Objects in mirror are not always what they appear to be......

Been thinking a lot lately about how people put the image they want people to perceive them as out there. We look at someone and think wow what a great life they have. When in actuality we have no idea what is truly going on in someone else's head. People show you what they want you to see. Everything looks great on the outside when deep down that person is struggling day to day. 

Since going through my divorce I have taken a long hard look at my life. I can sit here and say yes I have had been very blessed with my life. But I am also human and struggle with my own inner demons. I'm for the most part a happy go lucky type of person. Always make the best of pretty much most situations. I've always been the go to person when you need a cheering up. I'll be your biggest cheerleader. But most would be surprised to know that it sometimes takes a lot for me to stay in that positive vibrant mindset. That there are days that I look in the mirror and see nothing but ugly.  Where I just want to throw the towel in and throw the blankets over my head and not be bothered with anyone or anything and call it a day. Been times where I would cry on a daily basis.  As far as the crying I have come to realize that when it happens to just let it go and release it. Crying is our bodies way of letting our emotions flow out. It's what we must do from time to time. Doesn't make you weak, it actually makes you more empowering.  You are not alone. So let the process happen. You will be amazed at how you feel after you just let go.

When I separated and went through my divorce it was probably the worst time and I couldn't have felt more alone. Although I do have close friends I still felt alone. As the years went on and I decided to work on my own personal development it has certainly made a huge difference. My faith has grown and I know that everything will be ok. Of course though you still have to stay aware of things and learn what things can come out of no where and trigger you  feel like your locked in a room all by yourself with no way of getting out. I feel what is happening lately with me is being the positive, motivational cheerleader that I am, can sometimes be draining. People gravitate towards you and feed off of your energy. But what those people don't always realize is that some of them just suck the energy right out of you.  That's why it's all about being balanced as best you can. I personally have a hard time receiving. So been working on dealing with that through my personal development. And learning to be more open in the receiving department. Since I have been doing this, this is what I have experienced in my life the last few years. As much as I enjoy giving to others, it would be nice to feel appreciated. A simple asking me how are you really doing today or going out of your way to show me I have been thought about. I'm not talking about material things. I'm talking about feeling cared for. I feel people just automatically assume everything is great when they look at you living your life. And yes for 90% of the time it is truly amazing and like I said have been very blessed. But there's that other 10% where I can feel totally alone. This is where my faith and personal development has totally helped in dealing with this. My point being is that all people struggle whether it looks like it or not. Remember to reach out to those who you care for even if you think they lead this amazing fabulous life. Take the time to just ask them how things are really going. Let them know that they are thought of and appreciated and thankful for being part of their lives. What you see on the outside can very much be the total opposite of what's going on in the inside. I now chose to live as close as possible as I can a life of being centered and balanced. Is it easy...oh hell no. It takes being aware of your emotions and staying grounded on a daily basis. I have learned that I am my own unique person. No one can be me no matter how hard they try. Be true to yourself. Don't try to be someone else. Be the best you that you can be!

Here is a book that I recently read and boy did it open my eyes. It definitely resonated with me. Made me think about how I want to live my life.  If you have read this book, would love to hear your thoughts. Always looking for new books to read. Please share any books or audios that have made a difference in your life journey.  Here is the link for the author of  my last read.  The Gifts of Imperfection  www.brenebrown.com/

Remember to be the BEST you , you can be!!

DO you have to give up your sweet treats???

Let's talk sweet treat drinks. I don't know about you but I am a total sweet lover. Wish I could say I didn't love chocolate or sugary things, but not the case. So I need to balance out what I eat,  it's all about moderation. In my quest to live a healthy, balanced and keeping it simple life, I had to do it full circle in all aspects of my life. Since I needed to cut out things that serve no purpose or were a waste of money, I have to find ways to do just that. How many of you go every morning to your favorite donut shop for, your morning coffee or drink of choice? I can say that I've been fortunate that it hasn't been a daily habit of mine ever. However I do love to get them here and there. I also don't want to pay the price for some of these drinks that really have no nutritional value to them. This point in my life I want the biggest bang for my buck. Ran across a recipe for one particular drink and decided to try it out with a healthier version of it. Lets just say it certainly fit the bill and satisfied my sweet tooth. Let me make a note that since changing my eating to as clean as possible I do now find sugary treats way to sweet for the most part. Which is great because now I only need to eat a smaller portion  and that usually does the trick to curb cravings.  When eating clean, natural, whole foods your taste buds start to change. You start to actually taste the flavors of your food that processed junk has been covering up all those years. Its amazing the great flavors you can now experience.

So now if your ready to start slowly switching out processed food or sugar laden sweets, then here's a great way to start and get a chock full of nutrients while your at it. Also think about the extra $$ that you can save. Why drink your money away on something that gives you no nutritional value.

Here is my version of a Caramel Macchiato

1 scoop of Chocolate Shakeology
5oz unsweetened vanilla almond milk 5oz water
1/2tsp coffee extract
1tsp caramel extract
Ice and blend well and enjoy

Light whip cream optional.

For those that are wondering what Chocolate Shakeology is follow the link below on exactly what this dense nutritional shake is all about. http://bit.ly/purebalanceshake

I know for me, I know I lean towards the least amount of sugar. So here is the nutritional value on the difference. Check of the amount of sugar.It's crazy how much sugar is added to the foods we eat or drink.

Would love to hear what creative and fun recipes you have come up with to help keep your nutrition as clean as possible. Please do share. This blog was created to share with others in making life healthier while keeping it simple. You don't have to do it alone!

Always remember to smile and Dream BIG!!!

Hi Everyone,

I've created this blog to post and share with you what keeps me balanced and centered. Over the last few years my life has changed and adjustments needed to be made. I write this as a divorced mom of two fabulous children. I'm here to say that you can have an amazing life after divorce and after 40. The world is not over as some would tend to think. I believe that I have actually pushed myself more to becoming a better mother and friend in my relationships. I've learned to let go of things that happened in the past and be open to new possibilities that await me. I've stepped out of my comfort zone and taken chances with things that I had no idea where I would end up. Slowly opening my heart and letting others in without having the fear of getting the door slammed in my face. I've learned that what you think of me is none of my business. We are all here on this earth for a reason and even if we share similar interests and thoughts we still never really know what another person is really actually thinking or feeling. We are all unique in our own ways. I've learned not to judge others. I've learned that gossip and drama has no business in my life. I've learned that when I dig deep in my faith and trust that all is well, All is Well!! I've learned not to sweat the small stuff. I've learned what battles to pick. I've learned when I loved myself first then i was able to love others even more. I've learned that material things are not what define me. I've learned my actions are what define me as a person. I've learned when I feed my body, mind and spirit with positive, healthy, inspiring options i can get to a balanced life which brings me inner peace that shines bright. I've learned that I want to live a simple life and share with others what has worked for me and pass it along when I can. Some days it is not always easy, but I know I can get through it and everything will be ok. Remember to never stop being you for someone else. Do what feels right for you. Be creative, inspire others, laugh til you cry, ask for help when needed, be real, be positive, be brave, be grateful & thankful for everything that you have been blessed with for it can all be taken away in one moment. Spread love and joy...pass it on...

Life's to short not to be happy!! Everyone deserves to be happy! So my question to you.... GOT BALANCE?? What keeps you in balance?  

Please post and share what things work well in your life. You never know what one little thing that might help someone else change their whole outlook on life for the better.