In Search of the Extraordinary & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #34

August 22, 2017 / 91 Comments

This post is going to be more than just about spreading the kindness. I am hoping to spread awareness, share information, and possibly even gain some knowledge. First, I have to provide you with a little bit of background information.

*This is not a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I turned 43 years old this year. My husband is 36 and my children are 6 and 4. The most important people in my life are much younger than me. My father died at the age of 54. My mother at the age of 57. That is 11 and 14 years older than I am right now. And that scares the hell out of me.

Both of my parents lost their lives to cancer. Preventable cancers. Both could have been much healthier. Neither focused on healthy living nor did they teach me a healthy lifestyle. I was a serious athlete until I graduated from college. Then I just stopped exercising. And I stopped eating well.  And I didn’t really give it much thought.  Over the past 20 years and through my battle with Bipolar Disorder, I have taken more medications than any person should. I have eaten more garbage food in phases of emotional binging than any person can justify. I have repeatedly joked that I would rather be fat and happy than skinny and hungry. But recently, I have started paying a little more attention to my health wellness.  And suddenly these jokes don’t seem all that funny anymore.

Because life is short. And my kids are young. And I am definitely not as healthy as I could be. Medically, mentally, professionally, or financially. I have high blood pressure, acid reflux, and all sorts of allergies. All of which require daily medications. And that does not sit well with me. Frankly, there really is no more time to waste.  No more time to ignore.  No more time to disregard my health and wellness.  So now I am in search of the extraordinary. That extraordinary life that I can be proud of and leave a meaningful legacy behind me.  But only after I have lived a very full, a very long, a very healthy second half of my life.

I don’t want to be ordinary. I don’t want to be just another statistic. Just another cancer victim. Just another average person with your typical health related concerns at 43. My 40’s have been the most fabulous decade of my life to date. I feel mentally healthier than I ever have before. I have more confidence. I have more drive. I have more balance. I have more vision and clarity. And I am able to articulate my goals much more clearly now. And I am able to say without shame or embarrassment that I am afraid. So what do I do now?

I am going to start with baby steps. That is a little less intimidating to me. And that’s okay. Some people function better if they make changes full throttle. I have always been a very resilient, adaptable person by nature. But I do need time to acclimate to big changes. So I am going to give myself that time by taking baby steps.

My first goal is to change the horrible, toxic eating habits that go on in my house. For all of us. I am embarrassed to say that my children have a terrible diet. And that is entirely my fault. They eat what I give them. And I give them junk. Because it’s easy. And it became even easier to continue on this path when they would resist a good healthy meal of fresh vegetables. So rather than fight with them, I would cave in and give them mac and cheese.  Or Pop Tarts.  Or hot dogs.  Or breakfast cereal caked in sugar. Seriously, I am so grossed out just typing these things.  Disgusted at my own admission that this is what I feed my children.  Every. Single. Day.  Shame on me.

Over the past few months, the contents of the food that we buy in the grocery store has become so revolting to me to the point that I literally gag at the thought of it. Yet I continue to feed it to my family. And I continue to eat it myself.  I put on blinders and keep doing as I have always done.  Because it’s easy.  But good things don’t always come from doing it the easy way.

So last week, I met with my friend Lisa and she introduced me to some natural products that she has been using for the last two decades. Products that have made her healthier, wealthier, and wiser. I expressed all of my personal concerns with her and she enthusiastically offered me so much helpful information about all natural meal replacement products, vitamins, supplements, skin care, and cleaning products. Products that I am willing to give a try. Products that can improve my life and the wellness of my family.  Products that very well may have the potential of creating that extraordinary life that I am seeking.

I have never been one to buy into the next big fad so I am definitely not going to feed anything of that sort to you. Actually, I am not really going to feed you anything. I don’t even have that much information for you because I am only just learning myself. But right now, at this very important crossroad in my life, I am willing to take a leap of faith and listen to a trusted friend. In fact, put my willingness aside, this is necessary for me to find my way to a healthier lifestyle.  I am open-minded to trying new things.  Because the old things simply are not working.

