On My Journey I've learned...

On My Journey I've learned...

• To celebrate the small wins as much as I do the big.

• To remain teachable.

• To offer myself the same forgiveness I offer others.

• To own my talents and share my gifts.

• To acknowledge my self worth, daily.

• To remain humble.

• To live in gratitude at all times.

• To live from the end.

• To count my blessings.

• To say I love you freely.

• To except love without hesitation.

• To practice daily affirmations.

• To believe in something larger than myself.

• I've learned BELIEVING IS SEEING, and NOT the other way around.

These are just a few that came to mind...each day I add to my list. Today I honor those living with or without illnesses...we all are trying to find our voices on this journey. I dream of a day when

the cure has been brought to light. Until that day comes, I continue to flood by body with this nutrition and know that I am giving my body the fighting chance it deserves. Just 13 months ago I began my holistic wellness journey...I only wish I would have started sooner. I know I have realigned with my true spirit. I am worthy! I am whole & complete...and I am loved.

For those living with Chronic illness...there is hope. I have proudly made it my mission to share this hope, even with those who may not be ready to hear it yet. Because, I know it will help you. I know it can save your life too. Someone cared enough to stick with me until I tried it...and I am forever grateful. When we find something that works, it is our duty to share.

TO YOUR JOURNEY,

Mare

What's your name tag say?

For years I wore a name tag that said “Hello, I am Fibromyaglia & Sarcoidosis.” Like so many living with Fibro and Sarcoid, I fought for years for the Doctors to tell me what was wrong with me. The more I heard “There is nothing wrong with you, the tests don't show anything, you're fine, you look fine... bla bla bla” I began to believe I was crazy. I felt very alone. Was it all in my head? I wanted so badly for the Dr's to give it a name, then at least I would know how to deal with it. Years later a Doctor finally did. Guess what, I still didn't know how to deal with it or pronounce it.

So I packed my bags, put on my name tag, and headed into my cave called fear. I liked it there. It was dark and I didn't have to fight any more. I finally had a name tag with a title and I clung to it for dear life. Hell, I fought a long time to get it, I wasn't going to give it up that easily. It was more a “See, I told you something was wrong with me and I wasn't faking it!” Picture it...a grown 40 something year old woman...sticking out her tongue “I told ya so, I told you so!” Not pretty, right ? It was really kinda sad. I sat in my illnesses, I sat there allowing the pity and the poor Mare's to comfort me.

I hid behind my illness out of fear. I said “I'd do anything to feel better”. But each time someone tried to help...I stayed stuck in my fear. I remember sitting in my cave and thinking this was it. I lost all hope of a normal life. With anger boiling over, I yelled at my higher power “Really, This is it?” Then the day came when the fear became bigger than the illness and I'd had enough. Out from the cave I came “This is NOT what I was put on this earth for...there HAS to be something to learn, some kind of positive to come from this”. I changed my mindset and opened my heart. The first of many steps I took to reclaim my life!

Today, I am fearless and living my truth. Today, I'm helping others living with limitations, see their truth. I help them to embrace their power and gain control of their health and their life. I had to go through the loss and the struggles to appreciate this gift. I had to get past the fear to see just how amazing life truly is. Life is about connecting with your authentic self, standing in your brilliance, knowing YOU have the power to create the life you want, and above all else, being of service and sharing your gift. Want more for others, than yourself. You can't give away what you don't have.

Today I'm still wearing a name tag...but this time I replaced Fibro with FEARLESS, Sarcoid with SERENITY, Limited with LIMITLESS, and Handicapped with CAPABLE! Today I am a woman who stands in her brilliance. I am a woman inspired. I am a woman empowered. I am a woman who remains teachable. I am a woman of service. I am a woman FULL of gratitude. I am a woman who says “YES”. I wear my new name tags proudly as I go confidently in the direction of my dreams!

With love,

Mare

Cane Transformed Into Back Scratcher!

If a healthy body is the guest room for the soul, a sick body is the prison. Chronic illness is like living in a personal prison. 8 years ago, I was diagnosed with two debilitating illnesses, which I saw as a life sentence with two horrific medical beasts that caused widespread pain. Stripped down and beaten, I
sat in solitary confinement disabled, bedridden, living in constant agony, and on most days, walked with a cane. These beasts took everything from me. Lifting my arms to wash my hair was a chore. Something as simple as a hug became devastatingly painful. Fearing the pain, I held my breath as someone came towards me with open arms. Soon I withdrew from family functions. My six medical specialists and pharmacists became my only friends. Isolated in my prison cell, I watched my life slip away. 

