They tell me I'm pretty.

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“Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it.” -Confucius.

What value does being pretty really have? Is it financially gainful? In some cases, yes. Is it morally upright? Does it validate your existence? It would appear that in many societies it does. Especially if you’re of the female persuasion. There was a time, when I felt validated only by my pretty face. Coming to the conclusion that if nothing else, at least I was pretty. However, I’d much rather have a functioning left arm than big pretty eyes! Another important question, “What really matters?” I found myself resigned to a wheelchair, a cane,bulky(heavy)braces, and at one point the ugliest shoes I have ever seen in my life. Where there was once freedom of movement, cute little shoes, and fashionable clothes I found myself stuck with the opposite at the time. Being in these unwanted and unfavorable circumstances made me question my self worth and even sexuality as a Woman. I no longer felt attractive. In turn this effected how I felt and perceived the world around me. It brought with it the question of, for many other Women who are(or have become) disabled, how do they feel? Because, until certain aspects of your “normal,” life experience change, there are so many nuances you don’t realize or perceive. Sure, it’s quite nice to be told how pretty you are. But really, in the big scheme of things, what does it matter? I remember one comment I received in particular(though funny at the time) was quite telling of our general attitude towards physical appearance. “Well, at least it didn’t mess up your face!” In regards to the stroke, although I’ll readily admit I’m thankful it didn’t. However, what if it did!? Would I find myself relegated to the forgotten in the world’s population? What a sad truth this is for our society. We place value on things where there isn’t a whole lot and no value on things where there is much. In fact for some time I had to be stopped from giving away all my belongings, because after what I went through, the value of them dropped! At one point in time where I would spend frivilously, I now carefully(and delibrately) saved. We all know beauty is only skin deep, but how often do we act on that truth? If we actually did, the cosmetics industry would plummet, bank account balances would rise, and eating disorders would be arcane. Therefore, take care of your physical health and appreciate the body you have. Especially since it’s on loan and you can’t take it with you!

respect yourself,

bleu

April 8, 2016

Count the missing

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This is not about making sure all the school kids are back on the bus after a field trip. Rather it’s about focusing on what you don’t have and making that a positive. Sometimes, depending on your circumstances those things can be extreme, but relevant nonetheless. If you pay attention to all the drug advertisements on television that alone should comfort you. Because, if you listen carefully they’re aimed at a lot of people that are less fortunate than you. The hundreds if not thousands of people that have things like hepatitis C, lung disease, multiple sclerosis, crohn’s disease, chronic arthritis, pulmonary edema, and a lot of things that you can barely pronounce! All of them are bad, and guess what? Count yourself lucky if you don’t have any of those things, because many people do; otherwise mass pharmaceuticals wouldn’t target them. All too often we focus on the inconsequential things that we lack. What you don’t realize is, that there are many things that you’re lucky not to have! The world worships and lusts for the material, ignoring the fact that those things are actually immaterial. In some way(even small) you must find comfort in the fact that you are free of disease, have all your limbs, your sight, and most of if not all of your mental faculties. Those things are a blessing to me because, according to some doctors I stood to lose my mental faculties in some part, endure chronic pain, lose the ability to walk(but have my legs) and lack creative ability. However, I am very much creative, walking, pain free, and as intelligent as ever, imagine that. I can hardly comprehend how fortunate I am, and likely neither can you. We are so unaware of our inherent privileges because we’ve always had them. My exposure to years of rehabilitation therapy has not only shown me what I don’t have(or need to work on) but it has also highlighted what I do have. While lamenting the lack of use of my left hand(for now!) while at therapy, I saw a girl who didn’t have a hand at all. While some may rate my health as worse because of what happened to me, I feel quite the contrary. Never, have I been as healthy, health conscious, or enjoyed working out so much! Had I known before the accident what I know now, you’d never be able to get me away from the gym. Our bodies are miraculous creations, and they can be pushed to new heights with our determination. Of course, it takes work and dedication, but it’s more than worth it. When you take care of your body well it will take care of you in ways you didn’t imagine. We should love and show love to our bodies no matter what the size. After this happened to me and I lost so much physical ability for a time, it created a deep appreciation within me for the things I can(and am still able) to do. To neglect my body and it’s physical abilities would be a high crime. Therefore, everyday you wake up full and healthy don’t dare waste a minute of it! This life is a gift.

walk in love,

bleu

January 18, 2016

"Don't be a hippie, punk."

Juicing-Health

“Rest when you’re weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work.”

-Ralph Marston.

Nothing worth having is ever easy, and that includes your health. I got a very nice juicer(see here?) for Christmas, so what did I do? A five day juice fast of course! I was inspired by the Netflix documentary Fat, Sick, and nearly dead(free here!). Your health and longevity is an investment worth the time, effort, and powering through a kale salad or two!! The more healthy foods you eat, the easier it becomes. The American diet is highly inflammatory and leads not only to weight issues, but is also the cause of many diseases. There is a strong link found between sugar and cancer. As you stick to a diet heavy on the greens and light on any sugar you’ll find the cravings tend to subside over time. The average juice fast lasts for three days, but I chose to go longer because of all the benefits it provides(see here!) Much of the food in this country is nutritionally empty, especially any processed or fast foods. However, juicing large amounts of vegetables and fruits, and drinking them provides the ultimate way to absorb nutrients and more then fulfills your daily serving recommendation. The first day was the easiest, since I was still riding on yesterdays meal. By the time I reached day three other people’s food began to smell really good. However, I was more then half way there so I turned my nose up at any temptations. During the time you’re only consuming fresh juice, you’ll find it’s best to avoid too much television or people eating. Because it soon becomes apparent that every other advertisement on television is for food and usually it’s fast food. By the time I reached day 4 drinking fresh juice for every meal was quite easy. However, I did come to the conclusion that more then a five day fast is not for me! I mainly did the juice fast for health reasons and not so much weight loss, though it’s quite effective for that! I began my five day journey weighing 139.2 pounds, and ended it at 132.9 pounds. I noticed the first few days that from time to time I became light headed(a detoxing side effect) but this is normal. A juice fast is not advised for those with specific medical conditions, and some people need to do it under the supervision of a doctor. I chose to wing it, adding in a daily multi vitamin and kefir protein shakes for lunch and dinner(more filling) as well as a large handful of raw nuts. It’s important to get proper nutrition during a fast or you could harm yourself. If you become faint and dizzy stop the fast immediately. Overall I felt better, my skin improved and I could feel my body functioning better. With a projected obesity rate that predicts 3 out of 4 Americans will be overweight by 2020, health education has never been more vital. Going forward, I plan on integrating more superfoods and greens into my diet, and much less sugar. Although, it’s okay to have chocolate once in awhile! After all, the only time I cheated was for a couple of warm chocolate chip cookies, who am I to judge? I highly recommend doing a juice fast and there is tons of research out there supporting the benefits of a more green diet. Don’t be afraid to be a “smelly hippie,” rid yourself of the food industries evil toxins and live well, kale yeah, to that!

get juicy and cheers!

bleu