And…, the news you’ve all been waiting for…. Day 1 of the cleanse: SUCCESS. Now, before we get all excited — I know I know! You can sit down now! Thank you, OH, thank you! LOVE! — it’s not really a “cleanse,” per se. I’m simply eliminating sugar and caffeine from my (vegan) diet for 21 days. Nothing fancy, nothing more restrictive.

I’m trying to teach myself to manage my feelings SANS addictive substances. In 21 days, I’m going to have broken some MAJOR habits: sugar, caffeine, and using food to stuff down my feelings, to stimulate my exhausted mother-self, and to stifle my dreams (I know, that last one was precious…).

You see, I had a little epiphany the other day. I realized that I’ve been refusing to care for myself. Why? Because I have so many mouths to feed already: a monkey, a rascal, a husband, THREE cats. I’m one more mouth to feed. And, I couldn’t bear to feed one more mouth — if I didn’t have to. So, I’d feed everyone as best I could, and then, when everyone’d go to bed, I’d sit by my computer and eat my usual almond butter on toast for dinner.

And, that’s not the worst of it. The Starbucks soy chai latte. It’s just another almond butter on toast — only loaded with stimulating sugar and caffeine (and, for sure, crack cocaine). It’s yummy, yes, but far from nutritious. I’ve been feeding my emotions, Gorgeouses, and not my body. And, inevitably, the emotions suffer if the body isn’t properly nourished.

Ultimately, everyone suffers if Mama isn’t properly nourished emotionally and physically.

So, today is my inauguration. I do solemnly vow to make taking care of myself a top priority. Scrapping the caffeine and sugar for 21 days is the perfect start….

And, speaking of perfect starts (and segues)….

What a great day to INAUGURATE a new, healthier, self-respecting lifestyle…. INAUGURATION DAY for President Barack Hussein Obama.

I was blown away by the inauguration ceremony. My GOD! Chills ran up and down my spine when he took the oath and spoke so beautifully about everything that matters. Just seeing ALL THOSE PEOPLE celebrating this momentous day, so hopeful…. It was incredible.

My monkeys LOVED watching the ceremony over lunch…. I, personally, enjoyed reflecting on how important this day is for them even though they are oblivious. That little blond head…watching Obama speak…. Faklempt…!

Like so many AMERICANS, this Canadian is very excited about the new President….


Photo credit: Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images; via Animalrights.org.

Love….
xo Haley-O

[16] Comments