Share The Load

One of the many things I have discovered along my healing journey is that we are not truly individuals.  We are all connected at a very deep level.  We are all unique creations, but at the very core we are the same.  You can call it whatever you want, but I believe it is our spirit, given to us by our creator - God.  I feel that when we start out in life that spirit within us shines so brightly...then with the trials, pain, disappointments that come with life that light diminishes, and so does any belief we may (or may not) have that there is a "good" God out there.  This also effects our souls.  (I see our spirit as the very essence of life - the same for all of us, and our soul as a more individual extension of ourselves.)  I don't want to get too deep or complicated with this, but I think our spirit flows throughout our bodies and actually out into the world.  If you know anything about how acupuncture works, it kind of makes sense.  I believe that each one of our spirits impact the people around us.  Have you ever been in a really good mood and then had someone suck that right out of you...sometimes without them even saying a word?  Thankfully I have also had the opposite experience where I was feeling really down, but one of those naturally glowing people showed up and turned it around, just like that.  Maybe it's just me...maybe I am just an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person...yes, this is a REAL condition!  LOL! - check it out: http://www.hsperson.com)  I would argue that we all are to a certain extent.  When I started writing this post the word "humanity" came to mind, so I had to look up an exact definition.  I found this, "humanity = human beings collectively."  We are one.  What happens to one happens to all, in a sense.

Ok, now for the original idea for this post...other people's pain and suffering.  I have found that there are typically two responses to another person's struggles...one being, "I have been there/felt that before," and the other being something like, "Lord, I pray I never have to face something like that."  Before I technically "got sick," I was always very focused on my health.  I would literally think to myself, "I can handle anything as long as I have my health...I've just got to have my health."  I almost set myself up to crumble if something were to shake my health.  Well, God never promised that life would be easy, but He did promise that He would always be with us.  He never forsakes us.  "REALLY?!" you might say.  God being there for us and loving us does not always mean our problems just go away.  It means that we will have what we need to get through.  Many times that comes in the form of other people, placed in our lives for a reason.  We ourselves are also placed in the lives of others for a reason, and we should never underestimate our own importance.  As I mentioned above, I believe we all have the Spirit of God inside of us, and that makes us more than capable...and also responsible.

As Mark Nepo writes so eloquently in part of his poem "The Way Under The Way":

"It doesn’t matter how we come
to this. We may jump to it or be
worn to it. Because of great pain.
Or a sudden raw feeling that this
is all very real. It may happen in a
parking lot when we break the eggs
in the rain. Or watching each other
in our grief.

But here we will come. With very
little left in the way.

When we meet like this, I may not
have the words, so let me say it now:
Nothing compares to the sensation
of being alive in the company of
another. It is God breathing on
the embers of our soul.

Stripped of causes and plans
and things to strive for,
I have discovered everything
I could need or ask for
is right here—
in flawed abundance.

We cannot eliminate hunger,
but we can feed each other.
We cannot eliminate loneliness,
but we can hold each other.
We cannot eliminate pain,
but we can live a life
of compassion."

No matter how good someone looks on the outside, we all have "something."  In my discomfort and frustration the other day I was whining to my husband about the fact that as long as you have your health you can improve any other issue you might have in life...you can work to make it better.  It was like I was wanting to "trade" my issue for something else.  He just reminded me that this is "our thing" and that everyone has something.  Thankfully we don't worry about where our next meal is going to come from, we have a comfortable home and utilities, we don't struggle with addictions, we have safe surroundings, we are a loving family unit...  The list is endless of issues we don't have, but sometimes it is all too easy to focus on the issue you do have...and think it is the worst one.  However, not a day goes by that I am not reminded that there are so many out there in far worse situations than I am in.  That makes me grateful, and it makes me want to be a comfort to those people.

