3 The Journey Begins My journey began in 1998 when I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 37. Two years later I would also add Fibromyalgia to that diagnosis. I was given several prescription medications in the hopes of putting these diseases, at the least, in remission. October of 2012 would become the most devastating time in my life. I was on a self- destructive path, which would take me on a part of this journey that would not be pleasant. I had given up on life. I convinced myself I would never be NORMAL again. I would never look normal again, feel normal again nor live normal again. I indulged in mostly sugar treats and sodas, convincing myself these would satisfy my ever destructive spirit, be my comfort, and that I could stop anytime I wanted. But I didn't want to stop. The path I was determined to be on was one of self-destruction, a deliberate choice I had made.
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1 It's All About The Journey Created by Bonnie Potts 2013 2 My
Mission Life is a journey, each of us touching the lives of others.
This is the story of my journey, with the hope it will make a
difference to those who read it and apply it. A new path for them
to travel and begin their own journey. EVERY LONG JOURNEY BEGINS
WITH ONE SINGLE STEP ! 3 The Journey Begins My journey began in
1998 when I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of
37. Two years later I would also add Fibromyalgia to that
diagnosis. I was given several prescription medications in the
hopes of putting these diseases, at the least, in remission.
October of 2012 would become the most devastating time in my life.
I was on a self- destructive path, which would take me on a part of
this journey that would not be pleasant. I had given up on life. I
convinced myself I would never be NORMAL again. I would never look
normal again, feel normal again nor live normal again. I indulged
in mostly sugar treats and sodas, convincing myself these would
satisfy my ever destructive spirit, be my comfort, and that I could
stop anytime I wanted. But I didn't want to stop. The path I was
determined to be on was one of self-destruction, a deliberate
choice I had made. 4 Blood Test Results - October 2012 5 6 The
first week of January 2013, I could not walk without assisstance. I
became bound to a walker as it became my best friend. I went to the
doctor, who performed blood work, and also referred me to a
Neurologist for possible neuropathy. The blood tests revealed a
high blood glucose level and poor kidney funtion. I HAD LITERALLY
EATEN MYSELF INTO A SUGAR INDUCED NEUROPATHY & POSSIBLE PRE-
DIABETES. The doctor prescribed a fairly new drug to help with the
neuropathy, but after reading the side effects I became concerned
about the safety of this drug. (It amazes me how I was so concerned
about the side effects of this drug yet not concerned about the
side effects of my unhealthy eating habits). I began an intense
search into herbs and supplements in hope of finding an alternative
source of management of this disease. 7 Blood Test Results: January
2013 8 Blood Test Results: July 2013 My blood glucose levels are
normal. My kidney function tests are normal. 9 I am now Neuropathy
free. I am now able to exercise including, power walking and yoga.
I believe we are all here to touch the lives of others. BUT I
believe we must start with ourself in order to be able to help
others.We are given these mortal bodies to live in and we are
responsible for every action used for them or against them. YOU are
the purpose this book is being written. YOU are the reason I've
been called to walk this journey. And believe me, IT'S ALL ABOUT
THE JOURNEY ! The Results 10 How Did It All Come Together ? Making
a lifestyle change in eating habits Including an all natural,
organic & GMO free diet Proper use of herbs & supplements
Getting the recommended hours of sleep 11 How To Get Started List
your diseases List your medications Determine which foods are your
trigger foods Determine which herbs & supplements are right for
you Take a good multivitamin daily Drink plenty of water Develop an
exercise plan to fit your ability Set a goal 12 Food Choices
Determine your food allergies The most common alleriges to food
are: Gluten, Wheat, Dairy, Peanuts & Soy Food allergies can
cause "Allergic Reactions" increasing pain and inflammation when
ingested Try to buy Organic when possible This is one way to make
sure what you are eating does not contain any GMO derivitives,
artificial ingredients or pesticides ALWAYS read labels Just
because it says "All Natural" does not mean it is healthy. There
are hidden derivatives Look for products that display "Verified
non-GMO" 13 Herbs & Supplements There are many herbs &
supplements widely available that will help with certain diseases.
Determine which will benefit your particular diseases Always check
for interactions between your prescribed medications and the herbs
& supplement you need If in doubt, check with your doctor for
interactions Take herbs & supplements at the same time each day
and try not to miss any doses. (It takes time for herbs &
supplements to become effective, therefore, missed doses will
remarkably reduce how effective they will be) 14 Putting It All
Together Create Your Personal Plan Create your own personal daily
regimen I found it much easier to stick with my plan if it was kept
simple. Too complicated makes it too easy to give up Put it in
writing Create a diet plan that is pleasant and that doesn't
require too much effort Come up with a simple exercise plan 15 I
believe we are all here to touch the lives of others. BUT I believe
we must start with ourself, attending to our own bodies needs,in
order to be able to help others. My hope is my story will be a tool
to help you take charge of your body and diseases. We are given
these mortal bodies to live in and we are responsible for every
action used for them or against them. They will only serve us as
well as we treat them. YOU are the purpose this book is being
written. YOU are the reason I've been called to walk this journey.
And believe me IT'S ALL ABOUT THE JOURNEY ! 16
