Tuesday, March 21, 2017

His Ways are Higher



What do we mean when we say "His ways are higher"? What does the scripture really say? Check it out here:



Friday, March 17, 2017

March Wellness Advocate Share

March 2017 Advocates Share
This month's Advocates Share features stand out Wellness Advocates from February 2017. 

Do you struggle in the comparison game? I know I do. I attend large events like leadership and come away excited and motivated, but there are definitely moments of comparison. It is hard not to compare yourself to another successful leader and wonder if you've got the "right stuff". 

Well, i'm here to tell you that yes... yes you do have the right stuff! In fact, not only do you have the right stuff, you have a unique set of strengths that ONLY you can bring to this business. The key is not to compare yourself to another person but to pit yourself against yourself. Ask yourself if you are truly leveraging your gifts and being true to yourself. 

Find your passion, find your strengths and find what makes you uniquely you. Live from that place. If you do that, then you will never have to play the comparison game again... because you've already won.
Maggie Dubois



Brandy Kisner is a Premier wellness advocate from Blountville, TN. She ranked Premier for the first time in February. She's been enrolled with doTERRA since November 2014. Here Brandy shares on how God used doTerra as a ministry opportunity in her life.

Selling as a ministry

My name is Brandy Kisner.  I am a Christian, wife, mom, and Registered Nurse.  I worked for 10 years in the ER and 3 in Same Day Surgery before quitting to stay home more with my children.  The one thing I noticed about all my patients, in both areas, was the fact that they were there to get a problem fixed.  I often would think, what could they have done differently to avoid all this.  I love preventative medicine, so I would read books and research things on wellness and prevention.  After having children I couldn’t lose stubborn fat..so I began to research diet, exercise, supplements, and essential oils.  Doterra fit right in line with my new lifestyle.  I was already teaching classes on clean eating as the Women’s Ministry Health and Wellness coordinator.  


I signed up for the oils and began to incorporate the teaching of them in to my classes. I didn’t want to “sell” anything but just teach others how they could improve their overall wellness by using God’s creations of food and plants to heal their own bodies.  After a battle with myself over selling oils, God spoke to me directly.  I had a man that I had known for years come to my house to fix our heat pump.  He had on a mask and began to tell me he has a rare cancer.  As he worked at my house, I had just started teaching only oil classes.  A little voice in my head (you know who that is) said go give him these specific oils.  He was worried about getting sick, so the oils were On guard and Frankincense for immune support. I battled with it and let him get all the way to the car before I actually went and told him that I had to give him these items and please don’t think I was crazy.  He began to cry and then told me that he and his sister had prayed to find someone that sold the good quality oils the night before and while he didn’t know what I gave him or understand anything about them, that it was God’s way of telling him “I hear you and I am with you”.


At this point, I decided that I didn’t have to “sell” oil they “essentially” sold themselves.  I was a vehicle to teach and this was a ministry to me instead.  That night after I listened to the voice and gave him the oils, 10 people messaged me to sign up.  I received the largest kit they had for the quick start.   So listen to the God’s voice, even if you think you are crazy.  His plan is so much bigger than our own.


While thinking of it as not selling it is such a blessing, I did learn that if I am going to do the business, I do need to structure it correctly.   I didn’t at first and I didn’t know how.  I had talked to a few of my upline but didn’t really have a good understanding of where to place all these people so quickly.  I have a hot mess on my topline.  I had made elite very quickly, but didn’t understand the business and wasn’t able to go the elite retreat the first year.  The second year, though, I did and it was amazing! My team has wonderful people and they taught me so much.  I have worked very hard to change my business mind and get going on the right track. 


 So, my advice to you is to reach out to your team and upline.  What you don’t understand let someone teach and help you.  It is important to help others that you enroll to understand it as well.   I wasn’t doing my ministry any justice to blindly going about the business side or for the people enrolled under me who were desiring to share it as a business too.  This month, after working on structuring and smarter decisions on where to place people, I made premier.   I am still a work in progress, but through my mess I have learned how to help others not make these mistakes.  I have made some wonderful relationships with my upline in other states that I didn’t know before as well.  They have become blessing to me.  I wouldn’t trade my hot issues for any of that! 






Sarah Wright is an Elite level wellness advocate from Arlington, VA. She's been enrolled with doTERRA since January 2017 . Sarah enrolled 10 people in February and ranked elite for the first time. Here Sarah shares some of the lessons in authenticity she's learned in her doTERRA journey.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH






Kristy Dunn is a Silver level wellness advocate from Johnson City, TN. She's been enrolled with doTERRA since June 2014 . Kristy enrolled 5 people in February. Here Kristy shares regular sustainable habits to grow your relationships and business.