Lisa and her husband William are health and wellness consultants and independent distributors of Shaklee products. Their personal motto is “Helping Ordinary People Lead Extraordinary Lives”. I want an extraordinary life. For myself and for my family. My husband retires from a 20 year career in the Army in less than 2 years and that is a daunting change that recently has made me feel like I am suffocating. We need to act and we need to act soon. I am starting with my health and the wellness of my family. I am not sure exactly what steps I am going to take yet. But I have been trying the Vanilla Life Energizing Shake as a meal replacement for my breakfast. I add one cup of 2% milk and a frozen banana and mix it in the blender. I actually really do enjoy the consistency and the flavor and I am not hungry at all until lunch time.  I also have been taking two Vita-Lea® high potency multivitamin and multimineral tablets every morning. It has only been a few days, so stay tuned and I will let you know the results.

Not only am I going to be making some major changes in our grocery shopping and cooking habits, but I am going to look into what Shaklee has to offer for supplements and vitamins for my entire family.  Their Healthy Home Cleaning Products are at the top of my wish list. My little guy has very severe outbreaks of eczema that quickly become infected. I can’t even tell you how many different topical creams the doctor has prescribed. And I have been blindly and without question applying this crap to my 4 year old’s tender skin. I have seen no results. Another example of how the old way simply is not working. We need a new, healthier way. And I really believe that a change in our cleaning and laundry products may be the answer. I will keep you posted on that as well.

There is so much more I could share with you today, but this post has reached a very lengthy word count. I will have more to share with you in the future about the mission of this company and the impact they have already made on so many lives around the world. If you are impatient like me and want to know more now, you can visit Lisa and William’s page of Endless Possibilities. You can also read more about the Shaklee mission here.

I am open to any suggestions that you may have regarding improving the health and wellness of my family. Please keep in mind that these are drastic changes in our lifestyles and the journey we are about to embark on can be a little frightening. So please be kind and supportive with your words. I want to make a difference, see a difference, and find the extraordinary.

Outfit Details
Dress: Old Navy (No longer available. Similar styles here, here, here, here, here, and here).
Sandals: Zoey Gladiator Sandals Mossimo Supply Co.™ from Target.
Necklace: Walmart (Similar here and here).

And now onto the link up and your favorite posts from last week.

Nina of Sharing A Journey shared her post The Sweet Magnolia where she tells us about her Princess Day spent with her daughter. Look how lovely Nina looks in her blue striped sundress!

Nina of Sharing A Journey

And Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood shared her post Currently, August 2017. Ada shared lots of fun stuff in this post, so be sure to hop on over and check out what’s going on in her world!

Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood


How have you improved your life lately?

Standing at a crossroads on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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91 Comments

  • Rania

    August 22, 2017 at 2:22 am Reply

    I’m glad that you have taken steps to lead a healthier lifestyle. It is so important and necessary for you and your family. Baby steps are important and eventually you’ll become healthier and won’t need the medication. Keep it up!

  • Patrick Weseman

    August 22, 2017 at 2:36 am Reply

    Beautiful post. I have been trying to walk more and eat better myself. Also, I have been trying to get rid of a lot of stress in my life. That is a big one for me.

    Thanks for hosting and have a wonderful week.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 22, 2017 at 10:46 am Reply

      Patrick, thank you so much for your comment and for sharing your experience! Oh stress…that one can be a killer. Many years ago, during my worst bouts with Bipolar Disorder, stress ran so high in my life. My health problems then were absolutely horrendous! I was about 30 pounds heavier than I am now, I had chronic migraines, irritable bowels, colon polyps, digestive issues, sleep apnea, and all sorts of other problems. Once I was able to eliminate the stress, all of these things vanished! So I am really looking forward to what’s to come with the new changes. I wish you luck in your journey as well! Here’s to baby steps!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom

    August 22, 2017 at 2:43 am Reply

    I just turned 40 and wow it really is a wakeup call. I’m sorry about the loss of your parents. My husband lost both of his young, too… I am really good at getting enough sleep and exercising… but, eating healthy is so hard for me. I’ve been wanting to take baby steps towards eating healthier, too! I love the boots you have on, they look great with your dress!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 22, 2017 at 10:42 am Reply

      Carrie, thank you so much for your wonderful comment. I am pretty good with getting enough rest and exercise I despise! So I better change my eating habits at the very least! But I think I am going to take Suzy’s suggestion and try some yoga even if it is for only 10 minutes a day. Baby steps. Baby steps. All the way. I wish you luck on your journey to a healthier diet. (Btw, the shoes were on clearance for about $17 at Target not that long ago…still full price online, but reduced in the store.)

