Living One Spoon At A Time

Most people have no idea what true fatigue is. I thought I did until I was faced with acute and chronic pain, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome after a serious back injury.

Fatigue is like the elephant in the room. It's always there zapping my energy, it's like a silent leech. I type this as a healthy outlet for myself and to give hope to others.

I'm grateful for my faith in God, my Doctors, my family, my positive optimistic disposition, my amazing friends (new & old) and supportive colleagues. I'm also grateful for alternative therapies such as physical therapy, acupuncture (HUGE help), CBD oils, magnesium and the many alternative modalities I've encountered in the last two years. 

Today was a difficult morning for me, so I decided to live one spoon at a time. Sometimes you just have to put one foot in front of the other.

Journaling and reflection has proved a VERY healthy outlet for me too. I can remember in the beginning (when my sacrum was collapsing, I had a hematoma and newly herniated discs and one painful disc extrusion) that I was in so much pain that I couldn't even formulate written phrases. So I gave myself permission to celebrate what I could and couldn't do....I made a good 'ol fashioned list. I drew a line down the paper and I put "I can" in one column and on the other column I put "I can't". I gave myself permission to celebrate what I could do (including get mad or cry) and I wrote basic things. You see at that time I literally couldn't put my underwear on. I had to use a dressing stick.  Although that was hard to admit, it allowed me to accept where I was and now it allows me to celebrate how far I've come.

The biggest challenge is that although I don't look sick, I have several chronic conditions. Most days I do my best to push through it, but it wears on you. 

Why the spoons you ask?  Well Christine Miserandino came up with a great theory, called "The Spoon Theory".  Here is a wonderful article on what it's like to experience a chronic condition which explains "The Spoon Theory". Thanks for reading!

Have an aloha filled day!

DIY, Give it a Try!

Today I made my own anti-bacterial foaming hand wash. I used my doTERRA OnGuard foaming soap dispenser. All of the igredients I used are items I had on hand in my home already, which are listed below.

✔Dr. Bronner's unscented liquid castille soap
✔ distilled water
✔ doTERRA OnGuard CPTG Essential Oil

I eyeballed this recipe based off of aome other info I read online. I put about 2 TBSP of Dr. Bronner's  (I'll use less next time), 10 drops of OnGuard and then I filled up with distilled water almost all the way to the top (to allow room for the top).

The result is wonderful hand soap that didn't cost me a thing extra, because I had all these goodies on hand. My next adventure will be dish soap for hand washing dishes.

Happy mixing!

Aloha.

It's Back

On Good Friday I spent half of my day in the emergency room. One of my spinal epidural steroid injection sites got infected with cellulitis. That was 11 months ago.  I missed Easter and spent all weekend in bed.

Alas, here I sit with the same infection at the same site, maybe 4mm shifted. It's now Monday and I'm back in the E.R. on my third type of IV antibiotics. I'm fearful yet I have moments of calm. I'm waiting for a contrast MRI to make sure there isn't infection in my limb or spine.

I'm so tired of being in pain everyday I could puke. I don't know why God continues to allow all of these painful and expensive things to happen in my life.  I don't get it, but I trust Him. 💓 💓 💓  I can say that I've learned to ask for help, that it's ok to say no without explination. I've learned who my friends are. I've seen God sustain me when I know I can't get out of bed. I've experienced grace and mercy here on earth. I've seen the good in people.  I've seen people be insensitive and judgemental.

Most of all I cling to this verse, hoping God wI'll usee me.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Romans 8:18 NIV

http://bible.com/111/rom.8.18.NIV

Cultivate Gratitude

Over the past week I have been encountering many situations that require perspective, prayer and reflection.  When we widen our lens and view in life and consider the fact that we have a say in how our day goes.  We have a say in how we react to what occurs throughout our day.  We have an opportunity every morning when we wake up to say I choose to be happy. I choose to make tomorrow a great day.  Stress is merely a perception.

Personally, scholarly, financially, relational lyrics, healthwise and professionally I have had some crazy days lately, but yesterday I took a walk when I was feeling like a teapot that was about to whistle.  I sat down, grabbed my cell phone and looked up positive quotes on Pintrest. I took some deep breaths in and out and I thought about basic things that God has provided me with. Food, shelter, clean water, a job, family and friends who love me.  I struggle with anxiety and depression, but this week has been a tough one and I lost my sunshine a little bit. However; I'm a from believer in putting on the right bandaids to cope until you don't need them anymore. Do what you love! Color, go for a bike ride, do yoga, journal, call a friend or ask a friend to go on a walk with you.

Life is full of ebb and flow. No one ever said it would be perfect. There are so many things going on globally, nationally and locally. If we focus on all of the negativity the media feeds us, it is easy to get bogged down. Seek balance.

I challenge you to put on the bandaids. Seek balance. Make time for you and practice self love, it is not selfish to take care of yourself spiritually, physically, and emotionally.  Find your constants. Constants are things you choose for you like every day I will ____________(fill in the blank).  

Hugs & Aloha,

Pineapple Jenny

Always Be Kinder Than You Feel

Every one is fighting their own battles. Even when you don't feel it, shine bright!

Life is full of so much "stuff". Bills, work, school, carpool, daycare, more bills, car accidents....you name it! 

Remember that tomorrow is never promised. Moments make memories, memories make a life, a life full of memories is a legacy.

What are you doing today that can make you 1% better than you were yesterday? Was it simply changing your perception? Was it opening the door for an elder? Was it smiling at a stranger? 