Growth by connection

When Maggie asked me to share with you, I agreed without hesitation. Then, when I began to think about what I would say, it took me a while to decide. Last month was a good month for me. My business seemed to have stalled over the last year. I was working, teaching classes, doing the things I knew to do, but my business was not growing. I had one area that was continuing to grow, but like many of us, it was on my strongest leg where it didn’t help me with rank. In short, I became discouraged. I began to believeit wasn’t going to happen for me. I had read at least a dozen books. I could recap them all. I had watched countless webinars. I had studied up and could answer most any usage question off the top of my head.

While I may not have the best personality in the world, I feel that my social skills are adequate that I should be successful in this business if I was doing the other things right. I got so discouraged that I all but gave up. I started a whole new business. Last summer I got my real estate license and became a Realtor. I fully expected to have immediate success because I live in the community where I grew up. I know hundreds of people. I’m well connected at my church and in my community. Well, guess what? My voice mail and inbox were not flooded with people who wanted to buy or sell houses. So what was the problem? I want to share some things that I learned in my real estate training that is helping me in my doTERRA business.

1. In real estate, we are taught about top-of- mind marketing. This means when your friend hears someone mention the word “essential oils”, you want your name to be the first thing they think of. This doesn’t mean you flood your social media with business posts. I’m pretty sure I have people who unfollowed me when I was doing that. I unfollow people all the time, especially some who sell a particular skin care line, because I get tired of seeing their posts. I’ve never gone back and followed them again after a few months when their excitement died down. I take that to mean, when you lose a follower, they are gone for good.

2. Reading good books is important. I’m getting that same training in real estate. In fact, many of the same books are being recommended. Think and Grow Rich, Rich Dad Poor Dad, How to Win Friends and Influence People, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People are all books that have been suggested to me by the most successful people in both industries. Either the authors of those books have some serious blackmail on rich people, or they are full of truth and wisdom.

3. A specific training I am doing teaches us to write two hand-written notes a day, make 5 phone calls, and two pop-bys a day. I am adapting these principles to my oil business and it is making a difference.

a. In a technological world, we see SO much stuff on our phones and computers. I delete dozens of emails every day without opening them. I have NEVER thrown a piece of mail away that was shaped like a card, had my name written by hand, and had a return address of someone I know without opening it first. Who knows, it might have a gift card in it. The point is, it is about building relationships. If you get great service at a restaurant that you frequent, send the server a thank you note. I bet that will make an impression. 

I accompanied my grandfather to a surgery center to have a skin-cancer removed. The doctor and nurse were so patient, explaining everything to me and to him. I sent them a thank you note with my business card in it. When we went back for a
follow-up, they both thanked me for the card. With facebook, we have access to hundreds of birthdays. It might take a bit of work to get their mailing addresses, but I believe it will pay off. I usually message a relative and ask if they can get me so-and- so’s address so I can send them a birthday card.

b. Make phone calls. Have a list of people to contact and make sure you get it done! “Hi, its Kristy, I just wanted to call and see how you are doing. How is your family/job/whatever.” When they ask how you are doing you can say, “I’m good. I’m
working on growing my doTERRA business.” At this time you can ask them if they have ever tried essential oils, would they be willing to have a get together, do they know anyone who needs oils in their life. Don’t be afraid to ask. People respect that you are working and trying to build a future for your family. Just make sure they know the relationship is first and don’t feel used.

c. The third thing this program teaches me is to do pop-by’s. I have a database of names and every day I am to go to two and drop off a small gift. I made keychains and put a tag that said “you are the key to my success” and attached a business card to it. At that time, I ask for a referral. “Who do you know that is looking to buy or sell a house?” How easy would it be to give away a lip balm that you made with essential oils, add a little tag that says “you are the BALM” and ask them if there is anything you can help them with. This can be people already on your team who haven’t ordered in a while or a prospect.

4. Don’t underestimate the value of people already in your organization. In real estate, you will find people who refer you over and over to their friends and family. At that point, you have more than a client, you have an advocate. Who do you have that is your advocate? Do you have someone who isn’t building a business, but they are always telling other people to contact you about essential oils? If so, THANK them! Thank them generously. Tell them how much you appreciate it and give them an oil, or a diffuser necklace and ask them to keep telling their friends about you. You don’t know who they might send your way. It could be the next Christy, or Maggie, or Holly, or Monica!

