On Saturday, 22 May, 2021, I woke up with an uncomfortable stomach. Unlike usual, I didn’t have much of an appetite. I ate an apple for some energy before I left the house to run errands. By mid-morning, I had stabbing pains in my abdominal region, so I cancelled the remainder of my plans for the day and went to bed.
This was not the first time I had stomach issues, but it was the worst. I tried all the remedies that usually worked, but nothing did this time. Eventually I went to the emergency room because the pain was unbearable - I was certain my appendix or some other organ was about to burst.
After a few hours and an array of tests, the doctor concluded that I was full of sh*t - literally! (At the time I did not laugh at the humour in the diagnosis.) His prescription included laxatives and a list of things to do and not to do: exercise regularly; hydrate; meditate or do something like yoga to relax; avoid alcohol and processed foods. It was almost like he didn’t believe me, when I told him he was describing my life…
I love the Einstein quote, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” That day I realised that even though I was doing “all the right things”, I needed to try something different. The first thing was to stop putting food into my mouth (which is challenging, as an emotional eater). Thus began an unintentional 36-hour water fast.*
Towards the end of the fast, I began to feel anxiety about eating again. I suddenly wondered about juicing - something I had always labelled as nothing more than a money-making fad. From the comfort of my couch I started to do some research; there are many local companies that prepare juices, but none of them felt right. After a few phone calls, I felt confident in Lynda to guide me through my first juice fast.
Realising that including juicing in one’s lifestyle is a physical, mental and emotional form of self-care is what eventually led me to creating the Juice4Joy Cleanse Club. Yes, you can do it alone, but it’s better doing it with a community of like-minded people. And when you find regularity, the changes in your body, mind and soul are profound.
Being on this personal journey has been great: I have healed; I am healing; I am finding health. I am also finding joy - of my own and every time someone else experiences a shift, I share the joy they have tapped into.
I encourage you to reflect on your current journey of health, healing and joy. What’s working? Do you need to try something different? Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone?
*Upon more research and understanding, this is not something I recommend throwing yourself into. It is best to prepare your body and mind for a water fast, especially if you are battling hormonal issues.
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