Perception Or Reality

This made me crack up!  Good example of perception I thought ;)

Sometimes it's hard to stay positive a midst what feels like so much negativity.  I mean, we're bombarded with it on the daily!! In the news, magazines, newspaper, and the water-cooler gossip we hear every day.  Besides Buddha, who wouldn't have trouble staying positive?!  But we have to.  It's an absolute necessity.

What we focus on grows.  What we dwell on dwells within us.  What we perceive becomes our reality. We have to be super selective and conscious of what we allow ourselves to be witness to as well as what we allow in our minds.  Our mind is so powerful!  What you allow to dwell or live in there is what your life will be.  If you focus on negativity or problems then guess what you will attract more of?  Problems and negativity!  And when we're so busy focusing on our issues or problems we miss out on the subtle blessings that cross our path.

Would you allow a thief to dwell in your home?  Of course not!  Well that's no different than allowing negative thoughts and self-talk to dwell in your mind.  Negativity will rob your life of joy and happiness.  Don't let them in!  I know it's easier said then done.  But actually, only at first.  It's only challenging AT FIRST to get out of the habit of thinking negative thoughts and being around negative people.  Once you start replacing those thoughts immediately EVERY time, I promise you that will become your new habit.  By 'that' I mean positivity. It's contagious!  And who wouldn't rather be happy than grumpy and negative?  Many years ago while reading, I came across a quote by Dr. Wayne Dyer that read "When you change the way you look at things...the things you look at change".  That quote changed my life!  It is the absolute truth.

Please try this, for the next 7 days, every time you have a negative thought immediately replace it with a positive one.  For example, "My butt looks huge in these jeans"...replace with "I'm so grateful this body gets me to where I need to go".  Every time, every day.  And then I want to hear from you any change or shift you've noticed in yourself and your life.  You can comment below or send me a private email at  FusionWellness3@gmail.com
Life truly is about perception.  There is no "reality" so why not perceive your life as abundantly happy, successful, and blessed?!  You have nothing to lose and EVERYTHING to gain.

XO   Joy

Never Stay In Your Comfort Zone

#FitspirationFriday

When you challenge yourself, it shows you where your weaknesses are.  It brings light to the shadows where your work needs to begin. Never stay comfortable or content.  Always look for ways to challenge yourself and try something "old" in a new way. 

Be YOU

Don't BE someone else for somebody

Don't doubt your worth

Stop questioning if you have something to offer

You are unique

There is no one on this planet like YOU

Believe in yourself

Be YOU....because YOU are enough

XO  Joy

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread

Those who say gluten-free doesn't taste good are just wrong! Now, it does take some experimentation with the different flours there are to use. And some of the alternative flours are better for baking while others are better for cooking. You just have to practice and decide what works best for you.  But I've found the balance for my baking. And just in time for the Holidays!! This homemade pumpkin spice gluten-free bread with cinnamon glaze is absolutely divine!! My family eats it so fast and my neighbors started requesting loaves. It's just perfect!! I've also figured out how to make my popular Peanut Butter  Cup Cookies gluten-free as well.  And you can't tell!! They're delish!!  My daughter and I both have a sensitivity to gluten which is why I switched to gluten-free about a year ago.  I'm so thankful there are so many flour options now in grocery stores. I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't bake. 

If you have a delish gluten-free recipe share it in the comment section below!  And if you want my Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Bread recipe, email me (email is on my About Me and Membership Page)!

XO   Joy

Coconut In All Its Forms...And Its Benefits

Every time you turn around there is another touted benefit of coconut oil.  Claims from curing Alzheimer's, lowering HDL, to weight loss.  Some studies have shown a possible link between the first two claims...although, coconut oil can also raise LDL so there is a trade off.  For this article I am going to focus on the latter claim, coconut oil and weight loss.  Of course,  like with many claims, more studies need to be done BUT some preliminary studies (as stated in an article on WebMD) show that coconut oil may help reduce waist size.  Which is a good thing since that is a predominant complaint and issue of most Americans.  After researching the topic and the results of several small studies, my opinion is that coconut oil does not help you lose weight in general but there is a connection between regular coconut oil consumption and smaller waist circumference.  Science is so careful to never officially claim something as absolute truth but it is enough for me to be encouraged and continue using coconut oil.  I could bore you with the long explanation as to why coconut oil consumption is associated with smaller waist size but I won't.  Instead I will just say coconut oil is a MCT (medium chain triglyceride) that contains predominantly lauric acid (a saturated fat), no cholesterol, 117kcals and 13g/fat per Tablespoon.  Medium chain triglycerides are thought to encourage thermogenesis or increase metabolism.  Okay, so I probably did just bore you but I hate not backing up the 'why' I say something.  The bottom line, for me, is that besides tasting delicious in all forms (coconut milk, coconut water, shredded coconut, etc.)  coconut oil is a powerful antioxidant and great for the skin, hair, and body as a whole.  I eat, drink, and use coconut in many forms as well as use coconut oil in cooking, baking, and even my shakes.  You have to decide what you believe and as with everything, moderation is key.  But for me...it is a daily staple in my house. Not to mention my go-to scent in candles and perfume! ;)

XO  Joy

If you have any question or comments about this topic please comment! Or if you have any great recipes please share them! :)

Awareness

This is what instantly makes me centered and catapults me into awareness.  The beach is my sanctuary, my re-charging place, and my space where I feel closest to myself and God.  What is your place?

Awareness.  Without it you create drama and cannot appreciate all that is in your life. All that is right in front of you this very moment.  Each blessing.  Awareness is the root of everything and the beginning of consciousness.  Be conscious in the moment and perceive life around you. That is awareness.

XO  Joy

What do YOU want to talk about?

  I'm not a fan of taking pictures but I know sometimes it's nice to 'see' who's behind all the writing

I am so passionate about nutrition and health that sometimes I can get on my soapbox for a while.  I write when I'm inspired or if there's a topic that I find interesting.  But what do you find interesting? What questions do you have about nutrition, exercise, or health? I'm taking requests for post topics and I will respond to all comments and ideas!  Thank you for reading my blog and joining me in this journey to health!

XO  Joy