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Susan Kanoff

    August 22, 2017 at 2:53 am Reply

    Kudos to you for your honesty and your willingness to make changes. I went through a stressful year and totally let myself go…I stopped exercising and my eating habits have been horrible (blog to come). I stopped making excuses about why I can’t exercise (too tired, no time, etc etc) and tonight I set up a mat, weights and started some floor exercises. Baby steps, right? Here’s to a healthier lifestyle. Big hugs. Susan http://www.themidlifefashionista.com

  • jodie filogomo

    August 22, 2017 at 3:19 am Reply

    It is amazing what kinds of additives are in everything we use, Shelbee. But it’s not easy to change everything at once. Little by little makes it so much easier—especially with kids.
    We try to eat a clean diet. At first that meant looking at all the ingredients on everything…but now, we know what we can buy without having to police everything. And we enjoy ourselves too. It doesn’t help to try to be perfect, but we eat good 80% of the time!!
    Good luck—because it is worth it! It just takes time and patience!!!
    XOOX
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 22, 2017 at 10:38 am Reply

      Jodie, thanks so much for your support and suggestions! I figure even if we start with getting to a 20% clean diet, we are better off than we are now! So let the baby steps begin. We do love food and I used to cook so much more with fresh ingredients…and then I got lazy, I guess. Time to turn it back around!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Nancy

    August 22, 2017 at 6:16 am Reply

    We are both talking about out health today! I think its good of you to recognise your situation! I could tell you so much about how important healthy food and exercizing is! Just start with it and you feel the difference real quick!
    Didnt know you are a cougar!😂😂😂😂😂😘😘😘😘

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 22, 2017 at 10:36 am Reply

      Nancy, thank you so much for your support! We have already started with it…slowly but surely. I am hopping over soon to check out your post! And yes, I am most definitely a cougar…so I have that going for me! Hahaha.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Laurie

    August 22, 2017 at 6:24 am Reply

    Stop beating yourself up Shelbee! Don’t we all do this with our kids when we all lead such busy lives? I’m sure it can be remedied quite easily. A little good and a little bad never hurt anyone. I still have the odd cigarette daily and I love it. Shame on me! But I don’t care! xx
    http://www.vanityandmestyle.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 22, 2017 at 10:34 am Reply

      Laurie, thank you so much for your kindness and support! I am not being all that hard on myself, but changes do need to happen around here! My kids literally ask for ice cream and candy for breakfast every morning! Is this normal? I don’t give it to them, but it seems what I have been giving them has made them crave and want sugar all the time. And it’s gross! Ha. I need to make some changes. And yes, we all have our vices. I am sure I will continue with some of mine…but in moderation!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • jacqui

    August 22, 2017 at 7:22 am Reply

    Good luck with your quest, and don’t be too harsh on yourself with what you feed your kids, most people are the same. I was, but always cooked from scratch and with fresh produce – now my kids are older and eat what they want and some times it’s not that healthy. I suppose the old saying ‘everything in moderation’ is a good rule of thumb. You look great though Shelbee, so something is working. x Jacqui
    http://www.mummabstylish.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 22, 2017 at 10:31 am Reply

      Jacqui, thank you so much! I am definitely not the kind of person who goes full throttle on things like this. So with baby steps, there will be lots of moderation before a full change occurs. I really appreciate your words and support. Thank you so much for the support!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Suzy

