I recently crossed the magic threshold of 50 a milestone which left me wanting to physically and emotionally exfoliate the toxicity I had created over the years. And yes, the pictures are recent. And no, I haven't had any nips or tucks .In writing on this subject, I was reminded of a passage from the book, Eat, Pray, Love, written by Elizabeth Gilbert, in regards to the reference, association and metaphoric usage of the word Harbor in both its verb and noun context.
To summarize, she describes the process of controlling your thoughts, rather than allowing them to control you, by dismissing the self destructive idle chatter that we tend to “harbor”(v), in the subconscious, and then in turn, use it to pollute the“harbor”(n) and mental landscape of our mind, a behavior that causes us to hold onto destructive patterns, and old hurts from our past; preventing us from moving forward.
After applying this analogy and exercise to my own situation, I was able to identify the negative players and patterns that I had allowed to slip in to my own harbor and drop anchor. Now, as soon I sense their presence on my radar, I immediately refuse their right of entry and send them packing; thus reclaiming my own mental health and wellness. Leaving me to conquer the other toxic relationships:
After applying this analogy and exercise to my own situation, I was able to identify the negative players and patterns that I had allowed to slip in to my own harbor and drop anchor. Now, as soon I sense their presence on my radar, I immediately refuse their right of entry and send them packing; thus reclaiming my own mental health and wellness. Leaving me to conquer the other toxic relationships:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Tobacco
My relationship with alcohol and caffeine was a lot easier to dismiss then cigarettes, though I still crave the warm soothing aroma and stimulating effects of a good strong cup of French Roast coffee in the morning. Now, instead of coffee, I enjoy a hot cup of cocoa made with Raw Cacao Powder that's packed with antioxidants, while it provides a similar energizing mood lift as coffee, it doesn't have the same side effects. But what I really struggled with, was cigarette addiction and withdrawal, as I’m sure most people do. I took the advice of a friend, and wrote a Dear John letter as a type of medium to begin the process of quitting; I’ll share an excerpt from that letter:
To my long time companion:
You and I have been inseparable for nearly 35 years, but I feel the time has come to terminate our relationship, with the finality that only divorce can bring.
You no longer possess the power to control me, and not even separation anxiety will lure me back to the smooth velvety draw of your embrace. I’m determined to break free from your bondage, once and for all, and move on.
I bid you adieu, forever!
Of course, after writing it, I immediately went out and bought some Nicorette lozenges, the strongest dose they had. At the moment, I’m smoke free. I take it one day at a time.
Regardless of what you’re recovering from, or your fitness level, your rate of recovery is based on how quickly you resume your normal activity, while you restructure, and replace unhealthy habits with healthy ones.
If you maintained a healthy and active lifestyle prior to surgery, then you will recover more quickly than someone who is sedentary. It’s never too late, and you’re never too old to adopt a health and wellness lifestyle.
If you maintained a healthy and active lifestyle prior to surgery, then you will recover more quickly than someone who is sedentary. It’s never too late, and you’re never too old to adopt a health and wellness lifestyle.
Even if all you do is buddy up with a friend and take a walk after dinner,begin a Yoga class, or indulge yourself and spend a day at the spa, what ever it is, take time out for yourself, you deserve it.
Numerous studies have concluded on the toxic effects of stress and anxiety as it relates to the mind, body and spirit. Just as you would flush the toxins from your body, flush the toxic effects of stress and anxiety from your mind and spirit for a happier, healthier, new you.
Sleep: Nature's Rejuvenator
Studies have found, that the quality of sleep, dictates the quality of our lives during the waking moments of our day. During sleep, the body repairs itself both physiologically and psychologically. Indeed, sleep deprivation is believed to be one of the primary causes of premature aging. Alcohol, caffeine, stress and anxiety all contribute as inhibitors that prevent us from reaching the proper sleep levels we need.
Studies have found, that the quality of sleep, dictates the quality of our lives during the waking moments of our day. During sleep, the body repairs itself both physiologically and psychologically. Indeed, sleep deprivation is believed to be one of the primary causes of premature aging. Alcohol, caffeine, stress and anxiety all contribute as inhibitors that prevent us from reaching the proper sleep levels we need.
