years ago. 

Your body is extremely intelligent.

Fevers are a very important immune function. They are a safe way that the body can kill viruses or bacteria that have attacked your health. To take aspirin to lower this function is to allow an infection a better chance to attack your body!

A runny nose is just merely a defense from allergens, bacteria, and viruses outside the body. Mucus keeps these things from entering your lungs. To take an antihistamine is to rob the body of its defense system, lowering your immunity, and allows viruses, bacteria and allergens a great chance to enter your body!

Vomiting allows your body to rid itself of contents which are harmful, and would do more damage to you if digested further. Your internal protection! 

Just 3 examples of feeling horrible despite a healthy reaction!

Headaches are not due to a lack of a Tylenol deficiency in our body. Sometimes it is because you are dehydrated! Drink water! And other headaches can be from low blood sugar, or withdrawal from caffeine or subluxation ( in other words, your spine ain't right!) 

Fix the problem, not the symptom! Your body tells you when you are doing something wrong!

FACT:

5 out of 6 people will die from Heart Disease or a form of Cancer. These are diseases that rarely exhibit symptoms until it is too late. Meaning, the disease grows within us while we are "feeling fine" for years before the symptoms start to make themselves known.

Health is not something you are given or that just happens, you have to earn it. Just because you feel great doesn't mean you are healthy! 

Just because you feel bad doesn't mean you need a drug!

Give your body a chance to heal itself.

It is very intelligent and with a great diet, it has everything it needs.

Choose health, choose the cure.

"That's the thing about inner beauty..."

All too often we grow up with having a distorted view of what beautiful (or handsome, for the fellas) looks like. And if we are not careful, it can wreak havoc on our self esteem, shaping us into a person that we were not meant to be.

Personally, I've gone through many bouts of serious depression, self-harm and eating disorders as a result of letting other people tell me who I had to be. I let other people tell me I wasn't good enough, beautiful enough, skinny enough.... they essentially wrote on my forehead, "I am not worthy."

What I've come to finally accept about myself is this:
I am not perfect.
I don't speak the loudest but that doesn't mean I don't have a voice.
I come off as shy but that doesn't mean I am weak.
I am quiet in spirit but strong in the way I love.
I take longer than most to come around, but when I do I give my all.
I don't know the perfect conversation but I listen intently.
I have visible scars on my face from the years of harsh battle with hereditary acne but I still smile.
I don't have the greatest body but it's mine to care for as best I can.
I don't know the way to turn a head but the one who loves me sees only me...and that's all that matters.

I matter to the people that matter to me and that's all I can ever really ask for.

------------

After many trials and tribulations, I found that my faith played a HUGE role in recapturing the women I am and still am trying to become.

This is one of my life verses I cling to, especially on hard days when it's too easy to pick on myself for the smallest imperfection. It's then that I turn my eyes to the one who created me, knowing He never makes mistakes...

"It is not fancy hair, gold jewelry, or fine clothes that should make you beautiful. No, your beauty should come from within you—the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit that will never be destroyed and is very precious to God."  ~ 1 Peter 3:3-4

This entry was a bit of the more personal side of me. I want people that I mentor and consult with to know I am REAL. I've been there...where you have been in some way, shape or form. And I GET IT. I KNOW how it feels. And I am dedicated to YOUR health in every way.

The way you see yourself plays a HUGE role in your health. Too many diseases can stem from negative thought patterns. So, let's break this together....you and me.

I would love to hear your story. Email me privately if you wish at wholebodygrace@gmail.com

By Grace...

Healthy Make-Over Challenge: Arroz Con Pollo

Arroz con Pollo means "Rice with Chicken" in Spanish. It is a classic dish of Spain and Latin America, with many different traditional ways to prepare it, unique to various countries. An Arroz con Pollo you find in Cuba may be quite different than one you find in Peru.

So, after sifting through tons a different variations of this recipe JUST so I could swap out the ingredients for their healthy counterparts, I finally decided to just free-style it, WBG style!  

