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“My Opinion On Food And The Importance Of Getting The Right Nutrition As I Conquer MS”!

As I continue to fight and conquer Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS), it is extremely important that my body gets the right food/nutrition. 

Prior to being diagnosed with MS in 2003, I was guilty of having tried different “diets” to lose and/or maintain my weight and didn’t really pay attention to the foods I was putting in my body.  Although I never thought I was overweight, I always wanted to be a certain size and shape.  How I looked was priority over what I as eating!  I would diet, lose weight, eat whatever I wanted or craved, then the weight would pile back on.  By the way, I was not exercising at all!  It was not until I was diagnosed with MS that I seriously starting paying attention to the food I was eating, and knew I had to incorporate exercise in my daily routine. So, my journey began!  A journey of not being on medication for MS, but struggling to manage it with food and exercise.

When it comes to our bodies getting the right nutrition, eating healthy is not easy for the average person!  So for me, fighting this decease that attacks the central nervous system and immune system, it was a struggle and it became very stressful.  I often wondered and sometimes worried if the stress would bring on a MS relapse.  I would do my best to eat healthy (not dieting), exercise at least 4 times a week, and maintain a healthy weight.  For the most part, I thought this was working for me, but I would still too frequently experience MS symptoms, feel extremely tired and have little to no energy by 4:00 p.m. every day. While this was not the best quality of life for me, I was determined not to go on medication for this MS.  I would pray that I was giving my body the right nutrition and that I would have the energy to exercise! 

To make a long story short, in February 2016,  I was introduced to customized nutrition and a company called IDLIFE!  Since then, I have not felt this great in many years!  I don’t experience the MS symptoms as frequently as I used to, and if I do, they are very subtle.  I don’t crave sugar like I used to, I don’t eat the portion sizes I used to, I am not extremely tired everyday, I have a healthy weight loss, and I have more energy -- sustained energy!  The customized nutrition is call IDNutrition (customized vitamins) and it is specifically designed for each individual based on a free, personal, Hipaa compliant assessment that you take.  The assessment is backed by science and provides evidence for the IDNutrition recommended specifically for you.   My IDNutrition has been life changing for me!  More importantly, I know my body is now getting the right nutrition that it needs.  I know this because I feel great, I look great, and my body is performing better than ever!   I want to share this with everyone! 

I strongly believe nutrition plays a very important role in preventing and/or fighting immune deceases, or any decease for that matter!  I also strongly believe that our bodies simply do not get the right nutrition from food alone.  I have found something that works for me and gives me a healthy nutrition option that contributes to me living a healthy lifestyle.  I will be sharing more about my awesome IDNutrition, but until then, feel free to message me if you want more information or you are interested in taking the free health assessment.  I must tell you the assessment is a powerful tool! 

Stay tuned for my next blog:  More on nutrition and information on a Spring MS Walk.

Until next time,

Linda - Superstar Winning Spirit

“I Live To Give”  My blog is a tool that will allow me to give more of ME in so many inspiring ways!

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Let’s Win Together in 2018!

As I reflect on 2017, I welcome 2018 with open arms!  While I intentionally did not make any new resolutions for 2018, I instead chose to wholeheartedly thank God for blessing me and sustaining me throughout my 2017 journey!  And oh what a journey it was!  I thank God for getting me through the tough times, being my Jehovah Jireh all the time, and keeping me humble and faithful during the best times.  So I don’t have any new resolutions for 2018, but what I do have is a strong determination to stay focused and complete the goals that I set for 2017.  I acknowledge that I have not yet arrived at accomplishing and achieving these goals/dreams, therefore, I have some work to do!  I will keep a winning mindset and take aggressive action towards bringing life to my visions and building my future.  “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord”! I trust what God destines for me, for I know that it will be His perfect plan, in His perfect timing!  

As you approach 2018, take time to recognize what God destines for you, hold on to you faith, stay focused, then take action to win!

In my last post, I promised a sneak peak of my goals/dreams.  Here is my Vision Board that gives you that sneak peak!

If you haven't already created your Vision Board, I strongly encourage you to do so!  If you have created a Vision Board, bring life to it!  My Vision Board stays on a pedestal in my dining room, where I can’t miss it!  I see it everyday!  It encourages me and gives me the tenacity and drive to work hard, get it done, and bring life to it!

Until next time,

Linda - Superstar Winning Spirit

“I Live To Give”  My blog is a tool that will allow me to give more of ME in so many inspiring ways!

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Staying The Course

Have there been times when you’ve gotten off course with something you really wanted to accomplish, or you’ve slacked in taking that first step to put your dream(s) into action.  Generally in life, it is much easier to start things than to finish them.  When the initial enthusiasm wears off, you have to put in hard work to keep it going!  This requires patience, dedication, courage and faith! 

I share this story with hopes that it will inspire anyone who is living there life off course, or believes they don’t have what it takes to stay the course and live their dreams.  I especially encourage anyone with MS, who may feel they are limited because of it.

