Autoimmune Issues & Your Thyroid

Good morning lovelies, 

Today we are discussing how problems with the thyroid can be affected by your autoimmune system in this 4th installment of the thyroid journey. I have links to the site where I obtained the medical information, (as I am not a doctor, I try to get the best information for you from trusted sites) you can click on the links if you would like to. This is actually going to be part 1 of autoimmune because it is A LOT to cover and there are layers-like onions donkey. Haha. 
              
            
You will need to remember to laugh in all of this sweethearts, it's a bumpy road and laughter helps, so do puppies.
                  

                                      
I don't want to overwhelm and I want to give sound advice with follow-up on some measures you can take to help yourself-always consult with a professional of course. I am speaking of exercise, dietary changes, and lifestyle changes that are needed. That's why there will be more to come on this subject and I want to be thorough on the food front because if you are struggling with an autoimmune disorder, you are going to need loads of info. on autoimmune protocol diets and elimination of triggers. I will also cover children and pregnancy and a whole bunch of other stuff that I will remember to write about. As I said, it's a bit overwhelming if I give it all in one shot, so for now let us start at the beginning with background and symptoms.

This aspect of thyroid illness is still difficult for many because it can take on average 7 years before proper diagnosis is made. 
Yes, you read that correctly, 7 years-sometimes longer!

There are several reasons for this:

1) Usually, it takes time to develop these issues and many factors play into having an autoimmune illness. ie: stress levels, diet, allergies, family history, no family history, exposure to chemicals and other harmful substances, etc.

2) Adrenal glands are often effected and can present as fatigue, crying jags, constant feeling of emotional upheaval, difficulty coping, anxiety attacks, erratic behaviour and mood swings, short fuse, difficulty sleeping, lack of interest in previous activities one enjoyed. Many of these can be attributed to anxiety disorders, depression, grieving, pms, hormonal changes and unfortunately, sometimes even hypochondria. That's why it's important to ask for the right tests, understand it can take time as it is a process of elimination, you may need to see several doctor's before someone listens or believes you, and you will have to be your biggest and loudest advocate for your health.

3) Adrenal issues are still not completely understood and the medical establishment is running to catch up with this rather modern phenomenon. This is an issue that impacts the lives of every person living in these modern times, as we are experiencing such tremendous health, environmental, and spiritual stressors, it is taxing our adrenal glands in ways that were previously not known let alone thought of. Sometimes, and especially for now, it is a great idea to seek out alternative forms of treatment to see what naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, and relaxing forms of exercise, can do for you. 

4) This issue effects more women than it does men, sorry gentleman I am not trying to dismiss your valid health concerns, this is just medically documented fact. As such, women are often ignored by doctor's as being a bit hysterical and overly dramatic, as well as being dismissed because we could not possibly know anything about our bodies since we have not been to med school. We only live within our bodies for our entire life time but meh, what do we know? WRONG!!!!!! Again, I say to you, women & men, YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE TO BE YOUR BIGGEST AND LOUDEST ADVOCATE FOR YOUR HEALTH!

5) The symptoms that are most to be concerned about are also the most subtle. Things such as hair loss, dry skin, brittle nails, bloating and swelling, sweats, and sleep disturbances, are things we can ignore for a long time and that's dangerous because if left untreated much worse things will happen and you will begin to fully comprehend, but only once it is too late; the impact autoimmune illness will have.

Continue reading down below for more information.

Autoimmune Thyroiditis

It is possible that the main title of the report Autoimmune Thyroiditis is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

• Hashimoto's thyroiditis
• Hashimoto's disease
• Lymphadenoid goiter
• Struma lymphomatosa
• Goitrous autoimmune thyroiditis
• Chronic Thyroiditis
• Hashimoto's syndrome
• Grave's disease
• Postpartum thyroiditis

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Also called Hashimoto's disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease, a disorder in which the immune system turns against the body's own tissues. In people with Hashimoto's, the immune system attacks the thyroid. This can lead to hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid does not make enough hormones for the body's needs.

