tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62019825906716821272021-02-20T14:44:39.730-08:00Diamonds in the Rough Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057018188885395834noreply@blogger.comBlogger25713tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201982590671682127.post-84911195122438340182018-03-29T18:13:00.000-07:002018-03-29T18:13:00.617-07:00The White Picket Fence Lie<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hGL46oJc17o/Wr2J1IciU-I/AAAAAAAAPJ8/PJJf2ECmV_wwWHw3QgdFpQmA_4YE38EUQCLcBGAs/s1600/_thewhitepicketfence.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hGL46oJc17o/Wr2J1IciU-I/AAAAAAAAPJ8/PJJf2ECmV_wwWHw3QgdFpQmA_4YE38EUQCLcBGAs/s640/_thewhitepicketfence.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>The White Picket Fence Lie</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Who lied to all of us mamas & sold us a bill of goods?!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pardon my french, but that 'crap' isn't real...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Why was I told from the time I was little that being</div><div style="text-align: center;">a mom would be a never-ending magical moment</div><div style="text-align: center;">of Froot Loops & sugar dust?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">& Why was I told that my spouse would meet all </div><div style="text-align: center;">my needs & be my "Prince Charming" forever & ever amen?!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">_____________________</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Real parenting & marriage are <u>hard work</u>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Like, take today for example.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After hours of <strike>running around after</strike> caring for my 3 littles in the morning,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was so looking forward to a nap this aft. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Even a little quiet lie down to refuel would have sufficed,</div><div style="text-align: center;">however, they were not having any of it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I enforced some lie-down time for about an hour,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but by the end, I was feeling completely in knots</div><div style="text-align: center;">of trying to "force" something that obviously wasn't to be today.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We got up & I allowed some "Paw Patrol" while</div><div style="text-align: center;">completing some tasks at hand.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The fatigue hit me hard, and I admit (ashamedly) that I lashed</div><div style="text-align: center;">out at my hubby via text about some issues that had been stewing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That didn't go very well as he was having his own</div><div style="text-align: center;">'bout of problems at work. Sigh.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Later, after the TV was turned off, I attempted</div><div style="text-align: center;">story time, which was turned down & instead forts were made</div><div style="text-align: center;">(fantastic!). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That solace lasted a short while before I found</div><div style="text-align: center;">my youngest literally eating half of the dog food bowl.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, shoot! I forgot to hide the dog dishes after rest time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Toddler was munching happily and screeched when I wrestled the bowl </div><div style="text-align: center;">from his pudgy clenched hands...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kids continued running around the house, & I felt defeated</div><div style="text-align: center;">about when was I going to get around to my next task.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">____________________<br /><br />That is hardly an example of an extremely difficult day,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but it does constitute the flow of many of them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Morning = High Expectations </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Afternoon = Fatigue & (Usually) Disillusioned In Some Form</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Evening = Counting Down To BedTime</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Repeat.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lately, I've been contemplating the whole idea of marriage & parenting </div><div style="text-align: center;">in a much deeper fashion than usual...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Why do we perpetuate the idea to young people that it's easy and picturesque?<br /> & that all the gushy feelings will come each & every. single. day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>That you'll always swoon over your loved ones??</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That something is drastically wrong with you & your family</div><div style="text-align: center;">if you don't love every single moment that you're with them?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You may say, well we want to set the next generation up with great expectancy for </div><div style="text-align: center;">the future relationships they'll (hopefully) be granted.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But I say a big NO to that. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I say teach them the <b>truth:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">that in these <b><u>beautiful</u> </b>God-ordained relationships you WILL need</div><div style="text-align: center;">to buck up & press through! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That you need to count your every blessing,</div><div style="text-align: center;">& though you will have many, </div><div style="text-align: center;">it will be required of you to practice the discipline of </div><div style="text-align: center;">doing things that don't always "feel" good.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That you are signing up for one of the greatest callings</div><div style="text-align: center;">you could have ever signed up for.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But with a great calling comes much work.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Whether you work inside or outside the home, you are a parent...</div><div style="text-align: center;">you are a spouse...