Tragedies, though times, struggles, suffering either break you wide open or lock you up tight.  If you can allow it to open you up, you just might find even a small ray of purpose in it - compassion and love for others.  You then have the tools to walk someone else through it, and there is no greater gift you can give.  There is no greater purpose or role than loving and caring for others.  It is the very meaning of life.  No matter what you are going through, just try to go beyond yourself.  I have really learned this one from being a parent.  Even when I feel awful (ok, maybe not my very worst days), I try to put it aside and be happy and enthusiastic for my son.  Actually sometimes I think that is one of the reasons he was put here...to keep me going.  It has to be about more than yourself.  That doesn't mean you have to be a parent to get it.  It can be about your elderly Aunt who lives alone, that animal you adopt, a poor person you pass frequently, someone who is sick, or someone who has lost a loved one.  The gesture doesn't have to be grand or expensive...it can be a visit, a phone call, a note in the mail, a hug, sharing a warm meal, doing a chore, holding a hand.  Be a blessing to someone.  I believe we are put here to do for God what He cannot be down here on earth physically doing Himself.  As unfortunate as pain and suffering is, it makes us more qualified for the job.

A Hurting World

I usually try to steer clear of controversial topics, but I have been thinking about this one a lot lately, and I feel the need to share my point of view (which everyone is entitled to).  I am not trying to be offensive, or say that I am right or have all of the answers.  Ok, here it goes...

In light of the recent tragedy in our country it is understandable that attention has turned back to gun laws.  It makes perfect sense that people are afraid…especially those who have never been around guns that are used for fun/sport and used safely and responsibly.  Many people can only equate guns with violence, crime, and death.  I totally get that.  Our point of view comes from our personal experiences in life.

I know it seems logical that stricter gun laws would equal a decline in gun related violence.  I have thought about that possibility myself.  After thinking it over for a while I drew this conclusion…it is possible that gun related crimes might actually increase.  I think we would be surprised to know how many criminals thought twice about, and didn't follow through with, a crime they had hoped to commit in an area where it was possible that their victim(s) owned guns and could defend themselves.  In other words...the possibility that death could be the result of their actions stopped them from committing the crime.  (Of course this probably doesn't apply to people who have just "lost it" and go on some sort of rampage, but they will hurt people any way they can.)

People are fooling themselves if they think gun bans are going to solve the problem.  The criminals will still be able to get their hands on guns, but the difference will be that innocent people will no longer be able to enjoy their sport, and even worse they will not be able to defend themselves, their families, their homes.  If you don't live in "the middle of nowhere" you couldn't possibly understand that it can take police much more than a few precious minutes to come to your aid.  Let me repeat...the criminals will still have access to guns no matter what the laws!  Just think of other things that are illegal.

There are tons of potentially harmful things out there that we could think about enforcing stricter laws around.  Maybe start with banning or censoring the internet because it teaches people how to make bombs and do all other sorts of violent and destructive things?  That sounds crazy to some people.  Lots of people drink, do drugs, text AND drive (and hurt or kill others), but we have yet to do away with cars.  Some won't see the connection here.  I just think we want to be careful about what we say we want to start putting such limitations on, because we can't just pick and choose.  Rights and freedoms can slowly be chipped away at one by one until we no longer have the "freedom" that we are so fortunate to have here in the United States of America.  It is a slippery slope.  It also instills that extremely anger-producing lesson that the innocent pay for what the rule-breakers do.  Ever have to stay in from recess because one kid in your class acted up and ruined it for everyone?!  Not only is it completely unfair, but it produces rage in the innocent and creates an even further division in society.

So why write about this on my "positivity only" blog about "Embracing Your Grace?!"  Let's face it.  This is a people problem, not a gun or weapon problem.  We need to start with the basics like people giving their children love, attention, guidance, etc.  If people don't know how to provide a life like that for their children, because they came from messed-up homes, abuse, poverty, and/or other issues, then we as a society need to get them the help they need to turn things around.  We need to learn to truly care about someone other than ourselves and treat others the way we want to be treated.  It seems simple enough, but it seems to be somewhat lost in our current world.  It is easy to find an object to blame and hate, because that makes us feel better.  It makes us feel like we can do something about it.  We have to keep in mind that if it's not guns, then it's bombs, knives, poison…you get the picture.  Until we get to the root of the problem - too many hurting people in our world - we will be in an endless race to get rid of "things" that can hurt us.  I think it says a lot about our society when an authority figure has to put a limit on soft drink sizes.  We don't even have the control to stop ourselves from harming ourselves!  It is a form of self-medicating, because we are HURTING...we are missing something.  The issue is much bigger than guns, and we need to start dealing with it accordingly.  We can start with being kind to one another.  Just my opinion.

