I discovered long ago 'voicing" my thoughts through handwriting, clarity was often found in the moment of personal reflection and decisions. Journaling has been such a huge personal benefit in my private world for many years. I literally have stacks of journals crammed full of my life lessons as it was well modeled by my father.

A counselor once told me the habit of journaling created powerful growth patterns in mental processing circumstances, inner questions, personal challenges, solutions found, wins listed,  impacting quotes, teachings, heartfelt prayers, bible meditations, & music lyrics. 

I have read with interest recent studies, listened to conversational podcasts, and multiple resources bringing this age old lifestyle pattern back into vogue.  In my daily habits, writing is considered high value to document personal vision with insight & reflection.  

I am privileged to hold my fathers journals written through part of his adult years 1950-1990's, cherishing them deeply.  I love the authenticity by which he wrote,  to see how he would think, process, reflect, reach for resources, he was never satisfied to remain stuck or stale. He did not sugar coat painful experiences, neither did he allow himself to wallow in self pity or victim status. In his 80's he was still eager to learn new talents, share love and care to the lives of many others. Whether it be international mission work, entrepreneurial craftsmanship, cherishing your wife over 50 years, loving your family, loyalty to friends, adventure to discover nature, & in your lifetime service of others. 

Favorite Foods... Eggs every morning & Steak at the "The Sizzlers" 
Favorite Music... Anything my Mom would play on piano or organ.

I wish to honor his memory today, my Fathers birthday on Feb 24 having passed many years ago.
"Thanks Daddy, you are so lovingly missed & remembered, your true legacy lives on....." 

               " ..Some great occasion will depend on what we are.. the result of previous years of self-discipline"
                     -H.P Lidden                   "The Law of Reflection"     The 15 Invaluable  Law of Growth - John C Maxwell

                                   FREEDOM: COURAGEOUS ACTION TO LIVE OUT TRUTH'             -MEG-

​​How often  do you find yourself wrestling in mind & emotions .. projecting a gloomy future in the  moment. Do we stop to question truth? Questions that push past and diminish assumptions? Pivoting from a mental melt down to intentional mindfulness fill journals with prayer & personal reflections. This internal process may not be visible through the personal masks we find ourselves wearing in survival mode. The healing journey benefits from pushing "Pause" to sort  emotions that have spiraled into sadness, discouragement, helplessness, hopelessness, sinking into depression and isolation. We  may be tempted to push away resources found in caring people designed to encourage and strengthen on our path.

The  word "FREE" approached me to become the focus of TRUTH declared to my eyes, mind, heart and soul in a recent moment bringing clarity and confidence to the soul. As I stood on the beach, soft sand between my toes, the warmth of sunshine touching my skin, breathing ocean air slowly, the perfect atmosphere to prove thoughts.
In my soul searching moment to identify inaccurate perceptions & distortions, I asked these questions;
                     I am "FREE", Why don't I FEEL FREE?
                     How would my life look different if I LIVED FREE... would I FEEL it?
                               "FREE" Written in the Sand.. Truth but not feeling it
                                            Break off Lies... Break chains.. No more.. No longer!
                                            Declare Freedom for I and my loved ones
                                            Here in between.. In the middle ..  The adjustment of Waiting..   Waiting to find Balance...
                                            Slow Healing,  Incremental steps, one in front of another.
                                            My Focus? How will I prepare to Live Free?
                                            Will I mourn the familiar? 
                                            Higher is Calling. ... To Explore... To Breathe  
                                            Then one day I'm found busy... Living FREE
                                           Look at my reflection .. New takes priority
                                           Scars have faded ... Healing now Complete
                                           Free has come to stay.. 
                                           A Monumental Moment...
                                           Celebrate ..Go in Confidence
                                           "FREEDOM+ Courage to LIVE out TRUTH                  -MEG-                                   
I will not stay stuck living old habits, rehashing negative, but instead pivot to abundant possibilities. Whatever circumstances, I will choose 'Faith over Fear', to seek strength and guidance in ancient Bible writings: "It is for FREEDOM that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, Do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1

My research led to ancient biblical history of the Israel nation living in Egypt 400 years. What was once  comfort turned into long endured slavery. God heard their agonized prayers and intervened. As their release was negotiated to leave Egypt, it took 40 years for the slave mentality to be shaken.
The mentality included cleaning up complaining attitudes, stubborn hearts, growth
into maturity, learning another way forward into their destiny. I take these lessons
to heart as I reflect on their release from slavery and abuse, moving through the
process to purge slave mentality from my heart and life.

My personal prayer to "Release" toxic habits, toxic relationships, toxic thoughts,
toxic waste in my mind and body, to encourage hope in others journey. 
                                       I know I heard these words of challenge...           
  "Calling You Out...      YOU...Yes YOU..."      "Go from Surviving"  to  "THRIVING"   

My journey is often sealed with music...  these resources bring strength to the soul.
    Matthew West  "Take Heart"                        Toby mac    "On the Edge of My Seat"                               Jeremy Camp "Out of My Hands"

​Today I chose to get even more serious about finding multiple reasons and excuses to consume large amounts of yellow nature in my "eat color" focus. My habit for some time includes adding slices of citrus, lemon, lime, & orange to water, smoothies or lightly squeezing over menu items.

I had run across the idea that pineapple may knock out side effects of arthritis such as painful joint inflammation. That sounded really great so I was spurred to find out even more benefits originating from  pineapple fields of Costa Rica.

Science has documented many reasons to indulge in Pineapple as it is loaded with Vitamin C, strengthens your bones & connective tissues with plenty of manganese.

In addition to being rich in vitamins, it brings enzymes & antioxidants close while boosting the immune system, and these days we are all looking to boost personal immunities. Pineapples promote healthy digestion with its fiber & water content...may even ward off indigestion.

Delicious & sweet with only 74 calories per cup of pineapple chunks  with juice dripping down your cheeks makes it even better.  

Yellow is the color focus, so think tropical while making time to color your world. Slowing  it down from the frantic pace,  inhale deeply, while yellow pineapple evokes sunny, cheery feelings, warm & delicious. I  discovered sometime back that sunshine became my favorite accessory, all part of the atmosphere to relax, and chill out for a time.

The delicious smoothie shown blends health and wellness into natures bounty, avocado, acai, chai seeds,  apple, banana, blueberries, pineapple, hibiscus tea, cucumber, ginger, nuts & coconut water blended easily with a small Ninja. Your body loves each and every ingredient bringing health and vitality to your day.

​Sending out cheers from your RFA Real Food Advocate, MEG sharing from Fort Lauderdale Florida.  The humidity is rising today, it is time to go on that energizing bike ride before the rain clouds burst.

                                           "Do not wait for a change of environment before you act. Cause a change through action.
                        You can act upon your present environment so as to cause yourself to be transferred to a better environment."
                                                                      "The Science of Getting Rich"  - Wallace D Wattles 
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                               Mental Nutrition for Significance .... Your RFA Real Food Advocate ;  MEG    John Maxwell Team