“Never give up on your aspirations. Sometimes life is funny and can get in the way with simple distractions, but don’t let that stop you. If you have a dream, then go for it. You have the power to make it manifest itself into something fantastic, so mesmerizing that it has the possibility to astonish even the most daring of minds. Dream on and make it a reality.” ~ Sheila Renee Parker
Stay strong and always stay blessed! 🤗
Hi, everyone!! I am so excited about writing this post that I am going to jump right into it! 😊
Yesterday I got a lot of fresh, beautiful produce, so today what am I doing?? Dehydrating!! Green beans…. carrots ….. and cucumbers (which make a yummy alternative to potato chips!).
Anywho, I love eating healthy and promoting the importance of doing so. If you and I are connected on Facebook and Instagram, then you have seen a lot of my posts about homemade goodies. I try not to use butter (I use unsweetened applesauce instead when baking), egg whites instead of egg yolks…. Flourless recipes….. And sugar substitutes that do not contain aspartame. I am also a HUGE fan of produce, rather than processed foods which contain a lot of unhealthy ingredients that I can’t even begin to pronounce. So, with that being said…. If they’re big, super crazy words that ya can’t pronounce and it’s an ingredient that’s man-made, then it probably shouldn’t be put into the body.
Besides, produce…. Made by our beautiful Earth, so full of healing and healthy nutrients…. Amazing benefits…. And the colors of the produce!! I mean, look at what I got yesterday, those vibrant colors!! And so YUM!!
And yesterday I sauteed romaine lettuce… Which makes a delicious side dish!! So easy to make, I love it!!
Eating healthy and taking care of ourselves is extremely important in keeping our mental clarity in check. It helps us to focus on our abilities better. I know it helps me with being an Empath and psychic. Why? Because eating a lot of unhealthy fats, sugars and carbs make me feel sluggish and “Blah”… But eating right and drinking plenty of water help me feel on top of my game.
In recent years I have been taking better care of myself and listening more closely to my body. Which has helped heighten my psychic awareness and empathic ability all the more. My abilities are “finer tuned” now, meaning that I can pick up and sense things more easily.
So, see how taking care of ourselves is so important? I finally have….. I used to eat pop tarts and drink chocolate milk every morning…. Then, drink a soda with a bag of chips for lunch… And junk food throughout the day…. I felt horrible and it took me a long time to realize it was because of my daily food intake.
I still like to eat Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream on occasion, and other sweets…. But in moderation. And that is perfectly ok. But I do feel way better making the healthier choices in life.
In the following photo is what I am dehydrating today. My veggies have been lightly coated with garlic salt and pepper, and onion powder. I have the machine set at 158° and it should take around ten hours or so (maybe a little under, I’ll check periodically) until they’re fully dehydrated. And in the photo is a glass of cucumber infused water…. Mmmmmm……. 🥰
Staying fit and healthy for psychic awareness….. Life is beautiful!!
Stay blessed, everyone. You are all much loved!!
~ Sheila 💋
Hey, hey, hey all you amazing people!! Happy Friday and Happy Weekend to you all! It’s been quite a while since my last post, but wanted to drop by to wish everyone well. Whatever your plans are for the upcoming days, make sure that they are full of all the wondrous possibilities that life has to offer. Why?? Because YOU are worth it!! Help spread those beautiful positive vibes and pay that gorgeous smile forward! Remember, even the most minute act of kindness can mean volumes to someone who needs it!
Love & Light, my friends!! ❤
~ Sheila
CSParkerJewelry on Etsy! https://www.etsy.com/shop/CSParkerJewelry (Handmade Jewelry. Natural Stones. Glass Beads.)
Get a copy of my novel, The Spirit Within on Amazon!
~ Sheila Renee Parker on Twitter: @sheilarparker.
~ Sheila Renee Parker on Facebook: Sheila Renee Parker – Author
~ Sheila Renee Parker on Instagram: @sheilareneeparker
~ Art by Sheila Renee Parker available at: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sheilarenee-parker.html
~ Sheila Renee Parker on YouTube: Sheila Renee Parker
Hey, hey, hey, everyone! TGIF and a very happy weekend to you all! If you’re here in the beautiful U.S.A., hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving yesterday! I know my fam and I did! Nothing better than spending time with loved ones!
