See everything...

...as a gift

and open your eyes to the wonder

all around.

...there is no fear in perfect love...go and be loved.💖

notes...

my nephew...

seconds from missing his connecting flight, 

hard workout to hoof it to the gate

and sweat-stained cap...

 made it before the door closed...

 home safe...

brother and girlfriend making the long trip home

him in pain 

an emergency room visit first thing for my brother 

  a torn ACL...

home with crutches

dad and stepmom...

safely making there long journey back east...

hoping to arrive at little brother's this evening for a rest

....still on the road

my 2 kiddo's catching their breath

enjoying some time to settle in at home

 before they take their honeymoon later this month

....starting a new chapter

grateful for

grace, strength, provision and protection...

& loads & loads of Love.

back home this morning with all the emotions...

happiness mixed with a sense of longing...

deep breath in...

deep breath out....

my heart is full...

  with a bit of a leak...

hopeful and grateful...

 and very blessed.

Love us God with all you've got-

that's what I'm depending on.

xo

~

stay the course

endless opportunities are available to you

'sometimes life looks like a big jigsaw puzzle

without the box of what it looks like completed.

assemble it as best you can.'

breathe slowly & deeply

His peace is an inner treasure

growing as you trust

depend on God

He is everything you need

thank Him for His marvelous 

Love

He sets up a circle of protection around you 

while you pray

He keeps His eyes on you

He listens to you and hears you

He blesses those who run to Him

He rescues you

He opens the doors

to all His goodness

He'll help you catch your breath

He is ever present

everywhere

at all times

He has a fantastic plan for you in your life

He has your very best in mind for you always

focus on the abundance around you

He demonstrates His infinite Love

in fresh new ways

each day offers moments of awe

don't miss a moment of the blessings 

He promised

be kind an patient to yourself

allow yourself time to grow

everything is going to be okay

listen to your heart song

keep going

you're doing amazing things

be well...

xoxo

💖

'The more you include Me, the better your life will be.

My stockpiles of loyal Love are immense!

I take no pleasure in making life hard,

in throwing roadblocks in the way.

I'm gracious to you.

I take the time to do everything right-

everything.

I give you abundant life here and now-

overflowing with every good blessing

so you can accomplish all that I have called you to do.

I supply your needs.

I provide for My people.

My resources are unlimited.

I will not fail you.

I work through everything that touches your life

for your good.

See Me shining brightly on your future.

Remain in My Love.'

~Jesus~

~

'Through all that is changing,

there are practices we must hold on to:

wisdom, love, gratitude.

Gratefulness for how life shaped us,

no matter where the journey takes us,

we know we never go alone.'

 

Intentionally choose...

...to live in love.

To be rooted and grounded in love.

Nephew on Team J. Christ


notes....

....time went by fast, and we packed as much as we could in
our short visit.
My family all tucked together in the same town...
most of us under one roof.
A quaint historical village, charming buildings & a stunning venue nestled in the woods.
My kiddo and his bestest of best friends joining together as Mr. & Mrs.💝

A deer walking past as I write in my journal,
I feel like it's a little parting gift.
Family is now home or on their way.
A perfect couple, a fabulous wedding,
amazing family and friends,
lovely weather
and hearts filled with Love, laughter and gratitude.
~

Love is available today

give love more room to operate in your life

God works in the power of unified relationships

what you focus on and how you focus on it
 is key

you are an average of all the main relationships you cultivate

you need people that encourage, respect, and empower and mature
with you in love

be intentional

be patient

take refuge in His Love

remain in His Love

love and accept yourself fully

give yourself a big hug
take time to be still
to look in the mirror and like what you see
take time to care for yourself

focus your thoughts on His Love for you

His Love is made complete in us

make a way for Love to have it's fullest 
effect on your life

live love fully

the powers of darkness become disempowered
when exposed to the light of Love

accept love from people

'relationships are the laboratory 
for opportunities to grow in what love means'

make efforts to connect

sometimes all it takes is a hug
or an embrace that's pure

sometimes it takes someone looking you in the eyes
and speaking Love over you.

