Grapefruit Seed Extract

     I spent my entire life battling sinusitis, bronchitis and allergies.  They have come and gone. I've been on and off of meds and antibiotics.  My sister has as well.   I was recently bragging that my allergies seemed to have left and headed for some other poor victim but this year is kicking mine and my kids' butts.  We have all been knocked out by one thing or the other and we aren't breathing so well.  When my sister would inquire about each illness she would report back with a "go and get some grapefruit seed extract!".  Mmmmm hmmmm.  One of these days I will.  Then another cold or round with infections and antibiotics and she updated me that after decades of getting ill and spending money on doctor appts and meds she has turned to GSE and hasn't been back to the doctor since.  "Ok....I promise I will try" is always my response.  It's been what seems like forever and after this last bout with hundreds spent on doctor visits and medicines and missed days of school and work...I HAVE HAD IT.   I have spent the last week juicing each and every day(thanks to Mary).  I have also traded in foods that I believe are making it worse(thanks to Leigh Ann).  And today...I FINALLY...bought my little bottle of grapefruit seed extract.  After some research it seems to fix anything.  It is amazing for the body for all sorts of reasons and goes beyond just those uses.  Turns out you can use it to wash your produce, clean your cutting board and even clear up skin issues.  It's magic in a bottle.  I texted my sister, Victoria, that I indeed had finally gone to the health food store to buy some.  She was thrilled to say the least.  Today I squirted it into my juice in the hopes that a super duper dose of healthy will enable me to breathe today.
      These changes are good for me.  They help me to be better.  I feel different.  I am proud of making some good decisions.  But they do not define me.  For every cupcake there might be a dinner of lettuce and fresh veggies to make up for it...but I still have the cupcake.  For every walk...there is a morning of lazy video games.  There might be a tall glass of cucumber, beet, carrot juice...but there is also an occasional pint of Blue Moon somewhere.  For every GSE remedy their is a blizzard from DQ to wash it down.  It's moderation.  It's knowing when to be smart and knowing when to not feel frustrated that you are being held back in life.  I don't want to pigeonhole myself into a lifestyle that defines me...I want to define my lifestyle.  It means some days I'll be a health nut and others I will celebrate whatever it is I want.  I know vegetarians that still serve meat for holidays and health freaks who still celebrate with a piece of cake for someone's big day...I admire them.  They don't judge others based on decisions that they are making...they simply live their own way...and occasionally are awesome enough to pass tips along that might help.  They don't preach nor make you feel badly.  But I've also known people who looked down their noses at the rest of us eating crap when they were doing "the right thing".  It is a judgement none of us should give or feel the victim of.  I have also know the judgmental health freaks who lied to steal a bag of candy.  We decide what choices we want and respect others to make them for themselves.  My particular strategy is one of balance and kindness and education.  Nobody is perfect all of the time but we have moments when we shine and moments when we are quiet.  We should be fine with all of it.  I applaud the people who run in marathons and I also applaud the people who eat a vegetable that they loathe because they are being a damn good role model for their child.  We each have challenges...we each fight our own battles...we each have victories.  Some have medals.  Some have health benefits.  Some teach lessons.  They are all successes to those that are living them and to you all... I say, "Way to Go!!!".  I am proud of all of your good decisions and love you even when you aren't making them...