A Tribute to My Sweet Sisters – Encouragement to Keep Going

Originally published in WHOA Woman Magazine

To the sweet, sweet mamas

To mom's in every land - to the dear sweet mama who feels she can no longer stand, mom at the hospital waiting for the last breath, mom on her knees, mom whose experienced oh so much death and has wept and wept, the mom who is crying out why and Oh God, please! Here's a Tribute to My Sweet Sisters. #sisters #tribute

Single mom, new mom, the mom who longs to be, mom in the middle, mom that feels so lonely, hurting mom, crying mom and  tired mom, to the caregiver, chauffeur, nurse, counselor, encourager, back rubber,  the chef, and the storyteller,

To the cheerleader, the before and after school greeter

To the tear wiper, rear wiper and to the one affectionately called  “Mommy”

And, to mom’s in every land – to the dear sweet mama who feels she can no longer stand, mom at the hospital waiting for the last breath, mom on her knees, mom whose experienced oh so much death and has wept and wept, the mom who is crying out why and Oh God, please!

To the Sarahs, Esthers, and Rahabs

To mom's in every land - to the dear sweet mama who feels she can no longer stand, mom at the hospital waiting for the last breath, mom on her knees, mom whose experienced oh so much death and has wept and wept, the mom who is crying out why and Oh God, please! Here's a Tribute to My Sweet Sisters. #sisters #tribute

To the Eves, the Hagars and Deborahs

Tamars and Dinahs

To Tabithas, Orpahs,

Marys and Elizabeths

To the one who remains nameless

To the one who feels ashamed and downtrodden

Don’t you give up cause we’ve got your back

We’re all here beside you to take up the slack

Peel off the old, step into the new

To mom's in every land - to the dear sweet mama who feels she can no longer stand, mom at the hospital waiting for the last breath, mom on her knees, mom whose experienced oh so much death and has wept and wept, the mom who is crying out why and Oh God, please! Here's a Tribute to My Sweet Sisters. #sisters #tribute

Be encouraged my sister, you are not alone

Reach out, reach out, your situation is not too far gone

You don’t look like me and I don’t look like you, yet there is a bond that draws us closer than glue.  Let’s stop the fighting and not be fooled

And, let’s stop the hating, the comparing, and even the faking

Let’s band together

Let’s be perfectly real

My sweet, sweet sister let’s proclaim a deal

A deal to come alongside one another and lift each other up

You help me and I’ll help you

With God and one another we can make it through

Grab a sister, hold her hand – listen my sister we must help her stand

To mom's in every land - to the dear sweet mama who feels she can no longer stand, mom at the hospital waiting for the last breath, mom on her knees, mom whose experienced oh so much death and has wept and wept, the mom who is crying out why and Oh God, please! Here's a Tribute to My Sweet Sisters. #sisters #tribute

Reach out, reach out,  stretch forth your hand

Sweet sister, we’ve got your back

We’ll help you stand

Put on your gloves, your fighting gear

Now bounce around and hear the cheers

Put on your oxygen mask, take care of you

If you don’t there’s so much you won’t be able to do

Remember, breathe some fresh crisp air and every day you can, get plenty of sleep

Say your prayers and express gratefulness, Be still and get refreshed

Now, you’re ready to face the day, with a great big smile on your beautiful, sweet face.

God and other moms are cheering you on saying, girl, you got this, get up – go on!

Cheering you on Sweet, sweet mamas, sweet sisters!

We have your back!

To mom's in every land - to the dear sweet mama who feels she can no longer stand, mom at the hospital waiting for the last breath, mom on her knees, mom whose experienced oh so much death and has wept and wept, the mom who is crying out why and Oh God, please! Here's a Tribute to My Sweet Sisters. #sisters #tribute

I asked my friend if it would be okay to share this last picture of her girls.  This photo is the epitome of sisterhood.  One sister in labor and the other sisters were right there to help her through it.  By the way, she made it and she has a beautiful baby boy!

 

© Zee Dean and Uniquely1Zee.com, 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner are strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Zee Dean and Uniquely1Zee.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Baring It All – A Look At My Life and My Health Journey

Baring It All - A Look At My Life - My Health Journey. #health #wellness

Baring It All
(or at least as much as I can fit in this post)
A Look At My Life and My Health Journey

In this first post about my life,  so I’m baring it all.  I want to give you a peek into my life – who I am, what I like, and what I’m learning on the journey.  I’ll share some general info but will focus mostly on my healthcare journey.   You see, I’ve been sick for quite some time and it started from birth – mainly asthma and allergies.  I know you say asthma and allergies – who doesn’t have that problem, but mine has become chronic in the past  12 to 15 years.  After all these years, I believe I am finally getting to the root of my issues.  It’s taken a lot of prayer, research, and reading.  It’s truly been a journey!

