I’ve made a lot of lifestyle changes over the last few months, and I’m feeling better than I have in years.

Exercising Again

As part of the changes I’ve been making, based on The Energy Blueprint Program*, I’ve gradually increased my activity level over the last few months. I can now walk briskly around the perimeter of our yard four times – maybe 1600 feet. When I started, walking 50 feet wore me out. Hubby and I have used Handicap stickers for years, and we’ve always needed them. With his paralyzed leg, hubby still needs his. Me…. not so much. THAT’s a huge improvement for me.

I’ve also found online a Qigong program that suits me, called the Satori Method Flow Form. The Sensei teaches a Westernized version of the Asian practice. And he’s a good teacher. I used to do Tai Chi regularly. But I quit practicing it as I got weaker, and eventually I forgot how to do the forms. This time, I had a lot of tension from the high powered steroids I was on after surgery. I was considering getting a series of massages as a way to relax and stop the insomnia.  Buying this program seemed to be a better use of the money to me. And I’m glad I did.

I’m still learning how to do this method, but the downloaded lessons are well done and only cover a few moves at a time. Plus there is a practice video for each section. That way I can work on the forms a little at a time and then try to follow as the pieces are put together. The squatting leg movements have done a lot to strengthen my legs, but I still have a long way to go before I can practice for 30 minutes without being worn slap out. But even though I’m tired, and even a little sweaty by the time I stop, I’m very relaxed.

Nutrition Improved

Ari Whitten, the originator of the Energy Blueprint, does not advocate any particular diet style, other than to emphasize a Whole Food Plant Based diet, preferably organic. He leaves the choice to eat meat or not up to the individual, but really does emphasize that any meat needs to be grass fed and hormone free. We haven’t made the change to organic yet. He really emphasizes eating large numbers of raw vegetables and fruits, so we’ve greatly increased the size of our usual lunchtime salad. I’m also eating something fermented at every meal. I’ve even learned how to make kefir and sauerkraut, and I add home grown broccoli sprouts to every meal as well – even breakfast!

Mitochondrial Energy Increased

Energy Blueprint explains many scientifically researched strategies that directly increase the energy level that the mitochondria create in the cells. I’ve consistently been sunbathing since learning that this will increase my energy without having to eat more calories. And I can definitely testify that it is working for me.

Since sunbathing will be out of the question once the cold weather comes to Alabama, I have also made a home-made version of an infra-red sauna in our bathroom. I Googled DIY sauna to come up with something that works for me. I can use this regardless of the weather or season.

Since I have had cold intolerance for many years now – a common symptom of Mitochondrial Disease – the heat feels fantastic. And it’s been so long since I could sweat, I know that’s helping me heal. Hopefully I’m getting rid of some toxins that are released in sweat, but don’t leave the body any other way.

Lifestyle Changes Making a Noticeable Difference

A lot of people at church have been asking me lately how I feel. I think it’s because my tan makes me look healthier, and I’m walking so much better! It’s wonderful to be able to say I’m feeling better than I have in years!

Thanks be to God for his Healing Hand in leading me to the right surgeon to deal with my serious sinus infection and bone overgrowth. And we thank Him for making us aware of the Energy Blueprint Program. Because of that program I’ve made a lot of positive lifestyle changes. I plan to continue gradually making changes the program suggests to improve my mitochondrial function. The reward of feeling so good makes the new lifestyle changes worthwhile, even though it means changing habits of a lifetime!