For example: Most Arroz Con Pollo recipes do not call for cheese...but a rebel at heart, I added it just for my special friend who gave me this idea to re-vamp this recipe! (Thanks, Mary!)

So, I present to you....

Arroz Con Pollo

• 2 lbs Organic Boneless Chicken Breast
• Brown Long Grain Rice
• Organic Chicken Broth- 1 cup
• 1 14.5 oz. Can of Diced Tomatoes
• 2 Red Bell Peppers
• 1/2 Cup White Cooking Wine (I use the brand, Pompeian)
• 4 Garlic Cloves, diced
• 1/2 Lemon 
• 1/2 bunch of Cilantro, chopped
• Monterrey Jack Cheese (Whole Foods 365 Brand)
• 1 Medium Onion
• 1 Cup Green Peas
• 2 TBSP Coconut Oil

Seasonings (Add as desired to your liking):

• Sea Salt
• Black Pepper
• Oregano
• Paprika

-Brown chicken with seasonings in 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. (You may use olive oil if you prefer, but keep on low heat if doing so..)

 -In a separate pan, cook brown rice according to directions on package. The brown rice I used took 40 minutes, which is typical cooking time! (*Instant Brown Rice can be used here also.)

 -Chop veggies during the time rice is cooking. (Red Bell Peppers, Onion & Garlic)

 -After Rice is done, let stand for 5 minutes.

-Coat a casserole dish with 1 tablespoon coconut oil.

-Add chopped veggies, green peas, can of diced tomatoes, white wine and chicken broth to rice in the pot. (add salt to desired taste, I didn't add enough the first time!)

-Stir and simmer rice for 5 minutes on medium heat. Add pepper and salt to desired taste. (This is a perfect chance to taste test!)

-Pour rice mix in casserole dish. Pre-heat oven to *350.

-Place browned chicken on top of rice mixture. Add slices of cheese to rice. I used 4 oz of the block of Monterrey Cheese...

-Bake for 30 minutes at *350, un-covered.

-Add cilantro and zest from the lemon for added flavor.
                                                                    
           Did you know?

Adding more herbs like cilantro and spices to your diet
greatly increases the variety of antioxidants that
you get from your diet, and is one of the most
effective measures you can take against
disease and premature aging.  

Give it a try and let me know how you like it! And don't be afraid to add your own twist with your own personal taste.

*Remember, not all cheeses are created equal. We used Whole Foods 365 brand. You can rest assured that the cheese they sell won't have crazy hormones injected. When possible, always use cheese that comes from grass fed cows! Goat cheese is another great option that would work well with the dish. Add your own zest!

Happy Eating!

Words Are Power

Health isn't just about what you put in your mouth or how much you exercise.

It's a mentality. And it all starts with your words.

The power to see change in your life can be found in the words you speak. You have the power to set the destiny for your life...by what comes out of your mouth.

The bible tells us in Proverbs 18:21 that life and death are found in the words we speak. No one gets to decide the words that come out of your mouth except for you.

You have complete control over what you choose to say.

Your words have the power to set things in motion, good or bad. They’re like little seeds that you plant in life.

When your words are filled with faith, hope and promise then you’ll enjoy the fruit of them. But if they’re filled with discouragement, fear and other negative attitudes you won’t enjoy your life.

Don't believe me? Tomorrow try saying over and over, "I'm so tired" and see how your body reacts. The more you say it, the more you feel that feeling. Let's face it, you'll be tired.

But instead of speaking what you obviously are feeling, try replacing it with, "I'm strong", "I'm healthy", "I am well able to do what I am called to do today"

Sure, it takes time to adjust to hearing yourself speak positive affirmations over your life, but as with any habit...you have to do it over and over again. Eventually, it will just be a habit for you to speak power over your life, and not defeat.

GRACE BREAK:

Take 5 minutes and write out a list of "I Am's" and post them where you can see them every day.

Here is an example of mine:
I am blessed.
I am strong.
I am healthy.
I am happy.
I am a child of God.
I am a women of faith.
I am more than able to do what God has called me to do.
I am funny.
I am beautiful.
I am talented.
I am creative.


