So it all started around 7 or 8 years ago, I honestly can't put my finger on exactly when I started to be concerned about my health. But I do know that the first step I made was reading a book called, "Nutrition Made Simple". I'm pretty sure that a lot of the information in that book is probably now out of date, but it was a great launching spot for my new journey into balance.
I started out by making small changes first, getting rid of margarine, using sea salt, buying organic when it was convenient and not too expensive. My husband still whines a little when I replace something that we've used for a long time. (Are we almost done with buying the soda made with "real sugar"?) But, he usually comes around eventually...
"But why?" You might be asking yourself. Why did we even begin this journey?? Neither of us are unhealthy or overweight... it all started from wanting to make a positive impact on our health for the long term. We both have heart disease and diabetes in our families, and neither of us wanted to deal with that down the road. So I honestly think that's where it all started, but it has grown into so much more than that.
Shortly after I started researching being healthy, I began to realize that my quality of life could be impacted in the present. For example, before we began this process I had severe emotional problems once a month. Yes, most of you ladies know what I'm talking about (and most married men). But did you know that almost all of those monthly symptoms are due to environmental factors?? I'll get into that more later, but that is where the balanced life started to come into play. I began to question how far I wanted to go with health issues that affect my current quality of life rather than just the possibility of affecting the fact that I might get sick later.
Now, what I have also come to learn is that the two do go hand in hand, but there is a balance that I continue to seek. Too much stress from trying to be healthy can also lead to distressed health. What a catch 22!!
So, I hope you will join me in this journey and benefit from some of my lessons learned! Please feel free to question any of my philosophies and add any of your own current research. This is a process and I have not yet arrived, nor do I think I ever will. So I am open to any suggestions. Although, don't be insulted if I don't necessarily agree. We all have our own personal "balance" in our lives and I want to encourage you to find your own as I am looking for mine!!