In closing, I started with how my business has stalled this last year. Things are starting to move for me and I can see the potential for a lot of growth in the next few months. If you are struggling with discouragement like I was, don’t give up! The book The Four Year Career teaches us that there is a point where it feels like we are pushing a car up a hill and it gets hard, and we are tired, but once you reach a certain point, that car is going to go with or without you. THAT is what we are working towards. Scripture tells us to not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap what we sow. That is a true statement. It is our job to make sure we are sowing GOOD seeds! If we sow laziness and apathy that is what we will reap. Don’t forget the “in due time” part. Things don’t always happen when we want them to, but we WILL reap what we sow. 

Use this opportunity to sow into the lives of others. What we have can build health and wellness into people’s lives both physically and financially. Remember to build relationships! What would be the point of great wealth if we aren’t surrounded by people we love.

I pray God’s blessings on each member of my extended doTERRA family. May He bless your health, your relationships, and your finances.

Love,

Kristy Dunn







Thursday, March 16, 2017

Purposeful Living: Basil

Humans are body, soul and spirit, though the western world would generally have us consider only the "bodily" part when addressing wellness. These purposeful living write ups are designed to help you address also the soul and spirit using your essential oils. When using these affirmations and devotions diffuse the oil listed or dilute it in a vegetable oil base and apply it behind the ears and on wrists. Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.


Basil





To purchase Basil connect with the wellness advocate that directed you here, or if you are not currently connected with a wellness advocate visit my sales site at www.mydoterra.com/maggiedubois or contact me directly here for an opportunity to get your oil at a discounted price.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease

Friday, February 17, 2017

Fennel Breakdown


Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel is not one of the more readily used essential oils, but this oil derived from a small seed has quite a few therapeutic properties. From emotions, to respiratory system, to digestion and female systems... if you are looking for a soothing option this oil might be for you. This oil does have a few medical contraindications (including in pregnancy, estrogen dependent cancers and occasionally for anti-coagulant drug users) so be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have reason to be concerned. 

Description:
Fennel can grow up to six feet in height and has delicate, feathery leaves. The history of Fennel use dates back to ancient times when Roman warriors were said to have consumed Fennel to make them strong and ready for battle. Fennel is best known for its distinct licorice aroma and taste, yet its ability to promote healthy digestion is equally noteworthy.* Fennel may help support the health of the lungs and respiratory tract and can be added to water or tea to help fight sweet tooth cravings.* Fennel is also known for its ability to promote healthy metabolism, liver function, and circulation.*

Directions for Use:
Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
Internal use: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.
Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize any skin sensitivity.

Primary Physical Notes
- Fennel has a distinctly licorice aroma and taste.
- Roman warriors were said to have consumed Fennel to make them strong and ready for battle.
- Keep Fennel on hand when enjoying a big meal to promote digestion.*
- Take this essential oil internally to promote healthy digestion.*
- Fennel supports the overall health of the digestive tract.*
- Fennel may help to promote healthy metabolism, liver function, and circulation.*
- It may help to support the health of the lungs and respiratory tract.*
- Use Fennel with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil for a soothing abdominal massage.
- Take a drop of Fennel in water or tea to help fight sweet tooth cravings.*
- Diffuse Fennel in your home or office to encourage a productive day.
- Apply it to the skin for a calming and soothing effect.
- This essential oil provides important antioxidant benefits.*
- Historically, Fennel has been used to relieve monthly discomfort during menstruation and emerging scientific evidence supports this traditional use.*
- This essential oil helps to support a healthy response and maintain a natural balance during menstruation.*
- Fennel blends well with Basil, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Cinnamon Bark, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Grapefruit, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Myrrh, Wild Orange, Patchouli, Rose, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Tangerine, and Ylang Ylang.
- It may promote healthy cellular function and overall cellular health.*
- Fennel keeps the skin looking healthy and helps to reduce the appearance of blemishes.
- It may help to keep the gums, teeth, and mouth looking clean and healthy.
- It may support healthy immune function and response.*
- Fennel may support the health of the cardiovascular system and support healthy blood flow.*
- This essential oil can be calming to the nervous system and support healthy nervous system function.*

Primary Emotional Benefits:
Invigorates life ownership and passion for living. Responsibility for self. Awareness of bodily needs. 

Negative emotions addressed:
Unnecessary cravings. Denying personal responsibility. Unaware of physical needs.

