Have you ever thought about how many things you grew up believing that you now know are untrue? You don’t have to go back to bloodletting days to see how far science has come. In the early 1900’s we believed radioactive drinks had healing properties and heroin was sold as a cough suppressant FOR CHILDREN! Within my lifetime, the public was told cigarettes were good for them, and doctors performed lobotomies to cure mental illness. OK so we don’t always get it right and we are especially vulnerable to what we read or what our trusted physician tells us. Cyphering out the truth about what is good for us is no simple undertaking. Currently, new science is available constantly and the ability to present ‘fake facts’ knows no limits.
Michael Moss’s video ‘Food Addiction and the Food Industry’ was my first introduction into the vast amounts of money spent on creating foods that are so addictive they have been described as worse than drugs. We have taken a natural need to sustain ourselves with food and turned it into a huge money-making machine that is slowly killing us and the planet.
The typical food making up the Standard American Diet (SAD) is addictive and much of it over processed with little food value. Sharing a meal together is my way of creating bonds and building relationships, but as I wrote last year, there is pressure to conform to diet norms or you can find yourself a lonely vegan. I’ve learned to not ‘announce’ I’m WFPB, or vegan even when restaurant choices are being discussed. I can always find a salad on the menu and if not, I can move food around my plate until I get home. Better yet, eat before I go out. It’s about the conversation, not the food!
Keeping the song in my soul joyful also requires diligence. If I don’t make my early morning time alone with God a priority, the whole day is out of sync. And I’ve heard some rotten theology in my life and been given some not so saintly advice that I’ve had to filter through His word to get myself back in step.
Currently, my biggest struggle is getting quality sleep. If I don’t get enough sleep, I find my ability to keep it light and joyful greatly diminished. To compensate, I frequently avoid others when I’m sleep deprived which automatically rids me of the sweet chord of fellowship.
When any area of my life if off key, I struggle for harmony. Diet, sleep, spiritual wellbeing and relationships aren’t always easy to keep in balance. There is a lot of discord to avoid and it takes diligence.
If you know someone of an unfamiliar culture, religion or diet, how about inviting them to share a meal? You might discover a different point of view and turn what initially sounded like a cacophony into a beautiful melody. Remember, we don’t have to be alike to share community. Variety can be the perfect spice to bring sweet music into your life and theirs.
What change are you trying to make to bring your life more harmony? I would love to hear your story.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)
“By keeping the end in mind, you can make certain that whatever you do on any particular day … contributes in a meaningful way to the vision you have of your life as a whole.” (Stephen R. Covey – The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People)
“Your personal health is supported when the planet is sustained with healthy agriculture, and you’re living out your ethical values of kindness and love towards those with whom you share this earth.” (Sersie Blue & Gigi Carter – Daniel Fast)
Yours for a Joyful Journey,
Joyice