The Basics

I was born in a big city and grew up in a tiny town.  I am a wife and mom to five fabulous BOYS!!!!  My husband and I met in college and married several months after I graduated.  We began homeschooling our oldest seventeen years ago and continue to homeschool all five.  I didn’t know what homeschooling was then and never had intentions to be doing this – but GOD!  There has been some talk around my house lately regarding my oldest two changing courses.  We’ll pray and see what happens with that. I love Jesus, relaxing music (usually playing it all over my house), long walks and talks with friends and my hubby (we call these walks marriage miles).  I think I’ll write a post on marriage miles one day.  That’s enough general stuff for now.

My Health Journey – The Past

From a young age I had asthma and when we moved,  I didn’t have another asthma attack until adulthood.  I did continue to have allergy issues.

Fast forward past college, marriage, and five boys later, I began having more chronic issues with allergy and asthma.  After my second child, the issues became more severe.  I couldn’t breathe during the day so I literally had to stuff my nostrils with tissue for relief.  One day I noticed some things in my nose that weren’t normally there and I had no idea what it was.  I also lost all sense of taste and smell – this if referred to as anosmia.  Later, after another chronic sinus infection, I found out they were polyps – little growths invading my nasal passage.

Finally, some answers!

Baring It All - A Look At My Life - My Health Journey. #health #wellness

After being referred to a sinus specialist and doing some tests, I learned that the growths had invaded my entire sinus cavity. My husband thinks all of this started with a bad fall that I had years earlier.  I’ll have to share more about that later – bruises, sore tailbone, and a broken leg during the worst hurricane ever.  After that discovery, the doctor suggested that I have a balloon sinuplasty and bilateral nasal polypectomy to basically clean the (ahem, this gets gross again -sorry ) the mucus and polyps out of my head. Surgery was successful and I was able to taste and smell again.  I had my life back or so I thought.

I started getting allergy shots weekly and progressed through the entire program without it making a difference for me.  While I was taking shots, I was continually on antibiotics and steroids because the sinus infections continued. My ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor suggested that I see the surgeon again.   Once again, the doctor had me to go through some testing only to discover that the polyps had returned.   Another surgery was suggested, however, I wanted to get to the root of the problem.  Everyone told me that I just had bad allergies and would have to deal with it the rest of my life – kinda like bad eyes.  I disagreed and opted to try something different first. So, this is where I am now.  Praying, reading, researching and discovering again.  This time I want to know the why and I can say that God is answering my prayer one step at a time.

My New Rx for Health

Baring It All - A Look At My Life - My Health Journey. #health #wellness

Nutrition Response Testing

I know it sounds weird, but just keep reading.  A few years ago, I began seeing a practitioner who uses nutrition response testing (NRT)  to help with my health issues.  Read more about nutrition response testing here.   This has made a huge impact on my health as well as my children.  I’ve done several detoxes and last year was totally better for about three months and then relapsed.  I was able to really taste food again and smell.  Anosmia is a condition that causes the loss of taste or smell.  It’s not fun, but at least I have my other senses.  If you can taste and smell, please take time to thank God for that.  It was really weird at first to live like this.  I couldn’t tell a strawberry from an apple except for the look and texture.  I’m thankful that I can still see what I eat.

Chiropractic Care

Also, I began chiropractic care and let me just tell you this.   My massage therapist kept telling me that  I needed to see her chiropractor, but of course, I didn’t listen.  My back ached from fatigue, but what did he know about my asthma and allergy.   Let me tell you – these doctors are not quacks.  My chiropractor has helped make tremendous strides in my health journey.  As a matter of fact, a year ago my asthma was so bad, I could barely read to my children without gasping for air and reaching for my inhaler.  I was frustrated, to say the least.  It’s no fun not being able to breathe.

Well, one morning I went to my chiropractor and he asked how I was.  I told him that I was not okay and was tired of gasping for air and the medication was not really helping.  I could barely sleep at night.  He looked at me and said, “girl, why didn’t you tell me earlier.”  I responded with, “if I knew you could help I would have.”  Well, help isn’t even the word.  I didn’t know my lungs had such a capacity.  I literally felt my airways open.  Yes, I came home and cried and praised God all the way home.  I couldn’t believe it. I could breathe deeply again and I was so thankful for the ability to breathe.  Sometimes we take so much for granted because we already have it – taste, smell, and the ability to breathe without struggling.  God is writing my story and teaching me so much along the way.

This chiropractic has also helped me with hormone and food intolerance and inflammation tests.  This test told me if any foods cause an anaphylactic reaction or any other issues.  You can read more here.  Read more about the hormone test here.

Baring It All - A Look At My Life - My Health Journey. #health #wellness

Functional Medicine

I knew I needed to see a functional medicine practitioner, but didn’t want to drive three hours.  Last year, after researching I ran across a site that lead me to a local functional medicine practitioner.  I went for my first visit last June but didn’t pursue it until February of this year.  I was tired and frustrated once again, but she was very positive and hopeful.  They took a blood test in the office and sent me home with a stool kit test.  About two weeks later, they called with all my results.  My case was a bit unusual because I don’t have the usual ahem, excuse me, this part gets graphic – diarrhea, constipation, and bloating.  I do have mornings and days where I’m nauseous all day.  I’ve learned that it’s not easy to combine diets.   Right now, I have to consider foods that are Low FODMAP, Anti-Candida, Low/No Histamine foods.