Aromatic Description:
Licorice, Sweet, Honey

Body Systems addressed:
- Digestive System
- Respiratory System


Suggested uses:
-Take internally to support healthy respiratory function.*
- Put a drop of Fennel in water or tea to help fight sweet tooth cravings.*
- Add to desserts for an additional depth of flavor.
- Add 1–2 drops in a veggie capsule to promote digestion.*

Cautions;
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.


Other Fennel references:

To purchase Fennel connect with the wellness advocate that directed you here, or if you are not currently connected with a wellness advocate visit my sales site at www.mydoterra.com/maggiedubois or contact me directly here for an opportunity to get your oil at a discounted price.

Sources: www.doTERRA.com, Emotions and Essentials Oils: A modern resource for healing

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease



Thursday, February 16, 2017

February 2017 Wellness Advocate Share

February 2017 Advocates Share
This month's Advocates Share features stand out Wellness Advocates from January 2017. 

In the past three years of growing an essential oil business I've had the blessing of getting to know literally hundreds of new, amazing people. This increase in relationships all along the friendship spectrum has given me the benefit of learning more about people and relational dynamics than some are lucky to learn in a lifetime. I often step back and look at the group of dynamic, inspiring people in my life and simply thank God for this gift. 

In knowing so many people, I can often see the path business partners are heading down before they see it themselves, simply because I've likely been in connection with someone who has already traveled that path. In these moments it becomes imperative that you have a true relationship with the other leader. Otherwise you will have no ability to speak into their lives in a way that will save them time and energy.

As a less mature leader, I first began to approach these moments with no care for the underlying relationship. I soon discovered that critical communication devoid of relationship is a caustic combination that often leaves both parties hurt. At the best, I tended to push people to burn out, at the worst, some of the best leaders in the business structure below me quit.
It took me falling flat on face to understand the importance of relationship in building a truly solid business, and I discovered in the process... it's a lot more fun!

So if you feel like you are "losing leaders", "losing fun" or maybe "losing your mind" in this business... consider the value of relationship, put it first, and see if all of the above can begin to blossom!
Maggie Dubois



Megan Brown is an Elite wellness advocate from Hanover, MD. She's been enrolled with doTERRA since September 2015. Here Megan shares what it was like to go from "selling" to "sharing" essential oils.

Finding Joy as an Essential Oil "Sharer"

After only months of leaving teaching to stay home with my children, I was in no way looking for another business opportunity.  It wasn’t long into using oils, that I have found that people around me were really interested in how I was using the essential oils to better the quality of life for my family.  I started sharing with friends and family my knowledge and love for oils, and then learned that this could be a very doable business for a stay-at-home-mom like myself.  I do not consider myself a businessperson in the least bit and I would definitely not consider myself a salesperson at all.  

Throughout my first year of building my business with doTerra I had many ups and downs and learned a lot about myself and my place in this business. It was when I tried to become that “salesperson” I was the least successful.  During my first several months when I was excited about the product and sharing that excitement was when I thrived the most.  I now understand that I need to stay true to the reason in which I became a Wellness Advocate, to share the amazingness that is doTerra Essential oils!  That is when I was, and am, most successful in the business.  

The reason I took leave from teaching was to be with my children, so any time that I left them had to be worth it for me and for them.  Teaching essential oils classes and sharing oils allows me to have an outlet outside of being “Mom” all day long.  It also gives me pride to know that I am helping others improve their quality of life as well, which is the most important part for me.  When I hear stories from other moms how oils “saved their life” when their children wake up in the middle of the night with that cry that moms know all too well... Or when others email me to share that they are able to work out again without discomfort, that is when I know that I chose a business that is right for me.

 For me it is about “sharing” not “selling” and when I stick to that way of thinking the money follows. 

Judy Booth is an Elite level wellness advocate from Portsmouth, VA. She's been enrolled with doTERRA since February 2016 . Judy ranked as Elite for the first time in the month of December. Here Judy shares some of the lessons she's learned in her doTERRA journey.

Building a business "my way"

I joined doTerra at the end of February 2016 with the intention of only living doterra.  By June, I fell in love with the oils so much that I decided to begin doTerra as a business as long as I could do it my way.   My passion has always been to serve others and I thought I could help change so many lives with essential oils.  

Let me tell you, I was beginning a journey that I had no idea what I was in store for.  All I knew, I was not going to be that annoying sales lady.  So I thought I had it all figured out.  Well God sure does have a sense of humor.  I was asked to put a list of 50 together to begin this business.  I thought to myself there is no way I am going to do that.  I didn't need to do that because, remember, I was going to run my business my way. 

