Thinking about a new lifestyle? Try veganism

I’ve been vegan now for 1 whole year! But who’s counting? A few days ago we went to dinner for Mario's best friends birthday. There were three couples  3 kids and a solo guy! EVERYONE got the steak! Of course, it was a steak house, I think...ALthough I don't pay attention to the MEAT on the menu, I am looking for the most filling salads! Turned out the salad was mostly iceberg lettuce with a few teeny olives, so I also ordered the beet & walnut salad with NO feta... No biggie for me, but boy where the questions flying! A friend of ours was asking me all kinds of questions about my eating habits and being a Vegan. I love to answer the questions and I don't egt uncomfortable, because I know I am educating people at the same time.
 I am not going to lie, I LOVE the smell of my meatballs, I love the smell of Salmon when I make it for Mario, and I LOVE the smell of turkey out of the oven... Smelling these foods isn't against what I believe in, so I don't feel guilty! Besides, should I hold my breath!?!? NAH!

In case you’re also experimenting with veganism or are considering it, here are some important things I’ve learned so far:


1. All vegans are not alike. I seem to stand out like a sore thumb amongst my friends and family. No one else eats the way I do, and yes I do get teased but I am ok with that.  I know there are so many different types of Vegans out there...There are those who avoid meat, fish and dairy, plus clothing, furnishings, cosmetics and anything else made from living creatures. Then there are those, like myself, who follow the diet but enjoy a beautiful pair of leather boots or my Micheal Kors Parka with the furry hood.To further complicate things, there are those who don’t eat meat or fish but consume dairy (lacto vegans) or eggs (ovo vegans). Combine the two, and you get a lacto-ovo vegan. There are also raw vegans who won’t heat their food beyond 115 degrees F. Me- I keep it simple....Nothing from a mother!

2. This diet takes alot of thought work. At first, i had to keep my favorite book The Kind DIet with me at all times!! I had no idea what I would eat or how I would get the right amount of nutrients in my body!
This lifestyle is a full-time job. It takes a lot of effort to design a meal plan, hours in Whole Foods, to balance nutrients, to cook for my husband, and then myself.  Here is the GREAT SIDE of being a Vegan it gets you think about everything you put in your carriage at the food store and your mouth, which is a great lesson for everyone—even if you have no interest in going vegan.

3. Salads and veggie burgers become your default food. Can't get to Whole Foods? I always have mixed greens and Dr. Preagars Veggies burgers in the house. No more Ezekiel bread in the fridge for breakfast? I always have my Vega Protein for Vegans and frozen fruits to make a nutritious Fit Green Goddess Shake!

4. Vegans CAN be very unhealthy people. Believe it or not, Oreos, Twizzlers, Cocoa Puffs, Frosted Flakes, Cracker Jacks, Kool-Aid, and even French Fries and donuts (if made without animal fat) are all vegan. I take a lot if pride in the fact that I NEVER EVER EVER eat these GARBAGE foods! They are loaded with hydrogenated oils, sugar and processed ingredients. YUK! Yeah I do enjoy snacks and little treats, but I enjoy things like goji berries, pistachios and vegan chocolate chips, my very own Glo-Bites, some coconut butter on a Ryvita cracker... Yeah baby! Those are my favs!

5. I take a lot of pride in sayings ‘I’m vegan.’ I find  it empowering to preface my dietary demands (in a very nice way) to waiters, bakers and party hostesses when telling them I am Vegan. I find it fun & challenging for restaurants when I ask for the chef to be creative enough with a plate that will leave me satisifed with my meal. Most of the time the waiter or waitress will come back and tell me how the chef ios going to prepare something great for me! SO most of the time I have NO PROBLEMS!

6. I get to eat more and worry about calories less. I eat breakfast, a snack, a post workout shake, another snack and then dinner, but I never measure my food, count calories or fat. I even eat right before bed with no worries!

7. Don’t expect your family treat you any differently. My in-laws are real Italians with real Italian appetites. They want Lasgana, they love meatballs and and they love a HUGE turkey on Thanksgiving! I enjoy seeing them, sitting with them and eating with them, I just don't eat the meat! :O) Everyone is happy!

XO have a fabulous GREEN day!

How does a Vegan get their protein??? hmmmm...

