Another Success Story!!

Hi Friends!

This is super short because charmingly, thanks to the ice storm that hit North Texas and the insane amount of ice we have, a WATER MAIN broke in the apartment above me and yes, MY house flooded. But it's all good. Just time to lace up those old combat boots, relocate my daughter to a dry warm location, and drive on.

However, I wanted to share a blog that belongs to a friend of mine, and invite you to stop in as she tells her story with the USANA RESET Weight loss and Wellness program! Show her some love, tell you I sent you, and see just how much USANA can change lives.

Dora's Blog - Reset Release Rejuvenate

If you are ready to start your weight loss and wellness journey, please please contact me, and we can do this together! Send me an email at rachelprelsey@usana.com and I will be in contact with you soon!

Stay Warm!
Rachel

Beauty in ALL of Us

Oh My Goodness Friends!! You MUST watch this!! This amazing artist took and made manikins of individuals with disabilities and I have to admit - I teared up, this is just so touching and so beautiful!

My mother and older brother are in wheelchairs because of Multiple Sclerosis and combining that with my own disabilities brought on physical injuries and complicated by the Fibromyalgia, I have gained a deeper respect for individuals who have disabilities they were born with. Individuals like the beautiful people in this video. I think that often times society looks down on people with disabilities because they are different and let's face it, its human nature to fear the unknown. I struggle with being so young and needing a full leg brace and sometimes my cane to walk but I have to remind myself how blessed I am to still have my legs because I know that my Mum and brother would give anything to have control of theirs again.

But I find myself judging others too sometimes which is not a good thing. I remember an incident when I was in significant pain, was struggling to move at all, much less walk, and so I parked in the handicap parking while my daughter and I slowly made our way into the store for groceries. When we come out, moving extremely slowly because now I am completely fatigued and the pain is over the top, and there is a huge land yacht of a suburban trying to squeeze in next to my smaller vehicle. As this older lady climbs out of the vehicle, my daughter and I waited so we could get into our car. I was informed by this lady that I should be "ashamed of myself being so lazy and taking up handicap parking that was reserved for older people who needed it." I have to admit...my anger BOILED over and I am pretty sure that if my daughter hadn't been standing next to me, I probably would have read that lady the riot act and suggest that she be more careful getting out of her huge truck so that she didn't fall and break a hip.

Fortunately, what this incident reminds me of and I strive to impress upon my child, is that everyone has unique situations and we should never judge, criticize, or alienate someone just because they have a disability - seen or unseen.

I DO have to remind myself that even though I may walk funny, can't participate in certain activities because of my pain, or have to limit my activities because of the overwhelming fatigue, I AM STILL BEAUTIFUL and you know what, SO ARE YOU! It is hard to not let our disabilities get us down but those same disabilities allow us to see the world in new way and THAT should be celebrated.

Find the BEAUTY in you and see the beauty all around you!
Be Happy, Be Healthy!
Rachel

Do it for them!

I know that this incredibly cute picture pleads for the care of our Environment for our future generations, but why shouldn't we look at our health in the same way? Our children will emulate our actions and our thought processes and we if want them to have a better tomorrow, then we as parents have to make healthy decisions today. It is hard sometimes to find the motivation to keep working out, to maintain a healthy menu, and to build a lifestyle that promotes being healthy but I know for me, it is looking at my daughter and seeing the way she grows everyday, that drives me to be a better parent and teach her what it is to be Happy and Healthy!

One of our favorite things to do is to go for walks and on our walks we take a small grocery bag and she will collect all the aluminum cans that she passes. She has done this since she was old enough to walk - at first it was a game and now its more exciting to her than a scavenger hunt. When we have collected a large amount of cans, we take them to the scrap metal collectors and she gets to exchange her cans for monies for her Money Jar. Last year alone she collected $54 in aluminum. When we go for our walks we talk about anything and everything and get to enjoy the fresh air and exercise! It may seem like a little thing, insignificant even, but I know how much it means to her because she talks those walks and the things that we see and discuss.