Located in the front of your neck, the thyroid gland makes hormones that control metabolism. This includes your heart rate and how quickly your body uses calories from the foods you eat.

Causes of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

The exact cause of Hashimoto's is not known, but many factors are believed to play a role. They include:

Genes. People who get Hashimoto's often have family members who have thyroid disease or other autoimmune diseases. This suggests a genetic component to the disease.

Hormones. Hashimoto's affects about seven times as many women as men, suggesting that sex hormones may play a role. Furthermore, some women have thyroid problems during the first year after having a baby. Although the problem usually goes away, as many as 20% of these women develop Hashimoto's years later.

Excessive iodine. Research suggests certain drugs and too much iodine, a trace element required by your body to make thyroid hormones, may trigger thyroid disease in susceptible people.

Radiation exposure. Increased cases of thyroid disease have been reported in people exposed to radiation, including the atomic bombs in Japan, the Chernobyl nuclear accident, and radiation treatment for a form of blood cancer called Hodgkin's disease.

Symptoms of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Hashimoto's symptoms may be mild at first or take years to develop. The first sign of the disease is often an enlarged thyroid, called a goiter. The goiter may cause the front of your neck to look swollen. A large goiter may make swallowing difficult. Other symptoms of an underactive thyroid due to Hashimoto's may include:

• weight gain
• fatigue
• paleness or puffiness of the face
• joint and muscle pain
• constipation
• inability to get warm
• difficulty getting pregnant
• joint and muscle pain
• hair loss or thinning, brittle hair
• irregular or heavy menstrual periods
• depression
• slowed heart rate

Because the symptoms of Hashimoto's thyroid may be similar to those for other medical conditions, it is important to see your doctor for a diagnosis.

Treatments for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

There is no cure for Hashimoto's, but replacing hormones with medication can regulate hormone levels and restore your normal metabolism.

The pills are available in several different strengths. The exact dose your doctor prescribes will depend on a number of factors, including:

• age
• weight
• severity of hypothyroidism
• other health problems
• other medicines that may interact with synthetic thyroid hormone

http://www.webmd.com/women/autoimmune-thyroiditis

Autoimmune illness is so often misunderstood and still new to many, it is understandable that we suffer alone with it's debilitating effects. I think the above ecard puts it quite succinctly.
If you are suffering with an autoimmune illness please connect with other people, check out the Stop the thyroid madness blog-it's a wonderful resource and community for thyroid and autoimmune sufferers(link is below), check out local and even far away autoimmune chapters or organizations(links below to get you started). Mostly though, rest and don't let others make you feel guilty for it. Your exhaustion and myriad of symptoms are real, your life is not your own when at the mercy of this kind of illness, you need to be gentle and understanding because so many others won't be. Most importantly, don't give up and make the necessary lifestyle adjustments you need to be good to yourself. You can get through this and we can do it together, hold on to your smile and hope.

http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/

https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/autoimmune-thyroiditis/

http://healthfinder.gov/FindServices/SearchContext.aspx?topic=82&Branch=6&show=1

http://www.thyroid.ca/thyroiditis.php

http://www.eurothyroid.com/guidelines/eta_guidelines.html 


http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Thyroid-Disorders/show/73

https://www.inspire.com/groups/national-adrenal-diseases-foundation/discussion/adrenal-insufficiency-with-autoimmune-thyroiditis/

http://pcosdiva.com/2013/08/celiac-and-autoimmune-thyroid-diseases/

http://robbwolf.com/2012/08/27/reversing-autoimmune-thyroid-disease/

http://deliciouslyorganic.net/reverse-hashimotos-thyroid-disease/

http://wellnessmama.com/22689/autoimmune-diet/
You see, you are NOT alone. Leave your comments or experiences in the comment section and don't forget to subscribe. God bless you.

