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There are a three important improvements for 2018 that I’m implementing. There are books I want to read, goals I want to accomplish, and relationships I want to grow. I decided to pick a word for the year to help me with these changes.

My word for this year is BRAVE. I haven’t always picked a word, but I felt it was fitting for this year. There are new things I am trying, things that I have been too chicken to try. This card came with my Cultivate What Matters Power Sheets. I’m going to stick it up somewhere where I can see it daily. I also found the perfect verse to go along with my word of the year. It’s Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Our family has had some tough moments in 2017. I also have been trying to find another source of income that can be done from home and is flexible. I actually hired a career/ personal coach for the first time to help me stay focused and increase my income. I want to be brave when it comes to being there for my family and finding new ways to make money. I will keep you updated.

First Improvement

The first change I am making is my eating habits using the Whole 30 eating plan. I had heard about Whole 30 before, but thought it was too difficult and unnecessary. Then I heard the creator Melissa Hartwig on a podcast and I decided I really needed to try this. The primary goal is not to lose weight (although that can be a nice side effect.) it’s mainly an experiment for people that are having some type of health issue.

You’re pretty much only allowed to eat meat, vegetables and fruit for 30 days. That means no grains, legumes, added sugar, sugar substitutes, and no dairy. If my only goal was to lose weight I would probably pick something a little easier and less restrictive. I have had problems with extreme fatigue and muscle pain for many years. This experiment may be able to help.

After the 30 days you gradually add in each food group and see how your body responds. I am on day 11. Another 2 weeks seems a very long time away without salty I am on day 11. I will continue because I don’t want to start all over! I will keep you posted. Follow my Instagram account for more details! as you can see I have several recipes marked in my new cookbook and guide. I purchased the Day By Day on day 6. I wish I would of had it from the beginning. If you would like to learn more about Whole 30 click here. As you can see I’ve marked many recipes in this book!

Second Improvement

I have talked about my new goals book in a previous post and on Instagram. I can’t say enough about this. Lara Casey’s Power Sheets book is not a planner, it’s an in depth look at who you want to become and how you want to be remembered. She helps you look at goals in a new way. It has you do several writing activities before you dive into your goals for the year. I actually purchased the one for six months. I wanted to see if it was for me. You can start it anytime of the year you would like. They also have ones for twelve months which I will purchase next time to save money.

I love the color of the planner! pink is my favorite color! You can get them with different covers if pink isn’t your thing. It makes me happy just looking at it!

Here is what the inside front cover looks like. Isn’t it pretty?

 

Here is a peek at my brainstorming. It doesn’t have to be neat! I love that she gives you so many opportunists to brainstorm.

Here’s a space to write down the good things that happened in 2017 and the challenges, so you know where to go from here. that’s just a peek of what’s inside!

 

Third Improvement

I’ve been hearing a lot about a program called Dynamic Neural Retraining System. It has to do with neuroplasticity.  If you’re not familiar with this concept here’s a definition from medicinenet.com Neuroplasticity: “The brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. Neuroplasticity allows the neurons (nerve cells) in the brain to compensate for injury and disease and to adjust their activities in response to new situations or to changes in their environment.” my memories and thoughts, even after all these years. The DVD set is $250 though, so I am saving my money.

“Some of my blogging friends have been talking about this program and said it has made a big difference in healing from Lyme disease. It has also been shown to help people with chronic fatigue syndrome and chemical sensitivities. I have watched a few YouTube videos on it and it has really intrigued me. They talk about something called trauma loops. ( It’s like your brain getting stuck in a certain way of thinking.) This makes sense to me because I first got sick when my first child became deathly ill. I know it has had an effect on me and  my memories and thoughts, even after all these years. The DVD set is $250 though, so I am saving my money.

The people I have talked to say it takes a great commitment. The exercises take about an hour a day. I belong to a Facebook group that discusses this concept. I am also waiting to start this program because I am doing the Whole 30 and I don’t want to make too many major changes at once. I will keep you updated on this as well. I am hoping and praying that this will help.

 

What are some of your major goals and dreams for this year? Do you want to make any important improvements for 2018? I would love to hear them in the comments! You can see some of my thoughts on dreams and goals in this post.