Remember your somebody who belongs.
It's like vitamins for the soul.


deer :grace, gentleness, intuition, spiritual guidance, and renewal
 
be well...
xoxo
💖

"My love language is when peoples words
align with their actions."

"Your not selfish for wanting the same
energy and love you give."

"Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast,
it is not proud.
It does not dishonor others,
it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil
but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails."

~1Corinthisans 13~

"Beauty doesn't come from physical perfection.
It comes from the light in our eyes,
the spark in our hearts,
and the radiance we exude when we're 
comfortable enough in our skin
to focus less on how we look
and more on how we love."

 

Our life comes...

...."to us moment by moment.

One moment disappears before the next comes along:

and there's room for very little in each.

That is what time is like."

notes....

up very early to get some quality Jesus time

car half packed

blogging while eating a bowl of oatmeal

& admiring my freshly polished nails

 (Thank you M. xo)

my heart is racing

I get to see my family today

it's been way too long

running on coffee and excitement

~

God is good- always good

God is loving- always, entirely loving

God is always involved in the cares of your life

God is in control

do the best you can do

it's not all up to you

believe in the kind of Love that is true

Love will not give up on you

journey through the wild of where you are

Celebrate the life unfolding before your eyes

pay attention to the stories

listen

keep an open heart

breathe

"Love goes deeper than what you can see

it rattles the soul."

~

'Live fully in the present, depending on Me each moment.

Train your mind to seek Me continuously.

Rely and lean on Me in every situation.

This will enable you to enjoy life more

& face the day confidently.

You are never working alone.

Include Me in more and more of your moments

See me shining brightly on your future.

Focus on the abundance around you.

Love and be loved.'

~Jesus

 

Self-recognition

Sitting on the back stoop in slippers and a hoodie.

Time forgotten, as I sip my mug of (protein-powder) hot chocolate.

 Neighbor's chickens running toward me on their stubby little legs,

expecting to get a morning treat. I do not disappoint.

I return & sit down with my journal.

 When I put pen to paper scratching sentences, and quotes across the

page, I feel my body sigh.

 I've journaled since I was a girl.

Life gets reprioritized by something bigger than me,

and it has carried me through the chapters of my story. 

It's where I offload burdens, so that I can travel lighter.

A place where I willingly face correction, rage at my own ignorance,

receive Grace, and ...let go of old ways.

It's a space where time isn't a thing,

life seems to slow down & soften,

and ashes transform into beauty.

Lately it's been a place of redirection,

redemption, and restoration.

A continual healing and connection to a part

of me I have sadly forgotten.

That piece of me that's been clawing at the surface,

but stuck within the walls of protection, doubt, fear,

and insecurities. 

I share these words, as I feel a sense of leaving a version

of myself behind. 

Maybe it's midlife, maybe it's simply growth.

Either way...I think I'm on the other side of that spurt.

Shedding that skin.

Thank God.

I've experienced grief, anger, frustration, rage,

euphoria, love, grace, joy, and everything in-between.

The uncertainties of life can be scary,

yet I am finding some comfort in the not knowing.

Not having to know.

It has opened me up to the adventure of the unknown.

I  can trust in a Source larger than myself.

That Trust has not come easily.

Today, I am truly grateful for the life I have. 

Every bit of it.

That too, has taken some time.

I've worked hard this year and I am experiencing the rewards.

There's new vistas and memories that I'm making.

 I've let go of the way I "think" things need to go...(among other things)

& am relaxing into the journey.

I've opened up to more learning, because now I understand

just how much I don't know.

And with that, I have been more open to receiving, 

because I am humbled by what I have learned.

Practicing mindfulness and staying in the here and now

definitely keeps things lighter, and running  a little smoother.

It has opened me up to some pretty amazing moments,

I would have otherwise missed.

