In today’s world we are constantly faced with daily choices on what we consume for food, body products, cleaning agents, storage options and fuel alternatives… some of which may not be the healthiest choices for ourselves or the planet.
Although we have had many wonderful advancements in technology and inventions over the last couple hundred years, some of those same advancements and inventions have poisoned our soil, damaged our food chain and bodies and created an unsustainable amount of waste. The use of pesticides, harmful chemicals and GMO foods have directly affected all living things including humans. Globally, we are faced with increased cases of autoimmune diseases, cancers, allergies and intolerances.
We hear about a recent study that has been done or watch a documentary on the effects of this and that and sometimes this prompts us to make a change in our lifestyle. There is so much information coming at us that it is hard to sort through it all and can sometimes feel overwhelming. Some of these things will make sense to you or pique your curiosity enough that you will do more reading or research and maybe make some changes.
Everyone’s life experiences or circumstances are different, so choices are personal and need to make sense to YOU. For example… I can totally buy into drastically reducing my single use plastics but just can’t even bring myself to read a single thing about the newest trend of drinking your own urine! The latter is not only disgusting to me, but it doesn’t make sense (in my head) to drink what your body was meant to eliminate so I have no interest in learning anything more about the possible benefits of it! Not only will I not try it, I would also never even let someone pee on my jellyfish sting (which by the way, is a total myth!).
The great news is that a whole lot of us are realizing that we need to return to eating more wholesome and organically grown foods, detoxify our homes and gardens and reduce our garbage footprint on this earth. I try to make good choices for both myself and the world we live in, but I am far from perfect (I have gummy bears and one backup box of KD in my cupboard at all times!) and I always feel like there are many areas in which I could improve.
I have made many small steps over the years to reduce my processed food intake and pay attention to what products I am using on my skin. These small steps didn’t seem significant at the time, but they have added up to a lifestyle that now includes a diet of 90% home grown/raised and made from scratch food, homemade body products and a garden full of medicinal herbs and flowers that are grown in nutrient rich compost!
I believe that making these micro changes over time has played a big role in the sustainability of maintaining these positive choices long term. All of the choices I have made, I have done with focused intent and with a vision of better health for myself, my family and the earth. Changes in your environment will quickly become just the normal way you live if they make you feel good – physically and emotionally.
Although I have made great strides in eating better food and using natural body care products for myself, I have identified that I really need to detoxify my cleaning products and also some of my storage options. This is my next step in making positive choices in my household that will impact my family’s health and the health of the planet.
So, what changes have you made to improve your diet or detoxify your life? If you are already making positive changes... that is so wonderful to hear... but what else can you do? What is, or will, motivate you to make some changes for yourself and the next generation? Motivations can vary depending on your situation or lifestyle but don’t wait until you ‘have to’ make a change – this can make these changes more difficult, and you may end up resenting them instead of embracing them.
I challenge you to pick one small thing each month that you can change to enhance your environment. If you can’t grow you own food, buy locally grown organic veggies or grassfed meat from a local farm or go to a local u-pick for some berries this summer. Make your own soap, lotion or lip balm – it is easier than you think! Replace your plastic storage with glass containers and jars. Pick something you buy – like bread, pasta or salsa – and try making it from scratch ingredients (this not only will taste better but the satisfaction of doing it yourself is priceless!).
You might be pleasantly surprised by the end of 2024, what all those small changes have collectively turned into and… your body and mind will thank you! Change your environment, nourish yourself and enjoy a healthier you and a more positive outlook on life!
Remember… small sustainable steps lead to successful habits! 😊❤️
Much Love!
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