It’s been a while since my last post…. a little more than three months, but I’ve been taking this time to…. as I mentioned in my last article…. “disconnect to reconnect”. Still working out daily, continuing to eat better… eating cleaner by omitting butter, oils, grease… refined sugars…. etc…. eating more produce and less processed…. and making sure to drink plenty of water instead of caloric drinks that are unhealthy.
Also, continuing to spend as much time going on nature walks as I can, weather permitting… (after all, the temps are getting colder). Trying to slow down my pace when it comes to enjoying life. Unfortunately, so many of us get wrapped up in the rat race of trying to get everything done in such a minute amount of time that we forget to literally stop and simply just…. breathe.
Periodically throughout the day, if we could all take a moment here and there to stop what we’re doing, regardless of what it is, and take a slow breath in… exhale slowly… repeat two more times, resulting in a total amount of three calming breaths. If we can all just do this two, three, or perhaps even more times a day, think of how much better we will feel. A more peaceful mindset helping us to stay focused so we can accomplish our goals more effectively with a positive outlook! Really isn’t hard to do once an individual initiates the process. Incorporate this simple act into your daily life, and before ya know it…. it becomes routine! That’s how it was for me. Something so simple as learning to stop and breathe has lead to so much more for me. And I couldn’t be happier! Life is a beautiful blessing, treat it as such and you will be blessed with life’s wondrous gifts.
And since my last post, not only have I been changing things internally for myself, I have also changed my appearance somewhat… lol. I no longer color my hair. Finally embracing my natural salt and pepper look! Got all my hair cut off and I love it!!! No more getting my hair colored every few weeks to hide the roots. My hair is so much softer and healthier now. Should have done it a loooonnnnggggg time ago, but I wasn’t quite ready to. All in due time, things will always happen accordingly. 🙂
Anywho…. I love you all and please stay blessed! You all are so extremely important, not just to me, but to those who hold you dear to their hearts as well. Realize your self-worth and continue to rock on!!! STAY AWESOME!!!!!! ❤
CSParkerJewelry on Etsy! https://www.etsy.com/shop/CSParkerJewelry (Handmade Jewelry. Natural Stones. Glass Beads.)
Get a copy of my novel, The Spirit Within on Amazon!
~ Sheila Renee Parker on Twitter: @sheilarparker.
~ Sheila Renee Parker on Facebook: Sheila Renee Parker – Author
~ Sheila Renee Parker on Instagram: @sheilareneeparker
~ Art by Sheila Renee Parker available at: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sheilarenee-parker.html
~ Sheila Renee Parker on YouTube: Sheila Renee Parker
Me with all my hair cut off…. Total transformation!!! And I love it!!! Stay blessed, everyone!! 🙂
Happy Thursday, everyone! Hope you’re all doing well! It definitely has been an exciting and extremely busy time lately. So much going on with writing, working, scheduling a couple of upcoming events…… and getting my younger son prepared to go off to college in less than two weeks!!! That last part….. ripping my heart out!! LOL…. I feel the “empty nest syndrome” seriously coming on! But all is good. My son is moving onto a wonderful new chapter in his life! The waterworks have been well underway these past few days as we are getting the last minute details taken care of. He laughs at my reminiscing of the past eighteen years as I tell him how proud of him that me and my husband are and how inspiring of a young man that he is to us. With his kindhearted smile he says, “Oh, Mom…” …. I can’t help but to smile even more when he says things like that. Moments like that are sweet and precious to me. *sigh* 🙂
And since there is a lot going on right now, I’ve recently taken a hiatus from a few things including social media. I uninstalled all social media apps from my phone. I still have my profiles and can access them from the computer whenever I am on it and am very happy to do so. I will always love talking with everyone!
But I am taking this hiatus to focus on family time as my son goes off to college. Also, I’m taking this time as a “recharging time”, and let me tell ya, it has been absolutely wonderful!!! Not just on a “family level”, but also on a “personal level”. I’ve started meditating daily, learning new breathing techniques to help purify the body and channel positive energy, and making sure to go outside and walk barefoot to feel the beautiful Earth below my feet. As I’ve been doing that, I have brought my towel outside, got into a comfortable meditative position to become one with Nature. To feel the breeze gently blow around me, feel the sun’s rays on my skin and hear the birds. On Sunday there was even some thunder rolling off in the distance as the sun shined high in the sky with billowy clouds floating by…. pure serenity! I’ve also started listening to pan flute music while meditating, which is AMAZING!!! Highly recommend! Here are a few songs on YouTube that are beautiful!! I have to share with ya! If you meditate, incorporate them into your sessions. One word…. “Relaxing!” ❤
However, uninstalling from my phone certain apps to “disconnect”, I have discovered one app that I have fallen absolutely in love with! Here’s the link….