Visceral Manipulation

It sounds like the therapist manipulates the fat, but they are doing therapy for your intestines.   Our intestines actually have sphincters and valves that close and open and if they are not functioning properly, it could cause digestive issues.  Read more about visceral manipulation therapy it here.

Physical Therapy for my gut (Viscera Manipulation – whoever – I know, sounds weird, but after researching, asking a gazillion questions and seeing it work, I am a believer.

Visceral Therapy for my gut – really – who ever heard of this.  Your intestines play a critical role in your health.  Did you know that your gut actually has sphincters or valves?  What?  I know, I’ve been floored by how amazing our bodies are.  Below are a few links that explain more about the intestine and visceral manipulation.

The Benefits of Ileocecal Valve Massage

The Small Intestine

 Nutrition

On that note, let’s talk a bit about nutrition.  Before I knew what to eat, I had to get tested.  I had a blood draw, stool test, and food allergy tests to know what foods cause an allergic reaction when I eat them.  Some of these foods are very nutritious, but right now I need to eliminate them.  These are foods like broccoli, cauliflower, avocados, onions, and garlic.  Yep, I can’t eat these right now, but there is still plenty that I can eat.

Baring It All - A Look At My Life - My Health Journey. #health #wellness

Massage Therapy

My body also functions better when I schedule regular massages.  Not the relaxing kind.  I actually go to a massage therapy clinic not a spa.  The clinic specifically focuses on my problems areas and sometimes it’s not very fun.  I hold a great deal of stress in my upper body so I tend to have a lot of kinks that need to be worked out.  When I leave I feel better, sometimes a bit sore, but more flexible and less tense.  I usually follow up with a hot Epsom salt bath, water and a good night’s rest.

Chemical Cleanout

Because of this journey, I’ve had to do a lot of changing and learning.  I make sure the products that  I put on my skin and hair and in my home are clean.  Additionally, I make sure that most of the food I eat is organic and I make sure that my water is clean.  I still have some more things to implement, but I”m taking it a step at a time. Some of the clean products I’ve tried are Beauty Counter, Aveda, and Arbonne.

Infrared Sauna Therapy

Next, I’m doing consistent sessions of sauna therapy.   If you’ve never heard of this and the benefits you can read about it here or listen to this podcast.  In a nutshell, I go to a sauna and lie in a pod from 30 to 45 minutes.  The pod gradually heats and then before you know it, the sweat is pouring.  If you decide to try it, make sure you’re hydrated and take water with you.

 

The things above are just a few of the things I’m doing to work on healing my body.

During this journey, I’m finding fun exploring new foods and discovering that I can eat more than grass. From time to time, I’ll provide you with health updates.  I hope this helps someone who is on a quest for better health.

Finally, there are some things that I’m loving during this season. I’m learning new things about my body – truly amazing things.  I’m enjoying reading and listening to books that are beneficial during this season.  If you don’t know about Audible, let me introduce you to Mr. Wonderful!!! A few minutes here and there and you’ve finished a book.  I’m enjoying slow life, journaling,  quiet time, long, slow walks,  I’m enjoying a new app that I downloaded called Calm as well.  I just use it to sit quietly and pray.

 

© Zee Dean and Uniquely1Zee.com, 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner are strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Zee Dean and Uniquely1Zee.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

How to Recover – Life’s Guaranteed Heartaches and Disappointments

How to Recover – Life’s Guaranteed Heartaches & Disappointments

How to Recover from Life's Guaranteed Heartaches and Disappointments

How to Recover – Life’s Guaranteed Heartaches and Disappointments

We will have disappointments and heartaches.

In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33b

Today, I want to talk about how to recover from life’s guaranteed heartaches and disappointments.  I’ve gone through some tough times and I’m sure you have as well.   Just this year, I’ve been faced with some disappointments that were difficult, to say the least.   I’ve had to deal with the loss of a loved one,  bad news about a friend’s situation, and just some surprising and crazy ordeals.  Some things caught me off guard and others were expected – gradual and progressive disappointments that you knew were coming.
Each month it seems as if my prayer list grows longer.  It’s filled with people who are hurting or knows someone who is hurting or devastated by some bad news.    Even as I write this post, I was blindsided by some pretty devastating news.   So we must remember that there is hope, joy, and many celebrations on the other side of our pains.  From childhood until the time we leave this earth, we will suffer disappointments.  People will disappoint you, life will be difficult, but with Jesus, there is joy and hope on the other side of the mountain. Someone said that peace does not mean you are in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work.  It means that you can be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.
Heartache is all around, but God is able to heal the broken-hearted.

How to Recover from Heartache

As a matter of fact,  I was at the grocery store this week having a conversation with the cashier.  I asked her about her life and her family.  She said everything was fine, but as I turned to leave she stopped me and asked if I would pray for her mother who is ill and scheduled for heart surgery.  You see hurt is all around and God knows that.  Jesus said in John 16:33 that we will have tribulation, but he also goes on to tell us that we can be of good cheer because he has already overcome everything that we’ll have to go through.  He conquered it all on the cross!
After dealing with some pretty disturbing disappointments and seeing some friends that had suffered the same, I began to wonder what are some ways we can recover from our disappointments and heartaches.  In today’s post, I want to share a few tips that I use to recover from heartaches.
How to Recover from Life's Guaranteed Heartaches and Disappointments #heartaches #disappointments #recover

The Healing Process Takes Time.