So does breathwork, meditation, prayer, and gratitude.

I believe, that what is right for us will pull at our hearts.

And if we can relax, and trust in our own process, 

we will eventually find our way.

We don't have to have it all figured out.

be well...

xoxo

💝

"Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull

of what you really love. It will not lead you astray."

~Rumi~

"You are who you are when no one is watching."

"You're beautiful, even on a bad hair day!"

Clearing

Instead of trying to do more... I have been focusing on

how I can be more of the person I need to be.

I am now in my 8th month of detoxing at a cellular level.

 It has been so much more than just sugar, 

dairy, grains, nuts and seeds and legumes....

that were eliminated.

When they said "detox at a cellular level",

I had no idea what I was in for emotionally.

It has been the most challenging thing I have EVER done for myself.

I remember when I first started to feel the changes.

 It was within my nervous system.

(another reason why I am passionate about the nervous system )

I noticed an inner peace, and calm.

I had quit ruminating, stressing, worrying, about every little thing.

I was no longer anxious. Unbothered.

I wasn't second guessing, or trying to prove anything.

I quit pushing myself so hard. 

I would let go. Give myself the grace I needed

to get through the wonkiness of the process...,

then resume my worry that I was now going completely and utterly mad.

 My coach assured me that I was not.

"Not crazy."

 I was going through a completely natural process of my detox.

Stuck energy was being released,

my mind was quieting down, and I was detaching from things more easily.

Eventually creating a feeling of openness that wasn't there before.

Totally discombobulating.

Yet.

Totally worth it.

Because, through all of those struggles,

 a new sense of ease and comfort has emerged.

And I. Feel. Amazing.

(*happy love-filled tears)

Thank you Heavenly Father, 

with you all things are truly possible.

You are my unfailing companion &

wonderful friend. You love and provide 

all the best for me.

May your sweet Spirit guide me in all

of my ways.

Amen. 

Be well...

xoxo

💖

"Clearing is not a finite task that you put on a to-do list,

and complete by a certain deadline.

It is an ongoing and revealing journey of self-discovery

that starts where you are.

It is not about freeing up some space.

It is about freeing you!

It is a gentle process of releasing

what is holding you back and nourishing

what is calling you forward.

Clearing is not something you squeeze into your life.

It is a daily practice that promotes mindfulness,

well-being, and letting go-

one baby step at a time."

 

Reset

Todays to-do list:

Crank up some nostalgic favorites stored on my old iPod.

Revive the habit of drinking my lemon water out of a one quart mason jar.

(keep track)

Celebrate 182 days of sticking to nutrient rich/anti-inflammatory diet. 

Brainstorm 3 more self-care activities I'd like to focus on today...

starting and ending with this Vagus Nerve reset.

The nervous system has such an enormous impact on our health.

I love this simple exercise.

be well...

xoxo

💝

"Your nervous system and hormones can heal with...

Rest that is deep.

People that are safe.

Breaths that are slow.

Food that is nourishing."

~Dr. Will Cole~

Steps

Phases, moments, passions, humility, presence, appreciation, connection,

uncertainty, new, teachable, willing, allow, curious, mindful,

direction, conviction, truth, receptive, answers, open, change,

perception, worship, healing, service.

Today I am grateful for the difficulties that give me an opportunity to grow

& make me stronger day by day.

It all happens in steps, and you can see them for the magic they are

when you stop and look back one day. 

Todays my day.

The little moments that seemed insignificant 

at the time. The fears and the struggles and how they eventually

 ( and painfully slow in my case)

start morphing into a stronger faith, and small wins.

This week I followed the cues. 

Got up at 3:30 one morning to meditate 

on the front porch, read devotionals by lamplight. 

Journaling some instructions for the day.

Thoughts. Guidelines.

Nervous going solo to a early yoga class at the Y,

and then to my first day as a volunteer to assist in hippotherapy,

(horse therapy)

as a side-walker.

Breathe. Trust. Mindfulness.

