A Mother is Born
When I was pregnant with my firstborn, I suddenly became very concerned about the products that I was using on my body. I was worried about what effects they might have on my unborn child. I didn’t want to do anything that might harm her. It was then that my outlook on life changed and with it, my entire being.
A Mother’s Mission
A mother was born; and my life’s mission was to protect my child at all costs. I spent countless hours researching and what I found was horrifying. There are literally toxins everywhere. They are in beauty products, household cleaners, baby products including diapers and wipes, cookware, mattresses, medicine, the food we eat, and the air we breathe. The list is endless. It’s easy to see why so many of us struggle when making the switch to a healthier lifestyle. Look at everything we are up against!
It was and still is so overwhelming to think about all the dangers that are quite literally, all around us. There is no denying the negative effects that toxins and chemicals have on our bodies. If this information is new to you and you are concerned, I suggest starting with one topic and doing some research. It can be very overwhelming, but even small changes can help make a difference in leading a healthier lifestyle.
Ditching the Toxins
My belief with most products and food is that less is more. Before making a purchase, take a look at the ingredient list. Do you know what they are? Can you even pronounce them? If not, then chances are you should probably choose a different product or at the very least, look up the ingredients to see what they are and what their potential side effects are.
I frequently use the Think Dirty and EWG apps to determine if something is safe before I buy it. I also like to stay up-to-date with the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 Lists regarding fresh produce. These lists help me determine when to purchase organic fruits and vegetables.
The harsh reality is that we live in a toxic world. These are just a few minor steps that you can take to help protect your family and keep them healthy.
Know Better, Do Better
No one has our children’s best interest at heart more than we do. We are their protectors and we must advocate for them. I’m a firm believer in the phrase, “know better, do better”. I have learned so much the past few years since becoming pregnant with my first child and I continue to learn each and every day.
A Long Road
I would be lying if I said that eating healthy and ditching toxins have been easy. It’s been quite the opposite actually. I have lived in fear, been consumed with worry, heartache, anger, and utter sadness. I have mourned the loss of what those around me consider ‘normal’ and felt like giving up more times than I can count. I can’t tell you how often I’ve cried myself to sleep and felt so overwhelmed and completely devastated.
One of the most difficult things has been loneliness. Since learning about the health problems that both of my girls have, including a severe food allergy, I have gone through periods where I have felt incredibly alone. Strangers, friends, and family, including some of those closest to me, just didn’t understand. There have been times where I felt alienated in my own home. Making the switch to lead healthier lives has been one of the most difficult things that I have ever done.
Weird is the New Awesome
However, all of the sadness, anger, worry, and loneliness have been worth it. My life choices might be ‘weird’ to some, but I am honestly okay with that now. A friend once told me that “weird is the new awesome”. She has the sign hanging up in her office and I think the phrase fits perfectly. It’s taken a long time for me to be okay with the strange looks and comments that I often get. But I believe that most of the time, they don’t come from a place of hate, but a place of misunderstanding. People can become defensive and hurtful when they are exposed to something that’s different.
New Norms
When we go against societal norms, we are given a label and often viewed in a negative light. As unfortunate as that is, I want you to know that it’s okay to be different. In fact, our world needs more uniqueness. I believe that society’s views are skewed and I pray that our nation becomes more accepting of topics that are near and dear to my heart including natural living, extended breastfeeding, homeschooling, and clean eating. What a wonderful world it would be if everyone had a better understanding of health and wellness.
Blossoming through Motherhood
There is no denying that motherhood has changed me. It has awakened a warrior in me. A warrior who will fight for her children. One who will do whatever she can to ensure they are leading their best lives. I’ve become a better person, a stronger person. And for that, I am so incredibly blessed.
I have a long way to go and am far from perfect. We all have our faults and I’m learning to live with mine. I believe that with God, all things are possible. He has a plan and I have to trust it.
With Him, I will Blossom through Motherhood. This is my journey and I hope to help you along the way through yours. Together, we can embrace the chaos and Blossom through Motherhood, one step at a time.
I’m so excited to be on this journey with you.
Love & Blessings,
Meg