First, realize that healing is a process.  It takes time.  Allow yourself the time you need to heal.  We all heal at different rates and what you do during this time has an effect on your healing rate of recovery.

Sit in it and talk to God about it.

Second, don’t try to hurry your progress and don’t let others rush you.  I know it can be tough to sit in the grief and pain, but it can bring relief and healing when you face the reality of your disappointments and heartaches. In Tiffany Bluhm’s online devotion, Flourish,  she states that, “We must lean into the dark parts of our stories. Walk through it.  Not around it.  Not over it.”

Search and meditate on what the word says about your situation.

Remember, if you have a problem, there is an answer for it in the word of God.  He hasn’t left us hopeless. Furthermore, you should refuse to let the enemy drag you to the town of bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness.
Saundra Dalton states in her book Sacred Rest that God’s word is like a healing elixir. I love that statement – a healing elixir.   Spend some time speaking and meditating on the word.  As a result, you will begin to feel better. How to Recover from Life's Guaranteed Heartaches and Disappointments #heartaches #disappointments #recover

Start a gratitude journal – focus on your blessings.

Take time to write down at least five things you are thankful for.  If you can’t think of five (and I’m sure you can), just go for one and then focus on that one thing.  Praise God for the good!

Don’t hide your heartache.

Let others (the right people – those who have genuine care and concern) know what you’re going through.  There are people who genuinely want to help you.  Find a strong mentor, coach, friend to let you talk through it.  Ask for help and seek prayer from friends.  Believe me, they’ve been there and if they haven’t yet,  they will.
 How to Recover from Life's Guaranteed Heartaches and Disappointments #heartaches #disappointments #recover

Be kind and patient with yourself.

Disappointments and heartaches are by no means easy, but we can overcome them.  Take baby steps. Deep wounds don’t heal overnight. Joy is on the other side even if you can’t see it right now. Look for the joy – the small successes.

Grief. A poignant distress. Deep mental anguish. Acute sorrow. Overwhelming sadness.Grief is our natural response to the loss of some person or something important to us. We grieve over the loss of loved ones, careers, divorces, moving away from friends and family. Grief is inevitable. At some point in our lives, we will experience it whether we like it or not. But just because I began to heal, it didn’t mean I didn’t get slammed up against a wall every time grief made it’s way back to me. Grief comes and goes. I learned that I had to give myself permission to cry, to feel the sadness, to carry the weight of the burden. This was my new life, my new normal. I had to push through the pain, or it would be with me until I did. Cindy Beall, Healing Your Marriage When Trust is Broken 

Rest your mind and pamper yourself.

Rest can be a struggle when you’re dealing with heartache, but the more you talk about it, journal about it and face it the better you will become.  Choose to focus, fix and park your mind on God’s healing and delivering power.

 Invest in someone else.

Also, try to take the focus off yourself for a while. Do a good deed. Pray for someone else that may be facing the same situation. There are plenty of people out there who just need a smile or a kind word.

 Change your words  – Change your perspective.

It may be hard but focus on changing your perspective. Focus on the good. Fight for the good. The enemy wants you to bask in your heartache, but God wants to break the chains of depressions set you free from your heartache.

Run to and Worship the Saviour

Believe That All Things Are Possible!

Finally, focus on the Saviour.  Somehow when we worship the Saviour, it changes us physically and emotionally.  God is the mender of broken hearts.  He knows all the right places that need healing.  He can renew your joy, soothe your heart and soul,  and put a smile on your face again.    I’m praying that you allow the word of God to soothe your soul.  Allow  God to apply his powerful healing balm to your wounded heart!

God is capable of carrying you through any situation – even the really hard stuff.  He is your peace, your way out, your joy, and your strength!    He is your healer!  Matthew 19:26 says that “with men it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” God can heal your broken heart! 

We rejoice in who he is and what he has done. We don’t deny the hardships but hold true to the joy of the Lord. Our strength and salvation. – Tiffany Bluhm, Flourish

How to Recover from Life's Guaranteed Heartaches and Disappointments #heartaches #disappointments #recover

Joy is the difference-maker in the life of a believing woman. It’s evidence that God is at work within her. Joy doesn’t ignore the tragedy or trials of life. It doesn’t fake a smile. It’s not a fleeting feeling but an acknowledgment of love and hope. It’s the surest thing within us: God is our Helper, our Deliverer. When you hold both tragedy and joy in one hand, it invites restoration. – Tiffany Bluhm, Flourish

How to Recover with Music

I Need Thee Every Hour by Selah

You Deliver Me by Selah

Made a Way by Travis Greene

You are My Healer by Anthony Evans

How to Recover with Scripture

A new day will dawn on us from above because our God is loving and merciful.  He will give light to those who live in the dark and in death’s shadow.  He will guide us into the way of peace.” Luke 1:78-79

Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Isaiah 40:8
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.

