Where I was.....Where I am....Where I Will Be

Reflection--- Serious thought or consideration

Every day we wake up is a new opportunity of growth.  Today, is my opportunity to seize life where I am at.  However, I also needed a few reminders.  It's very easy for me to feel like this Bipolar thing has control over me.  Sometimes, this may be a little true.  But, the truth is, that we are all in control of the choices we make.  Today, I took some time in reflection.  I often times feel like...I have felt this way before and gone through it, why is it back?  So, I decided to read my own words along this journey.  As I have felt symptoms of depression, mania, and overall self doubt.  I have often turned to writing as a way of expressing these feelings.  I am not the best in person communicator when it comes to serious things.  I like to pretend all is ok and come across as a little bit of a jokester when I try to talk serious.  Laughing is my cover for being uncomfortable.  But, against a screen, it's not as much in my face and I have real time to think.  Throughout the two years I have been on this blog, I have attempted to regroup many times and haven't always been the most successful at sticking to my well-intentioned plans.  I have addressed parenting, being a wife, being a diabetic, being bipolar, being a Christian, and I'm sure more.  As a parent, I only have a few years remaining to truly influence my children before they enter into adulthood.  As a wife, I have almost 20 years of marriage and yet sometimes feel like I am not a partner.  As a diabetic, I still struggle with the day to day monotony of the disease.  And as a bipolar, I still hit those intersections in life where I decide if I'm braking, Easing in, or Flying through the red light.  As a Christian, I struggle to find balance between throwing myself all in and just being a Child of God.  However, a wise person (sister) I know said.....it's just not possible to conquer more than one thing whole-heartedly at a time.  That if you do, you are essentially cheating yourself out of fully committing to change.  So prioritizing.  That's the tough part in life.  I want it ALL....doesn't everyone?  You know the whole white picket fence thinking.  Here's the interesting thing about the word reflection.  The above meaning is the general one.  But here is another definition:  the throwing back by a body or surface of light, heat, or sound without absorbing it.  WITHOUT absorbing it.  So, in my terms I think, just don't blab through life.  Take time and ABSORB what you are learning.  So as for today, my personal reflection has been reading through my own words and realizing that yes you've been there, but you have sure grown through every struggle you have been faced with.  And you know what, for today that's enough.  Growth.  Not perfection.  Being better today than you were yesterday.  Not all or nothing.  Just enough.  So until next time....take care and God Bless

Weight Loss----Why and How Much

Today I decided to journal/scrapbook my way through my journey.  As you all know, I love to scrapbook and am passionate about documentation.  I have made several pages but will share a few.  My pages are: What tools and Who will Help Me Get me there. Weight loss goals and rewards, How Will I get There, Why Will I get There, and When Will I Get there?

Here is my Why Pages

 

 

Here is my Weight Loss Goal/Rewards Page

 

 

If I set my mind to lose 5 lbs in a month.....I will reach goal in 1 year.  As my Personal Trainer Friend Says.......YOU GOT THIS GIRL!

 

 

 

Ideal Protein----Three Weeks In

Hi everyone!  So today is three weeks into my journey and guess what.  I gained this week.  WHAT???????  How frustrating is that.  So, let's range my emotions.  Nervously step on scale.....see weight at 205.....shock....anger....ready to give up.  Went to dr at 8 and said I was very flustered.  After talking to her about my diabetes and how it affects everything in my body, I began to calm down. 

I think about this.  A) It's just a number B) It took me a long time to get here and it won't just melt away instantly C) I also remember that diabetes was not a perfect science and it frustrated me for years.  I would do what I was supposed to and boom a high number would show on the meter out of nowhere.  ARGH!  I would fuss, give up, and guess what?  That didn't help.

So, I think I should tackle my journey in the same way.  As an imperfect journey taking the right path forward.  I am not up overall and  that's a good thing.  So I shall continue on and know that I will get where I need to get but stressing and fretting aren't going to help.

Take care and God Bless!