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.deeprelax.deepmeditation&hl=en_US
Just like the description says, “Deep Meditation: Relaxation & Sleep Meditation App”, and it’s FREE!!! I’ve had it since Monday and use it literally every single day. It’s extremely easy to navigate, and thank goodness because I am so technologically challenged. It does run very few adds, but not enough to be bothersome at all, and the adds never run during any meditation session. Only briefly for like a quick second when selecting a meditation option and no sound accompanies any of the adds. As soon as I see one, I just simply click it off. There is an option to pay for the app if one wants to remove the adds, but like I said, the adds are so few (hardly do I see one) that they aren’t a bother at all.
I love that the app has different types of meditation to choose from. Here are the ones in their selection: “Breathe”, Mindfulness Sessions”, “Deep Muscle Relaxation”, “Escapes”, “Classical Sessions”, and “Sleep Series”. The app also has awesome music to help relax one’s spirit, and throughout the day it sends little reminders of positive affirmation (that I love!). For example one will say, “If you want to relax, watch the clouds pass by if you’re laying on the grass, or sit in front of the creek, just doing nothing and having those still moments is what really rejuvenates the body.” or here’s another one… “There is a calmness to a life lived in gratitude, a quiet joy.”.
At night, I’ve been using the “Sleep Series” before going to bed and it really does work. It helps greatly in calming my mind and relaxing my body which helps me to feel so much more rested. Honestly, I fell asleep during last night’s session because it worked so well. With the “Deep Muscle Relaxation” category, there are the different timed body scans that last five minutes, or twenty minutes, or thirty minutes, or forty-five minutes, depending on how long the individual wants the session to last. The body scans peacefully target different parts of the body, focusing on sending breath to each location, helping the mind, body and spirit to become aware of our breathing. Phenomenal techniques!
Since I’ve started “disconnecting to reconnect”, I have felt so much more at one and at peace with my surroundings. There is such a beautiful calmness that I’m discovering during this time of transition. Even though my baby, the grown man that he has become, is going off to college, I am also taking this time to reawaken myself.
So, definitely beautiful and fantastic things are happening! I hope for you all as well!
Remember to stay positive, pay it forward and always know that you rock!!! Wake up each and every single day knowing how truly amazing you are! Take a deep look in the mirror and see your inner light emerge, allowing it to shine so brightly that it illuminates any and everyone that you encounter! Let your smile be what makes someone else’s day all the more enjoyable! Stay blessed!!!
Much Love & Light!! ~ Sheila
CSParkerJewelry on Etsy! https://www.etsy.com/shop/CSParkerJewelry (Handmade Jewelry. Natural Stones. Glass Beads.)
Get a copy of my novel, The Spirit Within on Amazon!
~ Sheila Renee Parker on Twitter: @sheilarparker.
~ Sheila Renee Parker on Facebook: Sheila Renee Parker – Author
~ Sheila Renee Parker on Instagram: @sheilareneeparker
~ Art by Sheila Renee Parker available at: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sheilarenee-parker.html
~ Sheila Renee Parker on YouTube: Sheila Renee Parker
Hey, everyone! Hoping you’re all having a great weekend! It’s a beautiful day here in the South. The Gulf Coast is blessed with amazing sunshine and the temp is currently 82°.
However gorgeous the day is, the past few days haven’t been so bright for me. As many of you know, I’m a huge advocate for Breast Cancer Awareness. I’m always encouraging ladies to get annual mammograms to keep the ta-tas in check. I began getting mine when I turned forty. The first two years my mammograms came back with clean results, my ta-tas were healthy. *Thank goodness!*
But…. a couple of weeks ago when I went for my annual mammogram everything went well, same as usual….. or so I thought…. Then, last week I got a letter from the Women’s Imaging Center saying that my current screening “required additional imagining studies” and they wanted me to schedule to have another mammogram done. (I got this letter the very same afternoon that I learned about a very close friend of mine being diagnosed with stage three cancer in her intestines, so my nerves were already on end.)
My husband was in the shower and our son was in his room. As I quietly stood in the kitchen trying to keep myself quietly composed while I read the letter about my mammogram results, I couldn’t help but feel a lump in my throat as the tears welled in my eyes. I knew that my breasts felt fine, never any discomfort or anything of the sort, but I also knew that cancer could be present without any signs known to the individual.
