One Year Anniversary!!!

      

        One year ago today, Jason and I began our new journey to healthier living. As with all yearly celebrations, I can’t believe a year has gone by!!! I think back to March 15^th of last year and all the feelings I had on that first day. How cool would it have been if I could have sent a message to myself knowing what I know now. So for my anniversary, I thought it would be fun to write a letter to my past self. :) 

Dear Past Jessica,

                First of all…HAPPY 1 YEAR HEALTHIVERSARY!!!  I’m SO PROUD of you!!! Now I know that you are excited and nervous about your first day. You can’t wait to get through the first week just so you know what the next month will be like. You’re going to ROCK this and you have AN INCREDIBLE year ahead of you. I have so many game changers to share with you, but I’ll try to save some for you to discover on your own. I know how much we love surprises. ;)

                This morning you took the dreaded “Before” pictures. I know it was not easy and a bit painful, but trust me; they make the “After” pictures that much sweeter and rewarding. In fact, Mom is going to surprise you with a size 8!!!! swimsuit and it is going to not only fit but look pretty good on you too. Remember to just take it one day at a time.

                Your days will start out differently. You know how you wake up and coax yourself out of bed by planning your afternoon nap? Good news! You are no longer a regular napper! And surprisingly you even have energy left over AFTER tucking the kids into bed. This is thanks to the incredible nutrition and amazing sleep you are enjoying.  

                So I know you have emphatically said, “There is no way I want to drink a shake every day for the rest of my life. But I can do anything for 30 days.” Be prepared to eat your words, literally! You will come to savor every sip of your shakes and look forward to them. They will be the best meal of your day, because they are filled with ALL the daily nutrients you need that food today cannot give you. In fact, EVERY member of your family will enjoy a shake each day. Jaxson, Julianne, Annalee, and Katelyn will REQUEST that you add greens to their shakes!!! You will come to see the shakes as the gift they are and hope you are blessed to keep them as part of your family’s daily nutrition.

Speaking of feeding your family, I know how daunting it is for you to think about changing the way you cook. I’m so relieved to tell you that by the beginning of summer, cooking and eating healthier meals will be your family’s new normal. In fact, cooking healthy is so much simpler that you will feel silly that you were so overwhelmed to tackle that needed lifestyle change. You will get there! Just start making one change at a time. The kids are going to adjust better than you think they will.  One of the best changes when it comes to eating is that you will no longer look for something sweet to eat after every meal. Not only are your daily dessert cravings gone, but you no longer struggle with overeating. You still love to eat, but you enjoy food in moderation. It is not more important to you than it should be.

               

    I debated whether to share these next two changes with you. But keep in mind--- change IS good!!! You have not had any pop to drink for a whole year, and you do not miss it, even a teeny tiny bit!! I know that may be hard to believe because I know how much you LOVE pop. But trust me! Would I lie to you? ;)  Also, your house has been messier in the last year than it has been the past 12 years of your married life. Please don’t be alarmed by this. I know how crabby and uptight you get when things are not where they belong. The new you still prefers your home to be neat and tidy, but you are able to put time with your family over cleaning. Overall, you’re more laid back and this makes you a more patient mom who is not so easily stressed out. What an answer to prayer this is!! Before you know it, the house will stay clean, and you’ll be sad that your kids are not around to make all those messes.

    I hope this letter has been an encouragement to you.  Your quality of life will improve so much and you'll learn so much that you will begin sharing your story with people. You will be blessed as you connect with old friends and make many new friends (Erin, Lyndsey, Cheryl, Tammy, Michelle, Vic, Yoledyah, Anne, Janel, Karen, Marcy and Charles, Tom and Justine, Bobbie and Eric, Judy, and Maria to name just a few). You will love to share the gift of nutritional cleansing. It will be such a blessing to meet new people and be part of their lives. You will pray for them and their families and anticipate how God will use your friendship for His glory. How cool is that?!

      Thank you for investing in future me. I can’t tell you how thankful you will be that you said YES. Enjoy the year before you, and remember I am counting on you. You’ve got this!!!

Love,
Future Jessica

PS. Last Saturday at the park, you crossed the MONKEY BARS!!!

PSS. You have lost 80 POUNDS and 100.75 inches!!! Your BMI dropped from 36.8 (obese) to 24.2 (normal) Enjoy checking out those AFTER pictures below! NO, I didn't photo shop them. And NO you are not an exercise fanatic, but you're holding fairly strong at 3 times a week. :)

Thanks for reading my post today! I hope my story inspires others to take steps toward a healthier future. Who knows? Maybe you and I will be blessed to connect and encourage one another. Even better, if you are open to learning more about nutritional cleansing you can click on the link below to get our FRESH START newsletter. This is a great low pressure way for you to check out the gift that has been so life changing for my family.

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