Go on that walk because you're worth it! Go to the gym, because YOU'RE WORTH IT! Start a new book, because YOU'RE WORTH IT! Go back to school, because YOU'RE WORTH IT!!!

Sometimes life can bring you down, but it is your choice to choose to become bitter or BETTER!  Make the choice to become better every day.  Wake up with a purpose and shine bright!  Live aloha and pass it on.  What you do TODAY, can improve all your tomorrows.

Believe in Aloha

A design from our friends at Project Aloha

Happy Aloha Friday!!! The aloha-spirit is more than just a few words.  Aloha means so much more than hello, goodbye and love.  

Here is a great article about the Aloha spirit.

A, ala, watchful, alertness 

L, lokahi, working with unity O, oia'i'o, truthful honesty H, ha'aha'a, humility A, ahonui, patient perseverance

For me the aloha spirit is a way of life.  It is a way to spread positivity, love others and unite with others.  I nevva evva leave home without it!  Have you ever had a stranger smile at you while crossing paths on the sidewalk?  It can be something as simple as that!  In the spirit of Valentine's day, I challenge you to smile at at least one person each day this weekend whom you don't know and hug someone you do know!

READY.............SET, GO!!!

Hiatus

Wow!  I have not blogged in ages!  I have had a lot going on.  I have been learning so much lately.  God has been humbling me in so many situations and circumstances.  One of which is my health.  This continues to seem to be an uphill battle for some reason, but I shall conquer and push through and get back to where I used to be.  The lessons I have learned along the way and the people whom I have met have been priceless!  

In a world full of so much negativity it is very easy to get bombarded by what others think, the business of life, chasing the "American Dream" and whatever other pipe dreams.  We are all individuals with dreams, goals and aspirations.  It is very important to live them out according to your purpose, not what you think others should or would want you to do. I came across a few quotes in typography recently that hit me harder than I had anticipated.

Change is so eminent, but growth really is optional.  John Maxwell hit that one on the nose!  We can let life happen to us, or we can go out and achieve our dreams.  God gives us free will and if it is within His will and we work hard and be diligent with the gifts, talents and abilities He has provided then the sky is the limit!  When we sit in a comfortable spot and just exist we do not allow change to happen.  When we face our troubles and struggles head-on we truly learn and grow from them.  I wonder what the world would be like if we all would seek more and ask more questions and as Oscar Wilde puts it live!  Could you imagine?  So I ask you this; what have you done differently lately?  Have you tried anything new?  Have you extended a favor or even a smile to a complete stranger?  

I tend to struggle so much with negativity, depression and anxiety.  However; I genuinely am a happy go lucky goofy person.  It is all about taking time to sit back and reflect on what is really important.  When you change your perspective it molds your attitude and your attitude affects your every action and perception.  I love this quote, "Be the change you want to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi.  

For those of you who know me, I am obsessed with all things island and I have been called an island girl at heart.  So I prefer this version too, which I saw on Pintrest and I cannot wait to make one out of pallets.

Mahalo for reading my reflections today and I hope to post more.  I have been working full time and in school and have had a lot on my plate, but through all of that a transformation is happening.  I am so blessed to have the people in my life that I do and the simple things like clean water to drink, a roof over my head, clothes on my back and friends and family who love me.

Hugs & Aloha!  

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

Ch-ch-chia

That catchy products of the 80's was more than a fun plant.  Chia seeds have emerged in recent years as a renewed interest super food.  Chia seeds are full of micronutrients.  They were used by ancient warriors in South America long ago and they have made a come back as runners and athletes fuel of choice. 

Chia gel is easy to make and fairly inexpensive.  It fills you up, adds omegas and its gelatinous structure helps with detox too!  I love putting them in my green smoothies.

I tried a raw organic cherry chia seed kombucha yesterday. It was actually good! I'm not a cherry flavored anything fan, unless they are real cherries, but this was yummy. To top it off, I had energy, got my fair share of omega 3's too! Did you know chia seeds have three times as much omegas as salmon does?

So sing the chia song and do a happy dance with all your renewed energy from your new friend the chia seed.

Feeling Great and Losing Weight

Well, here I am on day nineteen of my 100% vegan journey.  I am feeling great!  Some of the benefits I have notices are the following: I am sleeping better, I have more energy, I feel better emotionally & physically, I dont feel bloated anymore, my conscience is clear that I am not supporting cruel industries, and my family is eating more produce as a result!

It is really weird to me how I suddenly found a whole new willpower. It took strength to pass up certain things in the beginning.  I struggled with cheese, bacon and eggs the most in the beginning. Now as time has gone I have had a paradigm shift. It is almost like I don't view those things as food or even an option anymore. My feeling better physically and in my conscience combined with the education I have been providing myself through articles online, magazines, books and documentaries have made a huge difference.  I find myself wanting to share with others my newly found and renewed knowledge with others.  I just can't ignore what I knew before this vegan pledge and what I now know in addition to that.

Some of my favorite things to eat are black beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, cilantro, bananas, brown rice, muesli, almond milk, figs, apples, carrots, spinach galore, kale, soups, oatmeal.  Below are some pictures of my nummy foods. 

I am finding it like a fun and positive adventure instead of a negative challenge to find ways to eat vegan while out in public and asking questions of my server as well as researching online too.  I look forward to having my own place again so I cqn entertain friends and family and be able to prepare my vegan recipes and shock and awe them with the deliciousness!!! 

Until next time...live aloha.