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Reflecting on Life’s Journey and Decluttering the Soul

Early this morning, I found myself awake at 3 a.m., lying in bed and reflecting on the path my life has taken over these past fifty years. I realized that much of my personality—and even my choices—have been shaped by a foundation rooted in scarcity. Let me explain.

Growing up, money was tight. My dad’s work was seasonal, so when he had a job, we enjoyed a sense of security, but when work slowed, we were often stretched thin, sometimes making do with canned soup for dinner. My mother’s constant focus on what we had versus what we lacked made an impression that has taken decades to fully understand. Now, looking back, I see how these experiences shaped some of my habits and behaviors.

  1. Overbuying – I often find myself stocking up excessively, with freezers and pantries full to the brim. Despite this abundance, I still feel like there’s “something missing.” It’s as if I’m perpetually preparing for a time of scarcity.
  2. Eating as if It’s My Last Meal – Food was a significant part of my life as soon as I started earning money. I indulged in eating out, fast food, and more—fueling a relationship with food that has led to an extra 150 pounds I’ve carried for nearly 30 years.
  3. Home Comparisons – Growing up, I noticed my friends’ homes were “nicer” or more established than mine. This instilled a mindset of comparison and made me feel that my home wasn’t enough. I’m finally at peace in a solid, if not ultra-modern, home, but it took years to shake the feeling of “not measuring up.”
  4. Debt from Emotional Buying – My struggle with emotional eating extended to emotional buying. I’d purchase home decor, dishes, bedding, and seemingly endless “stuff,” which over time led to significant debt.
  5. A Life of Clutter – This theme of “clutter” has become a recurring one in my life: clutter in calories, clutter in finances, and clutter in my home environment.

Recently, I felt a need for change. I joined a new church and started attending a Bible study group that helped me confront some hard truths. I realized that I had been trying to fill an emotional void by accumulating things, never questioning why I felt that need in the first place. But God doesn’t intend for us to live burdened by poor health or debt. Instead, He calls us to live with balance, finding peace in knowing that we are created in His image.

I’m still very much a work in progress, but I can say with confidence that letting go of this chaos—physically and emotionally—has been life-changing. If you’re on a similar journey, take a moment to identify the root of your challenges. Reflect on the “why” behind your patterns, and then invite God into your healing process through prayer and study. Each day presents a new step in your journey, and only you can choose the direction you want to go.

A Kid at Heart

What does it mean to be a kid at heart?

To me, being a kid at heart means you see the wonder and excitement in little things – like dandelions. To an adult, this is an ugly invasive weed. But to a kid it’s either a wonderful flower that you can blow into the wind and watch the pieces sail into the universe, or a pretty yellow flower to pick for your mom or teacher. Only after we “learn” that they are weeds do we view them differently.

Take that a step further – people. Kids see the inner person – the smile, the kindness, the smell of baked goods on their clothing – they don’t judge people based on their body type or brand of clothing or what kind of car they drive.

Ultimately – a kid at heart is simply someone still able to see the world with innocence and purity.

You have three magic genie wishes, what are you asking for?

Health, happiness and wholeness for my entire family. I wish for them to only seek to approval of our God and not of people and society’s “norms”. I wish for my children to not waste another minute of their lives trying to fit in, but to truly stand out for being true and authentic. All the riches and material things in the world do not measure up to true inner peace.

Do lazy days make you feel rested or unproductive?

It really depends…. Have I been running ragged and feeling overwhelmed? Sometimes a lazy day is just what is needed to refill my cup and re-energize me. However, too many lazy days make me feel blah and unproductive. I suppose there is a difference in a lazy day and a lazy lifestyle ☺️

The Apostle Paul

When you think of the word “successful,” who’s the first person that comes to mind and why?

I know many have answered Jesus, and certainly Jesus would have been considered successful. However, I think of Paul and how he remained calm and joyful and continued to spread the good news to people all while being imprisoned and facing potential death. His joy and happiness came from knowing his soul had been saved and his destination was a good one. He didn’t allow his circumstances to change who he was. To me, that is success. If I can remain happy and true to who I am regardless of the chaos around me, I am successful.

The Benefits of a 24 Hr Fast

In our fast-paced world, where food is often abundant and easily accessible, fasting may seem like an odd practice. Yet, for centuries, various cultures and spiritual traditions have incorporated fasting into their rituals, both for its physical and mental benefits. In recent years, science has begun to validate many of these ancient practices, showing that a 24-hour fast once a week may be more than just a spiritual endeavor—it can be a powerful tool for improving overall well-being.