 Now I want to share a few of the lessons I learned.  
 I went to every webinar, zoom call, oil class etc that I could fit in.   The turning point for me was Maggie's challenge from last summer where we were assinged a partner.  That challenge forced me out of my comfort zone and was the beginning of a beautiful journey.   

Another thing that was a huge turning point for me was getting a mentor.  Having a mentor is so important and will help you in ways that you never thought could be possible. 
After reflecting on this past year, there were so many lessons I learned.  I will just share three of the lessons.

1. Have a teachable spirit.  There is already a successful system in place and its duplicatable.  Just follow the system and be willing and open to learn.

2.  Have fun on your journey.  There will be plenty of ups and downs but when you decide to have fun, you will be more real and relatable to people.  
3.  Have patience. (I'm still working on this lesson by the way)  I would get so discouraged  when the business did not grow as fast as I had planned.  One of the things that helped me in this area was to use the slow times to work on your Personal Development.  






Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Purposeful Living: Arborvitae

Humans are body, soul and spirit, though the western world would generally have us consider only the "bodily" part when addressing wellness. These purposeful living write ups are designed to help you address also the soul and spirit using your essential oils. When using these affirmations and devotions diffuse the oil listed or dilute it in a vegetable oil base and apply it behind the ears and on wrists. Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.

Arborvitae




To purchase Arborvitae connect with the wellness advocate that directed you here, or if you are not currently connected with a wellness advocate visit my sales site at www.mydoterra.com/maggiedubois or contact me directly here for an opportunity to get your oil at a discounted price.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease



How I learned to love food and stop hating my body

True to my nature I’ve put this particular blog post off for a while. Not because I’m a procrastinator, but simply because I feel like I need certain pieces in place when sharing thoughts from deep inside. I am an open book, but as an educator I always wonder if my “credentials” are enough. Pretty much every time I become passionate about a topic I feel like I need to go receive some “official” certification or education on the topic to enable me to share. But, the truth is, that regardless of my results or education, this is my story. This is my wonderful, beautiful, scary, sad, lovely story… and I’ve determined I don’t have to be at the end of it with some particular degree under my belt to share it.

Six months ago I came to terms with the fact that I have battled an eating disorder for nearly my whole life. Due to my limited understanding of eating disorders I never categorized it as such before, because, well, I figured I was just like every other woman. I was overly concerned about what I ate, how my body looked, and generally filled with some form of bodily hatred. But, given my experience in the world of women, this is pretty normal. I mean, for most women, complaining about our bodies is a bonding point… a rite of passage… a community building topic… so how could I possibly go as far as to say I had an eating disorder?

But, irregardless of other women’s experiences, mine was not a healthy experience. I can’t remember the last time I put a bite of food in my mouth without over-analyzing it. Seriously, I can’t remember a SINGLE meal that didn’t stir up a level of emotional connection that simply wasn’t healthy. My feelings would fall into one of three categories:

Healthy eating feelings: “Look at me doing so well. I’m going to lose weight and look great again. I can do this. I can learn to love these foods only and forget sugar and fast food and all that other stuff. No food tastes as good as skinny feels. I’ve got this! I don’t need to eat any more. The hunger will go away. I’ll eat some more spinach or something. I don’t need that thing I’m craving. Cravings are just weakness. I’ll starve it out. This is good. I’m good.”

Gluttonous eating feelings: “I can’t do this anymore. I hate my body. It won’t respond to healthy eating anyway so why bother. I will have to be perfect tomorrow to make up for this. I hate my body. I hate my metabolism. I hate my genes. This tastes good but I know it’s terrible. I’m really sad. I’m really mad. I give up. This is bad. I’m bad.”

Normal eating feelings: “How many calories are in this? How many carbs? How much fat? How much protein? Is this nutrient dense? How much do I need to work out to burn this off? If I eat this now what type of food do I need to eat for my next meal? How long do I need to wait? If I eat this will it justify eating that? What additives are in this? Is this organic? What oil was this cooked in? Does this count as good or bad?”

That’s just a sampling of the kinds of things that would run through my mind. But in short, food was not just food. Food was my life. Food was my indicator of how well or poor I was doing. Food consumed my thoughts. Food, at times, was my identity.

