Today is a new day...

I am HOME! finally HOME! and when I say that I also mean.. HOME.. like for a while and I can't tell you how MUCH that makes my heart happy. I feel like I have been traveling NON-stop for the last 6 months and had deadlines after deadlines, which only added to the stress and craziness of life. Texas was amazing.. I will tell you more about that experience on Friday, but while I was in Texas, I also had some time to stop and think about life after Texas.. I realized that when I got home, I had NO deadlines, NO commitments, and no place to be jet setting off to next.. and a HUGE smile came across my face!  I was like a kid at Christmas! I almost couldn't wait to get home!
I also had some really great talks with some really great people while I was there. Who gave me some REALLY great advice.. mainly about my health. As you know I have been struggling so much with my Fibro for the last 6 months, and while I haven't openly shared it.. the last 3 months have been utter well.. you know. Just not good.   Seriously I  look back now and don't know how I made it through. I mean I do know. The Lord helped me through, my family helped me through.. but seriously it almost seems impossible what I accomplished. Everything I did with the pain and exhaustion I was feeling on a daily basis. I admit a lot of tears were shed and prayers were offered, just to make it through the day sometimes. It was not good. One thing I decided to do for MYSELF when I got home from Texas was take time for my health. To really figure out what I can do to make it better. To live a healthy life. I mean I realize pain will most likely always exist.. and I can totally handle that. But what I can't handle is the pain that aches so much that I can't think or function. Soo...

today I am starting a new day. A new way of thinking, a new way of life so I can ENJOY my life instead of just making it through the day. I have been so blessed over the last 6 months.. so blessed, don't get me wrong. But I also have never been in so much misery.. truly.. at my knees. misery. Those close to me know what I am talking about.

I have had many friends and family offer me "ideas" and support over the last few months on how to change how I feel, eating differently, exercising, slowing down.. but seriously during these last few months,  all I could think about was my next deadline and that TRULY I didn't have time to take care of my health right now. I was barley sleeping, I didn't have time to make different meals, or go exercise everyday.. believe me when I tell you that I truly was running 24/7.

So while I was sitting in Texas this past weekend.. and just really getting to SIT there and relax and enjoy the time.. I also had the opportunity to talk with some close friends that gave me that FINAL push to just go home and do this for ME. To try something healthy.. because obviously what I was doing was NOT working. I had one last stop before home.. my husband was meeting me in Utah to spend the night and day celebrating our 17 year anniversary.. so on the drive home, I told him all about my plan.. to get better. to FEEL better and he was not only on board.. but really excited and happy I was choosing to finally do this (he was one of the people who has been telling me for months I needed to change what I was doing in order to feel better).

So today I woke up in this ridiculously good mood.. honestly good mood! SO excited to start my day and I wanted to write and share my plans for this summer on what I am going to help myself FEEL better.

Starting today, for 30 days, I am going gluten free, dairy free and sugar free. I am also only eaten whole foods (not processed foods out of the can).  I actually went on this program last spring.. my friend Maria sent me the information and  for 3 weeks I stuck with it and I felt AMAZING (funny how it never occurred to me to try it again).. until this weekend. Actually it's a combination of two things.. one is called The Elimination Diet. I think I may have even wrote about it last year on my blog. who knows.. but the reason I loved this program is because basically you go back to the way you ate as a baby. Fresh fruits and veggies, meats, etc. You do that for 30 days and then after the 30 days you slowly add those other healthy foods like grains and dairy.. back into your diet and see how your body reacts to those things. How they can HANDLE those things. My purpose in doing it is to see if WHAT i have been eating.. and the WAY i have been eating is part of the reason for the pain. After listening to a friend this weekend, tell me a story of a woman with similar problems.. who decided to do go on a program similar to this.. eating healthy and after a few weeks was virtually pain free.. I think that was the FINAL push. PAIN FREE.. wow.. what a concept.  So I will also be following THIS blog this summer.. The Alkaline Sisters..  My friend, Jo Packham, told me of Julie's story.. and I was hooked!  I spent some time this morning ready her blog and her amazing journey to being pain free and living healthy.. so excited to do a combination of both!