Jonah 2:6
To the roots of the mountains, I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you brought my life up from the pit, O LORD my God.

How to Recover from Life's Guaranteed Heartaches and Disappointments

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; and the lifter up of mine head.
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.
He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

 Additional Recovery Resources

The Most Important Reasons to Break Free From Perfect

how to break free from

How to Break Free From Perfect

Life is not a fairytale.

Okay, clear your throat and use your queenly voice when you read this and later I’ll share a few tips on how to break free from perfect.

Once upon a time, in a land far away, there lived a beautiful, flawless princess.  It was a land filled with only good days!  She grew up and married Prince Charming and had five perfect children.  In fact, they never got dirty.  Additionally, the children never complained or whined. Further, they never grumbled or argued.

Also, they never left Legos all over the floor for anyone to step on.  And they always kept their room clean. Moreover,  they grew up and were perfect students with the perfect at-ti-tude all the time!  Everything was just perfect!  Ha – You’re right it’s a fairy tale!

God has a grand sense of humor. 
He knows just the right way to rock your world!

Now, here’s the real deal. 

Once upon a time in a tiny little town, a girl grew up, went off to college, began her career, got married … and then God turned her world upside down by giving her five fabulous BOYS all with different attitudes.  Yes, that girl is me!

As a matter of fact, I was selected the “Neatest” in high school and in college almost every Thursday I would clean my dorm room until it was immaculate.  Correspondingly, my friends joked that they could eat on my dorm room floor.  Truly, I remember vacuuming the rows in the carpet of my first apartment and then looking around and breathing in the clean, fresh smells of what I thought was my perfect first apartment.

Commercials and television shows even depict the perfect woman as the do all and be all kind of woman – hot meals, clean house, clean children, perfect dress, perfect hair.  As I think back on past experiences and those shows, I realize that those things and some past experiences caused my vision to be skewed, flawed, blurred and maybe, just maybe teetering on OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).

Flaws, fairytales, facades ~ oh my!

Imperfections draw us to the Father.

how to break free from

Then, the Master said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.” (Luke 10:42, The Message)

Through these words, God showed me that all I need is Him and He is enough.  Because He is enough, I don’t have to strive for the world’s definition of perfection.  Thank God for freedom!  Don’t get me wrong now, I haven’t perfected this thing called life.  After all, I am still a work in progress and I will be until I leave this earth!

Jesus knew we wouldn’t get it all right.

If you fall for the lies of the world, you will think that perfect is a size six, with a size seven shoe;  a spotless home; a mansion or the perfect cottage, a white picket fence, child, car, minivan, dog and on and on. The Bible says in this world we will have trouble -not that there is a possibility.   Jesus wants us to run to him with all of our problems so he can heal and help us.

Am I more concerned with pleasing God or man? I don’t want to be a crazy mama. I don’t have to be that way. God’s way is different and will give us an untroubled peaceful heart that is not easily swayed. As a result, my peace, hope, oxygen, hydration, freedom come only from the Living Water, the Redeemer, the Prince of Peace!

Our Imperfections Help Others.

A perfectionist mentality is all about perspective and the lies we’ve accepted.

Perfect house, spouse, car, job, child, life….accomplishments and earthly treasures.  If we dig deep down to the roots, it’s really about what others will think. Will they judge me or label me as a bad parent? Can I handle their judgment?  Thinking this way can make us feel chained instead of free, overwhelmed instead of peaceful, busy instead of still, thirsty instead of hydrated, helpless instead of hopeful, breathless instead of oxygenated.  We need to share our story and our imperfections with others so they can be set free from the world’s idea of perfect. Every woman you meet has a story to share and so do you.

Let go of the picket fence mentality!

Our Family Doesn’t Care if We’re Not Perfect.

Recently, I asked my boys what the perfect mom looks like to them. They never mentioned size, clean house or things. They mentioned things like fun, games, reading, spending time, feeling loved and cared for, hugs and smiles. After a little research and a whole lot of thinking, I began to redefine what I thought perfect was or should be.

As I began to think of the perfect mom, my thoughts turned toward the mom who’s taking care of herself (rest, water, fun, quiet time), seeking God for guidance, wisdom and heart change, loving herself, relaxing more, loving her family well, playing and having fun, leading and teaching, living in the moment, and doing her very best  – not trying to be her neighbor, friend or someone she knows from Facebook or that Pinterest Mom.  Societies definition of perfect will stress you and make you an emotional wreck – running, doing, comparing.  They love you for who you are, not your housekeeping skills.

Are We Leaving a Legacy of Perfect?

how to break free from

What are we teaching our children?  What does this say to my children – 100 on a test makes you smart and perfect?

Perfection Kills Our Progress, Dreams, and Goals.

how to break free from

God has set us free.   Free to be who he designed us to be. Freedom of mind, body and spirit.  It doesn’t matter if my son is wearing one navy shoe and a red shoe. I’m thankful that he remembered his shoes.  It doesn’t matter if I’m not the perfect cook – even the best chefs burn things sometimes.   It’s okay mommas  – give yourself grace.

