Life is Good

I'm in a really happy place today ~ a good day to write an update. 

Let me start this out by saying that I count my blessings every single day.  I have a husband who loves me unconditionally.  I have the best mom in the world.  I have my health. I have a good job.  I have a roof over my head. 

I also have the best friends that a girl could ask for.  I never, EVER take this for granted.  I am grateful to God for surrounding me with such amazing people. Whether I see you all the time or just occasionally, please know that I think of you often. Each and every one of you brings something into my life.  I hope that I bring something into yours as well. 

Casey is (finally) happy at his job.  Sure, it has it's share of obstacles just like any other job.  At least he has a passion for what he is doing.  He loves to cook!  Ideally he would like to be back in the construction industry.  As much as he enjoys working in a kitchen, there is no money to be had. 

My Dad met with a psychiatrist at the end of June and it was determined that he does not have dementia.  Memory loss with his Parkinson's is a normal symptom of the disease, but it's not dementia.  They have him on a medication that really seems to be helping him.  Now maybe he and his fiance will be able to move on with their plan to get married! 

For the first time in a long time I feel like I'm in control.  Now I know a lot of you are probably snickering at that because I'm a self proclaimed control freak.  It's a different kind of control.  I finally feel like I am in control of myself. 

This year has been all about reinvention and self discovery.  I highly suggest it. Some very small adjustments can be life changing. 

I continue on my ayurvedic path.  In 6 weeks I have experienced major health improvements.  I couldn't be happier about it. 

One of the best discoveries has been as simple as accepting that I can put myself first and just BE.  Along with that is the discovery that if someone has a problem with that, it's THEIR problem.  I have been a people pleaser all of my life.  I wanted people to like me, to accept me.  I was so busy trying to be there for other people that I lost myself.  That's not to say that I'm not there for my family and friends anymore - but it's different.  I have learned how to say no. I can walk away from things that I don't want to do/don't have the time to do.  Bottom line is I am who I am......take me or leave me.  It's taken a long time, but I can honestly say that I'm happy in my own skin.

One month in ~ ayurveda update

Thanks for following along on my ayurvedic journey.  I'll tell you what ~after just a month I have already experienced positive results from making very slight changes and taking my daily herbs.  The whole thing is very fascinating to me.  It blows my mind that by making very small changes, some of my "symptoms" have dramatically improved in such a short time.

My last appointment with Jamie was a follow up where we compared the information I originally provided to her with how I felt at that time.  Of the 13 "symptoms" we are tracking, 8 of them showed improvement.  After taking my ayurvedic pulse, Jamie noted that my vatta dosha had decreased. Not bad!

The symptom that has most notably improved in my opinion is my chronic problem with sinus congestion. Yeah, it's pretty much non existent now. I honestly cannot remember the last time I didn't feel pressure/have difficulty breathing. Seemed like I was always "stuffy". It sounds odd, but being able to take a deep breath in (using both nostrils) feels amazing.  For those of you chronic sufferers, you know what I'm talking about.  I will also point out that typically on a day like today (high humidity), I would normally have a terrible headache.  Nope, nothing, nada.  I'm a happy girl.

I'm more conscious of what I'm eating and stopping (most of the time) way before I'm "full".  It's not perfect - probably never will be - but I'm moving in the right direction.

For those of you who have been reading since I started this blog you know that one of my obstacles has always been getting enough water in each day.  Now I easily drink 6-8 cups without much effort.  In my world, that is huge!  I have discovered unique ways to make water more exciting.  Y'all know about the lemon wedges.  Have you ever tried a slice of cucumber? Sounds odd, but it's very refreshing.  The other thing I have been doing is throwing a tea bag into a cold glass of water.  My favorite is celestial seasonings raspberry zinger.  Yum!  No calories, no artificial sweeteners, all natural ingredients and just enough to make water a bit more interesting.  My "craving" for soda is pretty much gone.  I am not completely off of it yet, but close.

Another big change is that I've started meditating.  The first couple of times I did it I felt goofy doing it. But now I look forward to it.  It's a phenomenal feeling to quiet the noise inside of your head.  It's very refreshing.  I highly recommend it!

Just like with anything else, there are always going to be obstacles. I'm having a tough time with 2 of the things that Jamie added to my program at the follow up visit.  Eating outside of the office and taking a small walk at lunch time. I'm working on it!

All in all I'm very pleased with the results I've experienced so far.  The journey is truly about self discovery.  Sometimes I like what I discover and sometimes not so much.  The hardest thing is coming to grips with the fact that everything is not going to change overnight.  Yes, once again I am reminded I need to work on being patient.

I will be meeting with Jamie later this week. I will post results soon!