    August 22, 2017 at 7:40 am Reply

    WOW Shelbee, what a heartfelt post. I am so happy that you have decided to change your lifestyle, and your family’s, so you can all live a happy, extraordinary life. But yes, you’re right, sometimes baby steps is what’s needed. My hubby and I changed our eating habits several years ago and we both feel so much better, it’s almost unbelievable! We started with the alkaline diet – not really a diet as such, just a change. Cutting out (reducing the amount of ‘acid’ foods and replacing them with more alkaline foods. We bought a book about it though, because there is so much information about it. Basically, cancer (and other diseases) thrive in bodies that are more acid-based. It CANNOT, however, survive in an alkaline body. If you stop eating acidic foods, you will find that your illnesses drastically improve too – your son’s eczema, for instance, will get better. We also hardly eat any dairy – we’ve substituted milk with almond milk / rice milk / coconut milk which taste way better.
    I can also really, really recommend yoga. It’s not just the asanas (poses) which help physically, but it also helps mentally. I’m a different person since doing it and I love it. Even if it’s just ten minutes a day, it helps enormously. There are yoga breathing techniques (pranayama) which help illnesses too, Shelbee. Seriously, all this stuff will blow your mind! If you’re interested in the yoga, have a look at my videos on Yogadocious (website or youtube) – they’re not brilliant (I’m still a bit of a fumbling mess whilst doing the exercises lol but I am getting better). I’m also going to writing about recipes and stuff which you might enjoy. I’m so excited for you, Shelbee. You really are on the brink of extraordinary stuff!
    I can also recommend a brilliant website I subscribe to which is full of healthy stuff – http://mindbodygreen.com
    Regarding your parents, I’m so sorry you lost them so young. I lost my mother when she was only 33 (I was 13) and for years I thought I was going to die at that age too. I spoke to my sister about it and she thought the same too. It’s crazy why we put ourselves through that. As long as you change your lifestyle, there’s nothing to stop you from living a long and happy life! I’m looking forward to reading about your journey, Shelbee!!
    Big, healthy, virtual hugs
    Suzy xx
    Suzy Turner at Yogadocious

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 22, 2017 at 10:29 am Reply

      Suzy, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I really appreciate all of this wonderful information that you have shared with me. And thank you so much for sharing your experience and your story of personal loss as well. I am definitely going to check out all of these resources including your yoga videos (you can’t possibly fumble more than I would!) It is people like you and comments like these that make me love this blogging community so much more!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Kathrine Eldridge

    August 22, 2017 at 10:58 am Reply

    I completely understand where you are coming from. My kids tend to eat junk food and most times I cave in because I don’t want to deal with the whining. You’ve inspired me to take another look at that. So happy you are on this new journey. Good luck to you and thanks for sharing Shaklee. I remember when I was a kid that we had a woman come over who sold these products. I need to take a second look. Thanks for the link up and love this boho vibe dress.

    http://www.kathrineeldridge.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 22, 2017 at 11:58 am Reply

      Kathrine, thank you so much for sharing your story. It is comforting to know that I am not the only mom who caves into the incessant whining of the children! I am glad that I could inspire you as well…as so many others have inspired me. This is what spreading kindness is all about…sharing information and supporting one another. I do love this blogging community!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Lisa Smith

    August 22, 2017 at 11:16 am Reply

    You, my friend, exemplify courage and strength. Your willingness to put it all out there proves you are serious. You have made yourself accountable for your actions. I am so proud of you. I look forward to and am honored to walk with you in your health journey. Thank you for your kindness and sincerity.

  • Debbie Stinedurf

    August 22, 2017 at 1:05 pm Reply

    First of all, I can tell you that what Suzy said about her mom’s passing is 100% accurate. My mom died when she was 34. The year I turned 34 was one of the most mentally difficult of my life. Even though my mom died from complications from diabetes (simply because she did not take care of herself) and I was not diabetic, I was certain I would not live past 34. This is actually quite common for girls/women who lose their moms at a young age. All I wanted to be was 35. As I’m sure you’ve figured out, I made it past 34 (lol), and you my friend, will make it to 58. It’s hard to change so much about how we live our lives, so baby steps are definitely the way forward. I ate clean and worked out hard for many years,but somehow I just stopped. I don’t know why, but it happened. In June I started eating much healthier again and I feel a thousand times better. Now I’m trying to get back into the habit of working out again too. Just do what you can and when you slip up, simply move on and keep working at it.
    Debbie
    http://www.fashionfairydust.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 22, 2017 at 1:58 pm Reply

      Debbie, I cannot thank you enough for this comment…as I sit here with tears in my eyes. Why do life’s tragedies haunt us so? I was speaking to my sister the other day about this very fear…the fear of not making it past that age of our mother’s death. I was relived and comforted to know that she felt the same fear. And now I know that this is so common, thanks to all of my wonderful blogger friends for sharing their stories with me. I am much healthier than both of my parents were, so perhaps my fears are a bit unrealistic…yet I can be healthier still. When I really started thinking about it, I realized that my mother was just 45 when she became a widow…and that was a very daunting concept. Although, my husband is much younger and much healthier so I don’t fear widowhood like that…but I do remember my mother seeming very old and defeated at that age. That is not the life I want to live nor is it the legacy I want to leave with my children. So baby steps…here we go! Thank you always for your kind words and support, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Aimee

    August 22, 2017 at 1:08 pm Reply

    Great post lady! I will support you on this journey for sure, judgement free! I have been trying to do the same around my house too. I might start with tossing the bin of parade candy. I am so over it. I can’t wait til football season starts and we both try to cook more and use fresher ingredients. You always put on an amazing spread!!!!! Maybe our joint mission is to tackle the school lunches around here. You in?!