Let me be clear, I am NOT doing this to lose weight.. to get skinny (although I have gained 15 pounds since March.. apparently fibro slows down your metabolism too.. nice). But honestly I am okay with my body right now.. what I Am NOT okay with is the pain I live with everyday.. the moments I miss with my family or friends because I am in too much pain to join in. The "foggy" brain I have.. not even getting to "remember the good days because when the bad days are present it seriously clouds any judgement of what is good and happy and right. I am doing this because I am at my whits end.. TRULY at the moment I will try anything to feel good  and live good. I have been to my regular doctors SEVERAL times..and they have prescribed me medicine upon medicine.. with truly no help.

I am also not one who jumps on the band wagon of "going gluten free." or NO dairy! no sugar! I  mean.. come on.. be real.. those are also things God put on the earth for us to live off of, and I don't believe they are bad things..  I truly don't.

but for me and my situation right now, I feel like I need to do this for me. It may not work.. who knows.. but I am at a point I will try anything. I have even looked into things like acupuncture, alternative medicine.. you name it. When  you are in that much pain and can't imagine living your life this way..  and honestly not wanting too.. you realize you need to do something different.

So this is me doing something different. I also HATE to exercise.. i mean don't get me wrong, I love to snowboard, or wake board.. but getting on a treadmill or going to the gym. I just seriously.. BLAH. Yuck. BUT again.. after hearing stories from good friends who tell me they know someone who had Fibro and she starting walking just 30 minutes a day.. and now she feels GReAT.. I have to be honest with myself and say.. okay Christy. As much as you HATE this.. YOU NEED to do this for yourself. If you don't... it's your own fault you feel miserable.

So today is the day! I am kinda excited to document it and share it on my blog too.. it's almost like it's an accountability program!~ lol .. I mean I have all of  YOU wonderful women to be accountable too.. right? so that is why I am putting it out there.. plus I know so many of you have emailed me and facebooked me with similar problems, asking for advice on how to feel better and I have always had to reply.. I don't know how because I am not living better!  So maybe this will help all of us.. just not me, right?

So  every monday I will write an update on how I am feeling, how my change of eating is going, how my exercises went for the week.. maybe some recipes I have to share.. maybe a few tricks I learned. who knows.. I don't have a plan, I just know I am going to start it today and if I make a goal to post my progress on my blog, it will hold me accountable.

So this is what I am going to do: 

•  Exercise at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes. That may include walking, doing yoga, Thai Chi, swimming.. bike riding.. not sure but going to have fun mixing it up.
• I am also going to follow the Elimination Diet for the next 30 days.. which cuts out all processed foods, eating only fresh fruits and veggies, meats, nuts, etc. No gluten, no sugar (processed sugars), and no or little dairy. . ( p.s.  I have never really had a problem with dairy.. so I don't know if that will make much of a difference in how I feel, but at the end of  30 days, I will start to add it back in and see).
• Drinking at least EIGHT - FULL classes of water a day (for me.. that is HUGE. I barley drink 1 class of any liquid a day.. so drinking 8.. wow.. I am going to be peeing A LOT.)
• I am also going to eat ginger twice a day. My sister has been giving me some great advice on certain herbs and spices that can really heal the body and ginger is one of them. So I am kinda doing a mixture of some things I think sounds really good to try.

 

 And that is the Key.. TRY.. it never hurts to TRY anything. I am ready and willing.. and honestly at this point.. if I even felt 10% better than I do right now, I was be jumping for joy.  So I am ready to start!

 Okay.. I will stop talking about it now.. I promise this blog isn't going to turn into me getting all "about being healthy" on you! lol.. but I have always been so honest about who I am with you.. figured I might as well share this journey too. So thanks for letting me to that :)

AND in other news.. I also spent the ride home yesterday writing a list of fun things I wanted to do on my blog this summer.. since I will be home and mainly hanging out.   I thought it would be fun to add something different to my blog!  Maybe some art challenges, or weekly "projects".. or something. I came up with an entire list.. way to many things to accomplish.. so I need to spend some time this week "refining" what it is.. but I hope you will join me in it! I hope to do something to keep my creative juices flowing.. painting projects, mixed media, sewing, jewerly.. want to get my "art" on. I  might even offer a mini workshop or two.. project based workshops.. my mind is whirling with fun ideas!  I also have an entire series of "girls" I want to paint this summer and  a Halloween and Christmas series I want to paint too. Kinda excited to just "play" and also include my kids in this process as well. Gonna be fun... just want to remind myself to keep it light and low key.. stress free.