Let me tell you....I don't need a big slab of beef, a chicken breast, turkey fish or anything else that once had a mother...Not to sound harsh, but it's a FACT that you can get all the nutrients you need from all the great stuff that God has blessed our Earth with...

Plant foods contain the same eight amino acids as animal foods do, only in differing amounts. As long as you are getting enough calories from a healthy diet, plant foods give you all the amino acids you need, by themselves or in combination with one another.
Foods listed below are considered complete proteins, meaning they contain all of the essential amino acids:
Nuts
Soy foods, such as tofu, tempeh, miso, and soy milk
Sprouted seeds -- each type of sprout has differing proportions of nutrients, so it's best to eat a variety of them
Grains, especially amaranth and quinoa, are highest in protein and are high-quality proteins
Beans and legumes, especially when eaten raw
Spirulina and chorella (blue-green algae), which are over 60 percent protein


Common Sources of Essential Amino Acids
Histidine: Apple, pomogranates, alfalfa, beets, carrots, celery, cucumber, dandelion, endive, garlic, radish, spinach, turnip greens.

Arginine: Alfalfa, beets, carrots, celery, cucumbers, green vegetables, leeks, lettuce, potatoes, radishes, parsnips, nutritional yeast.

Valine: Apples, almonds, pomegranates, beets, carrots, celery, dandelion greens, lettuce, okra, parsley, parsnips, squash, tomatoes, turnips, nutritional yeast.

Tryptophan: Alfalfa, brussel sprouts, carrots, celery, chives, dandelion greens, endive, fennel, snap beans, spinach, turnips, nutritional yeast.

Threnoine: Papayas, alfalfa sprouts, carrots, green leafy vegetables such as celery, collards, kale, and lettuce (especially iceberg), lima beans, laver (Nori -- a sea vegetable).

Phenylalanine: Apples, pineapples, beets, carrots, parsley, spinach, tomatoes, nutritional yeast.

Methionine: Apples, pineapples, Brazil nuts, filberts, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, chives, dock (sorrel), garlic, horseradish, kale, watercress.

Lysine: Apples, apricots, grapes, papayas, pears, alfalfa, beets, carrots, celery, cucumber, dandelion greens, parsley, spinach, turnip greens.

Leucine: Avocados, papayas, olives, coconut, sunflower seeds.

Isoleucine: Avocados, papayas, olives, coconut, sunflower seeds.

Information Courtesy of http://www.naturodoc.com/

And more......

High-Protein Foods
Soybeans
Chick peas
Kidney beans
Adzuki beans
Other beans
Tofu
Lentils
Almonds

Other nuts and seeds
Kamut and spelt
Other whole grains


High-Calcium FoodsBlack beans
Chick peas
Soybeans
Pinto beans
Tofu
Cashews
Almonds
Sesame seeds
Molasses
Dark leafy green vegetables
Brazil nuts
Hazelnuts (filberts)
Sunflower seeds
Globe artichokes
High-Magnesium FoodsPumpkin and squash seeds
Bran
Almonds
Sesame seeds
Other nuts and seeds
Peanuts
Millet
Whole grains
Dried figs
Molasses
Black-eyed peas

High-Iron FoodsDried fruit
Molasses
Chick peas
Black-eyed peas
Pinto beans
Whole grains
Sesame seeds
Other seeds
Prune juice
Dark leafy green vegetables
Jerusalem artichokes
High-Zinc Foods
Brazil nuts
Bran
Almonds
Walnuts
Lentils
Lima beans
Black-eyed peas
Other dried peas
Chick peas
Cashews
Pecans
Whole wheat flour
Corn and cornmeal
Spinach
Asparagus

High-Iodine Foods
Seaweeds
Sea Kelp
Iodized sea salt
Dark leafy green vegetables

High-Mineral and Enzyme Foods
Miso
Vegetable juices
Barley green
Wheat grass
Papayas
Seaweeds
Citrus fruit
Tomato juice

High B-12 Foods
Wheat grass
Barley green
Spirulina
Cholorella
Blue-green algae
B-12 fortified foods like texturized vegetable protein (TVP)
Vitamin supplements
Vitamin DAlfalfa
Chlorella
Blue-green algae
Fenugreek
Sunflower seeds
Coconut
Papaya
Rosehips

Essential Oils
Flax seed/flax seed oil
Olives
Olive oil
Other natural oils
Nuts and seeds
Vegetables
Avocados
Whole grains

HerbsParsley
Herb seasonings
Herb teas
Garlic
Onions

Some of my favorite fall yummies

Have you EVER in your life tried an Asian Pear??? OMG! First of all, the smell alone will make me crazy! When you bite into this juicy delicious fruit you will think you are eating half apple and half pear. It's crispy, juicy, tangy yet sweet. It's probably my most FAVORITE of all the ROUND fruits like apples, oranges and other pears.
This yummy fruit goes by other names as well, like
 Nashi Pear, Sand Pear, Korean Pear, and Taiwan Pear
It's low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium, and so high in dietary fiber, vitamin C and vitamin K.