</div><div style="text-align: center;">you are a loved one within your family. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>That great relationships take work.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That work requires time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That time itself is no longer your own.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That yes, balance is a must, but you need to see yourself</div><div style="text-align: center;">in the trenches of a most holy calling.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The calling that is literally preparing the future </div><div style="text-align: center;">descendants that are yet to be...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This calling is destined to impact people, more than you can imagine.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That for good, or bad, your words, your choices</div><div style="text-align: center;">will set an example for those who reside in the four walls of your home.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">_________________________</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Children and spouses do have this little thing called free will.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">They will use it accordingly, and at no time do we have minions that</div><div style="text-align: center;">do our every bidding. Scoff.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But we do wield this one powerful word: <b>Influence</b>!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Influence gives us the chance</div><div style="text-align: center;">to put before our children ALL that we have to offer:</div><div style="text-align: center;">whether that be our skill set, opportunities we can provide,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and of course, the example of our attitudes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Healthy influence also allows us to invest beneficially in ourselves</div><div style="text-align: center;">so that we can pour of our overflow back to them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With each example we impart, whether good or bad, it gives them </div><div style="text-align: center;">the choice to embrace it or not.<br /><br /><br /><b>Our Impartation + Other Influences In Their Lives + <u>Their</u> Choices = Their Character</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parentingandhomeschoolinginfaith.com/2015/01/mamas-finding-joy-in-your-calling.html"><img height="238" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dHn_SBHYYDc/VMKkdVq0hnI/AAAAAAAAGo8/ULC6EZGQHuw/s320/Mamas%2Bfinding%2Bjoy%2Bin%2Byour%2Bcalling.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">_______________________</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Only a few moments ago I stopped writing to</div><div style="text-align: center;">cradle our screaming (hysterically) 2-year-old in my arms.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He stopped.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lil guy had come home from an outing with Dad,</div><div style="text-align: center;">however, he had fallen asleep in the car.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Being abruptly woken up had started the fuss,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but the snuggling calmed him 100 percent.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then, our 4-year-old daughter came up to us, looked at me first </div><div style="text-align: center;">before starting to stroke her younger brother's head in affection.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">She asked him if he was okay.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">& my heart sang.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">______________________</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>This post may have contained some affiliate links. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Which means that if you purchase from an affiliate link, </b></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>we receive a very small commission. This is at NO cost to you.</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><div style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><div style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><div style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><div style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><div style="font-family: "times new roman";"><div style="font-family: "times new roman";"><div style="font-family: "times new roman";"><div style="font-family: "times new roman";"><div style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Thank you for supporting our family :)</b></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for connecting with us at Diamonds in the Rough!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057018188885395834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201982590671682127.post-53184059982343077262017-10-29T18:22:00.000-07:002017-10-29T18:34:27.001-07:00It's Time To Get Back In The Saddle Again: 10 Tips To Start Living Healthy Today! <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">By Rachael J DeBruin, Registered Holistic Nutristionist*</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x3ash_hJ4SA/WeqbluTc9EI/AAAAAAAAKow/jB9qIAAjVhoaQzpYKiyxLy9OF5sQrQKqgCEwYBhgL/s1600/_nevertoolatetostartoveragainwomanhealthy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x3ash_hJ4SA/WeqbluTc9EI/AAAAAAAAKow/jB9qIAAjVhoaQzpYKiyxLy9OF5sQrQKqgCEwYBhgL/s640/_nevertoolatetostartoveragainwomanhealthy.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arimo" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><b>"For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arimo" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><b>Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arimo" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><b>I will create rivers in the dry wasteland."</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arimo" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arimo" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><b>Isaiah 43:19 (NLT)</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arimo" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arimo" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arimo" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arimo" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arimo" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">The scale has been quite unkind to me the last few years.