Anyhow.. I will stop talking now! lol.. this is has been along post with no pictures.. and we know how bored we get with too many words and not enough pictures..  wow. I probably lost you all at " so while I was sitting in Texas" lol..

Okay.. so going to get off my computer right now and head to the grocery store.. oh and I forgot to mention! I told my kids about my new way of eating for 30 days and some of them want to join me too! So I am excited!  We are all going shopping together!  Oh and before I leave.. I am going to announce the winner of the Gilded LIfe May Kit!  almost forgot!!..

okay so the lucky winner of this rocking kit is..

Posted by: Pamela Phillips | June 01, 2011 at 04:10 PM

I will see you all back here on Friday when I share with you my awesome time in  Texas with the Gilded Girls and some other AMAZING women!  The oodies I found and art I made.. and the friendships I strengthened.. can't wait to share that!

Happy Wednesday!

Comments

[Frank Zweegers]

Interesting read, Christy.

[Gretchen Knutson]

Hi Christy:)
I just found your blog again! My computer crashed and I lost all my shortcuts lol!
I was diagnosed with fibro in 2002 after a year of basically feeling like I was dying. You really can't describe fibro pain to someone who has not experienced it, can you? Especially since you look fine-I always wished it would show somewhere-I always felt like I was trying to convince everyone around me I was sick! it still amazes me that there are commercials for fibro drugs lol! Iv'e had two kids since I was diagnosed, and after this last one it came back full force. You can put it in to a"remission" of sorts. I started taking low doses of an antidepressant and within three days I was pain free after my initial diagnosis. I went off of them when I was pregnant with my son, and after his birth I stayed pain free, but after the birth of my 6th and last child, it came back with a vengance. I found my self drinking a couple of glasses of wine or other alcoholic beverages EVERY NIGHT just so I could get to sleep without my knees, ankles, hands etc. keeping me awake. I got sick of that so I quit two weeks ago-(a terrible habit!)I can tell you a VERY hot bath helps and I am taking the low dose antidepressent does help. I can't wait to hear if your diet will help you. I bet it will help with the fibro fog in your brain! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs,
Gretchen

[Cubs jerseys]

Thank you for your share,I've learned many from you.

[Lisa Pate]

I know only too well the hard road a chronic pain disease is, I'm an RA patient for 8 years now. Especially hard when you have children, family, work, friends ect.... But I also know that life can be sweet, and joyful and amazing, sometimes i actually think its a little sweeter, because I grab every good day and make the most of it. Hug a little harder, enjoy the sunshine a little more and squeeze every morsel of goodness I can.

Prayers and hugs to you on this journey, I will look forward to your updates.

[Cheap Chicago Cubs jersey s]

It's useful for us.I hope you can keep sharing such instresting things to us.

[Faith]

A couple other things to look into....omega 3 supplements, also coconut oil. Both help with a wide range of health issues. Good luck to you!

[carol m]

Good for you! I started reading your blog for the mixed media ideas and learned you have fibro, I do too. I am so excited that you are going to update this journey weekly. My dr. told me about ginger and I just haven't tried it, so maybe this will inspire me to try it too. Exercise has really helped me and the reduction of carbs/sugars.

[Larissa Heskett]

Good luck to you Christy!! =)
I have Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease. I was diagnoised at age 10. Spent 3 years in Children's Hospital and then had a MAJOR surgery at age 13 to save my life. I was told I would never be able to do NORMAL things other kids can do and was so SAD!! But they were WRONG!! I ate right and took care of my self and I did EVERYTHING they told me I would never do including becoming a MOM!! So my MESSAGE HERE: is to stick with it only you know what your body needs and how you are feeling and if you think you can do something do it!! If not then don't!! We are all DIFFERENT in our own ways that god created us and deep down we have the strength to find what works for us!! I can't wait for your summer posts!! HAVE A FABULOUS WEEKEND!! =)

[Cindy]

Oh, I am so glad I am not alone. I get so tired of hurting and not feeling well. Thanks for sharing.

[Valerie L Johnson]

Hi Christy,

I wanted to share with you some of my work and what this class has mean't to me...you can view the post on my blog.....

Thank you for everything...