Diabetics----ROBOTS in disguise

Today was a big day for me.  A couple of months ago, I received the Medtronic 670G pump.  It is the "artificial pancreas" pump.  However, the sensors weren't available immediately.  So, I  have been using the pump since July and loved just the newer technology.  But today.....I got the sensor!  YAHOO!  So what it does is it literally will manage my blood sugars on it's own.  The sensor tests your blood sugar through interstitial fluid under your skin.  It transmits a blood sugar every 5 minutes to your pump.  Then the pump will begin to adjust the insulin based on these numbers.  This week, I am just in semi-auto mode.  This means it will only shut off the insulin when my blood sugar reaches  low parameters.  Next Friday I go in for additional training and will be in full auto mode.  This is a very exciting advancement for me and can't wait to see how it will impact my A1C and my life in general.

Here's what the sites look like:

 

 

The top one is how I get my insulin.  The bottom one is the sensor.  Amazing how far technology has come.  My good friend Lindi said that when she got diabetes as a kid she carried a backpack around.  Imagine that!

 

Signing off for the day.....Julie...AKA ROBOT!  Take care and God Bless

One Week In---Ideal Protein

Well, I am just over one week in and feeling good.  Physically I feel great, but mentally I was a little bit of a mess when I saw the dr.  It's all a mental game and sometimes I struggle to remember this is my journey and my why's.  I weighed 6 lbs less that I did 10 days ago.  WOOT WOOT!  I thought that's not a lot but realized the scale is moving the way I want it to and 6 lbs of hamburger is a lot! 

So, here's my analysis so far.  I really have not been having hunger throughout which is huge for me.  It proves that so much is mental over physical needs.  While on this diet, you depend on their foods for a couple of meal, I think I'm beginning to look at food and portions as a whole different.  I am seeing that it's about the quality of food rather than the quantity.  Higher protein seems to be the key to staying more full longer.  Less carbs or choosing good carbs has seemed to curb my cravings for junk. 

Here's the only downfall thus far.  My blood sugars have been low.  But, that's fixable right?  After all, the less insulin I can take the better off I am as insulin makes you store fat as well.  So, tomorrow I go to my endocrine dr to review my blood sugars and we will just adjust according to my new lifestyle.

As far as the food goes, for the most part it has been good.  The soups are not my favorite.  But here's the good thing....it's your journey right?  So, you can pick from a huge selection of foods and customize the plan to your needs.  That is what I have liked about it so far.  Week one was rough because it's pre-planned and designed for you to try many different products.  Week 2, I got to pick my foods.  YAY!

Thanks for joining my on this journey to a healthier me. 

Here are my why's:
To be a good role model to my family
To gain energy
To be a stronger person
To prevent future health complications
Physical comfort
To like the reflection in the mirror building self-confidence along the way
To be able to give 100% in everything I do
And last.....TO LOSE WEIGHT AND INCHES!!!!

Until next time....take care and God Bless!

Day 3---the Mental Game & the Myths

So, this morning was rough.  Overnight, my blood sugars spiked and I struggled to get them back down.  I stepped on the scale and I was right back where I started the journey.  ARGH!

I had to stay home to try to get my blood sugars under control.  BIG mistake.  The majority of my food was here at work and I was left to my own demise.  So what did I do....I struggled.  I ate half a muffin for breakfast.  Skipped lunch.  For dinner, we went out and instead of ordering a salad, I ordered boneless chicken wings.  SIGH!

Ok, so here's the reality....nothing and no one is perfect right?  Something I have always struggled with is self sabotage.  The mental game of well there you go, you screwed up again.  Throw it all under the bus and give up. 

Well, I got news for you body.....you are on top of the double decker bus and we are on a mission to shrink you down!

So this morning is day 4.  I have all my food ready and guess what?  The scale was a myth!  I am down lower than I have been since I started this.  So, just a friendly reminder.  Moments are just that moments.  They are room to grow and learn, but they really are just a space in time.  I can't give up....I must continue!

