Overcoming Anxiety: My Testimony

Many years ago I made a deal with God and told Him that if He would deliver me from anxiety, panic attacks and fear, I would share my testimony. Well, God has answered me and delivered me--the journey was tough and long and did I learn lots along the way. It was now my turn to do my part. I needed to share, and He quietly reminded me time and time again.

I grew up in a Christian home and have always heard about Jesus. But it wasn't until I started experiencing panic attacks in college that I really started studying the Bible. I have always been the type-a, perfectionistic type who likes things to be just right. My identity was in the works. Was I registered for the right classes? Was I choosing the right career? I was also working part-time and babysitting a ton to make some extra cash. All that on top of just being sixteen and figuring out life for myself. I took myself way too seriously.

My mind became the battlefield. I became too consumed in just doing things right and I started experiencing anxiety which led to panic attacks. If anyone has experienced a panic attack, you know how scary and debilitating they are. With the anxiety came the migraines and the stomach pains. I was now in this vicious cycle of being worried about my health. I told my mom and we went to the doctor to run some tests. Everything came back fine. 

Nothing was wrong with me.  

It was "just" anxiety.

This is where my passion for natural health began. I started learning about about the effects of stress on the human body. I started attending natural health seminars (at sixteen!). I started eating better. I gained this passion for nutrition. I signed up for yoga in college. Things seemed to get better. But there was still this heaviness and I would still find myself feeling anxious. 

This is when I made the deal with God. I told Him if He would help, if He would set me free from these intense feelings of anxiety, I would share it with people. 

Shortly after, I started finding Bible verses about the mind and would study them, speak them out loud, write them out, and reread them over and over again. I watched sermons on anxiety and learned the power of thoughts. When I would wake up crippled by fear, I would read a certain verse and it would give me hope and strength to get through that day. I would feel the fear but would still do whatever I needed to do. I started believing God's Word. I would replace scary thoughts with good, uplifting thoughts. The book that played a significant role was Joyce Meyer's Battlefield of the Mind and its study guide. I listened to worship music and found a mentor who prayed for me. I started taking better care of myself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually any way I knew how. The anxiety was diminishing.



Today I am so thankful I have been on this journey. I believe that God brings us through certain situations so we can overcome them and help others. I'm still on a journey in finding my identity in Christ instead of in the works or in the things of this world. I still get into seasons of anxiety and can get into a hamster wheel of doing too much and not taking good care of myself. But now I am super good at recognizing it and quickly jumping out. The anxiety no longer scares me. And now I can punch fear in the face ;) The peace I now have is something so precious to me! Whatever the enemy meant for evil, God intended for good! (Genesis 50:20)

Here are some of my favorite Bible verses on anxiety and peace:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

The whole Psalm 91 is my favorite!

"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High

will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

This I declare about the Lord:

He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;

he is my God, and I trust him.

For he will rescue you from every trap

and protect you from deadly disease.

He will cover you with his feathers.

He will shelter you with his wings.

His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,

nor the arrow that flies in the day.

Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,

nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

Though a thousand fall at your side,

though ten thousand are dying around you,

these evils will not touch you.

Just open your eyes,

and see how the wicked are punished.

If you make the Lord your refuge,

if you make the Most High your shelter,

No evil will conquer you;

no plague will come near your home." Psalm 91:1-10

Life

How I Stayed Healthy During Pregnancy

The 9 months of pregnancy was the healthiest I have ever been. Anyone will agree that having your first baby you tend to overthink and overdo things and you tend to go all out. And now looking back, I am super glad I did all of these things. 

Here are some ways on how I stayed healthy during pregnancy:

1. Eating a variety of wholesome foods: I ate a variety of different foods, concentrating on superfoods. We limited eating out as much as we could. I stayed away from processed foods and cooked quite a bit. I indulged on the weekends. I also followed the Bradley Method diet starting at 20 weeks. 

2. Prenatals: Garden of Life Vitamin Code RAW Prenatal, New Chapter Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin Both are great! And my midwife suggested a Vitamin D supplement as well. 

3. Water: I drank so much I almost floated away. I also gave up on coffee, but did have a cup here and there in my third trimester.

4. Dental Health: When my husband and I just met my midwife (at about 6 weeks), my husband asked her what was the number one reason women miscarry, and after a long pause, she answered "poor dental health." Thankfully a few months before I got all the dental work that needed to be done. I also got a cleaning half way into my pregnancy. Note: Of course this is not the only reason, just one of many in her 40+ years of delivering babies. 

5. Exercise: As far as exercise, I wasn't as consistent as I was with my diet. However, I did do Tracy Anderson: The Pregnancy Project about 1x/week. I took the stairs to our 8th floor apartment vs the elevator, and practiced the Bradley Method exercises that prepared me for a natural childbirth. I gained 36 lbs total (and in case you're wondering, I'm 3 lbs away from my pre-pregnancy weight).