  • Cheryl Tuckerr

    August 22, 2017 at 1:26 pm Reply

    Life is about waking up each day and trying to do and be better. I wake up each day letting go of yesterday and thinking of the new day. In our world a healthy lifestyle is difficult. One step at a time is a good way to make change. Meanwhile you look super hot! I love your gladiator sandals, you style them is so many fun ways! Peace and thanks for the great post! Peace!
    Cheryl
    http://www.northwestmountainliving.com

  • Audrey Stevenson

    August 22, 2017 at 1:56 pm Reply

    Yay you! We’ve been on this quest for a few years now and really love it! One of the hardest parts is knowing who’s right with so much conflicting info out there…we just picked a few things and have stuck with them…maybe not perfect but work for us! The Wellness Mama blog is very inspiring…even if following all her suggestions would take super hero powers!!!!! GOOD LUCK and I wish you STRENGTH!!!!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 22, 2017 at 2:07 pm Reply

      Audrey, thank you so much for your supportive comment! I will check out The Wellness Mama blog! It is definitely going to be a process to find out what works best for us. Balance is the key, I think. I wish you luck and strength as well. Thank you for stopping by!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Cheryl@SewCanDo

    August 22, 2017 at 2:01 pm Reply

    Your honesty and determination are refreshing. A lot of the time family change starts with mom. It’s not easy, but you’ve got the right mind set. I’m also having some big life changes right now and instead of building stress & guilt, I’m telling myself that we’re taking things slow and gradual to better adjust. Good luck with your journey!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 22, 2017 at 2:03 pm Reply

      Cheryl, thank you so much for your kind and supportive words! My husband is all about making the changes, but I really do need to be the one to implement them! Good luck with your changes as well. Cheers to baby steps and positive changes!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Laura

    August 22, 2017 at 2:16 pm Reply

    Good for you for making healthy changes for yourself and your family! It isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it in the end! Hope it helps all of you!

  • Lorena

    August 22, 2017 at 2:24 pm Reply

    I think the most important thing here is that you’ve stopped to look around and notice that you can do better for yourself and your family and right there is the first big step. I was also fed junk and its not been for the last 5 years that i have made efforts in trying out healthier foods and even fruits i had said to myself i did not like. Its not easy breaking all of our previous habits but changes can be made. I am currently transitioning from regular milk to almond milk and its been three months since I even purchased any cereal. Now I make an effort to make oatmeal.
    I think you should be so proud of yourself !! I am rooting for you 🙂
    Oh and that tunic dress is so nice!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 22, 2017 at 3:38 pm Reply

      Lorena, thank you so much for your support and your encouraging words! And thank you for sharing your personal journey to a healthier lifestyle. It certainly helps to know others have been where I am and have successfully made the changes. I appreciate all the motivation I can get! And I knew I would get a positive and inspirational response from this fabulous blogging community!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Theresa Campbell

    August 22, 2017 at 3:55 pm Reply

    Shelbee, congrats on being so courageous as to bare your soul. I lost my mom and dad to cancer as well. My mom was only 64 and with every birthday that brings me closer to that age the fear rears it’s ugly head. But her passing, for as horrible as it was, was also the catalyst for me to take better care of myself and was also instrumental in me starting my online business. To me, making these positive life changes was a way for me to honor her.

    The most important thing is to be kind to yourself first and foremost. Forgive yourself and move on. We’re all only human and trying the best we can to deal with all that life randomly dishes out. But that’s why I feel it’s important to make changes in your life in areas you do have control, like your lifestyle, diet, mindset, etc. I totally agree with the other poster about yoga. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself.
    Once you see and feel the positive results from the changes you make, you will come to realize how much easier it is to weather all the outside craziness that gets thrown your way.

    And you’re right about baby steps. The worst thing to do is to try and make all the changes at once. Making it about the journey and not the destination will help you from becoming overwhelmed.

    Best of luck on your journey to wellness. I’m rooting for you, sweetie 🙂

    Oh and btw, love the outfit. Those sandals are awesome!