Thanks for the constant support.  Take care and God Bless!

Day 2---Feeling Pretty Good

Day two complete!  Today was a much better day than yesterday food-wise.  For breakfast I had Ideal Protein Crispy Cereal.  You add water, not milk and it already has some powder milk protein in it.  While it wasn't sugary and full of junk I'm used to, I have to say it was good.  And it felt kind of normal to have some cereal in the morning.  But, about an hour after I ate, my blood sugar crashed to 68.  So, instead of panicking and grabbing the closest thing to me, in other words junk.  I just calmly moved my afternoon snack to morning and it worked!  On to lunch.....vegetable chili.  Neither of which I am a big fan of...vegetables or chili.  lol  But, let's give it a whirl.  So, on this diet there are RESTRICTED Ideal Protein Foods.  Basically it means you can only have 1 of these items a day.  Now I know why the chili is restricted.  It was sooooo good.  Made me very happy.  So, I had that, a salad which I added 1 egg to, counts as 2 oz of my protein.  I ate cucumbers & celery for my 2 cups of veggies.  For dinner, I had grilled chicken with a drizzle of teriyaki sauce.  I was so full though, I didn't get my veggies in.  Overall I felt that today was successful!

Day one of my Ideal Protein Journey

Day one is complete.  So, here's my opinion so far. 

Breakfast protein bar was delicious.  Tasted very similar to a fiber one bar which I always like.  I had that and 2 kiwis.  Amazingly, I skipped 10 o'clock starvation and made it all the way until 11:30 for lunch.  So lunch.....that was a little different story.  I had Ideal Protein Chicken Noodle Soup, 2 c of a combination of broccoli and cauliflower, a few blackberries, and a couple bites of salad.  The chicken noodle soup was not the greatest.  In fact, I ended up just drinking it down because I know the importance of the protein values.  In addition, 2 c of vegetables.  Holy Cow....that was a lot.  A small bag of steamers is 2 cups.  I am accustomed to eating smaller meals more frequently.  But, I am a woman on a mission and I ate them all.  By the time I finished that, I was pretty full.  I still ate 3 blackberries, and 2 bites of salad.  I couldn't eat anymore. 

About 2:30, I was bored and that is my biggest downfall.  SNACKING time.  Emotional eating....I eat my boredom away.  It was time for BBQ Crisps.  So my best comparison to them is rice cakes.  I tend to enjoy rice cakes, but BBQ didn't taste the best either.  So, I didn't finish them.  After all, I wasn't really hungry, it was just a gut reaction. 

Dinner Time:  You are pretty much on your own for dinner.  So, I had 10 shrimp, a salad, and because I'm on a modified plan for Diabetes, I am allowed a baked sweet potato.  This was delicious. 

In addition to the changes in food, I am mainly allowed to drink water only.  I purchased a 30 oz stainless steel tumbler.  It keep the water REALLY cold which is the only way I will drink it.  I filled it 3x yesterday and drank them all.  WOOT WOOT!  That is a huge change for me and I know it will help me feel better!

So, diabetes....how did I manage my blood sugars?  They seemed to truck on pretty well considering the changes.  I only had one low and that was about 3.  It was 70 which isn't awful but still had to be aware of the lower number.  So now day two.....Today I try, Crispy Cereal, Vegetable Chili, and Vanilla Crispy Square. 

And the saga continues.  Until next time, take care and God Bless!

 

Embarking on a New Journey--Ideal Protein

Heart palpitations, sweaty palms, overwhelming anxiety, mind full of what ifs....these are all things that may occur when embarking on a journey.  In the past several days, I have gone through all of the above.  Am I going on a trip?  Am I starting a new job?  No.....I am beginning a new weight loss journey.

Over the past 5 or so years, I have continued to increase in weight.  I have made several attempts at conquering it and have had some successes and many more disappointments. 