So even if making those changes to being Happy and Healthy seem overwhelming, just remember that while we do it for ourselves, it is ultimately our children who will benefit and we will leave a legacy of making healthy decisions.

Be Happy! Be Healthy!
Rachel

Powerful Antioxidant and Immune Boost

After my 6 years of working in hospital pharmacies, both Out Patient and In Patient, I learned that the scariest word a doctor could say to their patient was "Cancer". This is a terrifying prognosis for many individuals because the next thing they have to face is surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and all the traumatizing side effects of these drastic measures. I actually made many and dispensed many of these medications when I was worked in Chemotherapy and Nuclear pharmacies. I saw many patients suffer and wither away, and while many of them survived, I did have some who were not so lucky.

I have family members who have and are still fighting various cancers including lung cancer and colon cancer and watching them struggle was tough enough. Then, after having to have some unusually large moles biopsied, I got told that I had a skin cancer and would need to have the numerous tumors removed and then have chemotherapy to ensure that all of the abnormal cells were destroyed. Well, let’s just say, that if I knew then what I know now, I would have SKIPPED the chemo and just LOADED up on NATURAL antioxidants and let my body do what it was created to do - HEAL ITSELF! 

Cancer is scary and is the #2 cause of death in the world. Unfortunately, there is little people can do in advanced stages. But as time goes by more and more research turns over more answers, more possibilities. According to "new research" by the University of Colorado, Grape Seed Extract has shown incredible results when compared to chemotherapy. Check out this amazing article about the incredible benefits of Grape Seed Extract

http://www.undergroundhealth.com/grape-seed-extract-outperforms-chemo-in-killing-advanced-cancer-cells/

Of course Dr. Myron Wentz, the founder of USANA, has known this for years now. Knowledge like this is why he developed the most potent Grape Seed Extract combined with Vitamin C, which causes a synergistic effect (1+1=3) when used together, in Proflavanol C100. As a Fibro Fighter I know that I have problems with my immune system and I take Proflavanol EVER DAY to keep my Immune System in fighting condition - the natural way! And even better, when I feel like I am getting sick or my body needs a kick, I can take extra tablets and know that it is only going to improve my Immune Systems fighting ability!

Boost your Immune System today with the knock-out antioxidant power of Proflavanol!

Small Business Saturday! (extended through Dec 25th!)

Hey folks! I make no secret of my disdain for Black Friday and the maniacal craziness that tends to ensue by hordes of "sale seekers" mobbing retail stores searching for "that perfect gift" for a whopping $25 "savings". Ugh!

However, small local businesses are the backbone of local communities and are often the way that many in small communities make a living. That being said, today is Small Business Saturday and I want to encourage you to go out to the small business owners in your community and enjoy the special and often unique wares they have to offer! You never know what gem of a shop may be hiding just down the street from you!

In honor of SBS, I am offering some deals on some amazing USANA products that I use every single day in my journey to becoming Happier and Healthier! 

  

The Sensé line is a chemical free, patented self preserving line of facial cleansers and moisturizers that will help you look as amazing as you feel in your new healthy body!

I LOVE my USANA nutritionals and with the MyHealthPak I can ensure that my body gets the exact minerals and vitamins that it needs to function optimally! It was after only one month of taking USANA Essentials that I started to PHYSICALLY notice that my Fibromyalgia wasn't nearly as immobilizing!

Finally, the AMAZING USANA Nutrimeal which as been so instrumental to my weight loss program (50 lbs so far!) and provides me a low-glycemic, high protein, completely satisfying meal replacement shake! I take my Nutrimeal with me everywhere! It is so easy to incorporate these delicious shakes into your healthy lifestyle! Want a snack? The new line of USANA snacks are also Low-glycemic, High Protein, GMO free, Gluten Free too-good-to-be-true cookie! The Choco-Chip is totally my favorite but the Fudgy Delight is a very close second!

