Blogging sort of means putting yourself out there and allowing yourself to be somewhat vulnerable. For those who really know me, that is totally out of my comfort zone. But, when I stopped writing, I was amazed and totally humbled to have people tell me that they missed reading about my journey, the lessons learned, the recipes, and the helpful hints for their lives. After some prayer, I feel led to begin again. Thank you for reading. It really does bless my heart.
Well, when I decided to begin blogging again, I wanted a name that meant something to me. So, I enlisted the help of my clever and creative girls. They really got busy and gave me some incredible suggestions. When I saw beCOREageous written on paper, it spoke to me. I've been "living" with it for a couple of weeks and just knew this was my new blog's name. Let me briefly share why it pulled at my heartstrings.
First, the word courageous holds a lot of meaning to me, personally. I have always struggled with fear. It is my battle. Several years ago, during a challenging time in my life, I was reading Beth Moore's book, So Long, Insecurity. It was then that I adopted the life verse, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 I have written it on the first page of my Bible, it is written on an index card on my bathroom mirror, and it is written on my heart. It speaks to me.
Second, beCOREageous is a call to action. I love that. I just can't simply stay where I am. I have to BE. I have to learn, grow, teach, move. That speaks to me.
Third, it is a clever little play on words - Courageous/COREageous!! I love a clever little play on words!! Still speaking to me.
And fourth, the word CORE really made me think. It forced me to do some personal reflection. What do I stand for? Who am I? So, at my very core, first and foremost, is a deep and abiding love for and faith in my Heavenly Father. Next, at the very deepest part of my core, is my unspeakable love for my family. My husband, four children, two grandchildren, parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and extended family. They are my heart. Then, deep in my core, is my love for my dearest friends - my chosen family. Love them all. And finally, at my core is a need to get healthy and help others get healthy as well. I did not know this was my passion until recently. But now that this passion has been unleashed, there is no stopping my thirst for knowledge. So, at my core are faith, family, love, and passion. Those truly speak to me! Well, there you have it. beCOREageous will be my vehicle for sharing, learning, growing, and, prayerfully, helping. Thank you to my girl, Ash, for knowing my heart so well and naming my new blog!
In case some don't know me, let me share a very brief summary of the last 15 months. I have Multiple Sclerosis and had really hit rock bottom. My pain was unbearable. My weakness was debilitating. My digestive issues were wreaking havoc. My nerves were shot. I needed help. I cried out for help and the Lord answered in a big way. On Dr. Joseph Mercola's website I saw a video by Dr. Terry Wahls that changed my life. She has reversed her own MS in ways that left me speechless and in tears. I was on board immediately. So, January 15, 2012 I started living a Paleo lifestyle and began learning what it truly means to use Food As Medicine. I voraciously read every article, blog, book I could find on the topic. My passion (some might say obsession) was born! Jump ahead 15 months, I feel stronger, healthier, happier than I can ever remember feeling as an adult. I have chosen to eliminate all grains, beans, and refined sugar from my diet. I limit my dairy to only full fat plain greek yogurt (although I am searching out raw milk options.) I eat (or drink) grass fed meat, organic fruits and vegetables, organic free range eggs, lots of grass fed butter, olive oil, coconut oil, blanched nuts, nut butter, super dark chocolate, green smoothies, organic coffee, almond milk, and spring water. It works for me. Please know that I am not a doctor. I am not a nutritionist. I am not a scientist. I am a woman on a mission. I have learned a little, but there is a ton more to learn and that excites me. I understand that what works for me, may not work for you. But I promise you that the lessons I am learning and will share about our food, nutrition, and the choices we make, will make us all healthier.
What started with Paleo has now evolved into an entire world of crazy, wonderful, exciting, confusing, amazing, frustrating, fascinating topics that I am engrossed in learning about. Some that I plan to share in the near future are: GMO's, supplements, grass fed meats, organic choices, coconut oil, oil pulling, why butter is better, healthy kiddos, what happened to our grains, sugar is trouble, etc. etc. etc. I get excited knowing that although I have no idea what the etc. etc. etc. are going to be, I know they will be life changing!! Additionally, I personally have some new things happening in my life that are going to take me out of my comfort zone and totally require me to beCOREageous. I am excited to share with you the what's, why's and how's of that in the near future.
Well, I have kept your ears long enough in this first post. Thank you so much for reading. It fills my heart with such joy to know that we can be connected via this blog. I truly appreciate you.
In the last fifteen months I have "met" some incredible bloggers. I plan to share some of my favorites with you. My first choice is Kristen Michaelis' blog, www.foodrenegade.com She is a health and wellness coach and author of the amazing book, Beautiful Babies. Although we have never met in person, I love reading her insights and wisdom on topics that I am very interested in. She is one smart lady. Enjoy.
I also hope to share yummy recipes with you. Talk about "speaking to me", chocolate pudding does it every time! My mom was the very best cook. She even made the best hot dogs!! One of my favorite recipes was her homemade chocolate pudding. Well, here is my spin on it - dairy and refined sugar free. I call it
"Not My Mama's Chocolate Pudding!"
1 can full fat refrigerated coconut milk
1/4 cup almond butter
1/2 cup raw honey
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon cinnamon (I love cinnamon, so you can reduce amount if that's too much)
Put the entire can of coconut milk in your food processor or heavy duty blender. Add almond butter, honey, cocoa, cinnamon. Puree until smooth. Pour into bowl or ramekins. Refrigerate several hours. Enjoy
I'll be back soon. In the meantime, Be healthy. BeCOREageous.
"Courage is being scared to death....and saddling up anyway." John Wayne
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