Philippians 2:13 NLT says, “God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”  Psalm 138:8  says, “He will perfect those things that concern you.” The common factor in those scriptures is that HE will do it! God will do it!  We just need to be a willing vessel and HE WILL DO IT!  Be Brave, Be Free,  and Go For That Dream Girl!

Let Go, Be Free, and Watch God Work Do a Great Work in Your Life.

My mom used to sing a song called I’m Free by Milton Brunson. These are the words:

I’m free, praise the Lord, I’m free.

I’m no longer bound, no more chains holding me.

My soul is resting and it’s just a blessing.

Praise the Lord, hallelujah, I’m free!

It is my prayer that we will be pruned by the Master Gardener,  purged by the Prince,  and reshaped by the Potter.  Sweet Mommas~sweet, sweet Sisters ~ take a deep breath, let go and be free! Take off the chains and weights of society’s definition of perfect and focus on the real woman – a  beautiful woman, a loving woman, a joyful woman!  Be real, be you! I’m praying that these little tips show you how to break free from perfect.

how to break free from

You’ll find a few great resources below to help you break free from perfection:

I was the perfect mom…until I had children by Kristina Kuzmic – This is a must watch for a great laugh!

Why Perfectionism Will Crush Your Productivity — And How To Stop It

No Perfect Moms by Jill Savage

Grace Not Perfection by Emily Ley

The Perfection of Imperfection by Priscilla Shirer

Breaking Up with Perfect: Kiss Perfection Good-Bye and Embrace the Joy God Has in Store for You by Amy Carroll

Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living by Shauna Niequest

 

©  Zucchini “Zee” Dean,  and Uniquely1Zee.com, 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner are strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Zucchini “Zee” Dean and Uniquely1Zee.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

20 Awesome Things – What Happens When We Pause

20 Awesome Things That Happen When We Pause
When We Pause

What Happens When We Pause

Just the other day it was raining outside when my seven-year-old came into the room.  I asked him what he needed and he said he was just visiting.  That day I took time to pause and talk to him, snuggle with him, look at his big, sweet eyes and caress his little hands (well, I actually call them little paws).  I began to think of the blessings that come when we pause – purposefully practice the pause.

When we pause we can see our children for who they really are.  We can appreciate our children’s uniqueness. We can see our legacy.

When we pause we can see the lady at the check out counter who has her own story and just needs a smile or word of encouragement.

When we pause we can have a fun conversation with our children.

When we pause, we cease opportunities to just play and be.

When we pause we can share a smile with someone who maybe really hurting.  You never know what the other person is going through, yet we pass one another in such a hurry we barely take time to notice.

20 Awesome Things That Happen When We Pause
Lead Me to the Rock

What Happens When We Are Overwhelmed

When we pause we can snuggle with our children  – at least the ones that aren’t too old to let us.

When we pause we take time to notice how our children are growing into adults right before our eyes.

When we pause we can see our husband’s heart and appreciate him more.

When we pause, we can appreciate our life.

20 Awesome Things That Happen When We Pause
Wait on the Lord

What Happens We Wait on Him

When we pause, we see the beauty of nature surrounding us.

When we pause, we can whisper a prayer.

When we pause, we can meditate on the word.

When we pause, we can say thank you – thank you!

When we pause, we can worship the Savior!

Taste and See
Taste and See

What Happens When We Taste and See

When we pause, we can see God’s hand all around. When we pause we can stand in awe!

When we pause, we realize what is really important.

When we pause, we can take care of ourselves  – heart, soul, mind, and body.

When we pause, we know in the end it’s going to be okay.

When we pause, we notice the greater cause.

When we pause we can hear Jesus speak to our hearts.  We can hear him say, “I’m right here, I see you, I hear you, I know everything that concerns you and I care.”

Good Things Happen When We Pause

There is power in the pause.  Find a scripture that you can just snuggle up with and inhale while practicing the pause.  This week practice pausing with me.  Come back here and let me know what happened when you purposefully practice the pause. Here’s another post about embracing the pause.

How to Embrace Slow and Create More Peace and Joy In Your Life

Some other resources to help you pause:

The Power of the Pause by Courtney Carver

The Most Important Pause of the Day by Melanie Redd

Pressing Pause: 100 Quiet Moments for Moms to Meet with Jesus

The Power of Pause: Becoming More by Doing Less

©  Zucchini “Zee” Dean,  and Uniquely1Zee.com, 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner are strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Zucchini “Zee” Dean and Uniquely1Zee.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

 

How to Embrace Slow and Create More Peace and Joy In Your Life

Embracing Slow Life
Embrace Slow

How to Create Peace in Your Life

When we try to juggle everything, we can't enjoy anything."
-Courtney Carver, Be More With Less

I want to embrace slow and create more peace and joy in my life?  What about you? What are you committed to doing each month to make your life simpler or better?  This year I committed to simplifying my life.  I committed to embracing slow and creating more peace and joy in my life. Why don’t you consider joining me on this journey?

Embrace Slow!  Embrace Your Season!