Spiritual Gifts & Positive Affirmation

Good & blessed Sunday morning,

It's been a big struggle as of late, I don't want to do a tale of woe post. I want to do a simple and sweet affirmative action post, and by the grace of God, I found exactly what I needed today. 
Love, and a heart focused on that love; the One that it radiates from, giving myself permission to have it for my own happiness, and self care are the priorities. 
There needs to be a shift and a retraining of my mind, laying down new tracks to hone in on self care. 
This is a big step to tri-une health, (mind, body, & soul) and the balance so needed for wellness. 
My mind has no difficulties wandering to negatives, actually it's become an embarrassingly awful habit. 
I say, let's change the recording. 
My focus for the next 7 days will be on these two affirmations. One will be a morning affirmation right along with the Lord's Prayer, so I don't forget to do it. 
Here is that one-



This will be my evening affirmation to go along with my nightly prayers-



Let's be clear. 
This is not about perfection, goals, pressure, or other people. 
It is about my soul, taking back my thoughts, mindset, and loving this life God has blessed me with. It is all too easy to lose sight when you are experiencing more than your heart can bear, far too many obstacles, one too many setbacks, illness, devastating loss, an avalanche of fears and genuine disappointments, that lead the weary to a sense of unending hopelessness. 
I have been mired down in the muck for far too long, today is a day that I am choosing to rest my weary head and rejoice in the miracle of being. 
God finds you in these corners, where your spirit is tiled with loneliness and a longing that aches without ceasing. I woke up with a sadness and God sent me His word, the difference being, that today I allowed those words to reach me and be a comfort. 
I happened upon Isaiah 10 and then 1 Corinthians 12, if you are reaching out, feeling downtrodden, wondering why, what your gifts are for or could be, needing something that can grant some clarity, read these sections in your bible. 
I know it may not be what you want to hear, we have all been there at one time but just as someone who loves me reminded me, that it is not uncommon or unusual for faith to be at its lowest during trials, we must not lose all hope. This can be irritating and frustrating when your heart hurts in ways that humans cannot heal, sometimes it hurts more after hearing those kinds of words, but I am here to tell you from a place of love, that you need to grab this moment for all its worth. Let it's kindness seep into your wounded soul, let Jesus in again, God has been counting the tears, he now longs to hear your laughter and joy returned to you. 
Remember the sound of a child's tinkling laugh? The one that bubbles up from pure, innocent, silly pleasure? You need to find that place again, you can't do it on your own, it's too hard and God knows that you need Him. 
Lean, now is the time to lean on Him. Take a little itty bitty baby step, nothing more because I know and understand that it's too hard. If you can give yourself permission to take one small step, God will work His wonders, for you, in you, through you, and others. 


On Spiritual Gifts:
All of you together are Christ's body, and each of you is a part of it. 
Here are some of the parts God has appointed in the church:
first are apostles, 
second are prophets, 
third are teachers
then those who do miracles, 
those who have the gift of healing, 
those who can help others, 
those who have the gift of leadership, 
those who speak in unknown languages. 
1 Corinthians 12:27

I will not be defeated, like a phoenix, it is time to rise from the ashes. 
I am the daughter of a King, I am loved, and I will not be denied happiness. Not at my own hand or the hand of others. This does not mean the absence of struggle, this means my attitude towards it is changing. 
Say it with me, we begin a seven day journey to better habits, stronger faith, and loving ourselves so we can share the best we have to offer with the world. 
I am too positive 
To be doubtful 
Too optimistic 
To be fearful & 
Too determined 
To be defeated 

God bless you... 

Paleo Bone Broth aka Stock

Bonjour world,

It is gut healing time! That means bone broth.
This recipe is a basic brown stock that is one of the first recipes you learn in culinary school. What makes it Paleo are the quality of the ingredients along with the addition of a special ingredient to make it more gelatinous. But first, information on the wonders of Bone broth & all it's fantastic health benefits! I got this information from Dr. Josh Axe's site because he is knowledgeable, a trained professional, and specializes in the issues I suffer from. His focus on thyroid, metabolism, autoimmune, weight management, healthy & natural alternatives, make him a great source of info. By the way, I have not been paid to say this. 