Not hard, right? Let go and be courageous with what you speak! Here's to a better tomorrow and a beautiful future that awaits you... just say the words ;)

By Grace,
Erica











*Pic credit goes to Wisdom From Books

Our 2011 Highlights & Looking Ahead to 2012

Happy New Year! Wow, 2012 here you are, ready and rearing to go...

But before we kick these new dreams into gear, I wanted to take a moment to share one of Whole Body Grace's highlights from 2011.

Last year, was essentially, the birth of WBG. I had plans that were put on hold due to life events, but even in the midst of it all, I gained amazing support that I don't take for granted. And above all else, I want to acknowledge those people that really stood out and helped get Whole Body Grace's name circling the atmosphere.

My sister, Melissa, who runs a fabulous website, Lisscat Creations, (which you should definitely check her art out!) always faithfully re-tweeted & re-posted my material to her audience. She also donated her talent to designing WBG's logo and blog layout! HUGE thank you to her for supporting this dream of mine.

We ended the year with a wonderful testimony that was too good to not share. I believe the following words you are about to read is the essence of what I hope Whole Body Grace can bring to people in this year to come...

------------------------------

If you do anything constructive today, then I would suggest that you please visit and LIKE Erica Ohnesorgen's Whole Body Grace. :-) Back in my sophomore year in college, when I was on my quest to lose weight, I learned a great deal about health and fitness, mostly through trial and error. However, in the time I've been with Erica, my knowledge has increased tenfold, and well, let's just say I didn't know as much as I thought I knew.

And that's usually the case for people who are either entering the Health and Nutrition world for the first time or even those who consider themselves to be veteran practitioners. Regardless, we all have bought in to the myths perpetrated by the Health Industry, who let's be honest, just want to make a quick buck and could really care less about you as long as they meet that objective. So many people want a quick fix, a quick solution, and they don't want to put the time and effort toward building a healthier body. So naturally, the corporate suits and ties Health Industry cash in on this. It's their job to determine what America's inner most and wants and desires are and sell it to them.

America is practically obsessed with looks and we as people desperately throw our hard earned money away toward whatever FAD diets, CRAPPY workout equipment, or SILLY quick fix solutions they're shilling. The Sawdust Diet that prides itself on letting you eat all the meat you want does not work, the Shake Weight is an insult to our intelligence, and all the magical pills and supplements carried out by Pharmaceutical companies is a corrupt and an immoral practice, who again just want to make a profit.

LISTEN, if you want a happier, healthier life it's going to take work on your part, and Erica is going to tell you the very same thing. However, Erica is a real person with a real story. She's been through all the up's and down's in regard to maintaining her health, and she can empathize. It's hard for me not to put my personal bias aside, but she really is the kindest, sweetest person you'll ever meet.

She's not a health NAZI, she'll give you REAL and PRACTICAL advice toward making Health and Nutrition an active part of your LIFESTYLE. No DIETS here! You'll learn the difference between a LIFESTYLE CHANGE and a DIET, you'll learn why FAT is so CHEAP to produce, and above all else, you'll learn just how of what we put into our bodies is so IMPORTANT to increasing our VITALITY and IMPROVING our LIFESTYLE.

WHOLE BODY GRACE is a blooming business, working from the ground up and Erica could use your business. So MEN, you want those coveted SIX-PACK abs, shoot WBG a message on Facebook or Twitter to find out how. LADIES, you want to fit in that little black dress again? Shoot a line at Whole Body Grace. And yes, she'll respond. She'll, get this, actually talk to you like a NORMAL person!!! However, if you're interested...whatever it is that you want, whatever it is that you need, she will make a plan specifically catered to your goals.

So you want to be ripped, sexy, or more importantly, be RIDICULOUSLY happy and healthy? Then be sure to LIKE "Whole Body Grace" on Facebook, FOLLOW @WholeBodyGrace on Twitter, and SUBSCRIBE to Whole Body Grace on Youtube.

