No Killjoys Here

This past week was intensely good. Sure, there were some attempts to ruin the good God things going, but the Lord has taught me how to be keenly aware and able to recognize circumstances for what they are. Thank You Jesus! This week’s celebrations consisted of finishing a six week commitment, maintaining 80% on point with nutrition and fitness, and being more intentional with nourishing the nine pound tent known as my skin ;)

The Rise & Shine, Click wrapped up our six week commitment to meet for a devotional, workout and prayer three times each week. WE set out to meet at 5am Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday for six whole weeks. Yes, it was early!

There were only three mornings out of the eighteen I planned to attend, that I didn’t. Two were with good reason, and the third I just downright slept through after traveling all night into the morning. Our main goal was to be consistent and establish the rhythm of getting into the gym. Speaking for myself, I met the goal with 88% success rate! The one day I slept in, I made it to the gym after work. Woot woot! What’s next? My goal is to add Monday and Thursday and get into weights. If you’re interested in having someone to meet each morning, I’ll be there and I would love for us to spur one another on! It is wonderful to set the foundation for the day and build upon it.

​​​I’m not sure I can claim 100% on point in the nutrition department, either. According to Whole30 protocol, SWYPO items are not allowed. And well, I made and enjoyed some modified recipes. The non-dairy cheesecake bites were yummy! I couldn’t choose between strawberry cheesecake bites or chocolate, so I topped a few pieces with BOTH. Yumm-o! And I decided to create healthier versions of the peanut butter cups. I’m going for lifestyle changes that are sustainable and I don’t “quit” after a certain period of time. Plus, it feels much more successful than reporting I gave into more peanut butter cups ;) This week, I’m also going to experiment with juicing by adding kale to the mix. Do you have any suggestions or juice concoctions you would like to share? I’m open to recipes!!

​​Last week my daughters and I took bold steps in nourishing our skin in a new way. My oldest daughter ditched the four skin care products she utilizes every single day, for one. My youngest wasn’t ready to take the plunge in ditching her entire regimen, but she substituted one item in trade for a couple others. I ditched the product I have used for close to twenty years now. With our oily and acne prone skin, we were nervous. But holy smokes, has it been a great week in this department as well! My oldest daughter’s skin was actually smoother and clearer – DESPITE the onset of her period.

My youngest, has been glowing even though her period caused a pimple to pop up. Me? The questionable spots I mentioned last week seem to be fading. I have had no breakouts, my face didn’t seem near as red, and I felt SO good knowing chemicals were not going onto my body being absorbed into my blood stream.​Plus, the natural oils utilized in the charcoal soap, facial lotion bar, and body bar were so aromatic it left my bathroom fragrant for hours after my ritual – as if beckoning me back. Am I being dramatic? My daughters were even looking forward to their nightly facial rituals because they felt the same!

​I hope we are all looking forward to the upcoming week! Community, God appointments, commissions, and maybe even closing a couple chapters we’ve been in. How do we keep it all together and maintain peace and joy amidst it all? Plan out the week ahead, prepare meals, resolve to get into the gym, and then let Jesus do His thang! I am praying you have an amazing week this week. And I mean it, if you want to meet for a workout, share your juice recipes or learn more about the royal beauty skin treatment I am experimenting with – PLEASE REACH OUT. Seriously! Life is so much richer, joyous and vibrant when we are walking this walk TOGETHER with like-minded souls.
​Blessings!