About a month ago I revealed on Instagram that I was newly single. I didn’t do it for sympathy, I did it because I wanted to reveal this new chapter in my life as well as possibly reach out to other women dealing with the fall out of a failed marriage too. Not that I have any special antidote for getting through an insanely hard trial-I just know that while you don’t want other people to hurt, it still feels good to know you are not alone.
My girls and I have been adjusting for a month now. I think the best advice I can give anyone that is going through something painful is to find the positives-because even if they are hard to find, I promise there is something positive. The biggest positive in my life is that I have changed as a parent for the better. When you become the sole source of everything for your children, rising to the occasion is vital. I’ve tuned in and engaged in a way I never had before. By golly, I’m going to break my back making up for what’s clearly missing and I’m so honored to do so.
I thank God for all I have to be thankful for and really focus on all the space in my closet, getting in bed at 8:30 to watch re-runs on HGTV, watching rom-coms again, and creating new traditions like Saturday game night! While I seem to be adjusting rather well, I have to admit that at night I wander around the kitchen eating all sorts of randomness because my cravings are out of control probably due to the uneasiness I’m stuffing deep down. So, my point in sharing all of this is that I’ve decided that since I’m really enjoying my late night snacking, I realize I’ve got to really shape up my days so that I can “afford” (calorie wise) my new bad habit!
I just posted about bee pollen. This smoothie is a great way to incorporate bee pollen into your daily diet.
What I’ve done is replaced my lunch with a smoothie. This is not just any ordinary smoothie. This is the mother of all smoothies. It’s jam packed with goodness my body can use plus it’s so filling that when I drink it around 12:30-1, I can get all the way to dinner without snacking! That’s a huge score in my book! Granted, this smoothie is a little under 500 calories. That’s why I replace lunch with it. It is so incredibly nutritious and healthy that you will not only feel full, you will also experience an energy boost to curb that mid afternoon zombie lull.
Power Packed Smoothie!
- 1 Handful of spinach (7 calories)
- 1 Handful of kale (30 calories)
- 1 red apple (72 calories)
- 1/2 cup apple juice (60 calories (optional) *Only if you need more sweetness
- 1 TBSP. Unrefined Coconut Oil (117 calories)
- 1 TBSP. Chia Seeds (70 calories)
- 1 TBSP. Flax Seeds (37 calories)
- 1 TBSP. Bee Pollen (40 calories) ***If you haven’t taken bee pollen-start slow-maybe just a small pinch then gradually increase***
- 1/2 TBSP. Raw Honey (30 calories)
- 1/2-1 cup of cold water
The handful of spinach and kale should all be to your taste. Of course, the more the better for you but kale can have an overpowering taste. In fact, I freeze my bag of kale and that curbs a lot of flavor-It also lowers it’s nutritional value but it’s better then not adding it at all.
Try this smoothie if you’re looking to cut back on junk and too many empty calories. Clearly I am not a health care professional. I simply share what works for me currently. By no means do I advocate skipping too many meals. I figure, if I can replace my usual lunch, which doesn’t always qualify as healthy, with a living, raw smoothie then I’m way ahead of where I was.
If anyone is hurting over a broken family I hope my little transparent post has made you feel like you aren’t alone. No matter how things look on the outside we’re all dealing with our own cross to bear. God knows your path and if you can lean on him, I promise you, he’ll carry you through this. You have all you need to survive and thrive! I love this simple lyric from “It’s A Beautiful Day” by U2-“What you don’t have, you don’t need it now. What you don’t know you can feel it somehow”. I like to remember this when I get antsy about what I don’t have control over.
Life is hard and rarely ends up the way we think it will, huh?
Thank you to all of you who have offered kind words of support during this time. I never take for granted this sacred space-thanks to you all, I am able to continue to stay home with my girls.
xx, Jenni
Jenni, as always, thank you for being so open. The reason I follow your blog is because you are so honest and don’t try to paint a picture of a perfect life like some bloggers do. I am glad you are looking for a silver lining in all of this.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth-Thanks so much, I really appreciate such a sweet compliment!
Jeni, prayers for you and your family. Sending you love and positive thoughts from PA.
Liz-Thank you so much!
Jenni, I’m so sorry you have to go this difficult time, but I’m so glad you are looking to God and finding your all in Him. He will sustain you and be with you every step of the way. Lots of love and prayers.
Madalyn-Thank you so much! I appreciate it.
Jenni – If you add a little lemon juice to your smoothie it will cut the “green” taste of the spinach and kale. Hang in there.
Great to know!! I’ll do that-I hate to loose any nutrition because I’m freezing the kale! I’ve also found cinnamon seems to cut the taste too-I forgot to mention it! Thanks!!
we women have far more in common than we realize. Sharing can be so healing, so freeing. Little by little, you are becoming the person you were born to be. Take good care. xo
Suzi-That’s so true. Thank you so much!
I love this post. Thanks for sharing your story, I can relate.
“If God has brought you to it, he will get you through it.”
Thank you,
Addie
Addie-Love that! Thank you too!
I love your blog, started this past Saturday night & have kept about 10 tabs open of your blogs & recipes!!
As a grandmother of just 58 (6/1 & Marilyn’M’s b-day too) I too years ago was a single mom, (I probably already was both parents even with him) – HE MADE the MONEY, WIFE DOES the REST… a macho guy! I did have a FT job too! We are tail end of baby boomers.
I believe Susi put it quite well, you will become the person you’re are meant to be, but ONLY if you allow it. Please do allow it! You will find wisdom & happiness from it I PROMISE! Your feelings of rising to the occasion for your children is the greatest gift you can do for all of you!! Be silly. laugh as much as your tummy can bare! You already feel gratitude & that’s a biggie in my world! Regrets are a waste of time, BUT, working & cleaning house – either let the house get messy or get a cleaning person. I wish I had! I applaud your sharing for others & truly know you will become all the better for it!! All the best to you sent from Florida!
Laura-You are so kind! Thank you for such encouraging words! I can’t tell you how it makes me feel when readers like you take the time to leave such an encouraging comment!! I’m glad you are enjoying my blog!!