Do you tell yourself "I am ready to get back on track?" If so, it is time to really step back and eliminate this belief.  Why? It is negative thinking.  You are allowed to have fun, try new foods, attend functions and live life to the fullest. But, if you’re dealing with stomach woes, you’re not the only alone. During my nursing career and all my learnings, for me it all comes back to things like stress, sleep, exercise, and the food you body agrees with.  All this can impact the health of your gut.
 

Like many of you, I have struggled with gut issue over the years — but after much trial and error and working closely with my doctor, I finally learned how to uncover my “food sensitivities.” And my hope is now you can, too.

 

How did I do it? For me, it has to be simple. Therefore, I isolated foods that might be causing me digestive sensitivities and add in no-impact exercise. I also needed to understand that with my back issues (again, years of sports and heavy lifting in my nursing career) I needed a workout schedule that’s easy to follow and easy on my joints. 

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How did I get started? I started with 4 week program that focused on my gut. It was a protocol that showed me

how the food I eat can impacted my gut health which then impacted your overall health. This program helped me discover the foods that impacted my digestive health and also provided me with tools to help overcome discomfort. I have read many studies that allowed me to understand how gentle exercise can positively support and impact my gut health. In talking with many individuals around the world, they too have gut issues without realizing it. I also received food lists to make staying on track seamless alongside program-friendly recipe videos and PDFs, and weekly tips to encourage and educate along the way. See-I told you I love to learn! This program was perfect for me. 

 

How did I get started? I aligned myself with one of my greatest friends Jennifer Bungay.  Jennifer is a Canadian entrepreneur who reached out to me and got me started. She provided me with a step-by-step instructional videos that showed me exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to do it in a way that isolates the potentially problematic foods. Over these four weeks, this videos showed me how to remove 7 characteristically troublesome foods I slowly but effectively removed, replaced, and rebalance. 

Ok seriously, when was the last time you actually sat down and made a list of things that bring you total joy and contentment? I mean grab a cup of something that makes you happy moment and really THOUGHT about it?
 
I started to think about this JOY list in 2021. As you all know the whole world came to a stop in 2020 for most of us. As a nurse, I lost my JOY instantly and went into fight or flight mode as the world did not stop for me.  It was really tough to find JOY again. To be honest, I need to sit down and reflect often. I needed to really take the time to think as my head was spinning continuously.  Therefore, my question to you today is have you thought about making a list of “things” that bring you ultimate JOY?

If not, then keep reading as I tap into why this JOY list is important for all ages. 

How did I begin?
 
Just like what you are doing today-reading a blog about how to find JOY after a life changing situation. I asked myself with arms high in the air, "Why did I wait so long to make this list?" I realized I was not taking care of myself (even though I thought I was) and was forgetting to single out the things that brought me peace of mind. From this moment on I stopped thinking about me changing careers or building an online business.  I learned quickly that majority of us have been taught to believe that if something doesn’t make us money it doesn’t have value. 

Therefore, I am going to challenge YOU to make your JOY list of 5 things that make you happy. Heck, you can add in as many as you like.  But first let’s start small and simple.  Remember, this list is not supposed to make sense to anyone but YOU! Please do not focus on things that only sorta make you happy. Really dig deep and focus on TRUE JOY!








 
 
 
 
 
 
 



Ok, here are 5 of mine! 

1. Waking up before everyone (yes-even before my dogs) and enjoy complete silence. I then make a make a pot of coffee and run a nice warm bath with my favourite seasonal candle. 

2. Getting outside!  I absolutely love fresh air. As a nurse, I am often indoors for many hours in a day.   

3. Spending time with my family. Time is flying by so fast and I can’t believe I have two teenage girls!

4. I love to learn.  Sit me down, teach me something new and I am in heaven. I’m so curious that I have notes on my phone that are titled “Learn More About...”.

5. Date nights.  Even when the world was on pause-these date nights did not stop with my hubby.
 
My JOY list is 100% longer, but like I said above we just gotta get started! I am sure you get the idea on what needs to get done. Make a list that feeds your soul and schedule a time to come back to this list.  Either to review what you wrote or add more thoughts to your JOY list. If you’re struggling to even begin, I hear you! Just take a step back and return when you can to reflect on what brings you ultimate JOY!
 
                                                                            xo