    Theresa

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 23, 2017 at 11:27 am Reply

      Theresa, you have no idea how much I appreciate this comment as well as all the others! I have received so much support and encouragement from this blogging community of so many amazing people. It is comforting to know that my fears are not absurd as a few others have expressed the same experience and fears. And to know that my blogging friends care and will hold me accountable as well. Putting it all out there on my blog, publicly, was a way to force myself to be accountable as well. I definitely need to look into some yoga as it has been mentioned multiple times now. Thank you so very much for your positive and encouraging words. It really means a lot and I am so grateful!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Mary Colleen

    August 22, 2017 at 4:26 pm Reply

    This is so cool to hear, Shelbee! My mother had a gut infection when we were younger and changed our entire eating habits. At first we were devestated (how could I live without my chocolate chip cookie cereal?!) but in the end we are all grateful for the changes she made. Instilling healthy habits can be hard, but you are off to a good start! Shaklee is a great company! Thanks for opening up and being honest. You can make this change, Shelbee! You can do it!

    Mary
    https://www.themarycurator.com/

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 23, 2017 at 11:20 am Reply

      Mary, thank you so much for sharing your story! My kids are going to to be difficult, for sure, through this transition. I really appreciate all of the support and encouragement! This blogging community is amazing! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I can use all the pep talks I can get!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • jess jannenga

    August 22, 2017 at 6:31 pm Reply

    Shelbee, first, I am sorry to hear about your parents. That had to be very difficult. My dad passed away 1 1/2 yrs ago and it was unexpected, so the loss of a parent is hard. I do think it is never too late to be aware of eating habits, changes in exercise or wanting to improve one’s life in different ways. It sounds like you are on the right path and are making good choices now. Small steps is what is important, otherwise it can seem overwhelming. On the fashion front, love the patterned dress on you. great details and I am a fan of gladiator sandals! Pretty 🙂
    Have a great week my friend!
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 23, 2017 at 11:17 am Reply

      Jess, thank you so much! I am sorry to hear about your father as well. It is never easy to lose a parent no matter how old we are. Even now…all these years later, I still sometimes think “Man, I would love to call my mom and share this with her.” Here’s to baby steps! I am so grateful for all of the amazing support I am receiving from the blogger community. You are all so awesome! Thank you. Thank you.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Rosemary Davis

    August 22, 2017 at 7:31 pm Reply

    Knowing better is the key to doing better. That comes from educating ourselves a more each. and practicing what we have learned. Thanks for your insights and teachings. Great sandals you’ve got there too!

  • Emma Peach

    August 22, 2017 at 7:46 pm Reply

    Taking stock and realising you need to make changes is an achievement in itself. So many people just carry on eating rubbish and not exercising and then wonder why they get sick and overweight (like someone in my family). I know it’s not easy to make big changes but doing it in small stages is sensible. I’ve gone from eating some meat, to just fish, to full vegetarian, and I’m eating vegan more and more now. I don’t know if I’ll become a full time vegan – that’s hardcore – but I feel better when I do avoid dairy. It’s so easy to let kids eat crap – my daughter would eat crisps and chocolate all day if I let her, and to be honest she does eat more than she should, although thankfully we’ve never had a problem getting her to eat the healthy stuff. She’s just basically an eating machine at the moment! My husband worries about his health because his dad died just after he retired, not exactly young, but certainly not old. We have so much more information about health than previous generations so that’s cause to be optimistic. Good luck with this new phase! Love your dress btw 🙂

    Emma xxx
    http://www.style-splash.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 23, 2017 at 11:13 am Reply

      Emma, thank you so much for the support and for sharing your experience with me. And you are right, we do have more information now than our parents’ generation did about health and wellness. And I am much healthier than my parents were. My father smoked 3 packs of cigarettes a day and died from lung cancer. And my mother weighed over 300 pounds and died from colon cancer (she had symptoms for 10 years before she sought treatment). I don’t smoke and I don’t weigh 300 pounds and I have my colonoscopies every 5 years, so already I am much better off than they were…yet that fear still lingers in the back of my head! So time to make changes. I appreciate all of the kindness and support that I am receiving from this fabulous blogging community! Thank you so much.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Amber Harrop