Straight from: 
http://draxe.com/the-healing-power-of-bone-broth-for-digestion-arthritis-and-cellulite/

All bone broths beef, chicken, fish, lamb and more are staples in the traditional diets of every culture and the basis of all fine cuisine. That’s because bone broths are nutrient-dense, easy to digest, rich in flavor and–they boost healing.

Bone broth or stock was a way our ancestors made use of every part of an animal. Bones and marrow, skin and feet, tendons and ligaments that you can’t eat directly, can be boiled then simmered over a period of days. This simmering causes the bones and ligaments to release healing compounds like collagen, proline, glycine, and glutamine that have the power to transform your health.

Nutrition researchers Sally Fallon and Kaayla Daniel of the Weston A. Price Foundation explain that bone broths contain minerals in forms that your body can easily absorb: calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, sulphur and others. They contain chondroitin sulphates and glucosamine, the compounds sold as pricey supplements to reduce inflammation, arthritis and joint pain.

A study of chicken soup (broth) conducted by the University of Nebraska Medical Center wondered what it was in the soup that made it so beneficial for colds and flu. They found that the amino acids that were produced when making chicken stock reduced inflammation in the respiratory system and improved digestion. Also, research is proving it can also boost the immune system and heal disorders like allergies, asthma, and arthritis.

Sally Fallon explains that most store bought “stock and “broth” today aren’t “REAL”. Instead, they use lab-produced meat flavors in bouillon cubes, soup and sauce mixes. Also, manufacturers began using monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is recognized as a meat flavor but in reality is a neurotoxin.

Thank you Dr. Axe! There's loads more info should you need it, on his site. 

Now we get down to the recipe! 
If you want real bone broth you have to make it yourself at home. Here is my recipe which is from culinary school with slight modifications. 


(There is nothing fancy in the chopping method as you will be straining this stock once cooking is complete. Try to use organic ingredients wherever you are able to.)The preparation is called Mise-en-Place, in professional terms and the vegetable mix is called a Mire-poix.

INGREDIENTS:
-5-6 good quality, hormone free, grass fed (if possible), large beef bones*
-2 medium onions large chop
-3 carrots peeled & chopped
-2 celery stalks, peeled, chopped
-1 bunch parsley
-4 Bay leaves
-2 cloves garlic
-salt & paper to taste
-1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar 
-3 Tbsp olive oil 

METHOD:
preheat oven to 375 degrees F

Lay your bones out on a parchment lined tray & roast in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. 



Use a large stockpot, add 3 tbsp olive oil & heat. 
Sauté the onions until translucent then add celery and carrots, cook for 2 minutes while stirring occasionally. When vegetables are ready stack bones in carefully, add the rest of the ingredients, minus the vinegar, then add water to cover. 




Lastly, add vinegar, stir & bring to just the beginning of a boil. Quickly reduce temperature to a very low simmer. Do not cover! 


(I start this recipe very early in the morning.) Allow to cook for 24 hours, every 2-3 hours add 1-2 cups water. Before you go to bed add 2 cups water. During the night, I wake up once to check it & add a bit more water. 
When you wake, be careful to strain the stock using an equally big stock pot to catch the liquid you waited so long for. 
DO NOT SKIP THE FOLLOWING STEP, YOU COULD END UP WITH FOOD POISONING, AS HOT STOCK CAN TAKE UP TO 7 HOURS TO COOL IN THE FRIDGE! 
Place the pot in a bain-marie (cold water bath) in your clean sink, with water that has ice cubes that surround the stock pot-not in the broth! You will need to add ice 2-3 times before it will bring the temperature down enough for you to be able to transfer it to smaller containers. Stir to evenly cool the broth. (If you want to reduce some of the broth for a more intense & robust flavour for a particular recipe, scroll down the page as I have included instructions.)
At this point I usually freeze a lot in ice cube trays, then keep a bit of it for imbibing during the week, I keep the beef tallow for cooking along with reducing some of the broth for recipes. Sometimes I refrigerate the broth to get it all cold & gelatinous before dividing it into containers. 







