If I knew then what I know now

I recently read this "What were you doing a year ago?"  It got me to thinking about all that has happened in the last year - there have been some pretty huge changes.  Just like me though, do it all at once and challenge myself.   Then I got to thinking about the last ten years.   I don't know about you but I've grown tremendously as a person.  Some of that came naturally with aging and some due to my keen ability at reflection.  There are a few discoveries (Running, Red Light Shoppe, My Naturopath) that helped guide me and some friends that set me straight when I detoured.

With this in mind, I composed a list I wish I could share with my 26 year old self.  It is pretty basic and probably a little cliché but I did not know this stuff.  I could have saved myself a lot of time and effort if only I knew then what I know now.

Note to my 26 year old self

1. It is okay to make mistakes.  There is no perfect.
2. Hold on tight to your faith, you're going to need it
3. What others think of you does not define you
4. It is okay to fail, it is not okay to quit or never try.
5. Do not let insecurities guide you.
6. Listen to your gut, it is never wrong
7. Don’t eat, shop or bury your feelings.  They will resurface and require attention.
8. Compliments.  Graciously accept them with a thank you.
9. Stop over thinking
10. Say yes more than you say no
11. Embrace change, it is what will grow you as a person
12. Don't hide from the camera, you'll want evidence of this time
13. Accept it or change it, don't wait for it to happen on its own
14. People may not understand you, that is okay. Stop explaining
15. Keep in contact with those that are important. 
16. Vulnerability does not equal weakness.
17. Find what you enjoy and DO IT.  
18. Never be too busy or consumed to hug your son just a little longer or listen to his stories.
19. Being silly is a requirement. Life doesn't have to be so serious.
20. Procrastinating.  Stop.  Just stop.
21. Accept yourself, it is okay to be beautiful you

ALWAYS!

NOT a DIET

Know why I hate the word diet?  To me it is interchangeable with deprivation.  On Friday, I was instructed to do a liver detox diet.  Since then, all I’ve been able to think about is what I will not be able to consume for the next 3-4 weeks.  It has completely enveloped me.  Craziest part is I rarely even eat/drink a lot of the items I’m supposed to cut.  It's a total mental game.

It takes me back to all the times I’ve tried diets and failed.  Of course, this is different, but just that word triggers me.  I’m feeling like I need to cram myself full of all the things I will not be able to eat.  I’ve suddenly wanted pizza, root beer floats, beer (more than usual), and lots and lots of flavored coffee. 

 

The hardest part is either going to be the no sugar (except fruit) or the no cream in my coffee.  I love coffee but with flavoring.  Otherwise, what’s the point?  It's the warm creaminess that is a must. (Think I'll go make myself another cup right now!)

 

What I need to focus on is the DETOX.  I am thrilled I won’t be taking some crazy horse pills or flushing my system where I need to be near a bathroom at all times.  I should not have painful abdominal cramping or any of the fun stuff that comes with a colon cleanse.  I should have a system that is naturally clearing itself, I should feel better, I should solve a few other issues and as a bonus I should trim down a little.  These are all GREAT things.   These are the things I need to focus on.   There is so much I will still be able to consume and I will not be starving myself.  This really isn’t a diet and I should stop using that dirty four-letter word.  I need to just refer to it as a liver detox.

 

Tomorrow will start this new part of my journey.  It's guaranteed to be interesting.  Hopefully, my boys don't go into hiding and hopefully the anticipation is the hardest part.  I mean, really, what's 4 weeks?  It's only a month.  I can do anything for a month.