You Are Not Alone

Once again...I have spent a little time away from blogging...  It was needed.  Unfortunately I have not been feeling that great, and I am trying to listen to my body and reign back in the things that I can.  (I am sure that swallowing glass - don't ask me from where - last night didn't help!  LOL!)  Though it is late, and I should be sleeping, I am moved to post tonight.  Not just for myself, but hopefully for others out there.  Tonight I listened to someone talking about a time of great suffering in their life.  They were battling cancer, and they were completely alone.  Every time someone suggested, "Well, what about a friend, or this person, or that person?"  They simply kept shaking their head and saying, "NO!  I had no one.  I had decisions to make, and appointments to go to...  I did it all by myself."  Then some of us asked if people were even aware of what she was going to.  She stopped...thought for a moment...she wasn't sure, or she guessed not.  Then I tried to delicately explain that sometimes we restrict ourselves from receiving support.  Sometimes we just need to take down our walls and reach out for it.  I know it is easier said than done...especially if you are a very private or introverted person, but the fact of the matter is that we all need support at one time or another.  My heart broke as she recounted the pit she was in, and the fact that she had no one to lean on.  She didn't even feel that God was there.  I just couldn't wrap my mind around it.  How does someone come into this world and at some point end up with no one?!  Unfortunately it does happen.

I came home and immediately checked on my son in bed and gave him a kiss.  Then I hugged my husband and told him how very much I appreciate all of his love and support.  For all of the differences we have with people in our lives, the annoyances, the ups and downs, THEY ARE THERE!  With all that I have been through this year, my mind can't even go to a place where I come home to an empty house, or I couldn't even come up with a person to call on the phone.  Even on the nights I am sitting up "alone," I know that if something unbearable were to happen, there is someone right next to me (or in the other room if he's snoring!  LOL!) who would jump up, care for me, and make sure I got the help I needed.

I guess this post is my plea to YOU.  PLEASE pray for those in the world who truly have no one.  No one to shoulder the burden with, and no one to share the joys with.  Then I would ask you to open yourself up to being a "someone" for someone like that.  Just check in on them periodically, offer to take them somewhere, let them know that someone is thinking about them and cares.  (I remember sitting at a table of "senior citizens" braiding palms for Palm Sunday, and they were talking about how many of their friends were discovered passed away only because their newspapers had built up outside their door - how sad!)  I know, I know...our lives are so busy, and other excuses...  Be thankful that your life is filled with things to do and people to see!  I am not sure there is anything more sad than feeling lonely.  Do your part to absorb the loneliness factor in this world.  Let's sop it up until it's all gone!  Oh, and if you ever find yourself with no one, PLEASE reach out into the world around you, because I guarantee someone cares and wants to be there for YOU!  Tonight I am sending lots of love out to everyone who needs someone.

Reconnect and Recharge

So I can be a bit of a see-saw when it comes to my general opinion of "people."  Some days I feel all doom and gloom and decide that humanity has gone downhill, and there is no hope other than Jesus showing up to wipe everything out and start over (or whatever the plan is).  Dramatic, huh?  It's usually when it feels like everyone is cutting me off while I am out and about, or someone bumps into me and doesn't say "excuse me"...those sorts of things.  Forget about watching or reading the news...all they report is the negative, so of course I walk away feeling hopeless and afraid!  Then there are days when I see people doing wonderful, selfless things for others and my faith in humankind is restored.  A stranger will make eye contact, smile, and say "hi."  That makes my day!