I only endorse what I believe in...

- Grahm

------------------------------

A HUGE thank you goes to these two special people in my life for their love & support for WBG.

As I look ahead to 2012, I am ecstatic and overjoyed about all the possibilities and opportunities that are within my grasp. I am blessed beyond reason to be apart of bringing health and wellness to the community around me. I pray that this movement spreads like wildfire as we all learn to take care of the most precious thing we've been given...our health.


By Grace,
Erica

Monday Motivation

If anyone knows me, they know I am all about lyrics and music. And naturally...they go together!

Well, music moves and this song moves me as I hope it will do the same for YOU. Check out the lyrics below and my hopes is that it sets to tone for much positivity for the week ahead! Let's make some moves, people! :)

"Make A Move" - Royal Tailor

Mr. Good Intentions, so much I wanna do
My mouth just keeps on running
But I never follow through
I heard that true religion is love with hands and feet
I wanna find my own way
To reach a world in need
I've been captured by the unimportant
Locked in and now it's time to break free

There's more to life
Open my eyes
Someone is needing you
So I gotta make a move

What good are words
When this world hurts
Real faith will come through
When I make a move
We don't need permission to go outside of these doors
And dream some crazy dream
No one else has dreamed before
To show love and compassion
Whatever way it may be
To put faith into action
Do more than just believe
 

We are hope to those who have been broken
We were made to make a difference

I've been captured by the unimportant
Locked in and now it's time to break free
Now it's time to break free

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

I dare ask the question.... What moves you??

"Hello Somebody... Is anyone listening?"

I got to believe at one point or another we've said this, thought it, or at least felt it. In fact, I think we too often go through life thinking people don't want to be bothered or inconvenienced. But really, if you stop to ask how they are doing, more often than not they tend to light up and appreciate you took the time to just...listen.

I think I am finally listening. I am finally starting to open up to the world around me and accept the fact that *gasp* It isn't always about me.

This is why I LOVE what Hello Somebody is all about. Within the past few months this non-profit organization kept popping up on my radar and finally I had to check them out! I love how Hello Somebody engages other people to help conquer huge goals for these kids in Rwanda.

Instead of just saying, "Yeah, we sell apparel and it helps feed a kid!" They reach out and recruit people like you and I and have you focus on ONE child. Your aim is to get one sweet boy food and education by selling some pretty nifty watches. I just bought one and I LOVE it.

Check out the array of awesome colors!

My last post, " An Early Christmas Wish" indicated the simple instructions of when ordering. So far, two watches have been sold for Fils Twizeyimana! 

Since Hello Somebody takes care of the orders, I have no clue who it was BUT much gratitude to you who bought a watch for Fils! :)

We only have 68 watches to go till Fils can be guaranteed food and education for a whole year! AND...we only have 2 weeks to make it happen!


I need 7 Rock Stars who can recruit 10 people each to buy a watch! Want in? Leave a comment below letting me know!


The Basics:

• Buy a watch here.
• Simply put Fils Twizeyimana name in the "Note" field upon check out.
• That's it!

BONUS: 

My Rock Stars will be automatically entered to win a $25 certificate to Amazon.com PLUS a free introductory Health Profile courtesy of yours truly, Whole Body Grace.

Thanks for everyone's support, I really appreciate it! :)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



 Would you like to be a Team Lead for Hello Somebody and help one of these kids get food and education for a whole year? Check out more information right over here ----> Rwanda 100






*Winner will be selected at the end of the month!

An Early Christmas Wish

I know. Not even Halloween yet, and I am making my Christmas list...sort of.

If Santa can only give me one thing this year, then Santa... I want Fils Twizeyimana, who lives in Rwanda, to be blessed with food and education for a WHOLE year.

There is an incredible opportunity through Hello Somebody, a organization that exists to feed and educate children, that I want to share with you all.