Last week I went to the Dr. and said I am exhausted all the time and feel pretty crummy most of the time.  We had discussed this weight thing previously.  His suggestion, however, was to go through weight loss surgery.  My husband, Neal, has had extreme success through his surgery.  However, I am not ready to jump on that boat yet.

So, he discussed with me a non-surgery approach of Medically-Supervised Diet.  His PA Mendy Peterson began offering a program called Ideal Protein.  I was apprehensively curious.  So, I made an appointment with her.  At the appointment, I learned more about the program.  It's a program on which you buy some of their foods and supplement with your own veggies and protein choices.  My primary concern was my diabetes.  Launching such a low-carb diet can cause my blood sugars to crash.  So, after discussing this, we decided I could do a modified program.  Basically, I'm allowed a few of my own natural carbs like fruit, sweet potatoes, etc. 

There is also high accountability in the program.  I purchased a scale that automatically uploads to an app call Ideal Smart.  The app then syncs directly to the dr office.  I will see her weekly for the first 4-6 weeks.  Then, I think it's bi-weekly, I can't exactly remember.

I nervously decided to jump all-in.  After all, there is no commitment.  You purchase food weekly so you can stop if you are not feeling success and reaching goals. 
Today is day 1 of the Ideal Protein Protocol for me.  It looks like this:
Breakfast: Peanut Butter Protein Bar & 2 kiwis
Lunch: Ideal Protein Chicken Noodle Soup, 2 c Broccoli, Salad, and 6 oz blackberries.
Snack: Ideal Protein BBQ Chips
Dinner: 8 oz pork tenderloin, salad, 1 c cucumber, 1 c celery, 1 banana

I think it's doable.  It's time I grab this weight by the horns and do this!  My beginning weight is 203.2.  I would love to get between 120 & 135 depending on how I'm feeling.  Below are some not so flattering but necessary before pictures.  Weight loss victories come in many ways and body changes are often the first to show.

Thanks for embarking on this new journey with me!  God Bless and Take Care!

Day One of the Rest of My Life

I have spent the past 4 days on a FAMILY vacation.  It has been almost 17 years since I have gone away on a vacation without visiting my family.  Priorities change when you have children and family becomes a vital part of life.  We went to Branson Missouri.  Prior to us having children, this was a favorite place for Neal and I to visit.  But again, life happens and poof time has gone.  At this visit, I spent some time on Julie.  I went to a spa for 2.5 hours and had a massage and pedicure.  I was able to treat myself to some Christmas ornaments that I love and get family photos taken at Old Time Photos.  All of these things made me reflect on the times I don't put myself first.  It's very easy to get caught up in the monotony we call life and forget about some small things that can make you feel alive again.  While away, I realized that I am worth investing in.  I always say how important my kids and Neal are.  Well.....I am their mom and wife right?  So why would I not be worth it?  I work hard, I love hard, it's time to look at myself and my needs too.  In the next week, I plan to set some goals and be very specific about how I'm going to reach them  This will be my compass.  Below is a Christian song I love.  Until next time, take care and God Bless

 

 

Day One

Matthew West

Well, I wish I had a short term memory

Wish the only thing my eyes could see
Was the future burning bright right in front of me
But I can't stop looking back

Yeah, I wish I was a perfect picture of
Somebody who's never not good enough
I try to measure up but I mess it up
And I wish I wasn't like that

I wish I wasn't wishing anymore
Wish I could remember that nobody's keeping score
I'm tired of throwing pennies in a well
I gotta do something
Here goes nothin'

It's day one of the rest of my life
It's day one of the best of my life
I'm marching on to the beat of a brand new drum
Yeah, here I come
The future has begun
Day one

Well, every single day Your grace reminds me
That my best days are not behind me
Wherever my yesterday may find me
Well, I…

Well, every single day Your grace reminds me
That my best days are not behind me
Wherever my yesterday may find me
Well, I don't have to stay there, no

See my hourglass is upside down
My someday soon is here and now
The clock is tickin'
And I'm so sick and tired of missing out

