Daily health routine…

One day a couple of weeks ago I was researching and downloading various "step counting" apps to my iPhone when Daniel said, "Your iPhone COMES with a step counter, Mom." And there is was - a little white  icon with a tiny red heart in it. And that's how I started counting steps.

My (now retired) doctor, an avid runner, told me I needed 10,000 steps a day -- did you know that's almost 5 miles?! So, in an effort to reach that many, I started parking my car by Dreamland BBQ and walking to my office on University Blvd.  Hands down I thought I had the 10,000 won. Nope - the round trip is only 4,000. I think I'd need to walk to work from my house to reach the goal! But there are no showers at the office, so I'm going to have to rethink that. But I will revisit this issue. Because I want to be healthy! And strong!

I remember when I would see a mountain and think to myself, "I could climb that" (I don't live in Colorado, so your average mountain around here IS climbable). I want to feel that way again. 

So, walking an average of 4,000 steps is in my new daily routine, with the goal of reaching 10k.

I also drink a glass of orange juice blended with wheatgrass powder every morning. I have found that on the days when I remember to do this, my stomach hurts less and I have less heartburn. Did you know that athletes who consume wheatgrass recover more quickly from their workouts than those who don't? I don't work out, and I'm no athlete, but there's got to be something to this wheatgrass thing, which I've been doing for over 2 years now.

I also don't drink cow's milk anymore AT ALL. Now, I haven't said I don't eat dairy (cheese is so good!). But I drink almond milk only and in the mornings I add a non-soy protein powder to it, which gives me some energy.

Then I eat oatmeal and during this great winter season, I eat an orange a day. It's no mistake oranges are in season when it's cold season (God makes no mistakes). They're so tasty and so protective with their vitamin C!!

Finally, I diffuse essential oils all day. And I drink a drop or two in every 8 ounce of water, and I drink 2 quarts of water a day. The essential oils of choice for drinking are lemon, orange or lime. So tasty and so good for you. Lemon and lime gently detox my body throughout the day. Orange tastes amazing and is a natural mild appetite suppressant which helps with not over-indulging in snacks!

So, at this point in my life, this is my daily routine. I'll cover healthy meals in another post. If you're interested in finding a great source for the highest quality essential oils to add to your health routine, email me! theuslisa@gmail.com

My thank you note that never feels old...
Two years ago this week my family doctor found a lump in my left breast the size of a grape during a routine exam. I am healthy now due to many factors: my oncologist Dr. Forero and his team and the treatments they prescribed, the incredible support and care from my family and friends, changes in lifestyle, and our Lord, the Healer. I am so grateful I hardly have words. 
Many questions raise their heads when I think of the friends I've lost to cancer in the last two years, or the friends who are still battling, but I think I've learned there are no real answers this side of heaven. We, the living, move forward and feel grateful and love and never, ever sweat the small stuff again. 
So, thank you for everything. I am whole again, cancer-free, healthy, and content. 
 

Jesus said, "I have come that you may have LIFE in abundance." This is THE true and real and clear thought that re-surfaced this morning as I reflected. ABUNDANT LIFE…. 
The last 2 years of my life have been about surviving. I quite literally have been surviving as I battled breast cancer through 2014 and 2015. I had days and days of down time, to "take care of me", but it was for recovery, rest and surviving. Reflecting and refining is not a priority when your entire body is under attack to stay alive. I'm so thankful for the many voices of friends, family, colleagues and medical experts who told me to REST. I know THAT had a lot to do with how well I have recovered and survived….. 
Now that I am well, I'm having to relearn how to DO. I spent the last 2 years taking care of myself and it's time to take ACTION. And it IS a relearning process. I'm NOT exhausted after 3-5 hours of work at the office. I CAN do housework AND spend time with my children. It's VERY possible to get a list of things done in one DAY, instead of one WEEK. I don't need someone to cook dinner for me and my family anymore. There is NO NEED for me to take tons of breaks during gthe day. This is truly me relearning how to LIVE. In the most literal of senses…. 
Most literally, this year, 2016, is about LIVING and not just surviving. I HAVE survived cancer. NOW it's time to LIVE my life again. Amen and amen.

I honestly want to cry when I see the current reaction in America to the Syrian refugee crisis. Especially when that reaction comes from Christians.

There are few things more anti-biblical than turning away those who suffer from our doors. I don't have to quote the scriptures to most Christians; we know them by heart. (love thy neighbor as thyself… come to me all ye who are heavy-laden…). Not to mention the inscription on our very own beautiful and majestic Lady Liberty in NYC: Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free.."

This is America. Those coming from Syria are the definition of poor, tired, people yearning to be free. They have suffered unimaginable loss, violence and conflict.

I'm joining my voice to those who are screaming for justice for those who perpetrated the evil in Paris and in Syria.

And I join my voice to those who are calling for justice for the Syrian refugees - give them a new home, a safe home, in America.

For the record, Mary and Joseph were a middle eastern family seeking a place to stay...

I wouldn't be writing about this if it didn't matter to me. I wouldn't be writing about this if I didn't think it would matter to you. One of the things which makes me the happiest is connecting people to opportunities which would benefit them. Whether it's introducing you to someone I think you would like and get along with, or giving you something I think will make you feel happy or better, I LOVE the chance to help your life be better. I can't help it.
So, without beating around the bush, I'm introducing my new website. Click here for an introduction to what has helped me feel as good as I do just six months after my last cancer treatment, and just 10 days after my last (and LAST) surgery.
You're welcome.
I love you all.

I'm fine. Sore but recovering. I think I'll be better sooner than expected. I used an essential oil blend on my bruises and it's helping. And I've been drinking healthy smoothies. I've only thrown up once. So, all in all, I'm doing well. Thanks for prayers and well wishes!

It's almost 5:00 a.m. and time to go to UAB for my last surgery. There were reconstruction details the surgeon could not complete when I had the major reconstruction surgery in August, so now's the time to complete them. I should be home this afternoon, but even though it's "outpatient" surgery, I've been given three weeks off work. Sigh.
The bright side - this is my last surgery. And I'm ready. And by Thanksgiving I'll be fine. I'll take my supplements, drink my wheatgrass smoothies, let other people do things for me (like Daniel drive - he got his license this week!), and watch movies and visit with friends.
Then I'll be fine.
It's 4 minutes until 5, so I'll go get my shoes on and not my coat (it's so warm here in November). Matt is pacing, so let's do it.