Our Lifestyle Shows on Your Skin: My Story.
By Theresa Phillips
It was an eye-opening experience when I realized I was beginning to age. The gradual appearance of fine lines, some wrinkles, a few strands of gray hair, and the emergence of age spots on my skin all served as stark reminders that time was indeed moving forward.
This realization started to weigh heavily on my mind because, deep inside, my heart and spirit felt youthful and vibrant.
I still felt capable of engaging in countless activities that brought me joy and fulfillment.
However, the moment others began to pose the question, "How old are you?" it became a painful reminder of the passage of time.
Each time I responded, I felt a little more deflated, as if the number itself was a judgment on my vitality and worth.
So, when God blessed me with the opportunity to start my own skincare company—an incredible journey that has its own long and intricate story—I decided to embrace the idea that it was not solely about my skin but also about my overall health and well-being.
I took a long, hard look at myself in the mirror, reflecting on my athletic youth and the dreams that once fueled my passions.
I began to think deeply about the activities that brought me joy, such as gardening, cooking, and creating things with my own hands.
I realized that my love for God's creation was being stifled by my neglect of these cherished pursuits. I was not living in alignment with what I loved.
In my quest for understanding and improvement, I immersed myself in research. I sought out knowledge and enrolled in Formulation School, where I became a certified Skincare Formulator. I also pursued classes in cosmetology, eager to expand my expertise. Yet, I felt that this was only the beginning.
My curiosity led me to delve into holistic medicine, where I uncovered the profound connection between our physical health and the choices we make in our daily lives, particularly regarding our diets. IT SHOWS UP ON THE SKIN! UGH!!!
It became increasingly clear to me that I needed to radically overhaul my eating habits.
There was a time in my life when I found myself questioning the importance of these changes, thinking, "Does it really matter?" But the truth is, it does matter—immensely.
I remembered the years I spent in the kitchen, passionately cooking and experimenting with flavors. I had developed a love for culinary arts, so why had I allowed myself to drift away from it?
This introspection led to a true confession: I had become addicted to sugar. It was a frustrating realization, but honesty was the first step towards change. I prayed for guidance, and God answered me in a profound way.
As a minister, my heart has always been concerned for the well-being of the body of Christ.
In my prayers, I felt God impress upon me the importance of taking care of my own body.
He reminded me that I had been called to many things throughout my life, but now it was time to focus on my health and get my life in order.
I listened to that calling, and since then, I have embarked on a transformative journey towards health and vitality.
In sharing my journey with you, I want to begin with a significant aspect of my transformation: my diet.
I made a conscious decision to purchase a healthy recipe pack Training School (now sharing with you) , specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs that arise as we age.
This collection of recipes not only provides essential nutrients, particularly protein, but also reignites my passion for cooking and creating delightful meals.
I find joy in the process of preparing food, and it feels fulfilling to engage in something I love.
As I have shifted my focus towards healthier eating, I have noticed a remarkable improvement in how I feel, both physically and emotionally. I must say, even my skin has shown signs of rejuvenation and vitality.
I have had doctors express their disbelief, stating that it is improbable for my skin to look as it does at my age. To that, I simply respond, "Well, God gave me this formula, and I am grateful for it."
In an exciting twist, I recently learned that we now have eight former Mary Kay consultants who have chosen to use our skincare products.
This is nothing short of amazing and a testament to the effectiveness of what we have created!
However, I know that this is only the beginning of my journey.
With spring approaching, the planting season is upon us, and I am determined to fully embrace it.
With God's help, I aim to cultivate not only my garden but also my strength and resilience.
This year, we plan to plant a diverse array of vegetables and herbs, including carrots, potatoes, beets, lettuce, radishes, watermelon, and onions. We will also include bell peppers, chard, and turnips in our garden beds.
Our herb garden will feature a variety of aromatic plants such as sage, lavender, marigold, pepper, basil, sweet basil, nasturtium, oregano, peppermint, marjoram, and rosemary.
Each of these plants carries its own unique benefits, enriching our meals and enhancing our health.
As we draw closer to the planting season, I look forward to sharing more about my journey, my garden, and the lessons I continue to learn along the way. For now, this is enough to reflect upon and share with you...
God bless and Healthand Love to you
Theresa and Robert