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arimo" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arimo" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">And for that, I am no longer its "friend"...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arimo" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">____________</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, having three children back to back can make a person's</div><div style="text-align: center;">body weight fluctuate.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Particularly if you are markedly "lucky" to hail </div><div style="text-align: center;">from a long line of diabetics, and those that seem to<br />have the "gift" of a slow metabolism.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yep, famines must be somewhere down my family line ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">__________</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So, I recently decided to combat this "formidable foe"</div><div style="text-align: center;">of extra girth, and returned to the gym.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And no, I'm not "one of those"</div><div style="text-align: center;">who supposedly have a new gym membership</div><div style="text-align: center;">but never darken the doors.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The staff are even becoming familiarized to our family.<br />We try to show up 2-3 x's per week.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I also recently joined an adult karate class.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Two hours of kickbutt fun every Thursday.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wanna join me to <strike>suffer,</strike> er get in shape??<br />(seriously...send me an email. It can be a lot of fun too!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I also started making myself walk the extra mile where I can.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And today, well today I am actually proud of myself.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I went to a health store and actually</div><div style="text-align: center;">didn't check out with a few too many of those so called </div><div style="text-align: center;">"healthy" treats.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(& don't you dare judge me?! who really goes to the health</div><div style="text-align: center;">stores for only hemp hearts & kale??)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">_________________</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ah, the lovely existence of making new resolutions,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and social media proclamations of one's </div><div style="text-align: center;">new health plans...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">BUT, this is not what this post is intended to be.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, not solely anyway.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am hoping to encourage those who</div><div style="text-align: center;">have ALSO been struggling...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Struggling to get your pants zipped up.</div><div style="text-align: center;">(Hey, they were shrunk in the dryer, right??)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Struggling to walk a flight of stairs without being winded.</div><div style="text-align: center;">(It's my asthma, ONLY...)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Struggling to look & feel their best.</div><div style="text-align: center;">(I mean, who has the time when I'm so busy...)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's time to leave the excuses at the door,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and begin to invest in your health.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In YOU.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">____________________</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I want to share TEN TIPS (reminders for myself too)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>on how to get back in the saddle & take back your health!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>1) Stop beating yourself up!</b></span><br /><br />There I said.<br /><br />Give yourself grace. Forgive yourself.<br />And then get up & begin again.<br /><br />The more you beat yourself up, the longer you sit<br />in self-pity...the longer you sit there, and<br />the less likely you are to follow<br />ANY health plan.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">2) Find an encouraging friend (or two).</span></b><br /><br />Following a health routine is hard enough<br />to do on our own, <a href="https://www.fitness19.com/having-a-workout-buddy-helps-you-work-harder/">but research shows that</a><br /><a href="https://www.fitness19.com/having-a-workout-buddy-helps-you-work-harder/">grabbing a friend will help you BOTH get into</a><br /><a href="https://www.fitness19.com/having-a-workout-buddy-helps-you-work-harder/">the groove together.</a><br /><br />Accountability has great dividends<br />in any area of life, so why not<br />find someone today that can join you<br />in your new healthy pursuits!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">3) Set a goal</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>Want to create a health-related goal that<br />you will actually follow?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.johnmaxwell.com/blog/great-words-on-goal-setting">The experts say make it something small & manageable to</a><br /><a href="http://www.johnmaxwell.com/blog/great-words-on-goal-setting">start with. </a><br /><br />Then conquer that 'giant' and<br />get on to the next one!<br /><br />Step by step, as we conquer our smaller goals,<br />they eventually snowball & add up to<br />something quite noticeable.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">4) Drink more water</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><a href="https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/6-reasons-to-drink-water#1">Hydration is one of the biggest keys to nourishing the body.</a><br /><br />Start the day with some water, and<br />drink throughout the day.<br /><br />I would advise drinking the bigger cups<br />in-between meals, so as not to dilute or<br />hinder digestion, but other than that, go hog wild!<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">5) Explore WHY you overeat (your triggers)</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>Everyone has their tempting situations, right?