I have partnered with Hello Somebody and their movement to get 100 Rwanda boys off the street, fed and educated by simply buying a watch. Yes, a watch. If 70 people bought one watch for themselves (or for a Christmas present for someone else, hint hint!) You will be apart of giving Fils food and education for a WHOLE year. That's all it takes! 70 watches.

Now who is Fils, you say?

He's awesome and has an amazing story....

My name is Fils Twizeyimana, and I am 19 years old. I’ve been coming to Africa New Life Ministries since 2004. I learned about it from a former staff member who invited me to the Dream Center.  I am thankful that I learned the word of God there.  Once I knew God’s word, I was able to depend on Him and ask Him to help me go off drugs on the street.  I sniffed glue for 9 years, and I have been clean for 2 years now.  My dream is to finish school and be a counselor.  I want to help rehabilitate children from drugs and street life.  I desire to be a strong man and to have a family I can support.  I want to be a leader and an example of breaking the chain of poverty through education.  My parents died in the 1994 genocide and I live in their house. The court gave me the house after they died. I would be very grateful if someone bought the watch knew my name. I had no hope and no one to talk with about my life.  I took drugs to take my mind off my struggles.  Now that I know Jesus, I have God to talk with, and I know God cares for me.  God has shown me His love through people, especially at Africa New Life. My favorite color watch is dark blue.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Are you ready to help impact a life and grant my Christmas wish come true? I got 30 days....70 watches. And I got HUGE faith I can do this...but not on my own.

Ready? Set. Go!

• Go >>>here <<< and check out the awesome array of colors the watches come in and start thinking of all the lucky people on your Christmas list that would love one ;) (hint, hint again...)
• When you check out with your watch(s), make sure to put Fils' name in the “Note to seller” (in which you click on and it opens the note field) Hello Somebody keeps count of how many watches are being sold for him!

One last note...

To make it clear, I am not getting anything from doing this other than the simple fact that I am choosing to pour into someone's life like many have chosen to pour into mine. I have been blessed and only wish to be a blessing in return. This year has taken a toll on me in more ways than I imagined. So, if anything good can come from this year...it is to know I was a tiny part of helping this young man have a better life and hope for a beautiful future. And you can very much be apart of this as well. (and this concludes my Miss America practice speech! ....kidding, kidding..)



#TeamFils <---- Trend it on Twitter!



More to come!...you might not only just be getting a watch. You might be getting healthier at the same time ;)












Pic Credit Hello Somebody

Re:Creating Our Family Trees

We all come from a family tree of sorts. We all got passed on the same family traditions, religious practices or the same traditional food our Mom's and Dad's had. And they grew up living the same lifestyle their parents did...and so forth and so on...

You look around these days and decades ago it wasn't the same for this generation of kids and young adults like it was for our great grandparents...even our parents.

To say times has changed is a dramatic understatement.

From high school tragedies, bullying to now the ever increasing health issues arising in our country... it's alarming.

__________________________________________________________________________________


I've been blessed with an opportunity to learn the value of true health and wellness. Moving away from my comfortable surroundings in Tucson, Arizona led me to my own self discovery of how we are really made to live.

It makes me deeply saddened to watch all my family take all these pills for all these random ailments, go through various health challenges and so much more. It's no way to live. And I understand some things we just can't help but most of what these pills are for are for things that CAN be controlled by diet AND lifestyle.


I'm the only one in my family who is NOT on high blood pressure pills. I am also the only one who has moved away and not constantly surrounded by the temptation of tortillas, chili con carne, tacos, enchiladas and a whole host of other mouth-watering Mexican dishes. (But how I do miss a good home cooked meal...)


By moving away from my hometown it caused me to see the world in several different lights. It caused me to see ME in many different lights...that I didn't like. I made a change. I made several changes...


And now I am making a decision.


I am changing my family tree.


I believe that educating others of the importance of eating real food and the importance of staying active, we can recreate our family trees. And what I am most excited about is recreating my own family tree (when God chooses to bless me with a husband and kiddos...)

I have been blessed with seeing first hand what eating real food can do. Making a commitment to my health has resulted in a joy I've never known.