When I take stock of my life I would say that overall I am definitely a people person.  From the time I was little I loved visiting with anyone and everyone...though, there was something extra special about older/elderly people.  I could sit forever and listen to stories about the "good old days."  When my family lived in New York, around my Dad's huge Italian family, we had big, loud, festive gatherings - especially around holidays - and that is when I was in my glory.  Then we moved to Vermont, where my mom is from...more good times with a large family, just a little quieter.  I am quite a bit younger than most of my cousins on my mom's side, so it was always fun to tag along with them, have them take care of me, ride in their cars, have sleep-overs at their houses.  Then when they had kids, more excitement.  Good times!

I had good friends at school, Brownies, gymnastics...BEST friends at dance, etc.  After moving from New York living in the "middle of nowhere" wasn't exactly ideal for my social side, but getting into dance really saved me in that sense.

Then I went to college!  'Nuff said.  Pure joy, pure happiness.  That is when I really started living the philosophy "I will talk to anyone."  Just ask my best friends...we couldn't make a simple trip to the dining hall without me talking to every cleaning person and cafeteria staff member on the way.  (Let me just point out that it is a quality I grew up loathing about my father...you couldn't go anywhere with him without it taking quadruple the time it should have for the same reason.)  I just found people and their unique stories so interesting.  I saw beauty and value in so many new and exciting faces.  I have to admit that my college experience was way more about the socializing than the academics.  Oh well.  Going back I wouldn't change a thing, because everything has ended up just fine for me.  I would say that if I could go back knowing what I know now, I would be a little more focused and driven as far as the school work.  On the other hand, I did focus on the most important part...people.  When I leave this world my GPA really won't matter, or the jobs I had or didn’t have, but the memories and beloved friends are forever.

After graduating (very sad for me) my hope was to find a job that had something to do with journalism or publishing.  Um...I soon realized (especially after moving to N.Y.C.) that I couldn't live on the salary or take the time to climb that very steep ladder.  First, I unexpectedly ended up working in career development at Tuck (Dartmouth's MBA school).  BEST.JOB.EVER!  My co-workers were wonderful, and I adored the students.  Every year a new group of highly intelligent, interesting, warm students - with a new set of life stories - came in.  People talk about Tuck as a utopia...it kind of is.  It is a very special place.  (Not to mention I met my husband there!)  After that I moved to N.Y.C. and Boston, and had two recruiting positions at two consulting firms.  They were also good jobs, with fun opportunities, and I made great friends from both.  There was one skill that was crucial for all of the jobs I have ever had - you had to really be a people person.

Then fast-forward to motherhood.  It was truly the only position I ever wanted in life, and I knew that from very early on.  I knew I wanted to stay at home with my children if I could.  When you are going into it you never know what to expect.  Becoming a parent means you have to let go of having control of your life.  My son was born with jaundice and then began to lose weight at an alarming rate.  He was so lethargic that he simply could not stay awake to eat.  I was determined to breast feed, so it was all on me.  It was the most stressful time of my life.  Learning he had reflux four months into it...and then at the six month mark figuring out that he couldn't tolerate my eating dairy or soy...brought some improvement, but feedings still took a minimum of an hour each.  My days were spent sitting, feeding, sitting, feeding, sitting, feeding.  I was fine with it, giving my all (and then some) to my child.  Showering was a luxury.  Slowly but surely any personal identity or contact with the outside world slipped away.  Despite words of warning and advice I was head-down, determined to do the best thing for my child no matter what.  Blinders went on to the rest of the world.  I kept dangling a carrot in front of myself thinking, "This will get better soon, and then I will make time to see someone or talk to a friend."  I did that for almost two years.  By that point I forgot I was a people person.  I had gone so far in the opposite direction of what was natural for me, and that was my new norm.