I continued to keep silent, not wanting to cause any concern for my son, but when my husband got out of the shower, I showed him the letter. He read it and then told me that I was going to be fine and not to read too much into it. He was being strong when I couldn’t be. But then I remembered dinner and it was time for my family to eat, so I wiped away the tears and kept myself together for the rest of the evening, being my same ol’ silly self.
The next day as soon as I knew the clinic was open I called to make my appointment to have another mammogram. I had to wait a week before I could get in. That meant a week of not knowing what was going on with my body. The fear I concealed from my friends and family wasn’t easy to hold back. With everyone else having their busy lives, I didn’t want to trouble anyone with mine. So I’ve kept this to myself, until now. For those who know me best, I’m actually an extremely private person and don’t talk a lot about my personal life. What I do disclose about myself, I do so in hope to help others find courage and strength to overcome anything they may be going through.
As I said, I had to wait a week before getting my next appointment. Not just the fear of the possibility of maybe having anything cancerous, but also the entire “game changing” that it would do to me and my family. If I did have breast cancer, how would I tell my loved ones? It would crush them! And what would I do for work. I have two jobs, how would I be able to maintain my employment if I had to go to doctor appointments? Also, the treatments…. I know what it can do to the body. I’ve seen dear ones to me suffer and I didn’t want to go through that, too. Didn’t want my family to have to deal with that.
My thoughts were literally running scared. Of course, I continued with my goofy ways, but what I was going through stayed heavy on my mind. And the couple of days right before my appointment were even a little heavier to deal with. I just wanted the next mammogram to be done. I honestly had never wished for a day to be over with so badly.
Yesterday was the day. The alarm clock chimed at 5:40 a.m. I woke my son up for school just like any other day. He still was unaware of everything. My husband held me and reassured me that everything was going to be ok. As sweet as he was being, I still couldn’t stop my eyes from tearing up. But then I composed myself quickly so that our son couldn’t see me that way. About an hour later after my husband left for work and our son left for school, I was on my way to my appointment. I had to be at the Women’s Imaging Center at 7:00 a.m. When I arrived, the lady at the front desk said, “Oh, you’re here for a diagnostic mammogram and an ultrasound.” I questioned the ultrasound because I wasn’t aware of that one. The lady continued, “That’s just to be on the safe side in case they still have questions about this next mammogram.” I was quietly like, “Ok.” She added with her genuine smile, “Everything’s going to be fine.”
As I sat down, waiting to be called back, Stevie Nicks with Don Henley came on the radio singing “Leather & Lace”. I took a breath and sat still, listening to the song. I took it as a sign, a beautiful, positive sign that everything was going to be alright. Why? Because I am such a huge Stevie Nicks fan and hearing her voice made me feel better. I love her music!!
A few minutes later I was called back to have my mammogram. The tech said, “Oh, you’re back again.” I said quietly, “Yeah, unfortunately.” She, like everyone else, tried to reassure me by saying, “Everything’s gonna be ok.” To be honest, hearing everyone say that was beginning to become quite repetitive, but I knew everyone’s intentions were heartfelt.
During this next mammogram, as the tech was going through the steps, she asked me, “Did you lose weight since last year’s mammogram?” I said, “Yeah, a significant amount.” I then continued to explain why and how I did so by my lifestyle change of eating and being healthier and working out (I wrote about being healthier in a recent article titled, You’re Looking Too Thin.)
The tech looked at me and said, “That’s probably it!” I said, “Really? Cuz the thought did cross my mind.” The tech continued, “Yeah, losing weight can change the shape and appearance of your breasts. That’s probably why the concern of the mammograms from last year to now, but we still have to run the tests just to make absolute sure.”
“WOW!” I thought. I was starting to feel even better! It made total sense. Losing weight, changing my body…. I was beginning to understand things more clearly.
After the mammogram they still wanted to conduct the ultrasound. I happily went along with it. The second tech, just like the first one, was super sweet and made me feel even more comfortable. The ultrasound took nearly ten minutes. After that I had to wait almost ten more minutes for the second tech to return with the results. And you wanna know what?! The results came back perfectly fine!! Yep, that’s right!! A clean bill of health!! Talk about a massive huge weight being lifted off my shoulders!!! PHEW!!!! It was like all that heaviness of fear and the unknown from the previous week just automatically vanished!