Aromatherapy is the ancient practice of using natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other parts of a plant for the purpose of healing. The art of aromatherapy, can trace its roots back to China , Egypt and ancient Greece
Evening: prior to retiring, I like to use the relaxing and calming effects that lavender essential oil provides. I massage a few drops into my hands and inhale the aroma. Within a few minutes I’m falling fast asleep.
Consuming plenty of nutrient rich juices and spring water, will provide a deep tissue flushing of the toxins and poisons that your body has been hosting; a vital and a necessary step towards the healing process. You’ll also be eliminating toxins through the largest organ of your body, your skin. I highly recommend alternating between a body scrub and dry brushing your body in the morning before showering; it’s very important to remove the dead skin cells in order to stimulate blood flow.
I’ve created two, all natural body scrubs which are extremely beneficial and easy to prepare;
Beauty experts from around the world have confirmed the stimulating, firming and softening effects that chocolate and caffeine have on skin. Caffeine constricts the blood vessels as it plumps and firms. The added Cinnamon stimulates blood flow while the antioxidants and coco butter found in dark chocolate, leave your skin with a smooth, vibrant and youthful glow. Discover for yourself, the secret of beautiful skin that women from Brazil , Hawaii and Bali have known for centuries. I use this scrub daily for my face and neck; I prefer to use espresso beans, it’s a finer grind, and less abrasive.
2 cups Chopped dark chocolate
1 1/2 cups ground espresso coffee, or left over grinds
1 cup ‘Raw Cacao Powder;
1 tsp Oil of cinnamon
1 tsp Pure vanilla
1 tsp Pure vanilla
1 cup Grape seed Oil*
: In a double boiler, or use a metal bowl over a sauce pan half filled with water, melt chocolate over low heat. Once chocolate is melted remove bowl from heat and add oil, ‘Raw Cacao Powder; , coffee, cinnamon and vanillia. Stir until blended. It may appear to be runny, but as the chocolate cools it'll firm up. After cooling, if mixture becomes too firm, just add a little warm water. Store in a plastic container; I store some in a small plastic jar and keep it in the shower. It keeps indefinitely.
*I purchase grape seed oil from a restaurant supply store it's more economical and just as good a health food store.
I use this I the mornings and after a work-out. I love the refreshing and stimulating scent of pineapple and lime it transports your senses on a tropical island vacation.
3/4 cups fresh pineapple juice strained
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 tbsp Coconut Extract (optional)
2 tbsp Pineapple Extract (optional)
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5 cups Granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups Grape seed oil
: Combine juices and extracts in a bowl. In a separate large bowl, combine sugar and oil; to prevent the sugar from melting when combined with the liquid, it's very important to keep the sugar and oil separate during this phase.
Once sugar and oil are combined, pour juice into bowl with oil and sugar and mix. The mixture will separate slightly with the sugar on the bottom, this is normal since sugar is heavier it tends to settle at the bottom. Store this in a plastic container. It keeps indefinitely. Stir prior to using.
The unique enzyme found in pineapple, know as bromelain, has important dermatological benefits. Its properties help to heal skin and increase cell turnover, while improving elasticity and stimulating collagen production similar to the effects of alpha hydroxy.
Usage: Standing nude without the shower running, apply scrub to legs, arms, buttocks, and mid section (use the Mocha Java scrub for the face, neck and chest area as the pineapple scrub is too acidic for these areas) rub sugar mixture back and forth allowing sugar to slough off; you’ll notice the sugar takes on a grey dirty brown color; do not be alarmed, what you’re seeing is dead skin and toxins that your body has released and is now laying on the floor of the shower. Rinse
For thousands of years and throughout history, people have benefited from the healing properties found in the Aloe Vera plant. Alexander the Great was reported to have used it for his injured warriors because of its wondrous healing power, and it has been heralded as a reputed beauty secret of Cleopatra.
Aloe Vera* is a succulent resembling a cactus plant, but is actually a member of the Lily family it prefers the dry arid climates of Africa, Asia, the Americas and parts of Europe. There are more than 250 different species but only the Aloe Barbadensis variety contains significant healing properties that are thought to be a very powerful cleanser, healer and all-around health giver.
Skin Renewal: Aging of the skin is characterized by thinning and wrinkling of the epidermis, combined with the appearance of lines, creases, age spots and furrows in the face. Components of Aloe Vera have been found to reverse and help to turn back the clock on the effects aging has on skin by stimulating collagen. Studies show that Aloe Vera improves the skin's ability to hydrate it self, and has an effective penetrating ability that helps transport healthy substances through the skin.