Prior to February 2016, I wasn’t meeting all of the requirements for staying the course.  Then I began to wonder why I was not reaching my goals and why things were not working out the way I planned.  Then I had a “lightbulb” moment!  In that moment, a quiet voice said you are procrastinating, you are making excuses, you are moving to fast, you are not holding yourself accountable, you are not being intentional!  As true as this voice was, I did not like it, nor did I want to own it.  I knew I had to change this voice, so I did what I know is always best.  I prayed!  I prayed with intention and with a winning attitude!  I asked God to give me the wisdom to make the best decisions and take the right steps towards achieving my goals and staying on the right path to living my dreams!  I asked God to remove excuses from my thoughts.   I asked God to give me the clarity to know just what I need to “stay the course”.  And, I asked God to travel this path with me!  And so my journey began.  I put my goals and dreams in front of me and took action to make them a work in progress. I surrendered my works to God, and I chose faith over fear!  My mindset changed from one of procrastination and excuses, to one of determination, perseverance, accountability, and stickability! 

Fast forwarding to today, almost 2 years later, has it been an easy journey? Absolutely not!  Have there been curve balls?  Absolutely yes!  Have there been unforeseen circumstances?   Oh yeah!  Have things not gone exactly as I thought?  They sure have!  Have there been times when I questioned my decision or doubt tried to creep up?  Of course!  BUT, through it all, I “stayed the course”!  The hard times made me stronger!  The curve balls made me wiser!  The unforeseen circumstances made me more grateful!  Things not going exactly as I thought increased my trust in God!  And, when doubt tried to move in, my faith took over!

I am excited about the path I am on!  I am making steps that are leading to the completion of my goals, and living my dreams!  I am patient! I am staying focused and keeping a positive, victorious mindset!  I now constantly hear a loud voice saying “stay the course”!  I will “stay the course”!  I will surround myself with committed faith, and I will expect success, fruitfulness and reward.  I thank God for everything that is promised to me!

Thank you for tuning in to my blog!  Stay tuned for my next post!  Hint: a sneak  preview of my goals and dreams.  

Until next time, 

Linda - Superstar Winning Spirit

“I Live to Give”  My blog is a tool that will allow me to give more of ME in so many inspiring way!

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“The Power of I Am”

“Whatever follows I AM, will come looking for you!  Joel Osteen

There was a time in the beginning of 2016 when I believed that my goals and dreams were in a “going no where” phase.  They were “stuck”!  I began to make excuses, i.e. it’s not the right time, I don’t have the money, I’m too tired, I don’t have a degree, it won’t work, it requires too much time, and any other lame excuse that came to my mind.  Then unwarranted doubts followed the excuses! Doubting my ideas/concepts, doubting my knowledge, doubting my experience, doubting my ability, doubting my confidence.  No wonder I was having so little belief in my goals and dreams!  I asked myself, “What is going on with me”?  Then I immediately answered myself, “I’m stuck”! Then I began to wonder, was my “I’m stuck” answer another lame excuse. I was not comfortable in this confusion.  I then asked God, “What is going on with me, will you please give me the wisdom to understand it”? 

The very next morning, the theme of my devotions was “Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death”!  The scripture aligned with this devotion was Matthew 21:22, “Jesus says ‘If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer”.  Wow, my heart opened up!  I knew that God was answering my question, and it was so clear to me.  I wasn’t stuck at all!  Fear was telling me I was stuck.  Fear was paralyzing my faith.  I had to change this!  I prayed and made the determination that I would not allow fear and doubt to win over my faith.  I would not allow fear to determine who I am!  I then pulled out my journal and I listed who I am.  

I give you my “I am Affirmations”:

I am a child of God, I am blessed, I am strong, I am confident, I am wise, I am smart, I am beautiful, I am discerning, I am trustworthy, I am a good friend, I am caring, I am a helper, I am passionate, I am loyal, I am dedicated, I am a listener, I am a family person, I am faithful, I am grateful, I am fun,  I am intentional, I am transparent, I am determined, I am too blessed to be stressed, I am a winner, I am a shining star.

I have faith in who I am!  Now, whenever fear and doubt even try to rear their awful heads, I affirm that my faith is stronger -- because I feed my faith with prayer!  I feed my faith with my “I Am Affirmations”!  I now take action towards my goals and dreams!  I measure my success by the result of my actions!

Make a list of your “I Am Affirmations”!  Store them in your heart!

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“Little Did I Know”