 
 
 
 
 

 If you are looking to lose weight and or maintain optimal health, this fruit is a must in your fridge and in your belly! It's a GREAT snack, because once you eat this pear, you will feel full for a few hours or more and get all the benefits along with eating one. You can have it with some Almond Butter, or cahsew butter as a great energy snack.

Butternut Squash

 Butternut squash provides the most value of any squash. It is thin-skinned, has a small cavity with fewer seeds and less waste than with most other squashes.  As with other squashes the butternut squash benefits from baking which develops and deepens the flavor.

Although types of gourds were found in tombs of Egypt the butternut squash and its family members including the pumpkin and the calabaza are new world, native Americans. The butternut is the new kid on the block having made its appearance in 1944.

Butternut Squash is very low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium. It is also a good source of Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Thiamin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Calcium and Magnesium, and a very good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium and Manganese

Butternut squash is a very versatile food used simply boiled or baked or in soups, souffles, pies and breads. Pan fry slices or add cubed pieces to casseroles or even rissoto. The butternut can be used in any recipe that calls for pumpkin.

I love to chop up a whole Butternut Squash, add some diced red onion and garlic, along with a diced up yam and acorn squash, drizzle olive oil on top and spread on a baking sheet to cook for 1 hour at 400 degrees! YUMMY!

And by NOW I am sure you ALL know that the Fit Green Goddess LOVES pumpkin, especially her Pumpkin Spice Granola! You see them all over, this time of year. If you're out pumpkin picking with the kids, you'll find them in the fields all spread out. Oh, and they come canned, too. If you are too lazy to cut and carve one to cook and eat, you can find canned pumpkin too, but NOT during teh summer months, the shelves are BARE where you would normally see the cans.


The pumpkin is a ubiquitous part of the American fall season—which is understandable, considering that it's indigenous to this part of the world. The Native Americans used it as both a food and a medicine. The first settlers from Europe added it to their diets. Then some of them helped spread it to the rest of the world by returning to their birthplaces in Europe with the seeds.


Pumpkin meat is very high in carotenoids. They're what give pumpkins their orange color—but that's the least of their benefits. Carotenoids are really good at neutralizing free radicals, nasty molecules that can attack cell membranes and leave the cells vulnerable to damage.


Pumpkins are also high in lutein and zeaxanthin, which scavenge free radicals in the lens of the eye. Therefore, they may help prevent the formation of cataracts and reduce the risk of macular degeneration, a serious eye problem than usually results in blindness.


Besides carotenoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which are all antioxidants, pumpkins have a lot of common nutrients, like iron, zinc, and fiber. Iron, of course, is needed by red blood cells. Zinc deficiency may be related to osteoporosis of the hip and spine in older men. And fiber is important for bowel health.

I also LOVE my Fit Green Goddess Pumpkin Smoothie!


1 scoop Vega or
RXdous Protein (non-vegans) powder
1 cup frozen whole cranberries
1 cup canned pumpkin
cinnamon
nutmeg
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup hemp vanilla milk
sprinkle of vanilla extract
Blend for 30 seconds and ENJOY!










LENTILS:

French lentils  are dark green and peppery in flavor. They hold their shape well after cooking but can take longer to cook than brown or orange lentils. These are the lentils to use in salads or dishes where you want the lentils to retain their shape.


Red or pink lentils  are a bright shade of salmon when they're dry, but they become mushy and yellow when cooked. They're quite tasty and cook in less than 10 minutes. They are milder and sweeter than other lentils, and because they lose their shape when cooked, they are easier to mix into soups, burgers and stews for added fiber and nutrition.


