What Was Wrong With Me???

I was really starting to wonder if there was something truly wrong with my nervous or immune system this past year? For some reason,  my face all of a sudden would flare up with acne...especially my cheeks and nose area. I know that I basically always eat the same food, I try to always purchase organic, natural and healthy food. I make all of my meals, exercise, drink lots of filtered water and I try to stay on a good sleep schedule.
I was starting to think that maybe I was starting pre-menopausal stages (I will be 46 yrs old at the end of August)? Maybe something environmental was affecting me without knowing?

I just took this picture today...its been one month since I've been off for the summer holidays and my skin has completely cleared up?? I'm relaxing, I'm in my garden daily, I swim in the pool daily, I get lots of sleep, I exercise, I take in lots of natural vitamin D (sunlight..at least 20 minutes a day....)...go figure I must have been stressed???
Come to think of it , it was a pretty tough year emotionally. My son had a few physical ailments that needed immediate medical attention (pretty serious stuff)...he also had to deal with daily bullying at school. All of this definitely took its toll on my nerves and stress levels. Once all of that got settled, I immediately noticed that I was calmer and felt better in my skin.
This past year I even seeked the help of a naturopath thinking that maybe I was developing allergies or intolerances to food or certain things that were surrounding me daily? But the acne kept coming back...still no answers...
So, I am now a true believer that increased stress can cause adult acne. I felt embarrassed and often decided to eat alone with the fear of being asked what was going on? I didn't know what to answer and I felt very uncomfortable. It was suggested to me by many to go and seek the help of a dermatologist. He would probably recommend a cream with steroids or cortisone in it. That was something that I was not willing to take a chance on.
Well, I strongly believe that stress was the root of the problem. Maybe I thought that I was sleeping well, but I always seemed tired when I woke up and lacked my usual energy and good humour. Just goes to show you that your face is a canvas to what is going on inside your body, your skin doesn't lie. If ever I go through this again, I will just have to take a deep breath, listen to relaxing music, meditate and go to a good place....
The following video is a great way to do this...very good and helps you inside/out for sure.

In health....

The health nut!!!

Life's Simple Pleasures

Have you ever really taken the time to just stop and look around you. If you think about it, it is absolutely free of charge and the rewards are priceless. I feel so fortunate to live on the outskirts of town. This really allows me to hear so many things that cannot be heard in town with all the traffic and everyday noises.
In the morning, at this time of year, I can usually hear the birds chirping, the gentle wind blowing in the leaves on the trees, the relaxing sound of our hammock being softly pushed by the breeze, smelling the sweet smell of flowers and almost hearing the vegetables grow if I stop long enough and take it all in.
We often have friends drop in that live in the city and the first thing they usually tell us is how peaceful it is here. We tend to get caught up in life and all of its demands, routines without ever stopping once to look around us. To really see and feel the amazing beauty that surrounds us every day.
My favorite part of all, is when we are driving along the St-Lawrence River and there is a sunrise or a sunset along the horizon, there are really no words to describe the beauty of it all.
So, the next time that you are rushing in your everyday activities, try to stop a couple of minutes and just see, hear and feel what is going on around you. Life goes by too fast, take a deep breath and take it all in, you won't regret it, this I promise you.

In health....

The Health Nut!!!

Today Is Your Day.

                                     

Shania Twain has been through a very hard marital break-up. So emotionally draining that she actually lost her ability to sing and her confidence to sing in front of crowds....finding out that her best friend was having an affair with her husband was too much for her to handle on her own.
I followed her amazing journey to healing from the inside out on the OWN Network. I just admire her so for opening up her personal life to all of us and going about all of it in such a positive manner. She is just so down to earth and humble. Through all of this she has actually found love again with the former husband of the woman that betrayed her in the first place. She never thought that she could love again and now she has found happiness and peace again in her life.
She will actually be replacing Celine Dion at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas in 2014. She is nervous to follow such an amazing international act but is up for the challenge. After intense medical testing and self-healing her voice is back stronger than ever and she is ready to go for it.
The following video is her latest release "Today is your day" ...I love it!

I would definitely love to see Shania live in Las Vegas one day. She is just so sweet and honest and there is just something about her that makes you feel like she is willing and ready to talk to you as a friend anytime. 

Enjoy!!!

The Health Nut!!!

The Meaning of Family...

Nothing warms my heart more than the love of my family..I am so fortunate to have so many amazing people that I can count on anytime. I am the youngest of 10 children and I have always been very pampered with all of their love and attention.
Sure we have had the normal disagreements and hardships along the way but we have always found it within ourselves to forgive and forget. Life is definitely too short to hold grudges and dwell on negative situations.
I have also been so blessed to have so many nephews and nieces, that were almost like little brothers and sisters to me. They have moved on in their lives and have married and have had children of their own. They are all wonderful adults now and are amazing parents!!
Recently we have had quite a few family gatherings for weddings and birthdays. These special occasions just makes me realize more and more how lucky and fortunate that we are to all still be so close, healthy and happy. When we get together, nothing else matters, we are just satisfied to talk, reminisce and sing ,that is enough to make us happy.
We didn't grow up in a rich environment, but my mom always made sure that we had clean clothing to wear and good food on the table. We wore hand me downs but they were always repaired and made to look like new. She would paint whatever home that we were renting at the time like it was our own and would make it look so clean and presentable.
We always grew up with a sense of dignity and pride. Thanks to her we have become the individuals that we are and I'm sure that these values are being instilled in our future generations as well...
We were always taught that its not the material things that matter in life but our values and the image that we project to others. Being a good person and always willing to lend a hand and share with one in need. You can always replace a car, a home and expensive clothing but you can never replace the love and life of family.
As I get older I realize this more and more and I just feel so special to have all of these amazing individuals filling my heart with love.
Call or send a note to someone special in your life today...surprise them, make up with them, let them know how much they matter to you and how much you love them and wish them all the best in life!!! You never know this could make their day and mend broken hearts.

In health...

The Health Nut!!

When You Wish Upon A Star....

This is one of many pictures taken on our Disney World, Orlando, Florida trip last week. It has to be the biggest highlight of our lives...what an amazing family vacation....give yourself a treat of a lifetime and go for it!
When you are there , you become a child again yourself...you live all of it through the eyes of your child and there are really no words to describe the feeling and experience....
It was very hot and humid but while you are waiting in line to embark on a great ride, an hour often goes by very fast...everyone is so friendly and so relaxed.
There is really something for all ages to enjoy and discover together.....our 13 year old son really enjoyed taking in all of the roller coasters and thrill rides....
The cast members (staff) at Disney only have one objective...to make your trip and stay there the best time ever!!!
We stayed at a Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort on site...gorgeous and breath taking....

the best way to go for sure. You only need your "Key to the World" card , that is given to you when you check in. It has all of the necessary information for you to enjoy your stay. It serves as your room key, it has all of your meal plans and park entrances on it as well.
You don't even need a car ...just use the air-conditioned Disney bus system at your door. Don't worry about transportation from the airport to your resort...the Disney Magic Express coach takes care of all of that for you...
You have to live the Magic of Disney at least once in your life....we did and we will never forget it!!! Walt Disney was one special man and to think that this all happened because of his dream...
When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are....
Check it out for yourself...it is an incredible, easy, stress-free and worry free vacation...I highly recommend it....

In health....
The Health Nut!!