6. House plants: In all honesty, I don't know a thing about plants, except that they purify the air and that is one of the biggest reasons why hubby and I went out and bought three plants and my mother-in-law gifted me two after finding out my "new thing for plants." Haha. She is the sweetest. 

7. Air Purifier: My first trimester migraines went away a week after using the air purifier. Not sure if it has anything to do with it, but it helped to breathe cleaner air! We purchased the IQAir® HealthPro® Plus Air Purifier.

8. Chiropractic: During pregnancy, your joints will start shifting to make room for the growing baby and you will become very unstable.This can lead to a lot of discomfort. A chiropractor can help with lower back pain, sciatic nerve pain, migraines, and a list of other things! A chiropractor will align your pelvis to help your baby reach optimal positioning. It has also been said that women that received chiropractic care, had smoother labor and deliveries. I started at about 16 weeks and got my last adjustment at 38 weeks, going once a week. 

9. Epsom Salt Baths: These were amazing! If you are pregnant, you must get yourself some Epsom salts. Epsom salt baths are actually recommended during pregnancy since this is a way to boost your magnesium intake--a needed mineral to help build and repair tissues in your cute pregnant body. It will also ease your aches and pains, especially in third trimester! I purchased mine at Marlene's Natural Food Market but found a super good deal here. Make sure your Epsom salts are unscented and natural! 

10. Prenatal Massage: OK, this is more of a luxury and my hubby definitely spoiled his swollen wifey, lol ;) I got a package of 4 massages and waited to use them toward the end of my pregnancy-- totally helped  my sciatica that came on towards the end. Can I just tell you that a prenatal massage feels so much better than a regular massage!

11.  Prayer: Pregnancy was also a time that I sought the Lord even more. Pregnancy can be a roller-coaster ride and I ran to the Lord to help me through my lowest moments. He is the one that blessed my husband and I with this child. I trusted God completely with the health of my baby and my own health. 

Psalm 127:3-5

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. 

And since I'm a foodie, here's some of my prego eats ;)

Not healthy, but I was obsessed with croissants for about a week straight! True story.

Tuna salad on Dave's Killer Bread with a cup of buttermilk.

Buckwheat with a coconut vegetable curry and salmon.

Pineapple Dole Whip.

Oatmeal with granola, banana, blueberries and nuts. 

Snack: Smoked salmon, carrots, veggie chips, and those triangle cheeses. 

Cobb salad with homemade peanut dressing.

Veggie omelet with Greek yogurt and avocado. 

Steak tacos. Hubby went with tortillas and I chose lettuce.

I hope this post was helpful to those expecting little ones!

Blessings,

Alina 

My Baby Shower

I cannot believe it's been so long since I updated my blog! When I started out, I wanted this space to be a diary of my life and now that I am pregnant, I am bummed that I have forgotten or better yet "abandoned" this little space of mine. 

Here are some photos from my baby shower, some are from my camera roll and some were sent to me from my guests at the shower. 

I broke the shower etiquette and decided to know about my shower since I wanted to decorate, and loved how everything turned out. I didn't really have a "theme," but just a collection of little things I like. 

"Oh baby!" banner is from Etsy. Paper flag banner made by me. All the yummy goodies were made by people that love me, haha!

The little vintage picture is thrifted. 

The cake was AMAZING! Big thanks to Natasha Bashinsky for making such a delicious cake. The cake itself was "Spartak," and everyone loved it! Cake was decorated by my bestie Anastasiya and myself--thank you dear friend for cutting your sleep short to make everything the way I wanted! xoxo

Cupcakes were made by my friend Alina Strizheus, and let me tell you, the girl can bake! These are not your average cupcakes! Sorry you missed out. Haha. The cute rustic banners are custom made and are from Etsy. 

Fruit tartes were made by me, but assembled by my dear madre. 

My baby's Daddy :) Love this man so much! And am so blessed to meet our mini! He hasn't missed any of our antenatal appointments and has totally agreed to do The Bradley Method! He is such a trooper!! Big Daddy points! Hahaha! 

And my hubby totally broke the rule and was present at my shower. I needed his help and he delivered 110%! 

Chocolate covered stawberries; made by my sister-in-law Natasha.

With my sister-in-law Natalie! Thank you dear for sending me this picture. I loved the simplicity of the decor used at my shower. And the cute bassinet is Pottery Barn; cannot wait to put my darling boy in it. 

Pretty bunch. We go way back with these girls. Like way, way back! 

One more with sissy in it. 

    Gift + Party Favor station. I had guests bring a children's book (in a different corner) to enter a raffle drawing. We also played a few other games.

"Soap, please take one." 