Brown lentils (also called green lentils, German lentils, or Egyptian lentils, bottom) are the most common lentil seen in grocery stores. Khaki in color and mild in flavor, they also hold their shape after cooking--as long as they're not overcooked. Add a bit of oil to the cooking water and cook until just tender, about 15 minutes at a simmer.


Black lentils are sometimes called beluga lentils because they shimmer after cooking and look like caviar.

Lentils have similar health benefits as common beans.  They are a good source of
protein, fiber, and folic acid.  They also contain many trace minerals.

Since lentils contain a large amount of fiber, they are effective in lowering cholesterol
and managing blood sugar disorders.  Like common beans, the high fiber in lentils
prevents blood sugar levels from rising rapidly after a meal.  Studies have shown that
eating beans or lentils two or more times per week was linked with a 24 percent
reduced risk of beast cancer.  

Here is my inicredible recipe: Fit Green Goddess Lentil Soup

Sunday- Fun Day!

I think Sunday's are the busiest days of my week! I have a list of things to get done today so i was up very early. I need to make two big batches of Lentil Soup; one for Mario & myself and another for my client who donates her times to this adorable little woman Lillian- who lives alone and is elderly. I volunteered to help out by making her a big batch of soup she can just throw in the microwave and heat up.

Lillian's Lentil soup

In my lentil soup: (for Lillian)

carrots

celery

onions

garlic

ham chunks
1- 15 oz can crushed tomatoes

1 container of mushroom stock

4 cups water

fresh cilantro
sea salt & black pepper

turnips

parsnips
mushrooms

extra virgin olive oil

I let it simmer for about 1.5 hours.

Lillian's Lentil soup

You can get some much nutrition from such a simple soup. Lentils are so healthy for you and a big batch can be stored in small containers to be kept in the freezer. I have the lentil soup all by itself or sometimes with a veggie burger. I will make it for Mario with either a piece of grilled chicken, a juicy piece of fillet mignon or some wild salmon.

Lentil soup for Me & Mario

up close! DELISH!

Also on my list today is my granola! My fit green goddess simply & pumpkin spice granola. This is a given every Sunday... Speaking of my Fit Green Goddess Granola, I finally received my labels! I am beyond thrilled. I had Tori Justino develop my logo, and design my bags. She and I never met. We spoke on the phone once, and she "GOT IT". She understood what I was looking for and went above and beyond what I expected. She really brought my granola to life! So now she has created a sticker for my NEW and upcoming treat/snakc/pre and post workout food- "GLO-BITES". I can't tell y ou too much, just know that these little balls will be a huge hit too! Tori has been such a pleasure to work with and I find her so creative fun and just so easy to explain my vision to. Up next for Tori and I? Well Tori is going to create and upgrade my website and add some fun things to it! So excited to share with you all!

Another thing on my list...I am going to make Pumpkin bread for the week. So, instead of having my usual Ezekiel toast with a banana and almond butter with a Starbucks coffee, I am switching to 2 thick slices of pumpkin bread with a GRANDE Green & Mint Tea form Starbucks with 2 packets of honey! DELISH, and such a comfy food for me!

I adopted this recipe form my FAVORITE book- The Kind Diet, by Alicia Silverstone.  I love this recipe. This bread is guilt free, low fat, no sugar. I used Vegan chips and while I was doing so many things at once, I forgot to add the vanilla extract and hemp milk, whoops! It came out great anyway!

Pumpkin Bread.

Scrumptious

And last on my list is to continue to answer any questions via email that my clients friends and people form all over the US, ask me. I get lots of emails form people with questions about being vegan, losing weight, running weights etc. If you have any questions, feel free to email me! tinaguaglianone@gmail.com






XO


Tina

What a Feeling!

It's Saturday morning and I am so amped up to go and run. I am not running outside yet, because I don't want to push it with my shin. Every run I had this week was successful, so I really feel like if I don't push and run hills or slight inclines or declines and just run on a soft and flat surface, I will be fine...FOR NOW. I ran 3.10 on Monday & Wednesday. This morning, I put it in my head to do 5-6 miles at a nice easy pace. I started out by running at 5.6 and every 10 minutes I increased my spe

ed by.1 mph. By the time I got to 5 miles, my speed was 6.1 and I was feeling great. The whole time, I was smiling, and having a great conversation (mentally of course) with God. I really feel like he answered my prayers.