I was unable to work or take care of my family. I raised my daughters from my bed. I spent days and nights covered in heating pads and ice packs. The medications made it impossible for me to function. My cognitive issues became so bad, I was unable to carry on conversations. Treatments compromised my immune system, keeping me from caring for my family. It was like being behind a prison wall, unable to reach them when they needed me most. 

My beautiful guest room and the life I was meant to live was just beyond my reach. I wasn't ready to back down. The moment we give up and allow illnesses to define us, it's over. I've been planning my prison break for years, but I never had the right tools. Then came Isagenix, the blue print I needed, and I was finally able to break free. 

Refocused, I began working on my new guest room. Demolition started October 10th, 2010 and I began repairing the foundation by taking charge of my body, my mind, and my spirit. During the first few days I released harmful toxins , and unwanted impurities. I gained perspective, self confidence, clarity, and endless amounts of energy. I became empowered and inspired. 

Through cleansing and good nutrition, in less than a month, I was able to walk without my cane. I felt the inflammation leaving my body, the nodules were shrinking, my digestive system was normal again, my pain level decreased, I was functioning clean and clear, and I no longer ran from hugs.

It's been an amazing journey. I'm working full time for the first time in 4 yrs. February 20th, 2011, I was finally well enough to marry the love of my life, after 10 long years. My guest room make- over is coming along. I've lost 50 lbs/49.75 inches so far. Thanks to my wellness system I'll never go back to prison life. My daughters have their Mom back and Phil has the girl he fell in love with again. Now I only use my cane as a back scratcher! Believing is seeing, I've battled my beasts and won...so can you !!  Just ask me how :)


Blessings, 
Mare

Clean Your Plate !

 

Sitting at the dinner table my well meaning Father said “You have such a pretty face, if only you'd lose the weight”. This was something I heard daily from the time I was 13 years old, until I moved out on my own at 16.   At the same time “Clean your plate” was a common phrase used at our dinner table.  I bet you heard it too.  Man, those poor starving kids in _______ (fill in the blanks). These were confusing messages.  Clean my plate, but lose weight...how the hell was that ever going to happen??  My Mom and Step Mom always stayed thin, while my Dad and I struggled with weight.  They thought if they fed me like a bird and controlled what I ate, I'd melt away right in front of their eyes.   WRONG !! That just taught me to hide food in my room and binge.  Later in life, a man I was with said “Are you sure you wanna eat that?” With a smile on my face I calmly turned to him and said “ Uh...you sure you want to say that to me, while I'm holding this knife in my hand?”  Silly fool....needless to say we parted ways.

We celebrate with food, we're bribed with food, and we develop a love/hate relationship with food, all before we reach puberty.  I've tried hiding behind “fat & happy”.   I've tried to hide behind “I'm curvy”.  Hell, in my 40's I was still using “this is baby fat”.   Come one, really Marianne ??!!  My weight gain was all me, I did that, there was no one else to blame.  Sure, I had good reasons to run to food, or at least I thought they were good.  But I have even better reasons now to just walk away.  No more running to or from food for me. It's all about living!! For the first time in my life, I'm in control.   I celebrate the woman I am today, not with junk food, but with nutrition.  Some days are easier than others, but it's progress not perfection.

Recently, I've learned valuable lessons about this wellness program.   My brain, my body, and my life does not function without it.  I missed 6 days of nutrition, due to my order being lost in transit.  I was a walking glob of Jello.  I couldn't focus, I spoke inside out, I could hardly read, words were getting jumbled, I couldn't sleep, and I was having aches and pains again.   Boy was I cranky too!  The second my package arrived, I went into full wellness mode.   In about 2 days I started feeling like my well self again.

My intention is to be a living, breathing, authentic role model for my daughters.   I want to teach people about this product, and bring this amazing gift to light.  I want to bring my Fibromyaliga friends, my Sarcoid friends and my Isafamily together...and allow the sharing to begin.   Together we can heal.  Together we are stronger.  Wellness is something we were born with, it's time to get it back!  Claim your wellness, fight for it.  Know that you deserve to feel better and live a truly healthy life.   If I can do this, trust me, ANYONE CAN!!  Let go and let it in.  Believe!  It just takes one step...one foot in front of the other..YOU CAN DO IT!!