It took my getting sick to realize that I had deprived myself of something that brought me joy, something I needed to thrive.  I also realized that this was not the first time that something like this had happened in my life.  It made me so aware of how much we need each other in life.  As much as we might tell ourselves "I am fine, I don't need anyone," it's simply not true.  We all draw off from one another.  It makes sense that babies who no one pays attention to or holds can actually die.  We NEED each other.  We need validation, we need to know we matter.  We need to be seen, really seen...and listened to and really heard.  Most of all we need to feel loved.

It is easy to let time get away from us, and our busy lives can prevent even our best of intentions from happening.  As I have carved time out to chat with people on Facebook, or send a “hi” via e-mail, I have felt more and more like my "old" self.  I am happy to say that just this week I have reconnected with four special people in my life.  Two were by computer, and two were by phone.  And as I wrote about last night, I made a new connection this week.  Each exchange fed my soul.  It made me feel like I was living meaningfully.  That spark of what it is all about grew inside of me.  I feel it boosting my healing and bringing me great joy and peace.

No matter what you tell yourself, you are needed, too.  Some of us have a hard time feeling good about ourselves, but reaching out to others can remind us that we have great value…that we bring something special to the table.  It is important to nurture and cultivate these connections to make us feel alive.  Do not neglect them or let them wither away.  Finding people who really "get" you, and you have a strong connection with, is a precious gift.  It is the very thing that can get you through the hard times.  It will recharge you for whatever is to come.  Then your inner flame will be fed so your light can shine the way it was meant to!

Want to feel better?  Reach out to an old friend or loved one today!

You too?

Ok, so when I started this blog I wasn't sure how much, if at all, I was going to talk about Lyme Disease.  Tonight I had an experience of being somewhat prompted to share a little more.  From the moment I had an official diagnosis you would not even believe (I am not exaggerating) the number of people I have encountered who either have it themselves, or someone close to them has it.  First of all, I have a handful of cousins with it, my sister-in-law has it, I believe my brother has/had it (his dog has it)...I also think my Dad has it (he has even had the bullseye, but doctors would not treat him), and it is possible that other family members have it.  I have talked to people in my hometown in Vermont with it, our carpenter - his wife has it, our flooring guy - his mother has it, our vent cleaner - his girlfriend has it, our tile guy - his mother has it, my dentist - his sister-in-law has it, my husband's friend, my herbalist and his wife, and the list goes on.  I literally talk to people almost daily who tell me they know someone, or many people who have suffered, or are currently suffering, from Lyme Disease.  My parents are constantly calling with another person they met and talked with about it.

For whatever reason (I won't get into speculation) it is an underground illness.  Many go for extended periods of time not knowing what is wrong, doctors think they are crazy, yada, yada...we all have similar stories.  Most are left to advocate for themselves...hopefully finding one of the few doctors who understand and treat this "phantom," debilitating disease.  The doctors who do treat it say that Lyme patients are some of the sickest people out there, and they are the ones with the least help.  Most of these doctors also do not take insurance because of the liability of treating such a controversial illness.

Tonight I headed off to a church group I had not been to before.  It was a small group, and being the last person to arrive I sat down in the only empty chair at the intimate, oblong table.  The woman to my right was struggling to get a name tag for me, and I immediately noticed her arthritic, knobby hands.  The group discussion took off, and it was clear that most of these people knew each other and felt comfortable speaking whatever came to mind.  I listened and thought if the floor opened up I was happy to speak my opinion or thoughts, but there was no lull in the flow of conversation.  The topic was prayer, and there was a booklet and Bible passages that went along with it.  Toward the end of the evening one of the final questions was around a time that you put a struggle or difficulty in front of God and just completely gave it over to Him...trusting His will to be done.  SILENCE.  No one said anything.  I looked around.  Nothing.  Then it just came out, "I will share."  I just explained that I have been very sick over the last year, and that at some point in the last month or two I grew tired...  Tired of struggling, trying so hard to find answers, to get better...tired of this illness/awful thing consuming my every day, most of my thoughts.  One day I just said, "God, I am tired.  I can't carry this anymore.  I am giving it to You, for Your will to be done."  I basically just asked for the strength to keep going, to get through it.  I had spent so much time begging for relief, for a miracle...little by little things have improved, but when I let it go, handed it over, things really shifted for me.  It was like a weight was lifted.  Don't get me wrong, I still worry and sometimes revert back to the way I was handling things before, but something has fundamentally changed for me.  It doesn't mean my symptoms are gone, or I am healed, but I am having a different experience with it.