In the winter of 2003 I experienced this aching pain around my left eye.  I initially thought, “must be my sinuses aching”.  After almost a week, the pain had not changed, and if anything it became more intense and more consistent.  I decided I should see my doctor.  After being thoroughly examined, my doctor was sure that the pain was not a result of a severe cold or sinuses.  He then recommended that I see an “eye specialist”, not my regular eye doctor, but an “eye specialist”!  Red Flag, right!  My immediate thought too!  However, after seeing serious concern on his face, I sort of knew why he did not want me to waste, what was then, valuable time going to my regular eye doctor. “What’s your concern”, I asked.  His reply was this, “Clearly the problem is with your left eye.  Normally, I would send you to your opthamologist, but because your right eye is a prosthetic, there is some urgency required. I want to make sure things are okay with your vision.”  {Backtrack: As a result of a lawn mowing accident, I lost my right eye when I was 5 years old.  It was too damaged for the doctors to save.  I have been wearing a “darn good” and “beautiful” prosthetic since I was 5.} So, I too saw a need for urgency in seeing an eye specialist.  I would be lying if I said that fear did not kick in at that point.  Needless to say, I was referred to an awesome eye specialist, Dr. Todd Goodglick, in Chevy Chase, MD.  By referral, I was able to get an appointment with Dr. Goodglick the following Monday!  I had seen my doctor on a Friday, so had to wait until Monday to see Dr. Goodglick.  That weekend seemed like the longest time in the history of “waiting”!  Before that Monday arrived, I remember driving and every car’s tag #, and directional signs were blurry to the point of not being able to read them.  It was a complete blur!  I became more alarmed.  Alarmed is an understatement!  I was seriously frightened!  But, I remained calm.  I know now that it was God, never leaving me, that kept me strong.  Monday arrived and I don’t know if I was more relieved, anxious, or frightened.  I may have been all three simultaneously!  Dr. Goodglick was awesome!  After examining me thoroughly, I was diagnosed with optic neuritis.  “What is that!”, I  asked.  Dr. Goodglick, explained that it is inflammation of the optic nerve and if left untreated will lead to blindness.  Wow!  He too understood the urgency of my situation and immediately started me on a treatment which consisted of 3 days of intravenous steroids, followed by 11 days of oral medication.  The treatment worked and the optic neuritis went away. Dr. Goodglick also highly recommended that I see a neurologist.  Why?  Because in some cases, optic neuritis is a symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).  I thought, “Oh Boy!” But, I remained calm.  Again, God never leaving me!   Dr. Goodglick referred me to a neurologist, Dr. Heidi Crayton.  I saw her shortly after the optic neuritis treatment.  How amazing she was (and is), is a whole separate post on another day!  She examined me and based on my physical examination and my history of good health, she did not immediately diagnose me with MS.  She explained that there are some single cases of optic neuritis, and that mine may not be associated with MS. She sent me home, and  said to call her if something changed.  Well now, about a month and a half later, in addition to realizing that I had been feeling more easily exhausted, something weird started happening to my body.  Whenever I would lower my chin toward my chest, I would feel this powerful buzzing (like the vibration of a pager against your body, but 10 times stronger) from the top of my body to my feet.  I knew something was not right.  I called Dr. Crayton and she immediately scheduled for me to have an MRI of my brain and cervical spine (with and without contrast). Needless to say, the MRI results were not great!  The results showed a reasonable size legion on my cervical spine and a few small ones on my brain.  I was then diagnosed with MS.  Now, here’s where an amazing blessing manifested.  After diagnosing me, Dr. Crayton explained my results, we talked about my symptoms, and she asked me a series of questions about my life.  One of things I told her is that I had been trying to become pregnant for a long time, and I still was trying.  This sparked level of concern and importance from her.  She said that because I was trying to become pregnant, she did not want to start me on medication immediately!  She did not think I was at an alarming enough stage that required medication at that time.  For me, this confirmed that she was an awesome doctor.  She wanted to monitor me for about 6 months.  The symptoms did not go away, but Dr. Crayton had discussed some things that may help them not occur frequently, including watching my body temperature and most importantly watching my level of stress!   I left her office that day determined that I was not going to ever be on medication for this MS and that I would always beat it, rather than it beating me!  Well, that  6 months of monitoring has now turned into 14 years of annual MRI’s and annual monitoring. Dr. Crayton calls me her poster child and her superstar MS patient. Thanks be to GOD, I have never been on medication for this MS.  I have loved and respected Dr. Crayton from day 1!  Not seeing the need to put me on medication was the beginning of my journey to win over this MS by managing it through my diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle.  Has it been an easy journey?  Absolutely no!  Is it an easier journey now?  Absolutely yes!  Why? Because after 12 long years of struggling to manage this MS through trying to eat  the right foods, keeping my body temperature low, and watching my stress level, I am now living a lifestyle where I feel better than I have in many, many years; I have more energy, and I am performing great!  And, let me not forget to boast about the most amazing thing!  Those horrible symptoms have occurred a lot less frequently!!! This lifestyle change has been going on for almost 2 years.  I thank God that I had the wisdom to make a choice to change my lifestyle.  Ones attitude and determination makes a world of difference when you are dealing with what can be a “beast” of an illness!! I am beating this MS by adding the right nutrition to my body and at the same time adding value to my lifestyle!  I am a Superstar Winning Spirit!

Stay tuned to my blog for details on the exact changes I made, and other great things going on in my world of “Living An Awesome Life, Beating MS, and Impacting Others”!  Or, message me if you have questions.  I am sharing my journey with hopes that I will encourage others, and help them to take a leap of faith.  A  lifestyle change starts with making a choice.  I want to impact others to make that right choice, while living with MS!  My motto is “Live To Give”!  My blog is a tool that will allow me to give more of ME in so many inspiring ways!  Thank you with all my heart for tuning in and sharing my blog!