Stepping Stones To Wellness

Time sure does fly! At the end of May I made a post, Journey To Wellness. I had talked about the need for changes in various areas of my life, and said I'd post an update....so here it is!

Brian and I have now been taking our nutritional supplements for just over 4 weeks.
The science behind these supplements is amazing, and the results have been documented in studies. Of course until we have blood work done, we can't say for sure what our results will be as far as cholesterol levels and other markers go, but what we HAVE noticed is something unexpected...We've both lost weight without making huge changes to our diet. Probably because we are getting the nutrients we need, we just aren't as hungry, so we're not snacking as much in the evening. This has aided in my attempt at intermittent fasting...by not snacking in the evening, the length of time my body has to rest before I have my first meal of the day is extended. I sleep better, and wake up more refreshed. 

In 4 weeks Brian has lost 16 lbs, and I've lost 7 lbs!

Oral Lichen Planus

Two weeks after starting on the supplements, I had a check up with the doctor to check my Oral Lichen Planus. My mouth was a little uncomfortable, but not nearly as bad as it had been. I'd been applying Frankincense, Tea Tree, and Peppermint essential oils to soothe the irritated areas. It's still about the same, some days worse than others. The best way I can describe it is the feeling you have when you drink something too hot, and scald the inside of your mouth...not the initial pain, but the after effects. Then there are times when I get a sore on my tongue from it rubbing against one of my teeth. Unfortunately, I have a big tongue...one of my talents is my ability to touch my tongue on the tip of my nose....ya, I know right? Lucky me! The doctor's only advice was to maybe have the offending tooth pulled!  So for now, I just live with it, and keep doing what I'm doing. I have an appointment with a specialist in November, so hopefully will know a little more then. 

Not a very clear picture, but you can see the white pattern, and some of the sores on the side of my tongue, as well as the swelling under my tongue.

It may sound strange, but in a way, I'm thankful for this little 'thorn in my flesh'. For years I have just ignored my health, and joked that what I didn't know would eventually kill me! Ya, not really funny, but that was my attitude. Even after seeing a doctor and being told I had some health issues, I didn't take steps to correct them...at least not anything that lasted. Now I have a constant reminder that my body will NOT be ignored...what better incentive to keep me on track!?

Some good news...I also had my blood pressure checked. She did it once, then asked me to sit and relax and she'd come and check it again because it was quite high. The second time, after much relaxation, and prayer, it was down to 114/78...and pronounced perfect! So, whether it's the supplements or just a case of white coat syndrome, I don't have to be concerned about my blood pressure.

Reducing stress is another thing I had listed.... but so far, I haven't found a way to do that, and I doubt I ever will! It seems there is no end to things that will cause stress in this life, so the key is to learn to not allow these situations and circumstances to have a negative effect. Easier said than done! hahaha Seriously though, the only way to do this is to look to God. I recently had an opportunity to put this into practice. I won't go into detail, because the situation isn't the important part...the important thing is that God is faithful. He brought to my remembrance something that had happened many years ago, and the verse that helped get us through it...

James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Although I have leaned on the truth of this verse many times, I may have let the cares of this life keep me from fully trusting...something else that needs to change! I had mentioned in a post recently that I know there are many things in this life that we have no control over...the timing of the last breath we take being one of them.... but I also know that until that day comes, God expects me to be the best that I can be, both spiritually AND physically.