So enjoy and celebrate Small Businesses today and for more wonderful and healthy USANA products visit me at www.presleygroup.usana.com

Brows, take the True Health Assessment, or send me am email - join me and become a Happier, Healthier you!

Be Happy, Be Healthy!

Rachel :)  

Happy Thanksgiving!

Good morning friends!! 

I just wanted to take a moment and wish you all a wonderfully Happy Thanksgiving and to again thank each one of you for joining me on my journey to being Happier and Healthier.

I know that sometimes it is hard to find things we are thankful for when we are constantly bombarded by the responsibilities and stresses of everyday activities but I encourage each of you to take time every day and find something that you are grateful for and be sure to tell the people in your life that you appreciate everything they do for you too. A simple "thank you" goes further than any reward or gift ever could.

Despite the inordinate amount I pain I am in today, I must say that I am extremely thankful for the improved health I have experience this year and I know that with determination and dedication I will continue to improve. I am super thankful for the loving support of my family and friends (even you!) through the many difficulties I have faced this year and I know that with this amazing support, I can accomplish anything.

I also want to extend my love and gratitude for all of our troops, wherever you are, who cannot be home with their families because they continue to protect and serve - you will always have a place at my table my brothers and sisters. I especially want to shout out to to two of my brothers, Army SGT. Benjamin and Marine Corp Crpl. Patrick, both of whom are deployed to the Asian Pacific this holiday season. (Bring me back something unique guys)

Be Happy! Be Healthy! Be Thankful!

Love you all!

Rachel 

Saying HI!!

I just realized today that it has been almost a MONTH since I posted on my blog but I am surprised and blessed to see the number of viewers who continue to join me on my journey to being Happier and Healthier while living with Fibromyalgia!

I will try to recap the past month as it was rather stressful and chaotic for me and a real eye opener as I came face to face with my Fibromyalgia, Depression, Stress, and this horrible desire to just throw in the towel. But I didn't! I had to keep fighting because I have so many friends and family members who believe in me and bolstered me through the tough position I was in.

I am sure I have mentioned in the past that not only do I work as an office administrator and accountant, but I am a USANA Healthcare Associate, a full time mom to a beautiful little girl, but I also am a full time student! I go to school online at Colorado Technical University and while it has been a wonderful experience, I have to admit that I am a bit of an overachiever and demand excellence of myself. This is a double edge sword. This last class cycle, which last 5 and half weeks, I was taking 3 classes and it drove me into the dirt as I struggled just to keep up with the work load not to mention trying to get the grades I demanded of myself. I finally was able to let go of some of the negative energy I was beating myself up with and just did the best I could with what little energy my Fibromyalgia, stress, and the weather allowed me. And you know what? I still passed every class!

Yes, I am plowing head first with all the energy and determination that I have to FINISH my degree in Accounting and I will achieve that goal in March!! Only 4 short months away!! I cannot express how excited I am because that will allow me even more time to spend with my daughter, get back to physical training and building a healthy lifestyle, and sharing my story of success and encouraging others with Fibromyalgia, USANA, and Me! I have so many exciting ideas! Like Financial Freedom Fridays - where I can share a tip to managing finances and working towards eliminating debt. (Gotta put this degree and talent I have with managing finances too good use!). A friend of mine inspired me to a Meatless Monday - and I would like to make and share with you easy and healthy vegetarian dishes! Maybe we could start a Wellness Wednesday and talk about the nutrients that our bodies need and ways that we can obtain them naturally! I would love to hear any ideas that you would have to share!

As a Fibromyalgia fighter, I have my good days and my bad, but all in all this past year has been much healthier than I have had since being diagnosed many years ago. I am determined to share my story, all the successes and setbacks, so that I can inspire other Fibro Fighters to be Happy and Healthy and to help educate the world on the difficulties associated with the disease. But I need to get back to the books, Thank you all for your loving support! I will see you again soon!!