It has been a full couple of months. A metamorphosis of sorts. It began when I decided I needed to begin exercising again to get my body back to feeling healthy again. I started working out 5 days a week with 45 minutes of cardio. Then a light flipped on in me and I drastically changed my diet. I stopped eating any and all processed foods, cut meat and dairy down to almost nothing, and quit drinking my nightly glass of wine… or two. I began eating a mainly raw, plant-based diet of fruits and vegetables and drastically increased my water intake. Miraculously, I have had zero cravings for any of my old foods, lost 7lbs and still dropping, and eliminated the need for anxiety medication. It was a complete life-style change and oddly has been the easiest thing I’ve ever done. I am a firm believer that healing needs to happen from the inside out. Start with loving yourself unconditionally and you’ll find that you only want to fill yourself with things that contribute to your higher good.

As this was happening, David’s parents came to visit from Hawaii. They stayed the weekend before heading back to his mother’s hometown in New York and then stopping back to stay with us again before heading up to Washington to visit David’s sister. Their visit came at just the right time. Stress has been skyrocketing for David and I and we’ve been weary and beaten down. His parent’s visit completely rejuvenated us. Not only are they immensely helpful with day-to-day tasks, but their unconditionally supportive and loving presence was just what our hearts needed. There’s nothing like being surrounded by people who leave you feeling stronger than when they found you.

Then I watched in horror as my hometown of Charlottesville was invaded by racist, hate-loving lunatics. It was crushing to witness such ugliness arrive in a place that radiates beauty from its mountains to its people. I have no doubt that Charlottesville will heal even stronger than it was before. It glows brighter than any amount of darkness thrown at it. So should we all.