This is the way God created us to live. Our bodies were meant for so much more... if we only just grasp the fact the times have changed. If we see our parents and family going through these health struggles, taking tons of meds, living a not so satisfying lifestyle...isn't it time we take a step back and think....

Maybe I should try something new? Something different. Maybe that stuff they've done for years...maybe I shouldn't do?

I'm not saying you have to move away. I believe changes can start small right where you are in your family...

Every time I make a visit to home I try to suggest something new like...using sea salt instead of iodized salt. Little changes...will eventually make BIG impressions.


What do you want your family tree to look like?

Here are some great places to get some ideas to start changing your family tree NOW! :)
Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution
Beyond Organic
Dr. Axe --Health.Life.You

Just Start

Inconsistency.

This is what my life has been about this year, it feels like. I make no apologies and take full responsibility but I believe that ultimately...things do happen for a reason.

I believe seasons in life (be it loss of beloved pets, re-occurring bad habits, or just being fed up and utterly bored with life so you resort to watching all 7 seasons of Grey's Anatomy on Netflix to ignore that life is going on without you whether you like it or not...)

Whatever it is that happens to us in these rather dark times, I believe it shapes you to be the person you need to be...for the next season.
(Even if at the current time I feel as though "Failure" should be my middle name instead of Christine, but I don't think my mom would agree to that name change.)

So, now what?

I come crawling back to God and humble myself and say, "I give up...what's your plans? Because mine suck."

Only wisdom I can conjure up is... Just start.

Because I can't get back yesterday. I can't keep regretting decisions that have already been decided. And I certainly can't stay where I am at...

I choose to ignore the big part of me that's always wanting to do "all or nothing". Been down that road... So today I am just going to start doing what I can with what I can.

That simple? Yes. Easy to do? No.

But completely worth it in the long run.

What do you need to just start? Going for a 10 minute walk? Not eating late at night? Emailing someone just to say your thinking of them? Maybe you just need to start with forgiving yourself...

Think about it.








*Pic credit to Baqmar

Right Where You Are

To figure out Your ways- It's a puzzle with a maze in some bright, beautiful place...

Lovely to see but I can't begin to fathom any of the missing piece.

And maybe that's okay?

Maybe that's all part of this love story You create.

Sometimes I think this world gets it all wrong. Complicates it to the extreme. So unnecessary. But necessary enough to see... Should love be this hard?

I think You covered the hardest part for us all... Why can't we see that?

And what is with all these denominations? Why the separation?
Maybe it's just me but...
I thought love was universal?

I haven't been doing this Christian thing for too long but...
As far as I've seen...

What's captured my heart is that You always meet me where I am.
You speak my language.
You step in my world.

I may stray...I will stray
But the line...the line can never be cut between You and I.
You tenderly will tug on it every now and then...
And I become a little more alive within...than when I'm without You.
And I come running back.

This is where I belong.
                                 Right where You Are.
                                                               

What do your morning talks to God look like? Some how I end up rhyming in mine.... :)

What I Love About Summer--#SexyBack11 Update #2

Mmmmmmm.....Berries! And lot's of them...

If we are what we eat... I am a blueberry. Because that is all I have been eating...mostly in muffins though. So, that needs to stop! I've been on this muffin kick lately making gluten-free brown rice muffins from scratch. They are delicious, completely healthy, real food at its best kinda stuff but alas...too much of anything isn't good for you. (Insert dramatic sigh here)

So, #SexyBack11 Update comin' atcha!

Honestly...didn't bother stepping on a scale this week. I have a love-hate-mostly-hate relationship with my scale. So...next week we shall be on speaking terms...hopefully. I've been loving reading everyone's updates and it seems a few of us have had our struggles...good news is we are all in this together. And health is a one step at a time thing kinda thing. Day by day. Sometimes...moment by moment.

Well, last week:

I conquered the real food part. (i.e Not processed, packaged foods...)
I started to get back to dancing! (but I need to do more of it...)

BUT..