[Linda]

Good for you! You have a great attitude about it Christy and we are lucky to have you be so open and sharing your journey with us. I'm rooting for you!!

[Jen]

Wow Christy! I wish you so much luck with your new eating plan. I am really looking forward to hearing about it on Mondays. I have wanted to eat healthier too - to improve health as well...so thank you, thank you for the inspiration. Also looking forward to your ideas for summer!! Good luck!!

[IndyCinD]

Whoo-Hoo for you! I'll add you to my prayers each day. Pain Free is the goal!
Good luck!

[Jaclyn Krueger]

Good for you Christi! You are definitely on the right track; just stick with it. Find yourself a really good, reputable Naturopath too; they can be so very helpful. I do food combining; what it basically addresses is that our bodies need to have a pH balance and most of us have way too much acid vs. alkaline so that is what getting lots of veggies, fruit, unprocesses foods, little if no sugar etc does. Alot of our health issues begin in our gut and that is where the pH issues become so critical. GreatTasteNoPain is an excellent web site for this info although it sounds like you've gotten some good advice. However, it never hurts to learn more and her program has a good cookbook too. I'm always researching and learning on this subject; believe me, you will feel better. Here's a detox drink for mornings: 1 head romaine, some spinach,cilantro, parsley, blend; add 1 banana, 1 apple (cored), 1 pear (cored), half juice of lemon. Makes 2 drinks; can keep one in frig for next day. I drink these at least 3x a week. Also, fruit should only be eating in the morniing on an empty stomach...why? research this and you'll discover why. So much to learn but I applaud your decision; go forth and be HEALTHY!

[lisa keys]

Hi Christy I feel for you. I have fibro and know how the pain can control your life and your family's. You can get better:)I never talk about my fibro in public but I want you to have hope that things will get better.I had fibro real bad for 2yrs,to take a shower was a huge struggle and forget about painting.
I have been well for 5yrs now. I tried everything.Diet, exercise,meds and counseling helped me. you will find the right combo for you. I'm happy and enjoying life again! I have my ups and downs and aches and pains but nothing I can't handle. Life is good and it will happen for you too.If i can help you in any way please feel free to ask I have been there.take care :)

[Pat Healey]

Good Luck with your plan; it sounds like you are mentally into it, which is half the battle. We'll keep you in our prayers and hope you'll soon be feeling better. The stress alone you've been through is enough to make anyone suffer. You will get better :-)

[Lisa Ciaravino]

Christy, I have heard so much positive about the gluetin free diet. When you start reading about what is being put in our food now a days it's starts to make sense. I just had my gallbladder taken out and I think I'll have to change the way I eat as well, low fat, and I do like to splurge once in awhile with ooie gooie chocalate cake, ice cream with fudge sauce ! Happy to hear you had a great time in texas and ready to enjoy some fun this summer.

[Donna Lange]

Good to read your blog today and hope and pray that the changes you are making improve your health and well being! I just finished the 3 Hearts class and now I'm going back and reviewing some of the videos. Last night I actually created a page without even thinking about, I was so excited to see it come together. THANK YOU for letting me find the creative spark I didn't know I had for "art".

Keep on keeping on girlfriend!

[Helen]

Christy, I live with fibromyalgia, have been for eight years or so. You'll find the sugar and dairy free diet will work for you. Every time I let those things pass my mouth I regret it as the next day, I'm in pain again. That dull awful 'yuck' pain that just slows you down. Also try eating five times a day, at 8, 11, 1, 4 and 6, smaller meals - I don't know how it works but it reduces my pain no end and I always find myself with more energy then. Re: drinking water - I keep a jug by my desk or wherever I am in the mornings. I just pace myself through the morning to drink that amount of liquid. If I'm out and about, I take a bottle and, again, just pace myself to drink that amount of water. The first few days, yes, you'll probably go to the toilet a lot whilst your body is regulating itself but after that you'll find your body needs that water and you won't need the toilet. You'll feel so much better after just a few days of doing all this, believe me! Here's wishing you well - I know from experience that anything that makes me feel even slightly better is worth sticking with in the long run! Best wishes......

[Sarah Lejeune]

you have given me a gift to myself. I look forward to learning about all forms of art. Your workshop videos are wonderful! Thank you and I look forward to sept. and the next workshop!!!