Deep breath in stretch, breath out.

 Words of affirmation and love,

as we flow from Childs pose to Plank to Downward Dog up to Warrior pose.

Breathe in love...breathe out kindness.

Restoration pose, an offer to rub lotion on our feet.

"I'm want to serve you."

Tearing up as I gave myself permission to receive.

Having a moment.

Unity.

Arriving at the arena early to volunteer. Willing to help in any way.

Plenty to do. Happy to serve.

Therapy time and time to assist.

An old retired race-horse. 

A teenage boy.

A therapist.

Humility, reality, and a glow in my heart.

Everything coming together for a greater purpose.

Connection.

Passion.

Flow.

Journal notes that day...

The Holy Spirit will guide you and correct you as needed.

Refuse to entertain a gloomy view of the future.

'Morning is a time of preparation and opening.

It's a lovely time to prepare for the day & visualize

the outcome you desire.'

'Every time you put your passions into action,

you learn things you couldn't have learned

sitting still. You grow on the way.'

Decide for yourself what you want and need to do.

You belong. You are worthy. You are valuable.

You'll miss the blessing if you refuse to open your heart fully.

You must be non-resistant. Fear not. Poise is power.

"Sometimes an insignificant incident may be

a turning point in a mans life."

(typing this....Ha! Hindsight....as this is 3 days later...)

Today is Sunday. This song hit me right in the feels!

There's more to this little story, 

and I thought I would share.

This is how the mini-saga began. 

It began with a high...

then suddenly the low.

I had to let the dust settle.

be well...

xoxo

💞

 

Needs

'Pay attention to what's best for you. What is it you need?

If you didn't need it to survive, it _ whatever "it" is--

wouldn't be needed. Then it would be a want.'

Mine? Connection, a sense of belonging, health, growth,

 self-expression, simplicity, peace & love....

God.

 little things I am grateful for....

early mornings

 connecting to my source

the mournful howl of my my big-floppy-eared- sad-eyed- fur-neighbor

the "cock-a-doodle-do...good morning ladies!" from

the neighbor feeding his chickens

the clip-clop of horse's hooves on our street as the Amish buggy travels by

black poppies blooming from seeds shared out of a friends garden back home in MA

a random phone call to share a funny story with my step-dad to start the day

laughter

a random call from a classmate-friend in IL.

Excitedly blurting out, " Oh my GOD, I just saw you on

Dr. Will Coles Instagram feed, in one of his Ads!!!!"

completing my training to be a volunteer for hippotherapy

(equine assisted)

watching the magic of a little girl with disabilities, a horse, 

and a genuine connection.

(that's God)

Charles Stanley singing in a tree 

(see yesterdays post if you are now confused)

A letter compiled from my journal notes this morning:

My child,

It takes courage to be the person you were created to be,

to live according to instinct, & walk your path.

It is not a journey for the weak, but failing to answer the call

that beckons in your soul, is merely existing.

Be faithful to what I am working on in your life by 

staying committed.

Be determined to fulfill what I have set specifically for you.

Don't be side-tracked by what goes wrong on the surface.

Discover what I have placed inside of you.

Dance & rejoice while you let whatever that is

play out in your life.

I am relevant to absolutely everything.

When you are learning or experiencing new things,

it is vital to stay in communication with Me.

I can help you understand from My perspective.

If you keep Me central in your thoughts,

you can discern order & design in a seemingly 

chaotic world.

Leave ample room for mystery in your thinking.

I am good in every way.

I will give you the strength and perseverance to continue.

Trust yourself with help from Me,

to handle any outcome-

even the most uncomfortable.

Don't worry about other people's reaction, or events outside

of your control. Focus on your own reactions.

Handle life well & trust that you can do the same tomorrow.

What is it you need?

Trust your instincts, especially your gut;

it's a reliable aid in discerning what is best for you.

Discover what I have place inside of you.

Real joy comes from doing whatever that is.

Your talents are My gift to you.

