A few days ago I had a definite meltdown. I couldn't deal with the combination of work/health/hormonal issues. Yesterday I had a long message chat with my mom about how lousy I feel about myself, and I tried to be honest and not really sparing any details. Towards the end of the conversation I ended up taking stock of everything, and writing, "where did I get this massive inferiority complex?" Maybe if I can understand that, then I can start the repairs.

Also yesterday, I tried dry brushing my skin in the direction of my lymph nodes to promote circulation and proper lymph drainage... I don't know if it was working, but it sure felt great. More on this later, I guess, as the number one rule of Health Country is to get enough sleep. Which, in my case, means doing that now. Goodnight :)

Toothpaste

It's occured to me before that it would be nice to find a natural substitute for toothpaste.  Usually, it's one of those things that half enters my mind and then gets forgotten on a back shelf somewhere.  Tonight, however, I ended up searching  "natural toothpaste" and found a cool page with a multitude of interesting tips, including a toothpaste recipe... I will have to try it soon and let you know how it goes.  Every little bit helps, right?

Real-Life Hope

Today I was on youtube looking for real people's experiences of various weight loss strategies. I'm so sick of ads that momentarily inflate the hope balloon, making you think that they might be able to provide  "the solution." Really, here's what will happen: you'll end up wasting your time reading their webpage and then probably feel worse after succumbing to the emotional rollercoaster of hope - no hope. At least... hopefully you didn't actually buy into it and give them your credit card number (don't do it! Solidarity!)

So... there were a substantial number of video blogs about people's experiences with the so-called Master Cleanse, which I found very intriguing, if not totally persuasive (I reserve judgement till later, when I investigate further). I love youtube for allowing real people to share their experiences so easily... well, they seemed like real people and not fabrications by actors. Always be watchful. We have to collectively work not to get sucked in. Do I seem paranoid yet? How much paranoia belongs in Health Country?

Anyway, I was hoping to find a similar video blog on the subject of cellulite... if so many people have this problem, why the silence?  It was starting to seem like the only people talking about it were the ones hoping to make a buck. But, to be real, I don't think I would want to post my dimply ass on youtube, and it's likely that not too many other people with this condition would jump at that idea either. So I guess it was unrealistic of me to hope for video blogs... I just wanted to see a real face. Changing my tactic, I came across a page that I'm very excited about... The Cellulite Investigation.  The issues addressed are all too familiar... undesirable conditions that wouldn't otherwise appear related turn out to be symptoms of the same set of unhealthy circumstances?  It all makes more sense! Now... the real work: to pin down those unhealthy circumstances and find a way to sustainably fix them. This site gives me hope... and a sense of  "you're not in it for the money" kind of relief.

Inspiration is always a start.

Lately I've been watching a new TV show about some folks on their own road to health. There's something kind of fishy about sitting on the couch watching TV for inspiration on getting healthy... but so far this has been worth the idle time (only one hour per week). As long as you actually get up and do something afterward!! The show is Village On A Diet, set in Taylor, British Columbia. Their goal as a town is to collectively lose a tonne of weight in three months, and pick up healthier lifestyles along the way. You can see this program every Monday at 9pm on CBC, or streaming over their website (not sure if this feature works from outside of Canada). So far I am loving it... more will likely follow on this topic. Cheers :)

Time to hit the road...

There is one thing that I know for sure.  For a long time now, I have not been able to describe myself as being in a state of  "wellness."  I know this is a relative thing, and that overall I'm more "well" than, say, someone with a terminal illness, for instance.  I'm thankful for what I don't have to deal with (yet) on that front... but all is not well, and I believe that I can find the power to make it significantly better.  I want to fix what's not quite right, and I want to be around to see the benefits later, as a healthy adult of a ripe old age.

Wish me luck as I set out to report on the sights, false turns, and landmarks along the way to Health Country.  I'll try to do my best. - Kiddo