by Amy Chibib

Woohoo – It’s Friday! This is my favorite day of the week. I think that is because I feel a big sense of accomplishment. Also knowing that the weekend is ahead that usually brings a more relaxed routine, freedom and fun! Can you hear some of my core values in there? I hope each of you have had an insightful week focusing a little more on care for yourself. Paying attention to how your body feels, what your Spirit is gently calling to you, and what is the mindset or thinking that is filling your days? These are all excellent clues to guide you in making the most of the process.
I must admit I am NOT following the cleanse completely. I gave myself permission to take the parts of the reboot that I knew I could handle. Which is taking a “vacation” from the white processed carbs, corn, dairy, soy, artificial sweeteners, and most sugars, alcohol, and the social media turn off. The best part, I have been adding in some of the rich nourishing practices this week and thoroughly enjoying it! I hope that each of you have tuned in to what you need – I believe we are all intuitively wise beyond measure and by plugging into your guidance system, many issues will melt away – even in the fog of caffeine deprivation – haha! I enjoy this Re-boot because it is such a great reminder that these are habits I can carry forward for healthier daily living. Here is quick synopsis of my routine this week:
Start my mornings with a gentle harp ringing from my alarm – Yes, I still need the cue to open my sleepy eyes at 6:30am. Yet I feel refreshed and before I move – I always give a quick thank you for this day and grateful for what is to come. I am always eager to make my French press coffee – it is a process in itself and a ritual I am choosing to keep – for now. Heating the water in a kettle – which I use the warm water to first mix my lemon/ACV water. It actually gives me the boost I need as I go get changed for the morning. Nice surprise! I may be able to give up the coffee after all – we’ll see 😉
8:00am – Once drop offs are complete and before I hit the trail for my run – I choose the quick breakfast of oatmeal in almond milk that has soaked overnight. It is delicious and perfect with a touch of cinnamon and walnuts. I get my 4 mile run in and on these mornings feel mentally clear and ready to start the day (a testament to the cardiovascular workout)!

By 10:30 – I make a small smoothie – Blueberries, Kale, Almond milk, ice. This fills me until later lunch.
1:30: I grab the deli sliced Rotisserie chicken (it is delicious from Trader Joes) top a field greens salad with a few olives and a hard-boiled egg & drizzle a tsp of olive oil. Very satisfying and filling!
Snack – 4/5:00 – I usually grab a handful of nuts or red peppers in hummus
Dinner – 7:00pm – Grilled chicken has been a favorite this week. With broccoli & peppers and tossed spinach salad.
I keep my meals very simple but love sitting down to eat with my two teenage boys who are ravenous! I don’t have to think too much or spend much time preparing or following recipes. (More clues to my value system 😉 )
Aspects of the Reboot I’ve enjoyed the most:  The awareness, acceptance, slowing down and paying attention. Making notes about how I am feeling and a journal of what I’ve eaten. I recognize trends and appreciate the extra thoughtfulness I am brining to my day and evening.
Something I’ve learned about myself: No judgement, giving myself permission I can choose only the parts that I can handle. There has been freedom in that but also a great sense of compassion and appreciation with no judgement. I don’t have to do this perfectly – there is so much richness in each element. I am taking that into my parenting and work.
Most difficult part:  It was probably the decision to say it’s ok that I don’t follow it perfectly. I have not added the Epsom Salt Bath but would like to give it a try. The other challenge is probably turning off my device long before I crawl into bed. That is a commitment I am working on!
Quality of Sleep: I have the gift of being able to sleep – there has only been a handful of times in my life that I have struggled with sleep and I feel for those that have difficulty falling or staying asleep. However, I do notice increased energy waking up in the morning which speaks to the quality of sleep I am getting with cleaner eating habits!

Energy & Mood:  Monday was not easy and even though I still had a small amount of coffee – I felt exceptionally tired and low energy. But with every day that passed this week, I have gotten better and better!

Spiritual Practice: My practice is to always read faith filled, meditative quality books before I drift off to sleep. I fall asleep with prayer and wake to a similar prayer full of gratefulness. Any moments in the day – I touch base. I’ve noticed especially in the car in this crazy Austin traffic – I ask for a little patience and take a deep breathe!

Bedside is my library of reads – I usually don’t get too far before I’m out!  I recommend Radical Acceptance – the message is beautiful and after each chapter has a guided meditation.