I wish I wasn't wishing anymore
Wish I could remember that nobody's keeping score
I'm tired of throwing pennies in a well
I gotta do something
Here goes nothin'

It's day one of the rest of my life
It's day one of the best of my life
I'm marching on to the beat of a brand new drum
Yeah, here I come
The future has begun
Day one

It's day one
And here comes the sun, yeah

Every morning, every morning
Every morning, mercy's new
Every morning, every morning
I will fix my eyes on You
Every morning, every morning
Every morning, mercy's new
Every morning, every morning
Sun's coming up, the beginning has begun, yeah

 

It's day one of the rest of my life
It's day one of the best of my life
I'm marching on to the beat of a brand new drum
Yeah, here I come
The future has begun, day one

Starting over, I'm starting over
Starting over, I'm starting over, starting now
I'm starting over
I'm starting over, I'm starting over
Starting over, starting now
I'm starting over

Suprisingly Satisfied

Awhile ago, I read a book called the resolution for women by Priscilla Shirer.  It is a book of encouragement for wives and mothers.  It is a book about being the woman that God desires for us to be.  I have read it many times and every time I find something new.  Today I decided I would begin to read again. 

This chapter is one of my favorites.  Surprisingly Satisfied-----A resolution to be content.  Oh contentment.  Such a tough word to swallow in today's world.  But, see, I need a reset.  I need to realize that this moment, this very moment is what I make of it. 

In this chapter, it talks about how throughout life we are rushing for the next best thing.  As a kid, we want to grow up.  As a young adult, we want a relationship.  As a young couple, we want kids.  As parents, we want them to grow up, etc   This feeling has a name---discontentment.  It says "He shows up at your doorstep just like mine, eager to step inside and make himself at home.  But instead of only coming for short visits on rare occasion, he refuses to leave, spreading his baggage everywhere, filling up corners of your space that you thought you'd locked up to this odious intruder.  He comes.  He lingers.  He robs you of your years.  Then before you know it, you've missed out on the joys in the journey, the growth that comes from battling through the difficulties, the sweet and savory experience of creating the memories"

OUCH!  Creating memories.  It's so easy to go through life going through motions and not savoring them.  In the book, the ladies are enjoying a dessert.  When the one snaps out of it and realizes they have mindlessly eaten the entire thing, she snatches up the plate and begins to scrape every last bite.  What are you leaving on the plate?  Me.....I'm leaving a lot of opportunities in supporting and being present in my family's lives.  Time passes quickly

Today...............I have done a lot of thinking about what it means to be a wife and a mom.  While I am a good mom and a good wife, there is always room for improvement.  I am going to begin my focus on meeting my family where they are.  You might say...what does that mean?  That means, I am going to go fishing with Cody because it's his love.  I'm going to spend my time discovering the joy that is in their lives and find a way to share in it with them. 

This is my beginning resolution.......A resolution to let go and let God lead me where he wants me to go.  Leave discontent in the dust and realize that this moment, everything that I am will always be enough in His eyes.

Until next time....Take Care and God Bless!

Fighting the Imperfect Battle I call Life

Imperfection-----such a tough concept for me to swallow.  Today it's around my chronic illnesses.  I have hashed this out in counseling many times but struggle to make it stick in my gut.  Sometimes, I just don't get it.  And that drives me CRAZY!!!!!  😄    I am very frustrated with myself and the pattern of self sabotage that I discover.  I am also frustrated that the chronic illnesses I have are not a perfect science.  For me, Life is a constant cycle. 

One time I was told about the conveyer belt of life.  See in life, we often revisit the same issues over and over and over.  One person told me they got through the patterns by looking at life as a conveyer belt.  On it, there are lots of things.  Good memories and bad thoughts.  The good things are all out in their glory.  But, the bad things we need to put in a bag.  As we go through life, this conveyer belt continues to move.  But, as we begin to grow, the bags come by and we open them, close them and say I've already worked through this.  Another person said the conveyer belt leads to Heaven and we have to let go and let God handle it.  Put your worries in the bag and let it go to Heaven and relieve that stress. 

