Just a Dream

We all have dreams right? A lot of dreams that we don't actually react to. Been there most of my life. I ponder on things I want to do but never put action to these dreams. A lot of the reason I didn't put action to the dreams is because of the lies I was believing. I didn't think I was worthy enough, smart enough, or good enough. All these things the enemy kept telling me. My story wouldn't help anyone was a big one. I was so tired of listening to these lies. So I finally said screw the devil, I'm going to follow my dream.

If you've followed my blog for any time, you know that I speak a lot on recovery, addiction, eating disorders, depression, pain, anger, exercise, abuse, and much more. I'll continue to blog and share my thoughts and heart. But its time to fully emerge myself in one of my biggest dreams yet!

I truly believe that the things I have been through isn't to be kept quiet any longer but to share with others who are hurting also. We ALL have a story to tell! And it all has meaning for others and for yourself. So I'm here to share the pain, failures, hurts, for others to find healing. And praying for more healing within my own heart.

I'm still a broken person. I think we all are a little if we look within ourselves. I still have daily struggles, daily surrenders, daily decision to make. But that's no longer stopping me from sharing with others. I'll continue to heal, learn, and grow through this season.

But my story is finally hitting "book" form. I'm going to be raw and real but also share that there is hope no matter where we are. I'm praying God uses each part to touch just one person who needs to hear it. I'm excited and ready for this next season.

Isaiah 61

The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me. He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken, Announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners. God sent me to announce the year of his grace— a celebration of God’s destruction of our enemies— and to comfort all who mourn, To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion, give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes, Messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit. Rename them “Oaks of Righteousness” planted by God to display his glory. They’ll rebuild the old ruins, raise a new city out of the wreckage. They’ll start over on the ruined cities, take the rubble left behind and make it new. You’ll hire outsiders to herd your flocks and foreigners to work your fields, But you’ll have the title “Priests of God,” honored as ministers of our God. You’ll feast on the bounty of nations, you’ll bask in their glory. Because you got a double dose of trouble and more than your share of contempt, Your inheritance in the land will be doubled and your joy go on forever.

I feel as God has given me this verse to stand on during this time of writing and seeking him for guidance. This is where it all starts. Stay tuned for details throughout this journey!!!

How Plexus Helped My Eating Disorder

Over the past year, I have had a couple people approach me about joining Plexus. I was like absolutely NO! And that was because of my history of my eating disorder. I knew putting "weight loss" products in my life would not be healthy. I also knew that I would be judged by others who knew what plexus products were usually used for. So I chose not too.

I went on with my life and didn't think about it a whole lot after that. I moved to Texas for training and then onto Florida, where I live now. I reached out to an old friend because I was struggling with depression, being away from friends and family, and starting a new career. It was just a challenging time for me.

My friend encouraged me and was there for me. After a few conversations she shared Plexus with me. I was like no at first and since we have a close relationship I could share my concerns about the products. She totally understood my fears and concerns. So I did my own research!! I realized that not all products are for weight loss. Its about so much more!! Its about finding health in your body!!!!!

After about a week, I got back to my friend and said I'M IN!!! She was thrilled to help me get started.

Over the years my recovery with my Eating Disorder has been full of ups and downs. Some days are great and other days are a struggle. Its part of my normal life. As I began the products I realized things were changing, but for the GOOD. I was no longer craving all the sugar and carbs, which this helped me choose healthier options. When I choose things that are healthier, I feel so much better about myself. Craving healthy food is an amazing feeling!

I no longer was bingeing. I would sit down and stop when I was full. This would never happen in the past. I would normally skip meals or eat like a horse when I sat down to eat. I had zero control and zero balance. Now, I feel "semi-normal" when I sit down to eat. I only eat until I'm full. I still have my days where I may skip or eat too much. But I have the control over food that I never have had before. I feel the confidence I never had before over food. I know its still a journey for me, but its a journey that I can handle now.

Craving water and healthy foods. Oh my goodness!! Let me tell you, I have always been a super healthy eater but that was because I was scared of most foods that were not in my "safe" food group. I would just eat healthy to maintain. But I would end up bingeing on the "bad"foods. Now I look for salads, greens, vegetables, all healthy food. I love it! I don't think about where is that chocolate or cake or pie. I will enjoy a piece if I am given a piece. But I stop after a couple bites now. Use too, I would eat the whole piece or more and purge. Not a healthy thing. But it was my reality. It may also be your reality. You're not alone!! Its hard!!! I'm also always looking for water. I love water now. I feel better getting all the water in, where use to I would not get even half of my daily water intake in.

I use to always be so exhausted. And this is because I never was getting enough sleep or the proper intake of food. My sleep has always been horrible! Since I was a kid. Now I'm sleeping most of the time at least 7-8 hours a night. This has never happened. I kinda get excited now to look at my fitbit in the morning to see how my sleep was!! I have never had the best eating habits. Like I said earlier, it was either restriction or bingeing. I have not fully conquered this part. But I am daily eating more, because I am craving healthy things. And I know the days I eat the things my body needs, I feel so much better. I have the energy that I need to properly perform my job. So it may be a challenge to get in all the nutrients that I need, but I am improving each day!!! Thank you Jesus!

If you struggle with an eating disorder, please don't be scared to take the next step. This may be products to help you overcome as it has for me! I would love to walk this journey with you or a loved one. Please feel free to contact me!!

whitneyrwest@yahoo.com

Keep on Fighting!!!

The Legacy of Papaw

This is my last picture with Papaw. I happened to be home the weekend my family put him on hospice. I am so thankful I was home. I sat in a chair right by his bed and just held his hand. It was a beautiful moment for us. We played the Gathers (his favorite christian band). We played Amazing Grace!! He became coherent when I played Amazing Grace. He loved it. I could tell he was ready to go be with the Lord that day. I continued telling him we were all taken care of and he could go in peace. Just two days later, he left us.

I had an amazing grandpa. He loved his family well. He always made sure we were all taken care of. He was a pastor for over 50 years. He led many to Christ as well as our family also. He wanted all of us to come to Christ and know him. He lived this example out daily, which inspires me to live out also. Knowing he loved Jesus like he did, helped us have peace with his passing. He is reunited with Jesus and his wife Momma Hattie. Papaw is loving life! We are thankful!

A story I shared at his celebration last week, I thought I could share with my readers.

I always spent at least once a week with my grandparents. I would drive them to Cracker Barrel and we would enjoy our lunch. On this particular day, my Momma Hattie stayed home to tutor. So it was just Papaw and myself. After we finished lunch, I asked what else he needed to do while we were out? He proceeded to tell me he needed is drivers license renewed. So, I drove him down to the DMV. They checked his eyes, took his picture, and we walked out with a new license.
As I got home that night, I told my dad about our day. He told me he had been putting off getting that renewed because Papaw wasn't suppose to be driving anymore. He may have gotten his license renewed, but never made it back on the road. At least to my knowledge!!

We have many more memories but that is something my family and I still laugh about! He will be missed! But he is now living in paradise and loving life!!