Self-esteem.
Self-confidence in who we are.
If you struggle with it, you are not alone.
I do too.
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My first grade school picture
Eradicating the Childhood Obesity Epidemic; Mothers Will Lead the Way!
More than ten years ago, I lost 100 pounds.
I was chubby in childhood, and then obese for nearly twenty years of my adult life—namely my childbearing years.
I gave birth to five children and fed them primarily low-nutrient, processed food. I wanted to feed them healthy food, but all of my good intentions and attempts to change were futile. The mainstay of my family’s diet was the highly palatable food of the Standard American Diet: highly salted, high-fat, low-nutrient, processed food. . .because I was addicted to it.
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Winter fun in Indiana: playing with my two grand pups Fern and Frankie. Photo credit: Yaro Photography
Depression and Addiction Go Hand in Hand
For the past decade, I have used light therapy first thing every morning—either my UV therapy light or a morning walk outdoors without sunglasses.
I have also intentionally exercised most every morning too.
Addiction and depression go hand in hand.
I do everything I can to stay out of both, because both hijack God’s best for my life.
And let me be honest, throughout the winter months I have to fight twice as hard to exercise and do the things that come so naturally to me the rest of the year.
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Photo credit: Yaro Photography
I'm More Than Ready to Talk Now
This past week, someone asked if I was ready to speak publicly about my son Daniel’s death—more specifically, was I ready to talk about the “s-word” publicly.
This upcoming Memorial Day will mark seven years since he died by suicide at age 21. . .with the first year being one of shock and post trauma; the second year a dark hole of depression; and the third year burying myself deeper into that hole.
I felt horrible. I ate unwisely. I gained weight. I didn’t care.