Anyway...everyone was so kind in thanking me for sharing so openly.  For some reason it just came so naturally and was so easy.  That is not who I have always been, but it is definitely who I have become.  At the end of the night as we were packing up our things the woman to my right turned to me with the most heartfelt appreciation for what I had said.  She told me that she has been struggling with the same exact feelings around her illnesses - Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus.  I talked to her and probed about her symptoms, her treatment.  She said that doctors and medicine haven't really been able to help her.  She looked so defeated, so exhausted, so skinny and sick.  I told her about Lyme, and she has felt that could be at the root of her problems, but her doctors refuse to test her for it saying the usual, "there is no such thing as Chronic Lyme."  She has presented them with symptoms and been told, "We have never heard of such symptoms, that's not possible."  She was starting to believe them!  I looked her in the eye and said, "Don't ever let a doctor tell YOU how you are feeling."  I gave her as much information as I could at that point, and I said, "I am going to help you."  I gave her my phone number and e-mail address and told her to contact me anytime.  I saw hope spark in her eyes, and the most beautiful, radiant smile.  She hugged me and told me I was a God-send.  My heart and soul were filled with joy.

My point is this: we all have a story.  Your gift to the world is to share it.  We all have common threads, and when brought together they create hope and love.  We are so conditioned to hold our cards close to our chest, but we need to realize that there is nothing to hide, nothing to be embarrassed about.  There are MANY out there with the same exact story as yours.  When we share we all feel more human, more alive, more hopeful.  I have been so touched by the number of people who have reached out to me in the last year to tell me what they have been through and offer support.  It has been a real lifeline for me.  Now it is my turn to be that lifeline for someone else.  Put yourself out there.  It will benefit you and the world!

Probiotics Are A MUST!

This will have to be a quick one tonight since it is late - and we have our wireless on a timer so it shuts off at 11:00PM (it is good to reduce your exposure to EMFs as much as possible...shut off that cell phone, or at least put it on airplane mode as much as possible - definitely during sleep, because it messes with your natural rhythms/health.)  Anyway...back to the topic: PROBIOTICS!

If there is one piece of health advice (at least as far as products go) that I hope EVERYONE will take away from this blog it is taking a probiotic.  Probiotic literally means pro-life!  That's a good thing!  We are exposed to things that mess with our intestinal flora on a daily basis.  Even if you eat food that you prepare yourself, there are microscopic parasites that you just can't avoid.  Ever play out in the dirt?  Have/kiss/snuggle with a pet?  Travel to a foreign country?  Yup, then you've got parasites.  Not a fun thing to think about, I know!  In a perfectly healthy body, it shouldn't cause a problem.  When your body is run-down, and your immune system is compromised (think mono, auto-immune diseases, etc.) the parasites have a chance to get the upper hand.  It is especially a problem for those of us missing our appendix.  Surprise, you actually DO need it, and it does serve a purpose!  The appendix is the safe place/factory for good bacteria to be created and then populate the intestines.  Without it, there are fewer "good guys" than "bad guys."  This is a problem!  Trust me, I know from experience...a lot of pain and 20lbs. gone later...  Also, the bacteria that can take over your gut can then cause such a problem that it gets into other areas of your body and take them down as well (I will get into this in a future post.)  So many things can alter your intestinal flora, not just parasites - antibiotic use (that's why yogurt is suggested when you have to take them), too much sugar in your diet, etc.

Some ridiculously high percentage of your immune system is housed in your gut, so you want to keep it healthy and up and running at optimum levels.  When your digestive system is off track and your flora are out of balance, you have no idea the numerous negative effects that can have on overall health (and I won't bore/scare/gross you out with the details - you can look it up).  It is all connected!