I walked out of the ultrasound room and into the main lobby. The lady at the front desk asked me how things went. I gave her a big smile with two thumbs up saying, “Perfect!” She smiled back saying how happy she was for me. She and I then briefly exchanged stories of losing loved ones to breast cancer and how important it is to spread breast cancer awareness. Which lead to my purchase of a new t-shirt that the clinic was selling to raise money for the cause.
I am a very proud supporter of Breast Cancer Awareness! What I recently went through, even though my results came back clean and clear, the whole experience was still a “game changer” for me. It put even more things in perspective, my appreciation for love and life is all the stronger now. Not knowing for that week made me realize how fragile life really can be and how things can be changed literally all in an instant. All the questions… all the fear…. and yet one thing I have to admit is… I never questioned “Why me?”
The reason being is that with my belief, prior to us coming into our lives, us being born, we all agree to a “soul contract” that we accept. Now whether or not we fulfill our contracts, (or even acknowledge them for that matter) is up to our own personal awakening and how open we are to embracing change. (Again, this is my belief and I am not speaking on the behalf of anyone else.)
I am happy to say that I don’t have breast cancer, but if I did…. I would hope that I would continue to spread positive love and light to those who are in need. As a light worker I feel that is extremely important to continue. The night before last, I took a long hard look in the mirror and said to myself, “Alright, if you do have cancer, you’re still gonna do the best you can to live life to the fullest! You will not let this get the best of you! You’re strong, you’re gonna get through this! You have to for yourself and for your loved ones!”
I then put my game face on and said a silent prayer to the Universe… reaching out to the Angels and my Guardians, feeling their positive energy of love and light.
And with all of you, I feel that we should honor the ladies out there who aren’t so fortunate. May our hearts and prayers always go out to the fighters, the survivors and those whose lives were taken by breast cancer!
In memory of a very dear friend of mine…. Julie. After a long and exhausting battle, she lost her fight with breast cancer nearly four years ago. Along with my family, she is my inspiration to spreading awareness for this extremely important cause!
Here’s another article I wrote for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Get a copy of my novel, The Spirit Within on Amazon!
~ Sheila Renee Parker on Twitter: @sheilarparker.
~ Sheila Renee Parker on Facebook: Sheila Renee Parker – Author
~ Sheila Renee Parker on Instagram: @sheilareneeparker
~ Art by Sheila Renee Parker available at: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sheilarenee-parker.html
~ Sheila Renee Parker on YouTube: Sheila Renee Parker
The back of the t-shirt that I proudly bought to show my support for Breast Cancer Awareness!
The front of the t-shirt that I proudly bought to show my support for Breast Cancer Awareness! It’s a small image on the upper left-hand side of the shirt.
The delicious homemade cookie that the clinic was giving out. YUM!!!
Such a wonderful, healing gesture that takes very little effort, yet can do so much for an individual.
All one has to do is softly press their lips on the forehead of another, in the center, slightly above the eyebrows. It’s that simple. What does this beautiful act do? “It activates the pineal and pituitary gland of the person and brings a sense of security and well-being to the person.” ~ www.WisdomHealingCenter.com.
When the glands are stimulated, melatonin is released which is a hormone that humans and animals produce that regulates sleep and wakefulness. Hence, a goodnight kiss on the forehead might be just what the doctor could order for those who may be suffering from insomnia.
Here is something else I found interesting. Our pineal glands produce the most potent psychedelic known to man, dimethyltryptamine. Researchers of dimethyltryptamine suggest that it may help encourage personal empowerment, decrease the symptoms of depression and anxiety, and inspire self esteem, just to name a few. So, with all that being said about the pineal gland, it makes even more sense why the third eye kiss is so beneficial to one’s well-being!
It could also bridge the gap between two souls wanting to connect on a more spiritual level, therefore creating a closer bond with the mind, body and Spirit….. a Universal connection on so many levels.
“You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us. And the world will live as one.” ~ John Lennon
Get a copy of my novel, The Spirit Within on Amazon!
~ Sheila Renee Parker on Twitter: @sheilarparker.