Natural Handmade soaps as party favors. I got these from Etsy: Rogue Valley Soap.

Dress is by June & Hudson in Floral (non-maternity, yay!). Shoes are Zara (last season, or the season before that, haha). My make-up was done by my super talented friend Sophia Prisyazhnyuk, check her out: https://www.styleseat.com/toujoursbellemakeup

Me & bestie. Our boys will be best buds! 

30 weeks & 20 weeks! 

Little ole me again, baby bump, and the famous pregnancy photo. Haha.

As soon as I found out I was pregnant, this sister of mine was the first one I called and she was the most excited for me (other than my hubby who was right next to me). In fact, she pushed me to take a pregnancy test and I did! ;). She was also the first one I called with tears when I felt my first real pregnancy symptom of mild cramping which scared everything out of me (only first time moms will understand) Hahaha! She reassured me all was normal and that there was nothing to worry about. Love you sister! And I look up to you so much!

With some of my sisters in laws & friends. 

I was so blessed by everyone who came to celebrate my baby boy, me, and hubby (well somewhat, haha). Thank you to everyone who cooked, baked, cleaned, showered me with gifts, and drove fur just to be there. Love you all so much and appreciate everything and everyone from the bottom of my heart! 

Xoxo,

Alina 

Labor Day Weekend

Hello Lovelies!

Ever since we came back from our Labor Day weekend trip, I have been a busy bee! So tonight I can finally say TGIF! And I "totes" totally just found out what "TGIF" stands for! Ha! I might just be a decade behind. 

Here's our Labor Day Weekend trip in pictures.  And I hope ya'll had a wonderful weekend as well!

Hubby and I decided to be "spontaneous" at a totally wrong time, on a Labor Day Weekend! We packed our little car Saturday night and drove out early Sunday morning to an unknown destination... but with Lake Chelan in mind.

After asking a lot of locals about private camp sites and settling on a campground, it was lunch time!

And we hungrily dived into these hamburgers and greasy fries!

And then we took a walk. And I tried pretending I was in Italy and took the photo above. 

So many boats and kayaks passed by this pretty view. 

My husband's patience for "stopping by and taking a photo" is increasing! He stopped the car and had me take the photo above! Ummm, "sure, honey!"

I don't know about you, but I'm one hungry girl every time we camp! Hubby and I normally don't eat hot dogs, but these campfire sauteed Brats on a toasted (almost burned)  bagel with garlic & herb butter were way too good!

No regrets whatsoever!

My friend Julz is a genius! She sauteed broccoli with one whole jalapeno pepper and some sliced up onions. The jalapeno brought out so much flavor from the broccoli that I was in broccoli heaven. Oh and we used the same pot that we used for sauteing our smoked Brats... so the flavor of broccoli was just fab! Ha! 

I was way too excited for Eugene and I to use our enamel mugs I got from a flea market our first married summer. I was drinking my Yogi Detox tea within minutes. 

For lunch we grilled chicken and asparagus. What a perfect combo! 

I don't remember the last time I had a s'more! And it was time I had one. Or maybe three. We were camping after all, right? 

Hubby and I have a tradition to have dinner at one of our favorite rustic Tuscan wineries in Chelan. So the night we left for home, we knew where we were going for dinner.

I ordered creamy tomato basil soup. The sun was setting and it was getting chilly. And soup seemed perfect at the moment. I also ordered a caesar salad. 

I definitely felt like a good detox was needed when I came home. A good detox for me usually consists of lots of water, detox tea (I love the Yogi Detox), and green tea! Water and natural tea's are one of the best things to flush out unwanted toxins. 

I love a good detox/cleanse; and might be thoroughly talking about it in future posts. 

Until next time!

Xoxo,

Alina

A Little Country Girl

I try to find peace and contentedness whatever life throws my way. Life is not always a pretty canvas. Things happen. But the clock continues to tick.

I believe it's when we can find the good in the bad in order to experience true happiness. 

So whether it's Monday morning at work or Sunday brunch with the hubby, I try to be of good cheer.

But I'm really happy when  Sundays come around. 

Hubby and I always look forward to Sundays.

So this Sunday we decided to runaway to the country side. I get so giddy and excited being in the country. There's just something about the peaceful scenery driving through the farm. Even time seems to slow down. 

We visited a lavender farm which happened to have the most amazing wine, cheese, and natural bar soap (not that we ate the soap, just stuck our noses in it). We explored the inside of a cute cozy lavender shop that sold endless number of lavender goodies. We got to take wine, cheese, and bar soap home. We later fed our hungry bellies delicious Mexican food in a quiet small town nearby. Mr. Hubby and I both have a soft spot in our hearts for Mexican food. Only those that can relate will understand.

Cheers to more great Sundays!

Xoxo, Alina