Detox

Detox definitions: 

Noun

1. The process or period of time in which one abstains from or rids one’s self of unhealthy substances

Verb

1. To abstain or rid one’s self of unhealthy substances.

What are unhealthy substances?

How does one detox themselves?

I think the first question has an infinite number of answers and depends on the person asking the question.

I think the second question can be answered in many ways, as well, but first one must decide to do so.

March has arrived. I love this month. It is a siren signaling spring is on the way. I can hear birds singing. I can feel breezes which bring the smells of earth letting me know flowers are waiting to burst forth.

It is a month we celebrate the birth of two of our precious sons. It is the month when my school enjoys spring break. It is an exciting month.

Stores start selling beautiful rain boots and umbrellas. Gardening products pop up in places where winter garb used to be displayed. Springtime candies are on display beckoning you to prepare for the Easter bunny celebration. Pastel colors begin to replace the grays of winter.

It is also a tricky month. “In like a lamb or a lion?”

This weekend may show March as entering as a lion. Snow is predicted. This makes me hopeful it will end like a lamb – just in time for spring break.

It is also a time many think about rebirth. The earth has been hibernating. Seasons are beginning to change.

This week I have thought a lot about this time of year. As I leave the house at too early o’clock to go to school, I have noticed I am no longer arriving at what seems like the middle of the night. Daylight is peeking through as I pull into the parking lot.  It symbolizes so much to me. This time of year can be reinvigorating and energizing. When spring is on the horizon, we know days are going to be longer and eventually warmer.

Sunshine is a natural resource which provides us so many good things.

I love the sunshine. It is a natural antidepressant.

A sunny day can do more for one’s mood than we ever imagined. A sunny day increases the serotonin (mood-lifter) levels in our brain as opposed to the levels we have on darker days.

I find myself unconsciously walking to the window in my classroom while teaching on a sunny day. I am drawn to it and need to feel its glow surround me.

Darker days make us more sluggish, more tired, more moody, and simply more boring and negative. Hibernation is dark.

It’s been a long and difficult 2019 for many people I love and care about, so far. For me, my countenance and overall existence have been tested health-wise.

I have fought migraines for over 40 years but these new atypical migraines have tripped me up a bit. I have a high pain tolerance. I am stubborn. I don’t want to fall to something invisible because I don’t want to deal with the stigma. My mom taught me to be strong and fight them. I don’t want my family to think I am unavailable again because of an inconvenient illness. I don’t want to be unable to complete my responsibilities as an educator. So I have attempted to fight it out.

This week was an eye-opener for me.

1. Maybe because there were a few moments/days of sunlight.

2. Maybe because I am just tired of the current trajectory of my health.

3. Maybe because God placed people & opportunities in my life to aid me in this journey.

Whatever the reason, I am thankful.

Sometimes we allow negativity to overtake us. We don’t intentionally allow it. Negativity just seeps in. It is clever! It comes in many forms and slowly overtakes us. 

1. It affects our energy. 

2. It affects our sleep patterns. 

3. It affects our health. 

4. It affects our feelings.

5. It affects our thoughts. 

6. It affects our words. 

And, before you even realize it, it has taken over. It is like quicksand. You are slowly sinking in and then you are overwhelmed in the mire.

Detox. This is what is needed. There are many ways and many reasons to detox. However, it cannot be done without a methodical, conscious effort to begin.

Over the last several weeks, I have received many notes, messages, texts, and phone calls sharing and offering me kind words of encouragement, ideas to help me, personal experiences in someone else’s life, prayers on my behalf, help with whatever I need, products which have worked for them, etc. etc. etc.

Unfortunately, migraines are different for everyone and mine are genetic so they are unique to me. However, what I realized this week (which I already knew), I am not alone. I allow myself to forget this too often.

Negativity can put you in a dark place and make you feel like you are a failure.

So, I have purposely begun to detox.

1. Negative thoughts.

2. Negative feelings.

3. Negative energy.

4. Negative people.

5. Negative ideas.

6. Negative expectations.

7. Negative words.

We can’t pour from an empty cup. However, we can’t pour from a cup full of sludge, either.

At some point over the last two months, I lost focus on my goals for 2019.  However, it’s never too late to start again. Say no to negativity and say yes to only the best.

I hope your cup is overflowing with joy to the point you are spilling over on to others. If not, stop and work to refill it.

1. Reflect Jesus
2. Celebrate Life
3. Laugh Often
4. Sprinkle Kindness like Confetti
5. Pray about Everything
6. Give Generously
7. Exercise My Heart, Mind, Soul, and Body
8. Radiate Positivity
9. Live in the Moment
10. Be Intentional Each Day
11. Read Daily
12. Give Grace
13. Journal My Prayer Requests and My Daily Moments of Awe
14. Encourage Others
15. Drink Water like It’s Going Out of Style
16. Find Joy in Each Day
17. Love Others
18. Actively Listen
19. Speak Only When It Improves the Silence
20. Choose to be Happy Every Single Day
21. Write More and in Many Ways
22. Notice Others, Things, Details
23. Dream Big
24. Forgive Others

25. Smile First

26. Focus on the Big Picture

27. Be the Most Positive Person I Know

28. Be Spontaneous

29. Put Others First

30. Chase after God

 Love, Jan 💖