Love & blessings...

Mare

Moving beyond my own limitations.... physically and mentally.

I refused to own my diseases, they were not going to control me anymore. Ok, so there is no cure for now, but that doesn't mean that's the end of my story. My story is far from over. It's never too late to change the way you look at things. I believed, and now I see.

I became humble, got on my knees, and I begged the universe to show me a better way to live. As always, my higher power blessed me with gifts beyond my wildest imagination.   Today, I am no longer under the dark ominous clouds I created, I'm facing the sun and allowing the gifts! I am, for the first time in three years, going back to work. I am able to focus, my motor skills have improved, and my pain is no longer keeping me bedridden. I'm back baby!!

It's been a little more then 2 months, and this phenomenal nutrition and cleansing system has given me much more than just weight loss, and symptom relief. It's given me back my youth, vitality, passion, and my joy. It's given me back the ability to function in the world again. I'm living proof, you don't have to stay in neutral, and just coast through life. You can take hold of the wheel, and change the direction your life is headed. If I can do it, anyone can do it.

“Anything you really want, you can attain, if you really go after it.  Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice.” ~Wayne Dyer

Make 2011 the year you rewrite your story.

Blessings,

Mare

My Journey in 30 days

In the first 30 days of my 90 day program I....

• Released 26 lbs, 21.75 inches, and went down 2 pant/shirt sizes!!
• Gained self respect and motivation to live a healthy life style.
• Stuck to a 1,000 - 1,200 cal day, no butter, very high protein (not chicken, it can cause inflammation) organic eggs, fruit, and veggies, no coffee, tea, soda, or alcohol.
• I cleansed twice a week , and enjoyed it!
• Drank 5,270 ounces of water (more then a gallon a day)
• Began a work out program, 4 days a week, plus walking on weekends with my family.
• Became aware! Aware of the excuses and how I justified my unhealthy life style.
• Became an inspiration to my daughters through my actions.

I am proud of who I am, and what I've accomplished. I owned my childhood baggage, and all the reasons I kept the weight on, for far too long. Food was not my enemy, I was. I am also winning my battle over my medical beasts! I'm thrilled I only see my Pharmacist once a month now, I'm down to only for 1 prescription!! Pain and inflammation levels are getting lower every day. My heart is full of gratitude and love. Gods given me the tools, I'm doing the work. I believe!!

Blessings,

Mare

Memo to Beasts

Attention Sarcoidosis, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, and the rest of you tag alongs,

I see you all as the Beasts I must battle during my life on Medical Mountain.  How I decide to take this journey however, is completely up to me.  You do not have control of my life anymore.  I call the shots now.  I hear you loud and clear, trust me.  If need be I'll fake it, till I make it.  When you're not looking, I may flip you the bird from time to time.  But, here is where I try to see the hidden blessings.  Because of you, I have learned to put myself first, set boundaries, pick my battles, meditate, pray, and to be grateful.  As of today, you all will be taking a mandatory leave of absence.  I will find my happy place...and I pray that you find yours.  My body has hosted your toxic destruction for far too long, you have worn out your welcome here.  I've called in reinforcements, and I am armed with proper nutrition, clarity, cleansing, and all the tools for optimal health.  You are soooo outta here!!  

 Don't let the door hit you in the ass! 

 Mare

Caution, Slippery Slopes ahead.

I walked acrossed the slippery slope, even though I knew it was wrong. As I reached into the Halloween candy, I began rationalizing my move “I can handle it. I've lost 20 lbs. Hell, I deserve one”. I wasted no time, I inhaled that candy bar like a pro. I'm not 100% sure I removed the wrapper, to tell ys the truth. Yes, It was THAT bad! That was it, I failed again. The worse part was I wasn't craving it, it was just there. Let the negative self talk begin...and boy did it.

The following morning I started my day clear headed, but sick as hell. I thought “I've done it now. I'm going to explode or something right? Ok God, I get it, message received.” As things began returning to normal, I became profoundly aware of just how much my body has transformed, both inside and out. My body wanted nothing to do with that little snack size candy bar, and it was going to make sure I knew that. The negative voices in my head on the other hand, thats my daily struggle.