To reduce bone broth, simply take 4 cups broth, place it in a pot & simmer on a low heat until half the liquid is reduced. 

*you can use chicken bones in place of beef bones. I use at least 2 chicken (whole carcasses) that I roast and 1 carcass that is not roasted, to give a lot of flavour & depth to my broth. The other ingredients/instructions remain the same. 



Remember to be patient and treat your stock with love! Let me know how this recipe works out for you or just leave a comment below.

Take care, be well, love freely...

Seville Orange Marmalade is Calling

                         


Good morning sweetie's!

It is now mid-February and thoughts have turned to Seville oranges and marmalade.
It is depressingly cold, snow laden (40-50 cm in the last few days!) and we all are experiencing the winter blah's.
I need some zing in my life, as such, I am on a quest to find these bitter babes, in my neck of the woods. The above picture of the beauteous orange orbs is courtesy of:

http://www.goodhousekeeping.co.uk/food/seasonal-food-calendar/buying-and-using-seville-oranges

Here's some of the info. I have gleaned from the site with regard to these elusive fruit.

Gone almost as soon as they arrive, the Seville orange season runs from the end of December through to mid February. Luckily these knobbly-skinned, bitter marvels can be enjoyed year-round as they freeze well whole, so when you see them, stock up.

Sevilles are generally unwaxed, so don’t let them hang around in the fruit bowl for more than a week as they lose their moisture content quickly and become tough, mean and unusable.

When buying, look for fruit with plump, firm skin to ensure the oranges are not ruining already.

Although most often used to make marmalade, a little Seville rind adds zing to meat dishes and a squeeze of the juice gives sophistication to a gin and tonic.


              

As it turns out our season here is Canada is a bit longer than the U.K, seeing as most of our Seville oranges are imported from Spain, and can take a bit longer to arrive.
I have been hunting down possible purchase locations in and around Montréal-thank you Chow Hounders, your posts have been invaluable.
This wonderful looking marmalade picture (above), comes from another blog that I stumbled across, while on a Seville orange marmalade recipe quest.You can check Kevin Lynch's blog for the above right here:
http://www.closetcooking.com/2011/02/marmalade.html 

I got the idea to try this out, as men were asking for orange marmalade at the markets, fairs, and even in passing conversation when I mentioned that I make jams and the like. I sadly had to say no, but it got me thinking. I really do adore a good marmalade, my Nanou-God rest her soul, used to have it almost every morning with her toast and tea.
I can still clearly remember the way she would carefully, patiently, and lovingly spread her favourite marmalade. It was a ritual of sorts, I was always in a rush and was mesmerized by her languid and purposeful movements, I picked up the jar and remember seeing Seville Orange Marmalade Thick Cut. I found this to be perplexing as I had only ever seen regular marmalade jam at my home on the rare occasion, and I do mean rare, and this Seville Thick Cut thing was very new to me. I began to pepper her with questions, to which she replied, "Try some Krissy, it's really good. Some people prefer regular cut but I like the thick cut oranges, it gives a stronger flavour and more bite. They also have a regular marmalade like your mom buys, and ginger marmalade; you can even get lemon marmalade but personally I always buy Seville orange marmalade."
Lemon marmalade? I was mind-blown, mind you, being a youngin' discovering new things is always pretty cool, and that my Nanou was schooling me was even cooler.
I decided to partake in jam and tea with her and have been a Seville orange marmalade convert ever since. She liked Shirriff brand, Robertson's brand on occasion-which my mother prefers but is more bitter, and I have fallen for St.Dalfour brand, sweetened with juice.
Here's my Nanou and I on Christmas morning, many, many years ago:

Good ole'19-take-it-easy. Heh,heh.
Yeah, I had a Skedoodle, Lego set, and a View Master set, that was a pretty awesome Christmas!