When I was done running, my endorphins were so high, I continued to workout! I did a really good upper body workout hitting shoulders, chest, back and core. Ahhhh...One thing I didn't do was stretch! I can't believe I didn't! The whole way home and the rest of my day, I was filled with gratitude and happiness. I felt like my old self again!

As I said, my biggest mistake was not stretching and yeah, maybe I pushed it a little because I have this tightne

ss behind my knee. UGH! I am not going to give into this and just try to focus on keeping my legs strong and healthy.

One of my fabulous friends Nicole and I did a little shopping and girlie bonding, which is another thing I needed. We shopped till we dropped! Time flies when you are having fun! I got some hoodies for the winter, a FABULOUS Michael Kors white Vest, and matching gloves

and a pair of HOT bell bottoms from the Gap which has my FAVORITE jeans! I love the way they hug my but (or what's left of it) and make my legs look so long! DO you know how many fabulous boots are out right now?? So many I could NOT decide on one pair, and that was the reason I wanted to go shopping! GRRRR. I actually have to have my heart almost stop and fall madly in love before I buy ANYTHING, and as much as I saw lots of awesome boots, I couldn't NOT pick JUST one.... so we left.

Saturday was a great day with my girl Nicole. I had a great run as well. Mario and I ate a nice quiet dinner together and snuggled till it was time for bed. I had a GREAT day!

just a fabulous pic of us in Beverly Hills, Cali.

I think I am going to be ok!

DO you ever feel like there is a big black cloud over your head and it just won't sway even a tiny bit away to the left or right? I just feel like no matter how hard I try it just sits over me, and follows me everywhere!
I have not had a GREAT day in about 2 weeks. When my shin started hurting and I couldn't run, I became really down and sad. As you know and as I have said so many times, it's not about the "EXERCISE", but THERAPY for me. Running goes deep for me as it gives me this feeling of peace, and a connection with God. No other piece of cardio can do that for me. Well on top of that I had some personal things going on and so you can only imagine that with no outlet and no running, the hurt and pain I am dealing with is MAGNIFIED. Look, we ALL go through our share of difficult times in our life. I have always been a VERY positive person who looks to the future. Regardless of what goes on, I always smile and brush things off. What I have learned is that brushing things off and tucking them away in your mind is so unhealthy for you. hurt and sadness should be expressed in some form, becuase if not, it will eat your heart out, take over your thoughts and leave you feeling sick, depressed and paralyzed (mentally). I decided that it was time to face all my angry thoughts, sad thoughts and negative things going on inside my brain and start talking about them to someone. I have the most amazing husband, mother, sister and friends, but they love me, I need someone who does not know me and has no objectives. So after 2.5 hours of searching for someone, I found a great match! I meet with her on Friday to get the process rolling. Just like I rid my body of toxins, and take such good care of myself on the outside, it's time to clean house on the inside- of my brain that is!

This past Monday was probably the worst day as I broke down and cried a few times. I went to the gym and figured that my leg was not bothering me, there was no swelling or aching, so why not try to run? Well, I am happy to report that I was able to run 3.10 miles! I feel as if my leg NEVER even hurt! The strangest feeling! Quite honestly, I know that God was on my shoulder for those 3 miles. He knows how bad I needed that release and I believe from all the prayers, he finally answered mine! I was so happy.

Tuesday, I worked out and did the StairMONSTER for 40 minutes, and still no pain.... I am feeling great physically! Today I ran again 3.10 miles and again I felt incredible. Even if it's just for the time I am running, I believe that while I am running and reflecting and sweating, I am also releasing sadness, depression and hurt. So a little each day I am trying to feel better and think better thoughts. I haven't been like this for YEARS. Depression is weird. One minute I feel FINE and the next minute I feel as if I can't control the tears, loneliness and sadness. I fought the tears today, and was successful. I hope that after therapy it gets easier.

I am open and honest with you all, because I know no other way. I am a wellness coach. In order for me to be "WELL" I need to communicate to you all, because maybe one of you are going through the same thing.

Here are some signs YOU may depressed.

Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms. It’s important to remember that these symptoms can be part of life’s normal lows. But the more symptoms you have, the stronger they are, and the longer they’ve lasted—the more likely it is that you’re dealing with depression. When these symptoms are overwhelming and disabling, that's when it's time to seek help.