    August 23, 2017 at 1:25 pm Reply

    Good on you Shelbee for wanting to make such a positive change, changing diet is hard to do, take it from someone that had to lose 5 stone to be healthy again, but small changes can help. And getting the whole family involved is hard but worthwhile. If you told me seven years ago I go to a gym or drink green tea I would have questioned your sanity but I have done both and enjoyed it 🙂

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 23, 2017 at 1:27 pm Reply

      Amber, thank you so much for your positive and encouraging response! I know it is going to be a difficult transition for a house full of junk food addicts! But baby steps have already started…here we go! I really appreciate your support. Thank you so much!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Elizabeth Ramsey

    August 23, 2017 at 1:34 pm Reply

    Good on you, Shelbee! It’s true that life means nothing if you don’t have the health to enjoy it. Over the past decade we’ve changed our eating drastically, one little step at a time. No more junk food in the house. Snacks are almonds or fruit. We also don’t have children so any whining and gnashing of teeth at this new normal comes from us and us alone. Look forward to hearing more about this journey. You are amazing and you have got this!!!!

    Elizabeth | http://nattygal.com

  • Gigi Kiersten

    August 23, 2017 at 2:41 pm Reply

    *hugs* I’m so sorry about the loss of your parents. I’m happy and proud of that you are slowly trying to live a healthier lifestyle. I know I have to be healthier myself, and learn to take care of myself more.

  • Nikki

    August 23, 2017 at 3:03 pm Reply

    Shelbee, I can’t begin to describe just how much your post resonates with me. Especially about not wanting to be a statistic. Although I’ve always been pretty healthy, I suffered a surprise postpartum heart attack over Memorial Day Weekend, causing my anxiety to kick into overdrive. I actually just wrote a post about it today that I linked up. I’m happy that you’re ready to make a change and that you’re working so hard to be healthy. Good for you! I know you’re going to do great. Good luck with everything 🙂

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 23, 2017 at 3:41 pm Reply

      Nikki, thank you so much for your kind words and your support. I am so sorry for your health scare. That must have been incredibly frightening. I am glad that you are here to tell about it. I will be hopping over now to read your post. Now more than ever I am very aware of how important good heart health is. Thank you for sharing your story!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Brooke

    August 23, 2017 at 4:34 pm Reply

    Good for you Shelbee!! Know that no one is perfect and even those who try to eat well most of the time, feed their kids pop tarts, mac and cheese and sugary cereal from time to time. I think it’s great that you’re making a change for you and your family! It’s never easy to break habits and change the way we eat, (I need to get better myself) but it’s going to be worth it!

    Brooke
    Pumps & Push-Ups

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 24, 2017 at 10:51 am Reply

      Brooke, thank you so much for your encouraging words! It’s going to be a difficult transition to make as I am already battling with the children! But I know it will be worth it. I will feel better and have more energy….and what’s not to love about healthier, cleaner eating, right? My kids will thank me for it later in life (maybe!). I really appreciate all of the support offered from this amazing blogging community. Thank you so much!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Chrissy Rowden

    August 23, 2017 at 11:16 pm Reply

    Hey Shelbee! Good for you! It’s not about what we were doing, it’s what we ARE doing, right? You see something you’re not happy with and you’re taking the steps to make a change. That’s all any of us can do! I have heard so many great things about Shaklee and believe you are in good hands there. And I get the struggle to get the kids on board with healthy food. Even when you’ve served them up health for years, they go and get teenage on ya and decide “your” bread isn’t the good bread. The white stuff is better. Just had that conversation this morning. lol. I’m not bitter. 😉 Even as I type this comment, I’m delving into my next bite of baklava from a local coffee shop. I’m working on balance and I’m with you on the step by step approach! When I first started my healthier eating lifestyle (still riddle with treats every now and then!!), I replaced item by item in the pantry…peanut butter, cereals (though now I compromised with less sugar, no dyes, etc options), honey, maple syrup instead of syrup, etc etc. I’ll be following and cheering on your journey my blogger friend, as well as praying. Change is not easy! As always it’s been a pleasure visiting. 😉

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 24, 2017 at 10:36 am Reply

      Chrissy, thank you so very much for your kind and encouraging words! I need all the cheerleaders I can get on this one! I do love my junky snack food and rather than throw it all in the trash I have been slowly and in moderation allowing myself to have small treats, but once it’s gone, I am not replacing it with the same junk! I will be replacing it with new healthier snacks…and hopefully homemade ones. I tend to be more inclined to cook homemade in the cooler months anyway, so the timing for the transition works for me.