What you do with it is your gift back to Me.

And that is living.

Always here for you,

~Jesus~

be well...

xoxo

💝

"Don't compromise yourself.

You're all you've got."

~Janis Joplin~

"The best compromises, like a workable lifestyle,

cover all of your needs while satisfying a few of your wants.."

 

Blessed

"That was beautiful!" 

She said with a smile, after I gave my testimony.

 I was nervous. 

It was happening. The questions were being asked.

I spoke from the heart. 

Recorder on.

"Can we share your testimony with Dr. Coles marketing team?"

"Really?

 Okay...Yes, of course!" 

I am both honored and grateful.

This whole experience has changed my life!!

 The support I received  from my coach and Dr. Cole's team has been 

phenomenal.

In appreciation, Dr. Cole offered me a gift of another 3 months to continue

on with him & his team.

"Yes!"

What a gift!

Continuing on....

 

be well...

xoxo

💖

"And the thing about blooming is,

nothing about the process is easy.

It requires every part of you to stretch upward,

with your roots firmly planted in the ground;

and in the sun, and in the rain, and wind,

you stand anyway, even against the pull of the soil.

And through it all,

one day you will see all along you were transforming.

This took everything out of you,

but the struggle was beautiful and necessary

for your growth."

~Morgan Harper Nichols~

Basking

Day by day...breath by breath...

I've stayed on course

which is a huge accomplishment.

It's been a challenging & rewarding sixteen weeks on

the Autoimmune reset / anti-inflammation protocol.

No Grains, Dairy, Alcohol, Chocolate, Eggs, Legumes,

Nuts or seeds, sugar, and a few fruits, veggies and oils.

I kept telling myself, "I do want to do this!!"

"I can do this!" 

And I did it !!

I'm pretty happy about it.

I feel amazing!

be well....

xoxo

💝

"The best thing about the future 

is that it only comes one day at a time."

~Abe Lincoln~

April 4, 2024

Today ....

it's very rewarding to be able to look back with my coach,

over the days, weeks, and months of following

an anti-inflammatory lifestyle so far.

(11 weeks)

I now have solid proof that I'm in the process

 of making something good happen

for myself.

be well....

xoxo

💝

 

Elated

This morning I woke up giddy.

I'm in the fifth week of the Autoimmune Health Reset, &

yesterday's homework was to fill out an inflammation assessment like 

 I did at the start of the program.

Then compare the two.

It could be interesting?

It wasn't. 

It was mind blowing!

Here is the list of systems assessed....

and then my totals.

Beginning...and now.

Brain & nervous system: 12 - 7

Digestive system: 9 - 6

Detoxification system: 8 - 2

Blood sugar/ insulin system: 15 - 9

Hormonal (endocrine) system: 8 - 3

Musculoskeletal system: 16 - 9

Autoimmunity 10 - 3

I. Was. Elated.

Ultimately they like to see  scores at a 5 or lower.

This makes me happy.

Yay me !!! 

More happy things from today....

Following that inner pull to participate in this program

with Dr. Will Cole and his team.

The bird perched on the feeder as I went to fill it, &

giving it some light strokes 

before it flew off.

Sitting in the sunshine streaming through the windows.

Seven pages written in my morning journal,

while Polly lay purring on my lap.

My neighbor Otis frolicking in the snow,

his big ol' floppy eared head plowing under and resurfacing with mouthfuls

of the white fluffy goodness.

(hound dog)

The green flag to reintroduce a few fruits...

& caffeine. Limit one cup a day of each.

I can have Coffee !!!!!! 

*happy dance*

I haven't had either yet.

 I am waiting for a compliant/toxic free

coffee ordered from Amazon. 

And the fruit? I'll wait.

I know me. 

Once I start sweets...I want more sweets.

Even if it's fruit.

 I'm taking more time.

I have come too far to botch it up.

Hubby offering to be my uber driver to go to the Chiropractor this afternoon.

