The 'Click' And The Mask

Remember that "click" I've talked about? That one that happens to someone when they just suddenly decide it's time to make a change? It happened again for me on Tuesday morning. I was already starting to get back into the right mindset on Monday, but something happened when I woke up the next day and I'm relieved beyond belief. Like I've said, there's really no way to explain what this "click" is, but I can tell you that when it happens, you know. I'm now having no problem sticking to my daily meal plans and controlling my cravings and portions! Something about that conversation with my mom on Monday (that one where we talked about the "fear") kicked my mind back into the right place!

I've already lost about 2.5 pounds since Tuesday and paired with that good news is the amazing feeling that comes with it. I feel lighter, I feel smaller, I just feel good all around! When I look in the mirror, I don't feel like crying. When I said that I hated looking in the mirror because I didn't like what I was seeing, I wasn't just referring to my appearance, but also my guilt. It was as if I could actually see the guilt and shame floating around my face in some sort of sad aura, the face that I thought looked puffy and fat again. Knowing when you're not eating the right thing can give you a false sense of low self-esteem, as I have discovered. I don't pretend that I haven't gained weight and I don't pretend that it doesn't show, but now that I'm doing the right thing again makes me see the better version of myself that I've so longed to get back in touch with. 

I am proud of myself and I have confidence again that I really can continue to do what I set out to accomplish over a year ago. I have the knowledge, I have the will power, and I have the strength! I hate that I let myself slip backwards a bit, but that's over and done with. I know, I know you're thinking "hasn't she said that before?" Yes, yes I have. The difference this time is that 'click'. Without that, there was no hope for me. I'm not feeling stressed or anxious anymore and I know that I can look only ahead instead of behind me. I had to somewhat retrain myself to be OK with being hungry at times because my stomach is no doubt stretched out. I have to stop and say to myself "it's OK to feel that hunger pain, it's not going to kill you to wait." I'm just retraining myself to be the way that I used to be, when I was stronger. 

On another note, I have tried and fallen in love with a face mask. Because of the stress and bad eating, my skin had broken out a bit and I wanted to find a way to combat it a bit. This mask is easy and completely natural and very rejuvenating. 
Ingredients: 1 egg white and the juice of half a lemon. That's it. Mix the two together and you got yourself a mask. 
The lemon juice acts as an astringent and works to dry up any oily bacteria. The egg white not only acts as the bonding and hardening agent, but also provides protein to your skin that will help tighten your skin cells, even out your skin tone, give it a bit of a healthy glow, and also softens it a good bit. I found it on pinterest, by the way. 
Now, this is what I do:
1. Wash face with warm/hot water. This opens up your pores and let's the nutrients in. Also, your face needs to be completely clean before you apply a mask.
2. Apply mask with fingers. It can be messy, so do this over a sink. Try to spread as much of the egg white out as you can. It doesn't completely mix.
3. Let dry for 20-25 minutes. It does harden, so try not to move your facial muscles too much.
4. After it is completely dried and hardened, wash off with more warm/hot water.
5. Wash face again with cold water. This closes your pores and keeps them shrunken which helps keep bacteria from getting back in. 

Now, I know that this isn't a beauty blog, but I figured I'd share something so awesome with you! I've used it for the past 2 days and have definitely noticed a difference in my skin, especially with the blemishes. They've healed almost to the point of disappearance, my skin is soft, less oily, the coloring is more even, and feels a bit tighter. I absolutely recommend this to everyone! I'm glad that I found something so cheap, easy, and completely natural. If you try it, let me know how it goes for you!

I just want to take a minute to thank all of you for sticking with me lately. I know I've been absent and I've been a little down, but even after my brief hiatus, my last post had more views than I expected. I'm glad you didn't completely give up on me and I appreciate your support! Talk to you soon :)