Thursday, November 3, 2011

What Do You Think Thursday with Skinny Scoop: Taking Little Steps




*Program Note: Don’t forget to enter my Flirty Fashions Giveaway for a $50 gift card!!*



I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately about change. I believe it has been driven by the physical changes my body has been going through at physical therapy, and I see those as a metaphor for the other areas in my life. I am still letting these ideas simmer for a bit more before I devote a whole blog post to the subject. But I can say this: if my current self met my former self ten years ago, I’m not sure there would be a lot of common ground.



One change that I am ready to talk about is my efforts to be more conscious about buying organic. Ten years ago, I would have never even considered buying organic body wash or organic milk. And now, after much research, I just do it.



Not that I am the poster child for organic living, because I am not. I don’t think Kraft Macaroni and Cheese could ever be organic with that lovely shade of orange powder cheese mix. I also don’t think our daily consumption of “cinn-a-toast” (Thomas’s way of saying cinnamon toast) would ever be considered organic.



Hence the title of this blog “Taking Little Steps.” I think any change worth making is rarely easy or quick. For me, lasting change is done by taking little steps.



It started with buying organic black beans because they had less sodium than regular black beans. Then I became interested in using essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances. I then started reading Whole Living magazine which led to the failed cleanse (but I did learn a lot about nutrition, so not a total failure). I then had a few sessions with Monica at Your Inutitve Health. This summer, I embarked a quest to find the perfect chemical free sunblock with the help of the Cosmetics Database (which should come with a warning because the information is so scary). This quest took a turn into finding an organic body wash for The Babes. Which then turned into me participating in an organic farm co-op. Which then turned into me finding an organic body and face moisturizers. Which then led me to buying organic milk, eggs, and chicken.



All these little steps have created a life so different than the one I had ten years ago. But it happened so gradually that it hardly seems like any change was made at all, and therefore, easier to maintain. 


No matter how many changes I make, I can't quit pizza or Kraft Macaroni and Cheese or Peppermint Mocha Creamer.  Nothing like living life on the edge, right?



My next step? Finding a makeup that is safe and reasonably priced.  I hope this is easier than the quest for chemical free sunblock because that almost drove me insane!



What do you think? 





Do you buy anything organic? Also, if you have any suggestions for the makeup, I would love to hear it!

5 comments:

Sarah said...

I'm not sure about the makeup! But I hear if you want to get more organic food in your diet, start with meal staples like potatoes, rice, and pasta. Hope that helps :D

Elizabeth-FlourishinProgress said...

A few years ago, I started the switch to organic. I was really hesitant at first because A. a lot of the non-organic stuff is ridiculously tasty and I can't give some of it up (yes, Ho-ho's I'm talking to you) and the cost really had me second guessing, but I'm glad I made the switch now. I buy mostly organic fruits, veggies and meats.

As for makeup, I've switched to more "natural" cosmetics like Jane Iredale and Bare Minerals. I really also like Jurlique, which is the skincare line I use...very natural with very few fillers.

Erin Janda Rawlings said...

Thanks, Sarah!

Erin Janda Rawlings said...

Elizabeth, the price drives me INSANE! It should not be more expensive to buy a organic fruit than a bag of candy. And the price of organic milk is outragous! I feel these things should be at a price point for everyone to get.

RealMommyChron said...

It seems as though dairy and meats are the most important...and the 'dirty dozen' fruits and veggies.

So proud of you!!!