(the roads are fine, but how could I resist?)

Hitting the 1040 day mark on my Duolingo Spanish.

Four months of meditating for 10 min. in the morning.

Listening to a really good podcast...

while decluttering a closet.

The right messages at the right time.

Feeling encouraged, hopeful, and empowered.

Purple & white flowers blooming on my indoor plants.

 Some journal notes and quotes....

Learn to live from your true center.

'When your Spirit is controlling your thinking &

behavior, you feel more alive, more real, more content.'

The desire to control can sabotage you.

God's will may appear to be anything but perfect. 

Trust Him.

Even if you don't understand.

Be miracle minded.

" Think of life as a canvas. Every time you draw on it,

you are creating.

You can  use your time aimlessly doodling,

or you can go after what you feel compelled to do.

You can begin to draw a masterpiece one stroke at a time.

you can start right where you are.

Make the stroke you do today a good one,

an intentional one."

You can own your power to choose the path that is right for you.

live well & in peace...

xoxo

💝

"When life gets you down, just keep on swimming."

~Dori~

 

January 15, 2025

Do you know that feeling, when you make a huge investment

in yourself, and you know your life will be changed forever?

Well...I just took another huge step. 

Starting Monday I will begin a 16 week Autoimmune Health

Reset with Dr. Will Cole.

I have been playing a game of whack-a-mole with nutrition,

 labs, and Dr. visits. 

I have been very proactive in my own health.

Doing the right things.

Yet...something was still off.

My girlfriend was like...

"Well....if your having issues with your health...

all the rest of us are screwed!"

I have sincerely done my best.

I refuse to fall for the 

"You're just getting old." line...

however I have certainly been feeling older than my age in the last few months.

I thought it was in my head.

I reached out to Dr. Cole.

Took the Inflammation Assessment (previous post),

it measures the malondialdehyde in my urine.

Let me share the meaning here:

Malondialdehyde :

is a byproduct of fat metabolism and a marker of oxidative stress.

it is a highly toxic molecule ....

It goes on. I got that on Google if you want to find out more.

The Assessment covered :

Brain

Digestive 

Autoimmune

Musculoskeletal

Detoxification process

Blood Sugar problems

&

Hormone problems.

The level they would like to see in each system is below 5.

My lowest level was an 8 in two of the systems.

My highest was 16.

Quite a reality check for me.

I went over the program, got the assurance I need, and I am in.

As with all else....it will take discipline and dedication.

I know I have what it takes. I've done hard things before.

This will heal me at a cellular level, and teach me so much.

There was also a mention (with my coaching and my own health journey) 

that I could possibly become an affiliate on the team.

Who knows?

It was pricey...but also considered continuing education for me.

I can't really think of anything I want more for myself than my health.

It is worth the investment.

Bye bye for now bucket list....xo

"You have options; you can do something different.

Wake yourself up and take a look around at the environment

you've made for yourself.

Don't keep swallowing things that make you sick.

You can change the faces, the places, and the spaces in your

world. Circumstances don't have you, 

you have them.

Stop being a victim of circumstances and start being a

victor over your circumstances."

A few journal nuggets for today...

God is always beside you, helping you to face your challenges.

'When you know you've been called to more & truly want to 

follow your destiny, you've got to be committed.'

If you know you need to do it, then do it. Do it with all you 

have inside of you.

'If you are going to get to your destiny, you are going to 

have to invest in yourself. Commit.

You have go to push & press.'

 

It's worth your sacrifice and hard work.

"He who believes in Him will not be disappointed."

~1Peter 2:6~

"There is nothing better you can do than abandon yourself

to God's will, provision, & protection.

That is the path through adversity to an abundant,

fulfilling, joyous life."

~Charles Stanley~

'He is you ever-present help who encourages, blesses,

and sustains you in your journey.'

"You cannot stress your way into wellness.

Give yourself grace and lightness in all that you do."

~Dr. Will Cole.~

be well...

xoxo

💞