Ecclesiastes 3:1
To Everything, There Is A Season

Simplify Your Life!

This year I’m taking a course called Simple Year and each month we tackle a different area of our life. This month is all about owning your busyness and then making necessary changes to let some things go or simply say no.  Well, that got me to thinking and decluttering and sometimes you just don’t have a choice when life slows you down.  A few weeks ago I was in bed for several days with sinus, mastoiditis and just some pretty painful and nasty issues.  I couldn’t do very much so in between sleep and pain I decided to decluttering my crazy, full Amazon “save for later” cart and organized all those wish lists that have been there for years and I do mean years.  Boy, it felt good to focus on that one thing and slay it. I’m so thankful to be on the mend now.

Although some part of me was ready to get back into my regular routine, my heart, soul, and body needed this slower pace.   I started thinking maybe God is shaking up my normal routine and teaching me that it’s okay to live a slow life. This thought didn’t just start, I’ve been tossing around the idea for about the past two years and slowly taking steps to let go – albeit it’s a work in progress.  I’m ready to embrace slow and create more peace and joy in my life which can be hard when you have children, but there are things you can do to create a slower pace.

Boycott Busyness In Your Life!

You know the more I think about, the more I realize that busyness is a trick and it can become an addiction. We get tricked into thinking it’s pretty cool to be SUPERWOMAN. The do it all. bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan, caregiver, cab driver kinda woman. You do know what I”m talking about don’t ya. Today I’d like to share an invitation from blogger and author, Courtney Carver to take part in a Busy Boycott.

Busyness is a trick
Busyness is A Trick

Commit to slow and simple.  Now that means we’ll have let some things go and say no to a lot of things. But saying no, allows us to say yes to the best things. Why don’t you go with me on this journey?

Each month I’m choosing one thing to work on, let go or make better. I am purposely choosing to do things differently and just go slow.  During the holidays, we chose to do less and enjoy more.  We chose a non-traditional quick dinner on Christmas day. We did a lot of resting and we just chose to intentionally take time to hang out and enjoy family and friends.

Invest in Your Relationships!

lunch with a friend
Lunch With A Friend

January was about refocusing my life.  I’m a member of an online community of women called iBoom Community.  Each week we are taught a new principle and then given a  coaching assignment to help implement the principle into our life.  It’s been great to work on my personal growth with a group of like-minded women.  Do you have a circle of women that could help you be a better you? If not, why don’t you look for one – online or locally.

Invest in Yourself!

Lady reading a book
Choose Slow

Last month, I focused on self-care and fun.   I finally went to lunch with some friends.  We had been talking about it for over a year.  February has been all about simplifying my life by choosing something to declutter.  I’ve been decluttering books, clothes, jewelry and even my email.

I’m continuing to focusing on nourishing my body, mind, and soul because I need this every day.  Just because January is over doesn’t mean that self-care goes out the window. Nope, I’m picking up all my self-care lessons and habits and adding them to my yearly arsenal of self-care tools. By the end of the year, I want to be a different woman.  I want to be more joyful because I’ve intentionally chosen to go slow, choose the best, and let go of the rest.  After I wrote this post, I listened to a wonderful podcast from Kristi Clover of the Simply Joyful blog and podcast.  I came back to edit my post just to share this with you.  In the podcast, she interviewed Emily Ley, creator of the Simplified Planner and my favorite journal.  Emily shares some additional tips on simplifying your life.  Take a listen – I think it will bless you.

Embrace Slow, Create More Peace, and Restore the Joy

We are Better Together!

Want to go on this journey of slow with me?  Leave a comment sharing what you plan to do this month. When was the last time you read a good book, sipped some tea or coffee while perusing a magazine, sat on the couch and watched a good movie with your spouse, played a game with the kids,  or visited a friend?  Don’t let life pass you by and allow busyness to smother the most important things in your life.  Prayerfully consider and answer the following questions.

What’s on your schedule that needs to be removed?

How can you create the week you want?

What is important to you – really important?  What matters?

Who are the most important people in your life?

Is there one thing you can do today to live intentionally and slowly?

What makes you smile inside and out?

There was one question that was asked in this month’s Simplify Your Year lesson that I’d like to ask you.  If your home was on fire and you were outside, what you run into your burning home to save?

Why don’t you think of some other ways you can embrace slow and create peace and joy in your life?

Take a deep breath!  Start today! Start slow! Be intentional! Little by Little!
Sitting In The Sun
Being Still

Here are a few unbusy resources just for you

Unbusy: A Manifesto

A Helpful Guide to Becoming Unbusy

Everything You Miss While You are Busy Doing it All

5 Ways to Use Facebook for Good

I have talked to numerous people who are just afraid to even use Facebook because they have heard so many horror stories.

God can even use Facebook for good!

to use Facebook for

How can God use Facebook for good?

First of all, remember, you have the power to choose. If it’s not for you or you feel that it won’t be in your best interest then, by all means, don’t do it.

Second, you don’t have to be everyone’s friend.

Third, you have options.   You don’t have to know everything that’s going on every moment of the day.