Well, that was kind of a tangent.  Anyhow, the imperfect battle we fight.  I get so mad sometimes.  I am doing everything I'm supposed to.  Testing, Taking Meds, Eating Right, Exercising, Spiritual and Relationship work.  And then SMACK right in the face something doesn't go right.  My blood sugar spikes, I get depressed, I gain weight.  Sigh.  These are the times of devastation that the self sabotage sets in.  I say to myself, well that was pointless.  I am doing everything I'm supposed to and still THIS happens. 

The reality that I know in my head is that our bodies are never a perfect science.  And particularly, with chronic illnesses  like diabetes and bipolar, there are going to be variables.  I know this.  I really do.  The problem is the acceptance that this is my new norm for the rest of my life.  The other reality is that no one's path is straight.  Everyone has ripples in this walk we call life.  I just pray and hope that as I continue to grow on my journey, acceptance becomes an easier path to find.

It's that disconnect between the intelligence in my head and the feelings that flood my heart that is hard for me to deal with.  Self sabotage.  With counseling, I understand it is the lack of self worth.  But why can't I recognize that I am wonderful in the eyes of others, friends, family, and most of all God.  I do believe all things happen for a reason and know that the cards I am dealt are for a purpose.  I just hope that I continue to fulfill this purpose on my journey.

Until next time, remind yourself, while the path may not be straight, the path is yours.  Choose to live in the joy of the journey.  Take care and God Bless

Traversing through a Yellow Light

Driving through life can seem like a simplistic task.  Green Light----Go.  Red Light-----Stop.  But what happens when you hit a yellow light.  Proceed with caution.....prepare to stop.....what is the right move to make.  Today I find myself coming up to a yellow light and wondering what to do.  As a mom of two busy kids, I am finding myself at the yellow light of depression.  I have been playing single mom for almost two weeks now at home.  While life is still happening, I find myself frozen in self care and struggling to realize that I have to make my life happen still.  There is this quality that I have that I don't always enjoy.  It's anxiety.  It comes in many forms for me.  As of late, it is the fear that I am not doing enough to enstill my kids happiness.  While my heart knows that I am a great mom full of supportive behaviors my stinkin' thinkin' is hitting hard.  In the past few days, I have found myself smiling even laughing on the outside but in the inside beginning to feel somewhat empty.  I have placed my own needs on the backburner and forgot to put on my own oxygen mask.  As I described to my friend, I feel like I'm standing in quick sand and searching for the rope to pull me out.  I know a lot of analogies, but I am a very visual person and that's how I roll.  At any rate, sometimes when I am driving on the road, and I see a yellow light, I pause for a moment.  Do I give it gas and go through?  Do I drive normally through the yellow with caution?  Or do I put on the brakes and stop?  When at a crossroads like this in life, I try to apply the same thoughts.  I don't think gassing and going through is the right answer.  This just puts a mask over reality.  On the other side of the spectrum, putting on the brakes isn't going to work either.  I choose this option often and find myself stuck in a place where I can't seem to get out of.  That is what I have been doing.  So today, I need to slowly release the brake and ease into the intersection of life.  Where do I begin?  The only answer I have to this question is the answer my counselor has given me many times.  By looking at myself.  I cannot begin to help anyone unless I begin to pull myself up.  I have GOT to get back to working out.  It's the one thing that I do for ME.  Just for ME.  Not because anyone else makes me but because I want to help MYSELF feel better.  There lies the anxiety.  I did my best when I came to work and worked out before hand.  But it's been so long......EVERYONE will watch me.....You know, because that's what everyone is there for to watch me.  Sigh.  The problem is this.....I can be encouraged, challenged, and make promises.  But, until I decide that I am worth it, it is a mood point.  So character building.  What a tough one for me.  Realizing that the love and kindness others feel about me and the kindness and love I treat others with is what I need to learn to treat myself with.  I am a work in progress but I am not alone in the progress.  I am surrounded by supportive people who want to see me succeed.  So today.....I shall pull my boot straps up and let go of the emergency brake.  I don't know what that intersection holds for me, but know that as long as I stand still, I am getting nowhere.  So, please send some prayers and good vibes my way as I begin to fight an episode of anxiety and mild depression.  My counselor is there and working me through it.  Love you all...Take care and God Bless!

