It’s been one week since I’ve launched my meal prepping and I have to say that it was a success! It was so nice being able to go to my fridge and put together a well balanced meal in less than 10 minutes. Lunches were painless, as I usually substituted carbs for a garden salad using ingredients that I already had in my fridge. After deciding to prepare a single package of the ground turkey meat and prepping for 2, I had to start cooking again on Thursday, but I think that’s still pretty good! If you are only prepping for yourself, you should have definitely been good for the week!
Category Archives: Motivation
Did You Cuddle Yet Today?!
It’s National Cuddly Kitten Day guys! And even if you don’t have a cute little furry kitty at home to snuggle up with, you need to cuddle something! It doesn’t have to be a kitty, pooch, or even a bunny…studies have shown that touch can be a key component of healing and healthy living that improves your everyday life!
Let’s Talk About Weight Loss…or…Weight Gain?
On my previous post, “5 Things That Made Me Smile This Week #1”, I mentioned how happy the newly prescribed higher dosage of prednisone (steroid typically used to treat Lupus) made me feel. For a Lupus patient, I’d like to compare the normalcy associated after taking a moderate dosage of prednisone to a high or blissful feeling that you may get after consuming strong pain relieving medication (oxycodon or tramadol for instance). Now remember, individuals suffering with Lupus are literally in pain all of the time–I can’t reiterate that enough. Even when taking prednisone daily, the underlying pain unfortunately remains. In addition to the satisfaction of pain relief, one thing that all Lupus patients quickly learn is of the impact that this drug has on their weight!
Continue reading Let’s Talk About Weight Loss…or…Weight Gain?
5 Things That Made Me Smile This Week #1
I’ve decided to spend some time each week reflecting on events that I believe added to my life, left an impact on my heart, and ultimately made me smile. A crucial part of maintaining good mental, physical, and spiritual health is having the ability to acknowledge our blessings as well as keeping the positivity going, so perhaps you’ll be motivated to take a moment and do the same! I’m sure there are numerous things that happened to you this week that were impactful–acknowledge them!
The Power of “No”!
This is a judgement free zone right? Phew, great! Because I am well aware of my recent post about showing humility and thinking about others rather than focusing on yourself, but I also feel compelled to write about the value of the word “no” and how finding a balance between service and self-care can be tremendously fulfilling. I personally do not believe that God wants us to work to the bone in service of others and entirely forget about our personal needs. I’ve been there and it is such an unhealthy way to go through life! When you really think about it, we are no good to those around us if we are not taken care of ourselves.
Oh, the Humility….
My devotional this morning was on a topic that I am all too familiar with–humility. Sometimes it is so easy for us to claim that we practice humility and put others before ourselves. After all, is there anyone who is proud to say, “I could care less about the next person and simply want to spend my life achieving my own agenda“? If that’s you, I’ll kindly send a prayer your way! But back to the topic at hand, humility. How can one who is constantly battling their own demons, struggling day-to-day, and consistently trying to make it through the next 1/2 hour capable of stepping outside of themselves and serving others?
Could Today be the Day???
Is today the day that I am going home?! I am anxiously awaiting this morning’s round of blood work to hear if I still need this kidney biopsy or not. In the midst of uncertainty, I woke up this morning and felt the need to share the beautiful view that graced my hospital window, along with an inspiring poem that was posted by a fellow blogger (Charis Psallo) several days ago. It is a well-known poem written by an anonymous poet that is bound to encourage you through whatever challenges life has brought you.
And the Award Goes to…
I honestly believe that people suffering with invisible diseases are the best actors. I can only speak to my experience, but 99% of my day is spent acting. Considering that I work with 24 hyperactive 4th graders Monday through Friday (7:30-4:30), I am ALWAYS EXHAUSTED.
“Morning Joe! How’re you?!”
(“Do I say that I feel terrible and just want to go home?”)
“I’m well! How’re you?!
(“Lie…”)
By the time Friday evening comes, I have an extremely difficult time thinking of anything other than hitting my bed. This feeling usually doesn’t go away. More recently, any time that I have off from work is spent sleeping—and I don’t mean taking a cat nap. I often come home around 5-6pm on Friday and sleep until 12am. Then I’ll go back to bed within the next 2 hours and wake up at 6am to feed and walk my pup…
Following Casper’s walk I may or may not take a moment to eat—I usually make a cup of tea and just go right back to bed until 1-2pm. I’m sure you get the point. This is the best picture of my weekends that I can paint for you. Occasionally I’ll feel some motivation to go out to dinner, but that motivation often fades within a few hours. Because of this, I also have a hard time making plans. Why be a flake when you can just not commit?
Joezette's Journey: My Everyday Walk With Lupus 