      And oh, the teenage years! I am not looking forward to those battles. Ugh. #momlife #thestruggleisreal

      By the way, I love baklava and don’t know that I could resist it either even if the name of healthy living!

      As always, I really appreciate your support and kindness. This blogging community is so amazing and I love being a part of it!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Ada

    August 24, 2017 at 2:25 am Reply

    First of all I had no idea I was featured since I linked up a day late (today) but thank you. Always a pleasure.

    I really want to take a pause and applause you for being so open, raw, honest and sincere in sharing this post which I am sure wasn’t easy to do because these are delicate, very personal topics. I am so sorry you have suffered with bi-polar disease and that your parents passed away in such a young age. It goes without saying, but better late than never. You are not too old to make a change in your life. I am so glad you are doing this for you and your family. I too am not happy with my body currently though I eat a lot of fruits and veggies and try to eat pretty healthy. I will share more about that in my Thursday Moda post this week. I too want to start some of these shake diets (at least have one solid meal made up of a healthy fruit/veggies/protein each day).

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 24, 2017 at 10:20 am Reply

      Ada, thank you so much for your kind and supportive words. This was definitely one of the more difficult posts I have ever written, but I am glad that I did. The response has been very positive and encouraging…one of the reasons I love this blogging community so much! The shakes are actually quite good and I have never been much of a breakfast person, so they definitely help me.

      And I apologize that I didn’t let you know that you were featured! Eek…that was my fault. I usually do and I literally just forgot. Actually, I need to share on Twitter and Facebook like I always do. I’m doing that right now!

      I will be checking out your Thursday Moda post shortly.

      As always, thank you so much for your continued support!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Nina

    August 24, 2017 at 12:29 pm Reply

    Good Morning Shelbee! I always love your posts because you aren’t afraid to go deep, and really look at what’s going on in your life and your heart. In late September, I will be celebrating 10 years of having lost 50 lbs and keeping it off. Like you, I dove deep to find out what what going on both outside–what I was eating and doing, and inside, what I was thinking as well as my habits. I discovered many things I was able to heal, each of which brought me, step by step, to a healthier place, both physically and emotionally. Once I set the intention to get healthy, Louise Hay appeared on Oprah talking about loving ourselves, about looking at ourselves in the mirror, and loving ourselves. Having nothing to loose, I tried it–after all, it is free to stand naked in front of a mirror, look yourself in the eyes and say “I love you.” I cried, so much pain dropped away, and little by little, I started to change my life. I realized that much of what I had been doing was protecting and numbing emotional pain, which over time had gone awry. Anyway, I will be writing about the journey in September, but I started around your age and I’m 58 and feeling wonderful now. Hugs and lots of love, Nina
    http://Www.sharingajourney.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 24, 2017 at 1:01 pm Reply

      Nina, thank you so much for your encouraging words and for sharing your story! I am so inspired by so many of my blogger friends and my “in real life” friends, that I am certain positive changes can and will be made. I am happy with myself and the person I have grown into. I have no regrets and I live my life fully, but I can and need to be healthier! So here we go…

      Thank you so, so much for your continued support!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 25, 2017 at 10:47 am Reply

      Rena, thank you so much for your encouraging words. I remember talking with you about the changes you have made and I was definitely inspired by your dedication to a healthier lifestyle. Let’s hope I can be as diligent in my mine! I appreciate the support more than words can even express! Thank you.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Suzy

    August 25, 2017 at 12:18 pm Reply

    I know I already commented here, Shelbee but I’m back again as co-host of Fabulous Friday just to say thank you for linking up! It’s hard work this co-hosting lol!! Just kidding 😉
    Thanks so much for linking up with the Fabulous Friday link-up this week 🙂
    Suzy Turner at Yogadocious
    (this week’s co-host)

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 25, 2017 at 12:27 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Suzy! You are doing great co-hosting! Better than I do as a regular host of my own link up! Hahaha. I can never get around to commenting on all the posts that are linked up. I always feel so bad about it but these kids of mine are way more demanding than anyone ever warned me about!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

      • Suzy

        August 25, 2017 at 12:29 pm Reply

        Thanks Shelbee! I’m just glad Jennie and I are sharing the comments otherwise it would take all day!! But I’m not complaining.. it’s fun 😀 xx

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