<br /><br />For me, it's those days when I'm stressed, tired<br />and (or) feeling lonely.<br /><br />It's also what we store in the house, and<br />when we don't prepare by packing nutritious<br />snacks when we are on the go.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.parentingandhomeschoolinginfaith.com/2013/07/ten-easy-steps-to-more-nutritious-you.html">Figuring out your trigger foods, and </a><br /><a href="http://www.parentingandhomeschoolinginfaith.com/2013/07/ten-easy-steps-to-more-nutritious-you.html">avoiding them, replacing them with </a><br /><a href="http://www.parentingandhomeschoolinginfaith.com/2013/07/ten-easy-steps-to-more-nutritious-you.html">more nourishing alternatives,</a><br />all help to stay off the extra weight.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">6) De-stress your life</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><a href="http://www.parentingandhomeschoolinginfaith.com/2015/09/three-thoughts-for-when-youre-stress.html">As said above, stress is one of my main triggers</a><br />for overeating<a href="http://www.parentingandhomeschoolinginfaith.com/2015/09/three-thoughts-for-when-youre-stress.html">.</a> I would wager<br />it is the main trigger for 99 percent<br />of people who struggle with weight..<br /><br />So, how to destress?<br /><br />Many things could be said about this area, but<br />I think the biggest thing we all seem<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1372097581">to fall prey to these days is</a><br /><a href="http://overcommitment./">overcommitment.</a><br /><br />And commitment to things that don't<br />really matter in the long term.<br /><br />Evaluating our time usage, and planning<br />in margin can go a long way.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">7) Start Moving</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><a href="https://www.livestrong.com/article/206993-exercise-for-detox/">Our lymph nodes require movement to pump</a><br /><a href="https://www.livestrong.com/article/206993-exercise-for-detox/">toxins out of our bodies.</a><br /><br />Keeping healthy requires that we move our bodies<br />each & everyday.<br /><br />Even little bursts of activity can make a big difference.<br /><br /><br />Set a goal to park farther away.<br /><br />Set a goal to walk 20 minutes a few times per week.<br /><br />Go swimming.<br /><br />Get a bouncing indoor rebounder.<br /><br /><br />Anything that can inspire you to move & stay active!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">8) More Veggies</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><a href="http://www.ift.org/knowledge-center/learn-about-food-science/food-facts/what-are-antioxidants.aspx">Antioxidants are abundant in this major food group.</a><br /><a href="http://www.ift.org/knowledge-center/learn-about-food-science/food-facts/what-are-antioxidants.aspx">I'd say aim for a veggie per meal, or at least</a><br /><a href="http://www.ift.org/knowledge-center/learn-about-food-science/food-facts/what-are-antioxidants.aspx">lunch, and dinner.</a><br /><br />Stay away from starchy "veggies" like corn & potatoes,<br />but feel free to go hog-wild on the greens.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">9) Eat Healthy Fats</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16531187">Particularly Omega 3's which are anti-inflammatory.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/omega3-fatty-acids">These can help our body hugely with</a><br /><a href="http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/omega3-fatty-acids">pain management and our brain function.</a><br /><br />If you cannot consume enough fish<br />per week, I would advise supplementing.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">10) Break Up With Sugar</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>This one is hard!!!<br /><br />Sugar is like one of the major food groups, right?<br /><br />Nope.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/how-sugar-affects-your-body">Sugar has many reasons that should cause</a><br /><a href="https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/how-sugar-affects-your-body">us to reevaluate how much</a><br /><a href="https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/how-sugar-affects-your-body">& if we consume it at all, but the</a><br /><a href="https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/how-sugar-affects-your-body">main one is that it is not nourishing our bodies</a><br /><a href="https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/how-sugar-affects-your-body">at all.</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br />_________________________<br /><br /><br />So, in summary, it is time to start afresh.<br /><br />We do not need to wait for the next<br />health crisis or new year to take one of the steps<br />above & gain in the area of our health.<br /><br />The healthier we are, the better we feel.<br /><br />The better we feel, the more energy we have.<br /><br />The more energy we have, the more we can do.<br /><br />It all comes back to small steps.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">“I believe that the greatest gift you can </span></b><br /><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">give your family </span></b><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">& </span></b><br /><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">the world is a healthy you.“</span></b><br /><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">-Joyce Meyer</span></b><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.parentingandhomeschoolinginfaith.com/2016/01/top-ten-tips-eating-healty-on-budget.html"><img height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2fePddwmSQg/Vof0S05MBFI/AAAAAAAAJr0/YvErS5m66yI/s320/toptentipshealthyeatingcollage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">*<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; text-align: start;">The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; text-align: start;"> </span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for connecting with us at Diamonds in the Rough!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057018188885395834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201982590671682127.post-43530617363492688172017-10-14T15:46:00.001-07:002017-10-14T15:46:28.358-07:005 Things To Remember When Your Child Is Having A Bad Day<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ajw38-PXldk/WdWCnUAzSJI/AAAAAAAAKn0/bKc1A9mw-bAJLMe-XTKyA5DVwvtV1K7ugCLcBGAs/s1600/_sadchildblogpost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="793" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ajw38-PXldk/WdWCnUAzSJI/AAAAAAAAKn0/bKc1A9mw-bAJLMe-XTKyA5DVwvtV1K7ugCLcBGAs/s640/_sadchildblogpost.jpg" width="466" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We all have our difficult days.