Prayer, Positivity and a Pituitary Adenoma

When people ask "What does it mean to be healthy?", a majority of people say to be healthy is eating foods that are full of vitamins and nutrients, getting plenty of sleep and getting the appropriate amount of daily exercise.  Due to recent personal health issues, I have decided that  there is much more to being healthy than I originally thought. Being healthy does not just come in a physical form, but a mental and spiritual form, as well. 

A part of being healthy is being intuitive, in regards to the way your body works.  For example, when you are catching a cold, you know that something just isn't right about how your body is working. It's the same principle with any other type of illness that you experience. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, it's our job to be aware of your own body, because who really knows your body like you do (the answer is....NO ONE). 

Recently I have been diagnosed with a Pituitary Adenoma.  A Pituitary Adenoma is a small growth, or tumor, found at the base of the brain.  It can cause severe headaches, dizziness, hormone imbalances and long term effects on the body.  I had been having some symptoms for some time and finally decided to surrender all amounts of stubbornness and go to the doctor.  At the doctors office, blood work was completed.  After several days, I received the results, which indicated that my Prolactin levels were extremely high.  An MRI was scheduled, which showed signs of a tumor.  At first, I was beside myself.  I had no idea what I was going to do and constantly thought the worst.  I was filled with overwhelming amounts of fear, anxiety, curiosity, doubtfulness, negativity, judgment, discouragement, and caution.  Throughout this process, several people have shown me encouragement, light, and have shed more prayers on me than I am worthy of. 

At the beginning of this process, all I could focus on were "what ifs", anxiety, negative accusations and thoughts. After days of negative thoughts, worrying and feeling down I finally decided to muster up enough courage to STOP worrying, so I began to listen to what other people were telling me. I was, also, encouraged to consider the questions, "What can I learn from this situation?" and "What is God trying to tell me?".  I was told to read Phillipians 4: 6-8, Romans 8:28-31, James 1:2-4, and anything in Proverbs or Psalms.  I was told to not only read the scriptures, but to pray about them, so that they take root into my spirit, heart and life.  I began to pray for peace, faith and an overwhelming joy. Although still doubtful, I began to experience peace, faith and joy. After my MRI, each one of my daily devotionals consisted of verses from either Proverbs or Psalms, which was far from coincidental.  Each verse I read aloud to myself was like a slap in the face.  Why should I be worried? Is God not mighty enough to make a 15 mm tumor diminish? Is God not powerful and gracious enough to provide the doctors with the tools and knowledge they need to remove this tumor? Is my God not the ULTIMATE physician? I was engulfed in negativity, when I needed to be engulfed in positivity! This Tuesday, I have an appointment to see a neurosurgeon.  I wholeheartedly believe that the surgeon will know the best solution and in the near future my tumor will be completely gone. 

This situation has encouraged me to live an even healthier lifestyle than I already did. I have decided to get healthy not just from head to toe, but on the inside, too. I am currently working on turning my worrisome and anxious ways into the ways of obtaining prayer, faith and joy in ALL situations.  My eyes have been opened to the importance of how transforming your negative thoughts in to positive thoughts is not only healthy, but uplifting and encouraging.  By pumping prayer and positivity into your life a healthier and happier lifestyle will be obtained.  

" Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is purse, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." - Phillippians 4:8

Tone It Tuesday exercise class

First of all, my life is incredibly hectic, at the moment, so it has been a little while since my last post, my apologies. I have been bombarded with school, work, and contract work and still trying to hit the gym every single day before coming home to do homework. Things have finally slowed down for me, just a little, so hopefully I will be able to commit to blogging more frequently.

Even with limited time on my hands, I have decided to make some time for something that will be hopefully be beneficial to other women's health and social skills.  My lovely workout partner and best friend, Jacqueline Sims and I have decided to start a Total Body workout class called "Tone It Tuesdays".  This class is centered around encouraging women to live a healthy lifestyle and for them to understand that exercising doesn't have to be boring and dreaded.  Jacqueline and I have realized that it is difficult for women to find time for themselves, whether they are single, married, or married with children. We know that it is vital for women to find time to not only workout and be healthy, but to have other women in their lives that can be there for encouragement and accountability purposes. So to help women obtain these attributes, we have decided to start Tone It Tuesdays, where women can come together, socialize and uplift one another, while getting an amazing and fun workout!

Many people have asked me, as well as Jacqueline, a little about our class. Our class focuses on giving your entire body the perfect workout. It is a total body class that gets your heart rate up, works your arms, legs and abs, while trying to lift and perk up that booty (because we know everyone wants a perky JLO booty). It is about a 30 to 45 minute class and we use some weights and steps, but mostly just the weight of your own body.  It is done primarily in circuits, which is several exercises that are grouped together. A total of about 6 circuits will be done to music. [DUH...what's an exercise class without music??]  Each circuit is designed to focus on a different muscle group, this way you will be working your entire body! If you feel scared or intimidated that you may not be able to do some of the exercises or that people will make fun of you....DON'T BE! There are modifications to each of the exercises that will be shown, so NO WORRIES!! So before you knock it, come try it! I don't think you will be disappointed & if you are, well at least you'll burn around 600 calories for the day!!

Who: YOU!!

What: Tone It Tuesdays with Jacqueline and Brittany

Where: Bonifay Athletic Club [in the back room]

When: Tuesdays at 5:30

Why: To promote the importance of Women's Health

 

Here is a brief example of a Circuit that can be done really quick at home (make certain you take a short 10-30 Second break in between each circuit):

Circuit 1:
45 Second Push-Up (you can use the wall, if necessary)
30 Second Forearm Plank
45 Second Jumping Jack
( 3 Times)

Circuit 2:
45 Second Squats
30 Second Jump Squats
30 Second High Knees
(2 Times)

Circuit 3:
45 Second Crunches
20 Second Plank
30 Second Mountain Climbers
( 3 Times)