In this post, we’ll explore some of the most significant benefits of incorporating a 24-hour fast into your weekly routine.

  1. Improved Metabolic Health

One of the most talked-about benefits of fasting is its effect on metabolism. A 24-hour fast can help your body switch from burning glucose (sugar) to burning fat for fuel. This metabolic shift, known as ketosis, can improve insulin sensitivity and promote fat loss over time. In addition, fasting has been shown to lower blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and support heart health by improving cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

  1. Cellular Repair and Longevity

Fasting triggers a process called autophagy, where your body breaks down and removes damaged cells, making way for new, healthy cells to form. Think of it as your body’s natural detox system. This cellular “clean-up” not only supports your immune system but also helps reduce oxidative stress—one of the key factors in aging and chronic diseases. By giving your body a break from digestion, fasting creates the perfect environment for this rejuvenation to take place.

  1. Mental Clarity and Focus

During a 24-hour fast, many people report enhanced mental clarity and focus. This might seem counterintuitive at first—wouldn’t skipping meals make you tired or distracted? Surprisingly, it doesn’t. When the body enters ketosis, the brain receives a steady supply of energy from ketones, which can improve cognitive function and mental clarity. Additionally, fasting can stimulate the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports brain health and neuroplasticity, helping you feel more sharp and alert.

  1. Enhanced Discipline and Mindful Eating

Fasting for 24 hours can be challenging, especially if you’re used to eating several meals a day. However, the practice builds discipline, strengthens your willpower, and encourages a more mindful approach to eating. After a fast, you’re more likely to savor your meals and make conscious choices about what you consume, tuning in to your body’s hunger and fullness signals. This can help break unhealthy habits and reduce mindless snacking. Honestly for me, I am able to stick to a 24 hour fast better than calorie restriction alone, simply because any small cheat breaks the entire fast. It’s definitely a mental thing.

  1. Digestive Reset and Gut Health

Giving your digestive system a break once a week allows it to reset and recover. Our digestive systems are constantly working, and taking time off from food can reduce bloating, promote better digestion, and support a healthy gut microbiome. While fasting, your body can focus its energy on repairing the gut lining and reducing inflammation, contributing to improved long-term digestive health. I choose Mondays for my long fasting day to help recover from my weekend indulgences.

  1. Increased Energy and Mood

Although it might seem counterintuitive, many people report feeling more energetic after fasting. Without the need to constantly process food, your body can allocate energy elsewhere, allowing you to feel lighter and more energetic. Additionally, fasting can help stabilize mood by balancing blood sugar levels, reducing the spikes and crashes that often lead to irritability or sluggishness.

Is a 24-Hour Fast Right for You?

While a 24-hour fast can offer many benefits, it’s important to listen to your body and consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are new to fasting. If done mindfully, incorporating a weekly fast into your routine can be a simple yet powerful way to enhance your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Final Thoughts

Fasting isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but for those who feel drawn to it, a 24-hour fast once a week can offer profound benefits. It gives your body a chance to repair, rejuvenate, and refocus, helping you on your lifelong journey to wellness. Like so many practices, fasting reminds us that less can often be more, and in those quiet spaces where we refrain from consuming, we can find clarity, balance, and renewal.

Are you curious about trying a weekly fast? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below!

Small Steps to Wellness: My Health Journey

Hello, and welcome to my corner of the internet! Today, I want to share a little about my journey toward better health—a journey that is very much a work in progress.

We live in a world that often emphasizes instant results, but when it comes to health, the reality is quite different. For me, striving for health and overall wellness isn’t a destination but an ongoing journey filled with ups and downs. I’m not where I want to be just yet, but that’s okay. What matters most is that I’m committed to trying each day to do better.

Every morning is a fresh opportunity to make choices that align with my health goals. Whether it’s opting for a nutritious breakfast (or opting to fast and allow my body to heal), taking a walk, or practicing mindfulness, each small step adds up over time. There are days when motivation is just not there, and I might indulge in comfort food or skip my workout, but I’ve learned to embrace those moments as part of the process. Progress isn’t linear, and that’s perfectly normal.

I want this blog to be a space where we can share our experiences, challenges, and victories together. I hope to inspire and be inspired as we navigate this path toward better health. Let’s support each other in celebrating the small wins and staying committed to our goals, no matter how far away they may seem.

So, join me on this journey. Let’s embrace the work in progress, keep striving for better, and remember that every step forward counts. Here’s to health, growth, and the adventure ahead!

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