</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, why wouldn't we expect our children to have their own<br />from time to time?<br /><br /><br />________________</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When our children act out, we need to step back & assess the situation.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">While we may not be able to in the moment, I have found over time</div><div style="text-align: center;">our children may have certain patterns that become apparent.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hopefully as you get to know your child, you can work with them</div><div style="text-align: center;">to disciple, teach, correct & encourage them much more </div><div style="text-align: center;">efficiently as time goes on.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">_______________________</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parentingandhomeschoolinginfaith.com/2017/09/receiving-diagnosis-or-finding-answers.html">As we've recently journeyed through a diagnosis with one of our children,</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">and then now started the process with another child, I have found myself</div><div style="text-align: center;">immersed in parenting literature for children with special needs, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and behaviourial problems.<br /><br />However, I have found that many of the principles can be applied to any child </div><div style="text-align: center;">to help bring about a better outcome for you AND the child<br />in any stressful situation.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">_________________________</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Your toddler is throwing a tantrum on your shopping venture because</div><div style="text-align: center;">he is feeling overtired & <b>overwhelmed</b>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Your preschooler is not herself these days. She is finding your daily routine</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>too chaotic </b>& acting out much more than usual near the end of the day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Your school aged child is <b>upset about changes </b>going on in their sibling's life.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Unable to process this, he begins to act younger than his age and gets himself</div><div style="text-align: center;">repeatedly in trouble for being silly at inappropriate times.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Your tween is starting to <b>notice changes to their body</b>. They are continually </div><div style="text-align: center;">looking in the mirror & feeling frustrated by what they see.<br />When you ask a simple question, they are on the verge of tears. <br />You are left wondering what just happened!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Your teen has just been told he was <b>gossiped about </b>by a supposedly "good" friend.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Said teen doesn't want to admit that it's bothering them, but instead starts to "bother" their</div><div style="text-align: center;">younger siblings for the duration of a long car ride to an appointment.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These may be real life specific examples from our own family,<br /> but I'm sure you can apply the </div><div style="text-align: center;">principles to your particular life situation.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the midst of whatever frustration is going on, we as the parents may feel overwhelmed,</div><div style="text-align: center;">angry, sad, frustrated, lacking understanding, and wondering where we went wrong!<br /><br />It is often far later in the game that we can look back & see what the triggers were </div><div style="text-align: center;">for our child, or the overall situation.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Of course, I need to add, <b>this doesn't excuse poor behaviour.</b><br /><b><br /></b>It needs to be addressed. These are<b> great teaching moments</b>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You can aid ANY parenting strategy by effectively identifying your child's triggers,<br />& trying to de-escalate the crisis.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Even as adults, I'm sure we can relate to a heavy issue weighing on us<br />& needing to be dealt with immediately before we continue on.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sometimes a word of encouragement, and we're back at it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Emphathy. Understanding. Patience.</b><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">All three allowing space for our child (& us) to breathe.<br /><br />_________________<br /><br />Here are FIVE things to remember when your child is having a bad day:<br />(maybe even write them out on your fridge!)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Let them know you love them.</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>Unconditional love goes so far with ANY hurting individual.<br /><br />The most hurtful situations in life that I've experienced is<br />when I felt "love" with a string (or condition) attached...<br /><br />No one likes that.<br /><br />Put the behaviour aside, and always let your child know you love them<br />in spite of what they just did or said.<br /><br />I have found this alone will sometimes diffuse a very stressful or tense situation.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Offer them a hug.</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: medium;">This goes along with the first point.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Physical touch is a key way to let your child know</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">that you feel their pain & are right there with them.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">I say offer instead of force, because I know myself how </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">much an unwanted touch (even a hug) can upset us,</span><br />even it comes from someone we usually would enjoy it from.