January 2015- Changes Recap

When Jennifer and I looked back at 2014 and realized how many changes we had made toward our own personal growth and our health, we were awestruck. We hadn't realized, until we wrote everything down (LINK to original post) just how many things we had changed, how much we changed our attitudes, and how much closer we grew together as a couple. After sharing this information with our friends on Facebook, we were blown away at the response as our friends were using our post as inspiration to kickstart their own journey into better health.

Now, as we have reached the end of January, the first month of this new endeavor, it is time to reflect upon the last 30 days of personal growth as we build upon the changes we began last year. Looking back at the last month is akin to running a marathon and glancing back over your shoulder to see how far you've gone as motivation to drive forward and continue the journey. I encourage everyone to journal the changes they make for themselves, not to hold themselves accountable, but instead to use for further motivation.

Let's take a look at what changes Jennifer and I have made in the last 30 days alone- These are new things we have done since the creation of the original list from November, 2014. I have added links throughout so you can research options for yourself and possibly be inspired:

Group Related-

• Motivated by our friends who were inspired by our original post, we created the Facebook group Take Back Control Of Your Life.
• Created this blog to support the Facebook group and have an ability to preserve articles and create original content for our members.
• Created a Pinterest page to support the group as well. This Pinterest page is designed to help archive so many of the memes and pictures that motivate our members every day.
• Watched a number of food related / health related documentaries to support our knowledge of the industry, make more informed choices, and assist with questions that arise from the members of the group- Farmageddon (2011), Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead (2010), Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead 2 (2014), Fed Up (2014), Food Matters (2008), Food, Inc (2008), GMO OMG (2014),

Food-

• Visited a local-area farm in the North Georgia Mountains to purchase some farm fresh meat and dairy
• Switched from chemical based coffee creamers to heavy cream and natural sugar (Evan)
• Have eaten less than 1 processed, frozen meal per week in over 30 days (Both)
• Began drinking green smoothies for lunch or dinner at least 3 days a week (Both)
• Visited local smoothie bar for local, organic, non-GMO smoothies (Both)
• Began a local, organic produce subscription delivery- delivered every 2 weeks (Household)
• Visited a local spice shop to continue to support local business, and explore taste options (Both)
• Checked out 2 small, non-GMO, healthy grocery stores that we haven't previously been to- Sprouts and Goodness Grocery (Both)
• Monthly shopping at local, organic health food grocery- Life Grocery (Jennifer)
• Visited at least 3 new (to us), locally-owned, health focused restaurants while eating out (Both)

Body-

• Switched from national brand cartridge razor to a single-blade, old school style razor and blades (Evan) [2 year cost-$45 vs. $205 - massive cost savings over the course of a 2-year period + stop paying ridiculous prices for shaving supplies to major corporations]
• Switched from nationally branded toothpaste to a more natural option- Jason / Tom's (Jennifer)
• Switched to a natural bar soap sourced from local vendors or Dr. Bronners (Jennifer)
• Switched to a natural deodorant- Tom's, Jason (Jennifer)
• Started the switch to natural cosmetics (Jennifer)

Soul-

• Returned to performing improv on a weekly basis (Evan)
• Began taking yoga classes at least 3 days per week (Jennifer)
• Massages, every 3 weeks at Massage On The Square, Marietta, GA (Both)
• Began walking OUTDOORS (30 minutes) at least 4 days per week (Evan)
• Switched to an essential oil diffuser instead of chemical laden air fresheners (Both)
• Ordered essential oil diffusers for our vehicles (Both)
• Switched from a traditional alarm clock to a light-based alarm clock app (Android) that wakes you more naturally with increased light levels instead of loud, blaring sounds. (Jennifer)

Once again, we are both blown away by how many small changes we have made in the last month. Seeing a list this long is absolutely inspiring us both to continue this lifestyle change and watch it grow even larger in the future. I fully expected that these changes were going to be challenging and difficult, but have instead found that once we had the right mindset, towards health, wellness, and well-being, the whole process was made so much easier.

We welcome your comments and insights. We would especially love to hear from you if you feel inspired by the changes we have made for ourselves. Please join us on Facebook and Pinterest, join in the conversation, and share our pages with your friends and family.

Thanks for reading,
Evan & Jennifer