I can tell I didn't lose anything AND I picked up a nasty little habit that shall be quickly squashed!! .....((Whispers)) I had coffee everyday this week... *sighs*

I blame the late nights thus...lack of sleep.

Goodbye June, You were not my friend.

Hello, July. You will be awesome.
 

Until the next #SexyBack11 Update....

Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. ~Hebrews 12:1

photo courtesy of: GraphicsHunt

I Am Women

Perspective. 

That's what week one of #SexyBack11 has been about for me.  I've had an interesting week, to say the least. Circumstances have brought me to doubt certain things about me...certain people challenged my self worth and you know... I had two choices. Let it keep me down...or rise above.

I'm rising.

I came across a great anthem that I holding on to as I continue on this #SexyBack11 Health Challenge. It's a little diddy from a strong women named Jordin Sparks. If you haven't heard her new song, "I Am Women" you definitely need to check it out! (Especially if you are a women...) It's empowering, uplifting...and a great workout song!

So on to the update for week one... I've lost 2 lbs! And oddly enough, only exercised 2 days. (Will bust my behind this weekend, that's for sure!) My clothes are already feeling better and that's what I want to go by...not the scale.

It's nice...I am feeling more like myself every day. And I like that. :)

I am so thankful for this community of "Sexy Backer's", if I may oddly title us that. It's definitely keeping me in check and I look forward to keep pressing on!

What I am sticking to:  Real Food, Exercising at least 3 days a week and getting some good sleep!

Here's to Week 2! Let's do this....

We All Fall Down

                  

         “…though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again…”

                                                                        Proverbs 24:16 

 

I got to believe that even the most perfect people have days they feel like...most imperfect (because really, who is perfect?!)

I got to believe that even professional basketball players don't play at the top of the game...all the time. 

And I got to believe that even the King of Pop messed up a dance step or two every now and again. 

What's my point? We all can't be perfect. Sometimes we do fall.

My passion has been to help people lead healthier, happier lives because when we feel our best, we be our best and do what we were created to do with vibrancy and all the skills God equipped us with! So when we neglect our health and put low on our list of things to do...we all fall down.

Situations, set backs, disappointments, bad habits and blah blah blah (insert excuse here)...just a series of not fun stuff has thrown me off my game. Guess it's called...life? ;) ...and I got to admit to you all.... I am not being my best so I have stepped back and stopped doing what I so claim to "passionately" do. 

I miss me. I haven't been me at all lately... And I need your help!

A big thing I've realized is that I know all the right things to do but I have no accountability, no partner(s)... I keep doing this health thing alone. And that is NOT how we are meant to do life. 

So, that's why I am thrilled to have discovered a great post on a awesome blog I keep up with called An Idol Heart. There is a movement getting started called The #SexyBack11 Health Challenge. (Love me some JT!)  Check it out >>here<< to read what it's all about!  

I'm excited to be apart of this community of awesome people and  hopefully get back to the women that was full of energy, joy and just a wee bit slimmer then the current me ;) 

My Goal: Lose 28 lbs by my 28th birthday (September 19th)

Anyone want to join me? :)

 

Photo by Red Bubble

How I Got Lost.

I remember way back when I was sitting in my room with some paper and a pen.
Words flowed like water and I couldn't stop them...
They were my only escape.
Escape the world, escape my life, escape my loneliest of times.

Music was another world.
Words to a melody and I was in love.
Things just made sense between music and my paper and pen.
Until one day I put them down
Dreams don't happen as easily as you can dream them

And where have I gone?
Silly me, I forgot the lyrics to my own song.
I forgot the steps to my own beat
I lost the very part of me.
Soul.
Heart and soul is who we all are.

We were made to be something so much more than who we are
So why can't we see
Why can't we believe that dreams are real
And so is He.

Grace is more than just a light in the dark
It's the beating of a heart.
The warmth of a mother's hand
The smile of a Father's face
The safety of an embrace

...

Yes, words...
Words are my saving grace.
Bring me back to my paper and pen
I want to inspire the world to dream again...