Common signs and symptoms of depression

• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.
• Loss of interest in daily activities. No interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.
• Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.
• Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).
• Irritability or restlessness. Feeling agitated, restless, or on edge. Your tolerance level is low; everything and everyone gets on your nerves.
• Loss of energy. Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.
• Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.
• Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
• Unexplained aches and pains. An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.

I never knew there were different types of depression, but here they are:

Types of depression

Depression comes in many shapes and forms. The different types of depression have unique symptoms, causes, and effects. Knowing what type of depression you have can help you manage your symptoms and get the most effective treatment.

Major depression

Major depression is characterized by the inability to enjoy life and experience pleasure. The symptoms are constant, ranging from moderate to severe. Left untreated, major depression typically lasts for about six months. Some people experience just a single depressive episode in their lifetime, but more commonly, major depression is a recurring disorder. However, there are many things you can do to support your mood and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Atypical Depression

Atypical depression is a common subtype of major depression. It features a specific symptom pattern, including a temporary mood lift in response to positive events. You may feel better after receiving good news or while out with friends. However, this boost in mood is fleeting. Other symptoms of atypical depression include weight gain, increased appetite, sleeping excessively, a heavy feeling in the arms and legs, and sensitivity to rejection. Atypical depression responds better to some therapies and medications than others, so identifying this subtype can be particularly helpful.

Dysthymia (recurrent, mild depression)

Dysthmia is a type of chronic “low-grade” depression. More days than not, you feel mildly or moderately depressed, although you may have brief periods of normal mood. The symptoms of dysthymia are not as strong as the symptoms of major depression, but they last a long time (at least two years). These chronic symptoms make it very difficult to live life to the fullest or to remember better times. Some people also experience major depressive episodes on top of dysthymia, a condition known as “double depression.” If you suffer from dysthymia, you may feel like you’ve always been depressed. Or you may think that your continuous low mood is “just the way you are.” However, dysthymia can be treated, even if your symptoms have gone unrecognized or untreated for years.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

There’s a reason why so many movies and books portray rainy days and stormy weather as gloomy. Some people get depressed in the fall or winter, when overcast days are frequent and sunlight is limited. This type of depression is called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Seasonal affective disorder is more common in northern climates and in younger people. Like depression, seasonal affective disorder is treatable. Light therapy, a treatment that involves exposure to bright artificial light, often helps relieve symptoms.

I am not sure where I stand. I know I cry one minute uncontrollably and the next minute I am laughing with my husband. I feel paralyzed and helpless at times, but NEVER think of death or suicide. I have no appetitie and my workouts are blah, besides the running. I hate leaving my house and don't want my friends to see me like this. I don't want sympathy from them, I just feel like I need to be in my house to hide. On my IPOD, I downloaded an amazing song that I would listen to on my long runs- By Whitney Houston...Take a listen and below are the words.....I have not listened to it in a while but the past two weeks I try to listen to it everyday. When she sings and says "I look to you"- she is referring to the big man upstairs- GOD.

As I lay me down Heaven hear me now
I'm lost without a cause After giving it my all

Winter storms have come And darkened my sun
After all that I've been through Who on earth can I turn to

I look to you
I look to you

After all my strength is gone In you I can be strong

I look to you
I look to you

Yeah, And when melodies are gone In you I hear a song

I look to you

'bout to lose my breath There's no fighting left
Sinking to rise no more Searching for that open door

And every road that I've taken Lead to my regret
And I don't know if I'm gonna make it Nothing to do but lift my head

I look to you
I look to you

Yeah And when all my strength is gone In you I can be strong

I look to you
I look to you

Oh yeah And when melodies are gone In you I hear a song

I look to you

(my levies have broken, my walls have come) Coming down on me

(crumbling down on me) All the rain is falling

(the rain is falling, defeat is calling) Set me free

(i need you to set me free) Take me far away from the battle
I need you Shine on me

I look to you
I look to you
After all my strength has gone in you I can be strong
I look to you
I look to you
and when melodies are gone In you I hear a song
I look to you

Beautiful words, huh? Well, just so you know, just putting this on my blog was helpful to me, to get it out! I know with the love and support of my husband, and family and close friends, I will be ok. One day at a time. I have been under some dark clouds before maybe not this dark, but I have and I have faith that I will get through this and be JUST FINE!

Here is a prayer I knew since I was little, My mom always had this one where we could see it.

Starting tomorrow, I will be blogging the things you love to read all over again!