Self-Care

I am not one for New Year's Resolutions, but rather goal setting.  This year as of January 1st I took the thirty day vegan pledge at The Vegan Society.  They match you up with am mentor if you like.  Mine has already emailed me and she is fabulous and local too!  Many have asked me to keep track of my journey and post pictures and recipes so here I am.  :)

Today is day three of my vegan journey and I feel great so far.  I am not hungry, nor have I really had any cravings.  I found will power from somewhere and I do not know where!  On New Year's Day I was even able to pass us one of my favorite (old favorites) soups that my mom makes.  It is a fabulous pumpkin soup recipe from Paula Dean, but it has bacon grease inside the soup and is topped with bacon too.  I might try to toy with this recipe and make a vegan version of it.  Anyone reading this that has a substitute for bacon grease please feel free to suggest. I was thinking coconut oil.

I have been on a healthy journey as last year I found myself at my heaviest, with a knee injury that really knocked me down and on seven months of short term disability  medical leave.  I found myself having a pity party, depressed, down, hopeless and feeling trapped in my own body and mind.  With God, prayer, self-realization and a good friend from middle school who works at a gym I have slowly but surely climbed out of the pit of depression that I was in. Don't get me wrong I still struggle with depression almost daily, but I am doing far better.  

Self-care is not a thing that our society, especially in the U.S. supports.  People may act like they do or even say they do, but don't you recall hearing "she is selfish" or "he is selfish".  To me being selfish to a very small degree is healthy.  You must make sure that you love yourself enough to take and in some cases make time to care about yourself and for yourself.  Some examples of what I am referring to are prayer, sleep, spiritual well-being  mental health, journaling, simple things like brushing and flossing, eating right.  There are so many small things that we put off daily for ourselves.  If we take care of our temple we are able to love others more readily and help others when called upon.  If we are unhealthy and unhappy how are we going to be a blessing to anyone?

All that to say, I have never been consistent at blogging, but I have been asked by some friends to document my thirty day vegan journey with pictures, recipes, honesty and encouragements   So here I am writing away for me and for you.  I hope you enjoy my thoughts, tips and realizations.  I will do my best to post something daily be it a picture, thought pattern or realization.  Blessings to you!

Hugs & Aloha!  <3