My environment is stronger then my will power. My stinkin thinkin got me to this chapter in my life, and I believe it's best if I just follow the path placed in front of me, and stop trying to control everything. I need to get out of my way, and allow the gift to work. It doesn't take long for the negative voices to start in, and try to convince us we're not worth it, or we don't deserve to be happy and healthy. Then we react and make a B-line towards the slippery slopes. Instead of reacting, lets respond. Let's tell the negative voices “WE CAN DO THIS! Yes, are worth it. There's no cheating, it's a LIFE STYLE CHANGE! We can start over, WE CAN'T FAIL!”

With my Wellness program in place, my family's encouragement, my health angel Mindy by my side, and feeling the benefits each day, as I get better and better....I am able to face my Medical Beasts head on. On the days I don't feel strong enough, and find it hard to believe in myself, I draw on the belief they have in me. I read the encouragement letters they've placed in my Transformation Folder, and I journal like a mad woman.

Reaching out to others is NOT a sign a weakness. It's a sign of courage. If you are in need of a friend...you've got the tools right in front of you. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

Blessings,

Mare

Believing is Seeing!

In just a few days........

• I released harmful toxins
• I released unwanted impurities
• I released painful inflammation
• I gained perspective
• I gained self confidence
• I gained clarity
• I gained endless amounts of energy
• I became empowered
• I became inspired
• I cleansed my body on a cellular level
• I live clean and lean
• I LOST 10 lbs in 5DAYS! The Healthy way, and yes with REAL FOOD & CHOCOLATE!

I took charge of my body, my health, and my spirit. I stopped listening to the nay sayers. I stopped doubting. I asked for guidance so many times, and each time it was given to me, I ignored it. It was all about fear. I was afraid to fail, I was afraid of more pain, and more disappointments.

It's only been a few days, and I FEEL AWESOME! I haven't had this much energy in years. 8 long years to be exact. I've actually gone walking longer then 10 minutes without my cane.  I can feel the inflammation leaving my body. My nodules are shrinking!! My digestive system is normal again. My pain level went from 10+ to a 6. I am functioning clean and clear. My memory and my mood have improved tremendously. I made it though PMS with out Foster's Freeze Ice cream!! The Nutritionist said “Wait till you hit 90 day's, you're going to feel even better”. This AMAZING organic product and my loving coach Mindy, have changed my life. I see each challenge as an opportunity to change the way I look at thing. 

When people say “I'd do anything to get my life back” what action have they taken and did they follow through ?  I made excuse after excuse, keeping myself in the same rut for years.  Here are just a few excuses I made, see if they sound familiar:

#1 Organic is too expensive.  (wrong)
#2 It's a liquid program, I'll gain all the weight back. (wrong...you eat real food!)

#3 I can't afford it. (I can't  afford not to, my health is priceless) 

#4 I don't have time. (If I have time to blog, I have time)

#5 I love chocolate, I'm never giving that up! ( Don't have too, I eat chocolate anytime I want)

#6 I'm too sick and in too much pain, this will never work. (IT WORKS!)

This is just the beginning for me and it can be for you too. “Excuses begone” a book by Dr. Wayne Dyer and “Heal Your Life” by Louise Hays are both powerful tools to add to your collection. Today, I have the power to change the direction of my life and my health. I'm doing it...BELIEVING IS SEEING!!! If you're interested in feeling better and making positive changes in your life, then take the first step by asking me how I'm doing it. I'm more then happy to share.  

Many blessings,

Mare

It's good to be back !

Feel's like forever since I've written.  Thats what happens when you battle the beasts, right?  Paying to much attention to the Fibro, and then Sarcoid throws a fit.  I imagine it's like having twins.  For me, the squeaky beast gets the most attention. They both run me into the ground...if I let them.  I get overwhelmed at times.


We've set up a "NO BEAST" zone at the dinner table.  That's our sacred family time...no phone calls, no beasts. My Hubby2B and I have date night...and I don't allow Fibro or Sarcoid to join us.  It's vital to have time to honor your whole self, the real you, the healthy you!   I know it's hard to think of ourselves as healthy when we deal with chronic illness, but we can't let our medical beasts win.  They don't own us.  The moment we give up ownership and allow the illness to define us, it's over.  


I am a Woman, a Mother, a Wife2B, a Sister, a Daughter, and an Aunt who lives with Sarcoidosis,  Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Pain.   This is my journey...and I will never surrender. 


"Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change" ~ Dr. Wayne Dyer.