Now, after saying all that here are some practical things you can do to make sure it doesn’t take over your life.

  • Join groups and pages that bless and encourage your soul. Follow people who pour wisdom and encouragement into your life.
  • Opt to see your top interests. Once you follow someone, Facebook gives you the option now to see that first.  I found two links that will explain how to do it if you are unfamiliar with this option.

Prioritizing my News Feed

Prioritizing Facebook Posts

  • Turn off notifications for things that you are really not interested in. Remember, you don’t have to know it all.
  • Use your own page to bless and encourage.
  • Continually declutter your page and look for new pages that are beneficial for your growth.

If you find that it is taking over and you feel like you have to continually check it then it’s time to declutter your account, deactivate it for a while or just… Declutter your social media life.  If it’s a constant distraction, remove it from your phone.

Look for pages that resonate with you, help you on your journey, and make you laugh a bit.

These are so many good pages out there, but these are a few of my faves to follow. 

These pages just speak hope to my soul and encourage me to keep going.

Tony Evans

Chrystal Hurst

Shaunti Feldhan

Jenn Bennett

Melanie Redd

Valorie Burton

Lysa Terkeurst

iBloom

Be More With Less

Jennifer Rothschild

Wellness Mama

What about you?

Got any favorite Facebook tips or sites to share?

 

© Zee Dean and Uniquely1Zee.com, 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner are strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Zee Dean and Uniquely1Zee.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

20 Things to Do When Life is Wearing You Out

Have you had a rough day or week? 

Hard weeks.

We all have them sometimes.

What can you do when you have a hard week?

What can you do when you are worn out?

things to do when

20 Things to Do When Life is Wearing You Out

One – Come away with the Lord to a quiet place and rest.

Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.

Mark 6:31

Two – Pause & Pray.

Look to the Lord. Seek him, lean into him, call on him, remember his instructions.

“Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.”

Psalm 105:4

Three – Journal.

I enjoy journaling, but it’s really great when you are just mentally exhausted.

Four – Turn it off (social media, tv…).

Five – Turn to God.

Six – Seek help and wise counsel.

Seven – Solicit prayers.

Eight – Take a mini vacation (if possible).

Nine – Bring on some laughter.

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”

Proverbs 17:22

Ten – Listen to a good podcast.

Eleven – Schedule a relaxing massage.

things to do when photo 1

Twelve – Go for a walk.

Thirteen – Sweat.

Fourteen – Do some Holy Yoga or Pilates.

Fifteen – Drink some tea (hot or cold) and peruse a magazine.

Sixteen – Read a Good Book.

Seventeen – Do something out of the ordinary.

Eighteen – Get a pedicure.

Nineteen – Take a Bubble Bath.

things to do when photo 2

Twenty – Rest.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28

These are some ways that I renew and recharge when I am worn out.

What are some things you do when you are worn out?

What would you add to my list?

 

© Zee Dean and Uniquely1Zee.com, 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner are strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Zee Dean and Uniquely1Zee.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

4 practical ways to have a better year this year

We want a great return.

I don’t know about you, but I like to feel and see the fruits of my labor. It motivates me to keep going when I feel and see results. Now, I know results take time and some of them take a long time, but if we keep going we will see a great return.

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Galatians 6:9

Once again I find myself in a position of not taking care of me.

I have some health issues that I’m working on and one of the main issues is chronic sinusitis. I’ve dealt with it for years and finally had a huge breakthrough this summer by working with a natural health clinic. I have tried allergy shots, surgery yet the problems seem to reoccur. Now, I’m on a journey to not just eliminate the symptoms but to find out why I even have the symptoms.

ways to a better

What can we do to have a better year?

So I’m doing some things to invest in myself so I can yield a great return. A great return that will allow me to give myself fully to my family and others. I want to be able to give myself fully to as a wife, friend, and mother. I want to be able to do some things that I used to do.

So here are some things I’m doing. 

First, I’m Reinstituting my Morning Routine of self-care.

Stretch In Bed and get my circulation flowing,

Grab some hot lemon water,

Turn on Worship Music,

Preen and Pray,

Take some Deep Breaths,

Stretch,

Hydrate,

Steam my face, and

Take my Supplements, and

Exercise (Holy Yoga, Barre 3, Ride my Bike, Rebound, or find a video to move with or walk if weather permits).

ways to have a better, photo 1

Second, I’m daily doing more Bible Study and Journaling.

Third, I’m going to Laugh More – A Merry Heart Does Good Like a Medicine.

“A merry heart does good, like medicine,
But a broken spirit dries the bones.”

Proverbs 17:22

Fourth, I’m going to get more Rest.

This year, I want to work on getting more sleep – I was told that sleep promotes healing.

Seth Williams of REtipster said,

“View your time as an investment, and pay attention to what gives you the greatest return.”

ways to have more photo 2

These are some of the ways I’m instituting to have a better year this year…. some ways I’m investing in myself.

What about you?

What do you do to take care of yourself?

How do you invest in yourself?

 

© Zee Dean and Uniquely1Zee.com, 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner are strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Zee Dean and Uniquely1Zee.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.