~ Sheila Renee Parker on Facebook: Sheila Renee Parker – Author
~ Sheila Renee Parker on Instagram: @sheilareneeparker
~ Art by Sheila Renee Parker available at: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sheilarenee-parker.html
~ Sheila Renee Parker on YouTube: Sheila Renee Parker
It was one morning a little over a month ago, I was in my car on my way to work when all of a sudden, out of nowhere, the image of fluorite stone randomly popped into my head. As I was nearing the stop sign of the intersection, I was like, “wha??”. Thought it was odd because I wasn’t even thinking anything remotely to the subject of healing stones. But of course, being the person that I am, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I openly took it as a sign from the Universe. So, when I got to work and had a free moment, I began researching fluorite and its meaning.
And that was when it hit me! Upon my research I discovered this…. “Fluorite is a highly protective and stabilizing stone, useful for grounding and harmonizing spiritual energy. When working with the upper Chakras, Fluorite increases intuitive abilities, links the human mind to universal consciousness, and develops connection to Spirit.” ~ https://www.healingcrystals.com/Fluorite_Articles_107.html
“Fluorite crystals cleanse your mind, body and spirit. On a psychic level, they are very protective stones, protecting you from outside influences and drawing off negative energy. They balance both sides of your brain to bring mental clarity and rid your mind of any mental or creative blocks. They also cleanse and stabilize your aura, cleansing, purifying and dispelling anything within your body or energy field that is not in perfect order. Fluorite crystals are said to rid your aura of any cording—meaning any unwanted energy lines from other people.” ~ https://www.energymuse.com/blog/placing-fluorite-crystal-home/
It literally gave me goosebumps! Why? Because on so many levels I’ve been going through a major lifestyle change. I’m eating healthier, exercising daily, creating a much more positive atmosphere, I’m being more open to my abilities and expressing them to others in hope to help people embrace their special gifts. I mean, so many wonderful things are happening and I have never felt so at peace before in my life!
So, by the image of the beautiful fluorite stone coming to me, I had to tell my husband about it! We then decided to order some fluorite beads to make our own necklaces. I made myself a sweet little choker, one so that I could easily layer it with other necklaces if I wanted. For my husband, I made him nearly an 18 inch necklace.
I’ve been wearing my choker every day now for several days and I cannot express the mental clarity it’s given me. I honestly believe in the benefits of fluorite! It’s even helped me “see” things better psychically. I feel like it’s helped me open my third eye all the more.
I also like layering it with my necklace adorned with a moldavite pendant. Moldavite is excellent for…. “Connectivity, Moldavite carries an intense frequency, a fusion of earthly and extraterrestrial energies that are quickly felt, often dramatically in those who resonate with its power. Holding Moldavite for the first time often produces a sensation of heat, felt first in the hand, then progressively throughout the body. In some cases the heart chakra is activated, experienced as a pounding pulse, followed by sweating or flushing of the face, and an emotional release that may range from laughter to tears. Moldavite’s frequency may take some getting used to, but its profound ability to accelerate one’s personal and spiritual evolution makes it highly sought after in the metaphysical world, both for its life-altering capabilities and as a catalyst for drawing in Light to aid in Earth’s healing.” ~ [Simmons, 262][Simmons/Warner, 30-32][Hall, 187]
“Moldavite is a powerful aid for meditation and dream-work, as well as increasing one’s sensitivity to guidance, intuition and telepathy, and the ability to understand messages sent from higher realms.” ~ [Simmons, 262-263][Megemont, 126]
Together, or wearing separately, the fluorite and the moldavite stones create such an amazing sense of well-being! Some people may say that it’s simply the placebo effect induced by reading materials, but I would dispute that because I know what I feel and I cannot deny that. Things that would have bothered me in the past, now have no affect on me at all. I just let them “roll off my back”. My mental clarity has greatly improved and the beautiful, warm energy that I feel surrounding me, the Universal connection… beyond words! It’s all so inspiring!!
Life is a blessing, live it to the fullest!
Love & Light, my friends! ~ Sheila
Get a copy of my novel, The Spirit Within on Amazon!
~ Sheila Renee Parker on Twitter: @sheilarparker.
~ Sheila Renee Parker on Facebook: Sheila Renee Parker – Author
~ Sheila Renee Parker on Instagram: @sheilareneeparker
~ Art by Sheila Renee Parker available at: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sheilarenee-parker.html
~ Sheila Renee Parker on YouTube: Sheila Renee Parker
My fluorite choker layered with my moldavite pendant.
“You’re looking too thin.” Is what some people have been telling me lately. And even though I know they care, their comments are becoming a tad much.