<br /><br />I have a few really touchy kids who love physical affection,<br />and others like me, who need to be in the right mood.<br /><br />However, a safe hug can make all the difference in the world to a<br />hurting child.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Allow them a few minutes to breathe.</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: medium;">If the child or teen isn't making sense, they most likely </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">are in flight or fright mode, and are no longer being rational.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">It is important that if they need space, that you allow for it to help</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">them to calm down & self-regulate.</span><br /><br />Both of our children with special needs get upset very easily, and if<br />we continue to push back ("argue", even try to discuss) and they<br />are not ready for it, then it is fruitless on both ends.<br /><br />I have found allowing the child to go to their room, or take a quick walk<br />allows them to regroup & they usually come back<br />apologetic, and ready to work things out.<br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Allow them space.</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: medium;">This goes along with point number 3, but it also means that</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">you allow them space & time to think about their responses.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">You may even have to allow them a day or two to think on a difficult or tense </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">conversation you just had (especially with older ones).</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">If you have given them say two choices, don't pressure them</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">to immediately given an answer under duress unless</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">circumstances dictate it is necessary.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">This is particularly important if their difficulty relates to others</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">outside of the family (maybe someone has deeply hurt or rejected them).</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">They will likely need a few shorter conversations over a few days, rather</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">than trying to jam in all of your thoughts & encouragement in a long session </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">while the wound is still fresh.</span><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. Pray with and for them.</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: medium;">I am ending on what I feel is the most important point.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">There is no one on the face of the planet who loves your child</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">more than God does!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">He created them, and you, and He is very interested in helping</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">you both resolve the situation.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Sometimes I'll stop to offer a prayer right then & there.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Other times I'll just quietly pray on my own later.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Either way, the child is covered by our prayers.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">I have found the battle is tough these days, and is not</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">for the faint of heart.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">We must persevere both in our parenting, and in prayer, reading the </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Word, and fellowship, as we seek to disciple our children to Christ.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>___________________</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>Most of all we need to show them <b><i>grace.</i></b><br /><br />To be consistent, and yes, hold them accountable for any wrong actions,<br />however, always remember their age, understanding (as in with special needs),<br />ability and the context of the situation.<br /><br />___________________________<br /><br /><br />Lastly, I wanted to add, that even with doing ALL of the above,<br />sometimes circumstances still suck for our child.<br /><br />Sometimes our child may struggle for more than a short while.<br /><br />Trust me, we have been there.<br /><br />I can relate to the powerless feeling of saying you've done all<br />that you know to do, and life still stinks for your child.<br /><br /><b><u>Don't hesitate to seek professional help.</u></b><br /><br />I find the best referrals are from other parents already<br />two steps ahead.<br /><br />Ask around, and ensure you find the right team of people<br />to help you when the bad days are turning into weeks...months...<br />or even longer.<br /><br /><br />______________________<br /><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Whatever you are facing right now,</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">don't give up.</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">There is always hope. </span></b><br /><br />_________________________<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>This post may have contained some affiliate links. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Which means that if you purchase from an affiliate link, </b></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>we receive a very small commission. This is at NO cost to you.</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: start;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><div style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><div style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><div style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><div style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><div style="font-family: "times new roman";"><div style="font-family: "times new roman";"><div style="font-family: "times new roman";"><div style="font-family: "times new roman";"><div style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Thank you for supporting our family :)</b></span></span><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for connecting with us at Diamonds in the Rough!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057018188885395834noreply@blogger.com0