At home I was restrictive to a fault. Green smoothies would be one of my only meals throughout the day. Maybe some leftovers from the paleo meal the night before. Dinner was massive because I was starving, but always as healthy as I could make it. When friends came over or we went out to dinner I would eat pretty much anything I wanted. I’d swing so far to the other side because I had no will power outside of my perfectly stocked refrigerator or pantry. I wanted a tiny bit of joy and food would provide that. But, not without a cost. Guilt that would hang on me like a cloak for hours, or even days, afterwards.

I got on the scale EVERY day. I measured my body fat EVERY week. I analyzed and critiqued my body in my full length mirror multiple times daily. I critiqued my body and eating in self talk every time I made a plate of food.

Food was love. Food was hate. Food was reward. Food was punishment. And my body was an emotional punching bag.

Through all this, my assumption was that it was normal.

Then, about 16 months ago, my body crashed. For dietary, physical, emotional and spiritual reasons which I will share in a future post, I crashed. I began rapid weight gain that I could not control. I cut calories, worked out, took supplements, but the scale kept going up and up and up. The year before this had shown mild weight gain that I’d blamed on pregnancy. Granted, I had never before gained this much weight in pregnancy, but I tried not to fret.

So, after an 80 pound weight gain, I gave up.

I’d been working with an amazing dietitian for a few months who’d been helping me on and off the clock with suggestions. Some of the resources she’d shown me led me to a place where I was ready for a real change. The book, “The Slow Down diet” also started to shift the way I viewed food and my own relationship to it.

As I let go of the calorie counting, paleo pounding, weight obsessed, food restricted, self loathing way I’d been living, the blinders came off and I realized how unhappy I was. I would call myself a foodie, but was I really? Did I even like food? Seemed like I considered food a mortal enemy.

I stopped obsessing so I could heal.

I stopped weighing and measuring. I stopped checking ingredients. I started giving into cravings with reckless abandon… not to fill an empty place emotionally but simply to feed my starving body. I stopped caring about how I looked. I decided that I’d rather be happy than skinny.

A few weeks in to my healing journey I found the cravings I’d been fighting for 17 years began to dissipate. I didn’t care about the cookies in the pantry or the fast food on my way home. I didn’t want it anymore. I noticed my cravings turned to all the good things my dietitian had been encouraging me to eat (those high calorie, high sugar enemies I’d been avoiding). Orange juice, ice cream, cheese, fruit, jello, chocolate milk, seafood… oh my oh my… the deliciousness I allowed in my life was so much better than the junk food I used to crave on my way home from a class… but it filled me up in a real tangible way.

My panic attacks went away shortly thereafter. My fast food cravings went away. My morning hunger returned and my evening hunger lessened. My muscle tone improved. My thoughts improved. My mood improved. My sex drive improved. My energy improved. And I began to enjoy food… really enjoy it. Not with a caveat thought that this food made me good or bad… but just enjoy it.
I gained another 20 pounds *gasp*… but I felt healthy again. I stopped hanging onto my skinny clothes and began to release anything that made me doubt my beauty or worth. I rejoiced in my improved mood rather than a number on the scale.

Now, did all concern for weight go away? Of course not. I still had a hope to look as healthy as I felt one day, but I decided that I was ok with that being a process.

About two months ago I started measuring again. But this time, it was merely to observe all possible changes, and not to let the scale control things. Now my measurements consist of body temperature, skin complexion, stress level, and all of the other physical measurements I used to take. I’m looking at myself through a “whole person” lense and celebrating more than scale losses. I’m celebrating brighter skin. I’m celebrating less moments of depression. I’m celebrating more strength. I’m celebrating quicker thinking. And, after over a year of “letting it go” I’ve been celebrating a move downwards on the scale and body fat measurements.

But… that isn’t the point… and that’s why I’ve decided to share.

I originally wanted to weight til I’d “lost the weight” to share my story. Not because this would be my most important success element in this story, but because I assumed that’s all people care about. Well, maybe it is, maybe you can’t imagine ever “allowing” weight gain. Maybe you look at your body the way I used to. Well, that’s why I’m sharing this…

If you are someone like I used to be… someone who can’t remember ever loving food or loving your body… someone who feels like you have to fight your body rather than live in your body… please hear me.

The number on the scale is NOT the measure of your worth.
Food is meant to be enjoyed.
Your body is beautiful no matter what size you wear.
If you are not happy with yourself now you will never see a number on the scale that will make you truly happy.
You can decide to do whatever it takes to be happy and healthy, even if that means weight gain at first.
Let go and begin to heal.

Before After