The change in your heart

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"  2 Corinthians 5:17

Blessings hit me from this verse.  Every day, we have the chance to become a new creation in God's eyes.  He is always there watching over us and protecting us.  It is our choice to let him in or push him away.  As of late, I have been in my own world, going through the motions.  Quite frankly, it's time for me to stand up for my own beliefs.  The old behaviors need to dissipate and the new ones need to be the new light.  This journey of faith and self awareness has taken many winding roads along the way, but through it all, I have continued to grow and build my backbone accordingly.  Reading this verse today just hit home and I needed to share.  May we all be blessed with these thoughts and grow together on this journey we call life.  Until next time....Take Care and God Bless!

Taking Pride in the Little Things

Pride: A feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired

Pride has always been a difficult word for me.  I have always viewed pride as being egotistical.  As of late conversations with people I care about and that care about me, I have began to realize this isn't the case.  There is a vast difference between being prideful and being stuck on yourself. 

I am a very slow learner at times, so this has to be beaten into me head many times.  😃 

Today I begin a new journey.  One day by one day.  One in which I take a moment every day to realize what I have done/accomplished in that day.  I believe by taking the time to do this, it helps to clear your mind of negative thoughts.

So this morning, I woke up--praise the Lord.  I showered, I packed my lunch for work to avoid unhealthy decisions.  I went to work--sometimes tough to do.  And I have read my devotional.  These are all very small things, but together I DID THAT.  No one else did it for me.  I made choices.  As the day continues, I will take note of the little things and smile inside about the positive choices and things that surround me. 

We all make daily choices that impact our lives and the lives of those around us.  Spend some time today reflecting on your choices, your lives.  Be grateful for what you have been blessed with and more mindful of decisions you make.

Until next time, take care and God Bless!

Favorites

In this world of busyness, have you taken the time to slow down and self discover?  I find myself stuck in a rut of being a mom and a wife and have forgotten what I am truly about.  Things I love and Things I don't.  Today I begin a journey of self discovery.  What makes me happy?  These are a few of my favorite things:

Favorite Activity: Scrapbooking and spending time with my whole family
Favorite Animal: I have to say horses.  I have always found them beautiful.
Favorite Book: I love all devotionals.  But my favorite book would have to be a book titled the
       Resolution for Women.  This is a book about becoming the woman God intended us to be.
Favorite Candy Bar: Well, my nemesis is Reeses Peanut Butter Cups
Favorite Color:  I go with maroon.  This color is soothing to me
Favorite Family Activity:  I really enjoy going bowling.  While it can be a little too competitive for   
        some.  I find it to be a physical activity that we all seem to enjoy
Favorite Holiday:  SHOCKING----Christmas.  I love everything about this holiday
Favorite Movie: 50 First Dates.  I love the comedy aspect of this movie
Favorite Place to Go:  In the past I would have said Branson.  But now I find I love Kansas City. 
        Some of my favorite people live down there.  It is always a good time
Favorite Season of the Year:  I love Spring.  It is a sign of new life.  The weather is usually good.
Favorite Song:  My new favorite song is Chain Breaker by Zach Williams.
Favorite Thing I Did This Year:  Still early in the year, but our family Easter celebration will always
        be a favorite of mine


I have babbled:  But, I will take this list and begin to ponder how to do things that make me happy to be me.  I often take the opportunity to please others and leave myself out of the equation.  It's time to slow down and become Julie again in all my splendor.

Thanks for taking the time to read.....Until next time, Take care and God Bless!