My "Why" for Toxin Free Living
Everyone has a "WHY" in life.
A why for the reason they do certain things, like certain things or dislike other things. A why for something they are passionate about or something they despise. We all have our "why" that helps to define who we are.
One of the things that attracts people and readers to my communities and blog is my passion for toxin free, natural living. It is something that I still get numerous emails and messages about because people are curious how to begin and why to consider it. People are finally ready to jump.
Today, I want to share my "why" with you.
Like many people nowadays, I am surrounded by the word cancer. Whether family members have it, family members have recovered or passed from it, or whether I just know of one more person in our community fighting it - it is all over. My father is a cancer survivor and while his is considered to be more of a genetic situation, that fear still lingers in me. In my family many men have battled different forms of cancers, and like everyone else - the word cancer scares the crap out of me.
Only 5-10% of cancers are considered genetic while the remaining amount are due to environmental factors such as toxins we breathe, use on our skins, eat, etc... or the lifestyle choices we make such as drinking and smoking. Many, many cancers are considered to have a cause that is due to things we would have never dreamed. Our shampoos. The baby powder we slathered on all the time. The candles we burned religiously. And so on and on.
My why is pretty simple really. I want to be healthy for my children and be here for a long time to see them grow. I want my children to be healthy so I can watch them kick soccer balls, dance in recitals and walk across to get their diploma. And I want my children to be healthy! The amount of children that are battling cancer is at an alarmingly high rate, something that we can all say hurts our heart to see and hear. I know we can't control everything around us, but I feel better knowing I am being as proactive as I can.
My why is because my body is a vessel for my children. I grow babies and nourish babies with my body and I'll continue to do the best I can to keep it healthy. It's always a work in progress and it's never a perfect vessel, because like many, I sure love the taste of chocolate and cookies.
My why is because God put substances on this earth that we needed -- plants, oils, whole foods, etc... God put them here because they would be able to support us to keep us healthy and whole. But shoutout to the awesome intelligent people he has also put out there who have developed medical advances to help us when nature just wasn't enough. I recognize that too.
My why is because I'm not afraid to read and learn more about what we use, what we breathe and what we consume. I'm not afraid of the facts that I will learn because I know that they will help me become healthier. I KNOW that kicking chemicals is an easy process for some and for others it is just overwhelming, but my why allows me to help others.
My why is because I know that I AM the only voice for my family and I. We like to think that our government and FDA and whoever is protecting us, but they only do so much. So much has to change in the laws and systems that regulate our products. How come in Europe over 1,100 cosmetic ingredients are banned but only around 9 of those are banned here? How come thousands and thousands of industrial and cleaning chemicals have not been tested and regulated? How come every new mom thinks that Johnson and Johnson's is a must have, when really it is a toxin filled bottle? You have to be your own advocate.
My why is because I truly feel that our increase in cancer, infertility, hormonal imbalances, fatigue, depression, eczema, autism and more is likely due to our increase in chemicals and toxins. From processed, convenient foods to lotions and candles, I know that all of the research is there to show that these items are bogging us down and making us unhealthy. The average woman applies around 300 chemicals a day to her skin. So when you think that it isn't "much" in your products, think about ALLLL of the products within your home being used every.single.day.
So my why is simple really. I believe in being the best I can for my children. I believe in being a work in progress and using this vessel that God gave me to the best of my abilities. I believe in nurturing it and taking care of it and again, it is always a WORK IN PROGRESS.
Switching to a non toxic lifestyle doesn't necessarily have to mean that you have to just throw it all away overnight. It also doesn't mean that you can't still enjoy some birthday cake or go get ice cream with your children. And by gosh, if you really love your mascara, you don't have to ditch it. But being conscious about making small changes will eventually lead to bigger changes.
You are always a work in progress. You are always able to change your lifestyle, your habits and your vices. We are not perfect. But how do you want to use your vessel? How do you want to live your life? And what is your "why?"
If you are ready to create a new why, I am here to help guide you, support you and cheer you on. Take your why and run with it. You won't regret it, because who ever regretted being healthy?