Arthritis = Booo!

Today I am a little bit sore from riding my bike yesterday.  I walked for 50 minutes today after work because I was out of daylight.  It's the small victories that we have to celebrate sometimes.  My knee was killing me from step one.  My fitbit read a mere 690 steps when I went for my walk.  I just kept going.  I had my headset on and I was talking to a friend the whole time.  I ended up walking much farther than I thought I could or would.  Then I was so close to getting 5,000 steps in that I decided to go another lap around the neighborhood.  As I write this I have almost 6,500 steps in for today.  I didn't ice when I got home which I will probably regret for the next three days or more.  I've been really swollen in both knees (and retaining quite a bit of water) and in a lot of pain on my really bad knee.  It's not fun, but it's somehow motivating me.  I want to punch arthritis in the face these past three weeks!  Sometimes it is so frustrating because I really want to attain maximum health as I have had in the past, but my knees won't allow me.  I have always been so athletic and it has been so humbling to not be able to run, jog or do many active things I love.  Things as simple as bowling...what a piece of humble pie when I found out I couldn't even do that!  God has a plan and he has taught me so much and will continue to teach me and guide me through my healing journey.  It's frustrating not being able to do things my mind is finally wanting to do, but my body won't allow me.  I'm finally climbing out of this valley of depression and on to new adventures.  Sorry for the slight negative vibe here.  I usually like to post really positive and encouraging things!  I'm positive I will beat arthritis! :)  Never give up!  Hugs & aloha <3

Get Moving People!

Today I am wishing I was outside running, cycling or playing somewhere.  The weather is a bit cooler in the mornings and evenings and in the shade right now in Houston.  I really need to get more exercise in.  It is so important for sleeping patters, expelling toxins and excess calories.  Twenty minutes minimum each day is what I am planning on.  What will you today to achieve greater health emotionally, psychically or spiritually?  I challenge you to set a goal and stick to it!  Let's do this together folks!

Above is a picture of Lani kai on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. It is one of my favorite beaches.  I was there last summer and I find myself missing it alot.  I wish I had my feet in the sand right now or I was in a canoe or on a paddle board headed in between those two mini islands.  


Another thing I started to relax and unwind is drawing words, phrases and sketching with my non-dominant hand.  I added this to my journaling time.  It is quite relaxing and I find it very therapeutic.  Try it!  Make sure to use colored pencils and a blank piece of paper so you can express your feelings with the colors and not be bound to lines on the paper.  Below is something I drew with my non-dominant hand believe it or not.


Stay tuned.........Hugs and Aloha!

Raw Veganism - Cultivating Contentment

So I have come to realize that I was scared to say "I am a raw vegan 80.10.10-er".  Like there is some stereotype that comes with it.  That I would be some hippie freak granola chic instantly in others minds.  I am not coming to the realization of who cares what they think!  Not only that but if optimal health is right in front of me and I can achieve it that who are they to hold me back from that right?  


On Friday I gave notice at my corporate america job to pursue something I love.  It is so freeing to be in this spot.  God will provide for me and I am excited to see the journey unfold.  I have so many amazing friends. I really am appreciating the simple aspect of life.  If I have God, food, shelter, clean water, transportation, family and friends..........what more could I need right?  

Cultivating Contentment!