A little over a year ago I was getting a check up and was told that my weight was slightly more than what it should be. Well, that did hit home because at the time, I had been feeling rather sluggish and unmotivated. But when the nurse practitioner said that, I did listen. So, I started eliminating certain foods that I knew weren’t of the right choice. I began eating healthier, choosing fresh produce rather than processed. Incorporating more fruits and veggies into what I eat on a daily basis. No more pop tarts, chips and things like that. Now, I do still like to eat the occasional cookie (or two… lol). Just a few days ago I baked some homemade peanut butter cookies that were out of this world! YUM!!! And yes, I still eat pizza every once in a while, indulge in a milkshake here and there…. but…. everything in moderation… even Hershey Kisses (which I will always love!)!!
I’ve gotten wiser on how I make my food choices and I couldn’t be happier! Before I made my lifestyle change, my energy level felt drained and my arthritis gave me fits. For anyone who has arthritis, you know exactly what I’m talking about. I would wake up in the morning feeling stiff as a board. My lower back would hurt so much that it would bring tears to my eyes. Not to mention the random hip pains that would often cause me to limp some. My hands would lock up and ache… my knees would, on rare occasions, literally give out on me. I was diagnosed with arthritis when I was 34, but knew I had it for a lot longer than that. As I got closer to 40, my pain and discomfort gradually got worse. Actually, to the point where it was starting to limit certain levels of mobility. I hid the pain, dealing with it the best way I could. In the beginning I tried pain medication, but quickly stopped because after reading all the ridiculous side effects, I decided that was not how I was going to live my life, taking pills on a daily basis. That may be for others, but definitely not me!
Then, last year when the nurse practitioner said that about my weight it made me start thinking, plus with my arthritis…. my body was controlling me, making me feel horrible and I wasn’t going to let that happen any longer. I finally woke up, listening to the things that my body had been trying to tell me for so long. That’s when I started taking control by eating healthier and incorporating exercise into my daily routine. Yes, I exercise every single day and I absolutely love it! Guess what?! That arthritis pain….. I kicked its ass!!! Yep, I said it! By me constantly being active, my arthritis pain has become extremely minimal. Every great once in a while it will remind me that it’s still there, but nothing in comparison to how it used to be!
I exercise in the comfort of my own home. I don’t have a gym membership. I have a core flex machine, some light weights, an ab wheel, an exercise stretch band and an exercise ball. I do a lot of sit-ups, push-ups, crunches, etc… I even incorporate isometric exercises along with yoga, and I also jog.
By eating healthier and being active, I feel soooooo much better now! Honestly, I feel better than I did even when I was in my twenties! I haven’t felt this great in decades!! And yes, I have lost 40 lbs., but I’m healthier and I continue to maintain my yearly check-up. My only regret about all this is that I didn’t do it years ago. But can’t dwell on that because everything happens for a reason. Carpe diem!!! 😉
I also minimized my diet soda intake. I used to drink 3 – 4 of those every day. I know they say “no calories”, but seriously… since I am down to only having one a day, I honestly believe that has helped my weight achieve a healthier goal as well. I have become addicted to fruit infused flavored water. I love going to the local markets and picking out fresh fruits and veggies so I can make my own infused water. Totally delicious with soooo many health benefits!! So far, one of my faves is a water that I add green apple, cucumber, mint leaves and lemon to. It’s so refreshing and smells divine!!
Ok, here’s the question… since I’m a vegetarian (and have been for 15 yrs), how do I get my protein? Well, a few years ago I used to be a plasma donor. Every time a person donates plasma, their protein and iron levels get checked. My levels were often higher than those of meat eaters. Why? Because I’ve always known the importance of that so I make sure to eat protein enriched foods. Peanut butter, beans… dairy… and I am also a huge fan of Morning Star products, which are low in fat, but are awesome with maintaining a great protein level. Also, protein shakes… yogurt…. (I’m getting hungry just thinking about it all!) You get the picture. lol
Together, my husband and I are both eating better so we can hopefully live long, healthier lives. So, for anyone who says, “It gets harder as you get older.” I say to that… Bullsnart! I was 41 when I made my lifestyle change and trust me, I’m extremely grateful I did it!
It’s up to us, people…. it only gets harder if we allow it!
Eat healthy, be active and stay motivated, my friends! Remember, life is meant to be enjoyed!!!
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Here I am with a serious face because I am serious about staying motivated! Wearing absolutely no make-up and just finished working out, feeling awesome day by day! We can all make a difference in our lives, all we have to do is just do it! ❤
SHEILA RENEE PARKER 