   So, here I am many years later and I can honestly say, that I have no idea why it never occurred to me to make marmalade. I suppose it was because it was always in the fridge, often passed over for my mixed berries, raspberry, or cherry with plum and blueberry spread. It was obvious that someone bought it at some point, and we never ran out, or had a need to make it.
I know, I know, that sounds really silly in a way but when it's there you take it for granted, when it's gone you miss it.
Kind of like when your grandparent goes back to heaven.
I miss her laugh the most, she always had a great sense of humour and even as her health diminished in her later years, she still loved a good laugh.
So, in honour of my beloved Nanou, I am hunting and rooting for some precious Seville Oranges.
                           
(Photo courtesy of: http://sevilleoranges.com/)

Right now, it seems there are about 4 locations to check out, we will be doing this today and over the weekend. Because of the short shelf-life, it looks like I will be very busy canning, quite shortly.
I came across a recipe for some Seville orange marmalade in this charming book I got on discount at the bookstore. It's called The Gentle Art of Preserving by Katie & Giancarlo Caldesi
                   

It is not an exaggeration when I say it has charmed me, there are some truly fabulous recipes and flavour combinations, along with cute family moments, that make this a wonderful addition to any homesteaders/canning enthusiast's library.

I managed to score it for $10 and am very happy with it. You should check it out!

So that's all for now, wish me luck finding some Seville oranges and when I succeed, I will let you know more and do a post on this sweet, citrus, memory lane, of an adventure!
                       
(picture courtesy of The Spruce:)
https://www.thespruce.com/difference-between-jelly-jam-and-marmalade-435612

Take care, be well, love freely...

Valentine's GF Vegan Smoothies: Creamy Spiced Banana N' Oat and Creamy Mango N' Oat

                

Hello Lovelies!

Today we are celebrating Valentine's Day, with Smoothies that say I looooooooove you AND I want you to stay healthy so you can be around for a looooong time. 

Romantic and caring in one sip of yumminess. I say, DO IT!!!!!!!!

I know you saw Oats in the title and may have gone, whoa la! 

Fear not, for I used gluten-free oats and was quite happy. I will say that some people have a reaction to the proteins in oats even when they are GF, I personally indulge very rarely as I do not want to set any itchy rashes off, which oats that were not GF have done to me in the past. I have no problem with Mum's GF Oats and  I can tell when I am a bit more sensitive, digestion-wise on a given day. That's when I omit them and use Maca powder or I cook the oats and use those instead. Explore and do what works best.

                          

Creamy Spiced Banana N' Oat Smoothie

Ingredients:

1/2 Ripe Organic Banana

2 Tbsp GF Mum's Quick Cooking Oat Flakes or use 1 Tbsp Maca Powder

1 Tbsp Unsweetened Almond Butter

1 Scoop Vanilla Protein of choice

1 tsp Ground Cinnamon

1/2 tsp Pie Spice mix

1 Tbsp Grade B Maple Syrup

1 Cup Unsweetened Almond milk 

Method:

-Place all in blender and blend for 30 seconds until smooth, add a bit of extra almond milk if too thick and serve immediately over ice.

                        

I know there are some of you who need an alternative to bananas as not everyone can eat them, mangoes say love to me, so I am using them in this slight variation. 

                       

Creamy Mango N' Oat Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 Cup Mango chunks

1 Cup Unsweetened Almond milk

1 Tbsp Organic cold-pressed Coconut oil

1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon

1Tbsp Unsweetened Almond butter

2 Tbsp Mum's GF Quick Cooking Oat Flakes or 1 Tbsp Maca Powder

1 Scoop Vanilla protein of choice

Method:

-All ingredients in blender, whizz for 30 seconds, serve immediately over ice.