* It's best to use the fresh Aloe Vera gel straight from the plant. Depending on you location, you can either grow it, or purchase it from your local Asian market.
* It's best to use the fresh Aloe Vera gel straight from the plant. Depending on you location, you can either grow it, or purchase it from your local Asian market.
I use fresh Aloe Vera twice a day as part of my beauty regimen, although, anyone who has used the fresh version, will attest to its slippery, slickery consistency. First remove the thorns and thistles from the sides; avoid cutting away the outer skin. Then pre cut the stalk, into 2” wide pieces and store in a plastic container in the fridge. This way, you’re only handling one small piece at a time. The 2” wide piece is sufficient to cover the face and body. After applying leave on till dry and do not rinse off. Finish by using your usual facial serum and body lotion. This process will lock the healing and moisturizing power of the Aloe Vera into your skin.
After a few applications, you’ll notice that your skin has a firmer, plumper appearance, and moisturizer and body lotion absorb more rapidly.
Slice the 2” wide piece in half horizontally, the slide the gel side over your face and body. Using your fingernail, scrape the gel side to activate additional Aloe; you’ll notice that the Aloe will continue to emit gel.
Cellular Repair:
Aloe Vera promotes a variety of anti-inflammatory responses in the body, reducing swelling from injuries and promoting recovery from infections, and reduces severe joint and muscle pain associated with arthritis, as well as pain related to tendinitis and injuries.
Digestion :
Digestion :
One of its most popular usages these days is in helping any type of digestive or bowel disorder. Aloe Vera has received an enormous amount of positive Press for its benefits in helping IBS, irritable bowel syndrome. It is also useful with other digestive problems, including peptic ulcers or any type of stomach inflammation. Its properties are those of healing and soothing and so it is worth using as a part of a healing programmed on any digestive complaint.
Olive Oil is one of the greatest beauty secrets women have been using for thousands of years. In Greece
In addition to being a natural hypoallergenic way to moisturize skin and repair damaged hair, it will do wonders for your nails and cuticles. Olive oil has the added advantage of providing strong antioxidants, like Vitamins A and E. For best result I highly recommend using extra virgin olive oil. I’ve provided a recipe for a Lemon Infused Olive Oil, the lemon essence imparts a wonderful clean citrus aroma to the oil.
Hair
Depending on your hair length, heat ¼ cup of oil for short to medium length, and ½ for longer hair in a micro wave oven. Stove Top: pour olive oil into a plastic bottle, bring a saucepan half filled with water to a boil remove from heat. Place plastic bottle in the water to warm. Rinse hair thoroughly with warm water and apply warmed oil to damp hair. Comb through. Wait a few minutes then wash thoroughly and rinse. Follow through with normal conditioning and styling.
Lemon Infused Olive Oil
4-Unblemished thick skinned Lemons
1 ½ -2cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil
: Wash and dry lemons. Cut thin slivers of the yellow rind in long ribbons using a vegetable peeler.
Oil-Heat oil on med-high heat in sauce pan until you can see ripples on top do not allow oil to reach a temp higher than 250*; approximately 10 minutes. Place lemon strips in oil and simmer for 10-15 minutes stirring occasionally. Remove from heat cover and set
aside for approximately 4 hours or overnight for a stronger citrus flavor. Once oil is completely cooled, strain through a dampen piece of cheesecloth repeat process to insure that no sediments remains at the bottom. Using a funnel, pour the strained infused oil into dark glass or ceramic bottle.
Skin
Apply olive oil directly after showering or bathing, while skin is still damp. It will penetrate deep into the skin and provide a long-lasting shield of moisture to keep skin smooth and supple. I recommend using extra virgin olive oil.
Nail and Cuticle Care
Extra virgin olive oil makes the perfect, simple solution for dry nails and cuticles. Simply rub a few drops into the cuticle area and around the nail. Cuticles stay plump and moist, and nails respond with a natural shine. If you’re experiencing dry, brittle, cracked and peeling nails, this treatment does the trick.
Extra virgin olive oil makes the perfect, simple solution for dry nails and cuticles. Simply rub a few drops into the cuticle area and around the nail. Cuticles stay plump and moist, and nails respond with a natural shine. If you’re experiencing dry, brittle, cracked and peeling nails, this treatment does the trick.