Quickly, some brands I suggest are:
1. Renew Life (I use the 50 Billion Critical Care)
2. Dr. Ohhira's
3. Theramedix PBC and PB8
(I have also heard that Jarrow has some good products)

You can get most on Amazon if you can't find them locally...usually cheaper, too.

Some tips about probiotics:
- A lot of probiotics never even reach your intestines (where they need to be) because of the acid/juices they have to get through on the way. A good way to help with this is by taking them with warm, lemon or lime water. (I know that seems acidic, but it actually acts as a buffer). The absolute best way to take them is first thing in the morning (an hour before you eat), and/or last thing in the evening (an hour after you are done eating for the day). At least make sure you take them away from food (an hour on both ends).

- If you can, it is important to switch your probiotic every once in a while (like when you run out, or every 2-3 months). They are all a little different, so this helps you get a well-rounded repopulation.  If you want to tip-toe into giving yourself a probiotic boost, first try organic yogurt and/or kefir.  For those with dairy sensitivities there are coconut/almond/goat's milk alternatives.  Kefir and other cultured products are particularly beneficial.

There is so much to say about probiotics, but these are the basics to get you off to a good start!  Here's to some healthy pill popping!

Product Review - Herbal Animals

I thought I would lighten things up a bit with a little product review.  I know I have mentioned that all of my healthcare providers keep stressing that SLEEP is THE MOST IMPORTANT key to my healing process.  I know it is true, but it continues to be something I struggle with.  For one, the Lyme has really messed with my thyroid, hormones, adrenals, etc...hence causing crazy sleep habits.  Another issue is what my hypnotherapist calls "Mommy Syndrome."  It's when you finally reach the end of the day...everyone else is in bed (and staying put), everything is cleaned up and put away, and what's that sound?!  SILENCE!  It is that time that you want to relish...put your feet up, watch a show, open a book...but it is already 10PM!  It is hard to give up that little slice of beautiful "me time" to do whatever you want for yourself, but as I am reminded: SLEEP IS MORE IMPORTANT!

I have tried lots of different things in the last year, for many different issues.  As far as sleep goes I have tried melatonin...it gave me an upset stomach.  Docs wanted to put me on sleep pills...no thanks.  I tried sleep teas, but they seemed to hype me up more.  Then I came across Herbal Animals.  I was immediately impressed by the fact that they are made from 100% certified organically grown herbs, seeds, and cotton...and made in the USA.  When I first found them I thought, "how cute" for my 3-year-old son (who happens to have some sleep issues, too!)  I planned to get him a bunny for his Easter basket, and a dolphin to go with his ocean-themed room.  Then I thought...hey, why not get a few more?!  I got one for myself and one for each of my parents.

I purchased the eye pillows (they also make neck pillows), which when placed on your eyes put pressure on just the right points to bring relaxation.  We sleep with them in our beds, and my son knows that when he can't sleep he just needs to squeeze his little herbal buddy to activate the herbs.  They smell great, and I really do believe in the power of herbs.  My family and friends now call me a "hippie," which is fine with me.  I feel strongly that we all need to get back to a more natural way of living, healing, and managing whatever issues arise.

Herbal Animals make great gifts, or a fun treat for yourself...at any age!  They are adorable, and I assure you that you will get a kick out of their creative names.  For instance, mine is "Mary Tiger Moore."  I chose her specifically for her herbal combination, but she is also too cute!  If you don't know much about what each herb is most beneficial for, each critter has a description on the site to give you some guidance.  Check it out...it is something unique and beneficial, and it is a company I feel great about supporting.  They donate to Feed the Children, The Humane Society, and Save the Children - all wonderful causes!  They are also super sweet - they sent me a free t-shirt and a thank-you note for my order.  Herbal Animals have brought sweeter dreams to our house...and lots of smiles, too!

Herbal Animals website: http://www.herbal-animals.com/