*Pic credit to True Stories, Honest Lies

Day... Oops!

Yeah, it's been an intermission of sorts..

We are human, we screw up. We drop the ball, we just plain...fail.

As hard as that is to admit, life happens.

And you can't teach something without first learning it yourself. Well, I thought I had learned grace. (Ha...God probably laughed hard at that thought.)

I embarked on The Maker's Diet wanting to heal some things, like the ache in my knees and yes, lose some weight. But I ended up focusing too much on what I couldn't have and not letting myself enjoy what I could have. (and among other life events that popped up...)

I am definitely the type of personality that is "ALL OR NOTHING" And I now I realize...that is NOT grace.



Grace says you can do it, you will do it but when you do blow it I will be here to help you pick up the pieces and we will move on together.

Grace says you blew it but I love you anyway.

Grace says that’s not acceptable but I’ll be there when you are ready to move on.

Grace says no, it’s not ok but in Christ we are.

Grace says you are a meat head but then so am I.

Grace never says it’s ok to act, do or say whatever, however or in what ever you choose. 


However in the end we need always remember that the tremendous gift God has given us means that…..
Grace does a body good!

When served straight up and not through a straw siphoning or covering up poor performance, attitude or thinking...I am learning this very fact. Grace is needed to be whole. Period.


I am off to continue to keep getting schooled on grace! ...which will be a forever lesson in progress...




In Grace.
Erica

Day 18- Walking Through The Dark Valley's

Even though I walk
   through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
   for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
   they comfort me.-- Psalm 23:4

I hope you'll forgive me. It's been awhile. But here I'm back... Day 18.

It's been an interesting journey so far, needless to say. As I sat here trying to come up with something to write that would make sense to you (since nothing in my mind makes sense to me right now...) the one thing, the only thing, I can truly say is...God is so mysterious.

And I love and hate that. That is the truth.

See, the past 18 days have been nothing short of revitalizing yet exhausting at the same time. Oxymoron at it's best. I've come to realize that even if I am not doing these 40 days perfectly, I am doing the foundational aspects with all the grace He gives me. And for some reason, it's left me so vulnerable and well, lonely.

But I guess when you set out to do things not of this world...you kind of get left behind.

After Phase 1 of The Maker's Diet was completed the weekend after Easter, I honestly was a bit disappointed that the changes I was seeing...wasn't what I wanted to see or feel. I got frustrated with myself and tried to wrack my brain to reason what was going on.

No going back now right? So, I continued to press on....

Then He moved. He moved in my life in a subtle yet powerful way...like He always does.

Since mid January, I had started treatment with a Wellness Chiropractor for several issues. I initially went in to just see what was up with the increasing numbness in my left leg. After X-Rays, it was revealed to me that it was more than just numbness that was going wrong. The arc in my neck (which is referred to as the Arc of Life in the Chiro World) was in fact GONE. Not only gone, but I had a -5 degree in my neck. Now, I won't steer too off topic but certainly will blog on this another day, but in plain english...that's bad news! 

Losing the arc in your neck results in a host of crazyness that can start to happen in your body like headaches, hormone imbalances, in-ability to absorb nutrients properly...the list goes on and on. Basically, you need that arc in your neck! Plain and simple.

So, fast forward, I get re- X-rayed this week to see where I am at so far and BAM! My neck is now a humble 10 degrees! A whole 15 degrees shift in the right direction since January. Pretty freakin' cool, if you ask me. 

Well, that had me thinking....

Sometimes we tend to look at our lives and see nothing happening. All the while, God is slowly changing us from the inside, whatever that may mean. I always have to remind myself...God is never early nor late. His timing is j u s t right.

I am still healing. Probably more on the inside than out...for now. Do I have goals? Yes. But now I gotta learn to let go and LET God. Because I am weak, and He is strong. This body belongs to him, and I choose to honor Him with it no matter what, however long it takes, and no matter what the world thinks...

I will keep walking through these dark valley's....knowing there is light at the end waiting for me.