                        

Delicious and filling vegan bliss. Sigh...

Enjoy & spread the healthy love this Valentine's morning for you and your cutie patootie!

Riding Single on Valentine's Without A Care

      

Hello Lovelies!

Isn't the bunny adorbs????? We all need more Kawaii bunny on a Vespa in our lives.

Today I am addressing riding single on V-day without a care.Why?

Because, February 14th is not only for couples. 

It is a day for EVERYONE and how you celebrate it or choose not to, is perfectly fine and dandy!

                                   

You don't have to end up lying in a puddle of sad, lonely heart, self-imposed misery goo. Yes, it is self-imposed and I will tell you all about it while letting you in on a little secret. 

Poppa Bear and I are apart for this Valentine's day, like way too many miles apart. He's on the road working, and we may not be able to spend any cyber time together on the 14th. Things may pull us in different directions but that does not mean we are not doing something or haven't done something earlier to celebrate, or that it feels less than in any way, shape or form.

I may be in a long distance relationship but I get my romantic on, no matter what. 

I make the effort because it all comes down to a choice. I can choose to whine, bemoan my lot in life, and spread the unhappiness, or I can choose to be awesome sauce with a cape! 

I do that by taking measures to ensure that I am prepared, involved in my life, choosing something that brings joy, and sharing that with others. 

Single, long distance, dating, engaged, married, separated, divorced, unwell, confused, overjoyed. It all means the same thing. 

You need to always be practicing how to have a relationship with yourself so you can be good at having them with other people. You need to feed your soul, pray and clearly define what you want. God has provided us all with a myriad of abilities, gifts, and true love that comes from His unending source. 

Let's not be rude and push it away in our desire for companionship or in response to societal pressures.

                        

Yes! 

                          

Still feeling like this at the thought of it?

You need some sobering reality:

                         

Not enough, try this:

                           

So, how to make the 14th feel great? Planning. 

And by planning I mean be prepared, get yourself together, grab other stragglers along for the ride. Loads of people need companionship and not only on the 14th of February.

                                    

Sparkles help! I am very artsy fartsy and a special day means waaaaaay more sparkle fun to come.

                                    

One of the worst choices you could make is sitting at home, all alone, wallowing and weeping in misery. Get out there, make plans, call or browse the interweb; life experiences await you. 

Make sure you are busy, sign up for a try-out class, something fun like a ceramic café, vegetarian or vegan smoothie workshop, or maybe you are more adventurous. Wall climbing class, a sky diving class-if weather does not permit, they now have indoor sky diving courses you can try out. Are you a group of V-day singles? Get silly! Go to the arcade, go to laser quest, go to a baking class, try a scuba diving lesson together, or a shooting range. Do something that you have always wanted to do and allow yourself to really enjoy it. Live big and juicy!!!!!

                          

http://www.skyventuremontreal.com/en/home

                    

                          

                     

         

                           

                         

You get to choose your piece, pay for it, paint, have your cake and fun at the same time!

http://leccs.com/montreal/

                       

Are you more of an introverted and quiet type? Get lost in someone else's story and by that, I mean go on a private date and treat yourself to a browse and buy at your local bookstore, comic book shop, or art store, get your fav. food or specialty drink. Sit somewhere and begin to have your moment writing, sketching, or reading. Cupcakes or ice-cream are absolutely acceptable!

                                    

Roar your way through this day like a freaking steam roller! 

And I give you permission to do the following:

                      

Stay sassy...

                            

You're a star today too!

                       

Another nice way to share Valentine's is to visit some others out there who could really use a pick-me-up. How about the elderly or sick kids in a hospital? 

Volunteering is a wonderful way to give the love you have to share and it's free!

Never forget that you are precious in God's sight, loved tenderly, and blessed. See for yourself...