Jennifer Lambert

A Sacred Balance

Visit Us On FacebookVisit Us On TwitterVisit Us On PinterestVisit Us On InstagramVisit Us On LinkedinCheck Our FeedVisit Us On Youtube
  • About Me
    • Favorite Resources
    • Advertising and Sponsorship
    • Copyright and Terms of Use
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Privacy Policy
  • Travel
    • Europe
      • Benelux
      • France
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • London
      • Porto
      • Prague
    • USA
      • Chicago
      • Georgia
      • Hawaii
      • Ohio
      • Utah
      • Yellowstone and Teton
  • Homeschool
    • Book Lists
    • How Do We Do That?
    • Notebooking
    • Subjects and Styles
    • Unit Studies
  • Military
    • Deployment
    • PCS
  • Health
    • Recipes
    • Essential Oils
    • Fitness
    • Mental Health
    • Natural Living
    • Natural Beauty
  • Family
    • Frugal
  • Faith
  • Reviews

© 2021 Jennifer Lambert · Copyright · Disclosure · Privacy · Ad

You are here: Home / Health / A Decade Later

A Decade Later

This blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure. Please see my suggested resources.

November 25, 2019 By Jennifer Lambert 21 Comments

So much has happened in ten years.

We lived in Hawaii for three years. We explored Oahu, Maui, and The Big Island.

My husband adopted my daughter.

I was pregnant with my son.

We were and still are shifting to gentler, more respectful parenting, constantly reevaluating methods and learning.

I’ve homeschooled our four kids for over fifteen years now. I’ve come full circle in my educational and religious beliefs after exploring so many options, many of which were very harmful to me and my family.

We’re a military family. We moved from Hawaii to Utah to Germany to Ohio.

Looking back over the last decade, I realize there are few photos of me since I’m usually the one behind the camera.

I rarely take selfies. We rarely get family photos. My kids don’t have a record of me in pictures.

This picture was taken in fall 2016.

Here’s a photo of me in the same outfit in May 2019.

It’s a bit of a glow up. I feel more confident and healthy.

It’s been an adventure for sure.

I’m trying to do better to ask my family to snap photos of me, preferably when I don’t have my mouth full.

I’ve changed quite a bit in the last decade, especially the last couple years. I think I’ve improved. I’m never content with a status quo. I’m constantly growing.

If we are not regularly deeply embarrassed by who we are, the journey to self-knowledge hasn’t begun.

Alain de Botton

Self Improvement

Health

I lost 20+ pounds the last couple years.

I’m not concerned with weight as a number. I’m not concerned with aging gracefully. I just want to be healthy.

The first picture is the heaviest I ever was, not pregnant. I weighed in at about 175. I didn’t feel good. My knees hurt. I felt tired all the time. I was too sedentary. I didn’t eat well. I didn’t exercise enough or correctly. I was depressed. I needed to jumpstart my metabolism.

I have no medical complications or issues. Thank God.

I take supplements that work for me. Glutathione and progesterone before bed. B vitamins and evening primrose in the mornings.

I massage castor oil into my hands, scalp, and thighs probably weekly.

I drink lots of water.

I only have 2-3 cups of caffeine each day. I have found I do better with tea than coffee.

I pray and meditate every day.

I try to go outside every day.

I don’t have social media on my smartphone or iPad.

I will say that I seldom have joint pain now and I feel happier and more energetic.

Food

I try to eat real foods.

I happen to really like almost all foods. I have no allergies or sensitivities.

Food has no morality.

Fiber and good fat is really important. I add collagen, chia, and flax to my smoothies.

I splurge and sometimes get takeout from Raising Cane’s. I actually seldom eat out. I drink a beer or glass of wine with dinners on weekends.

I don’t like this idea of “cheat days” or “being good” by eating more veggies or the idea that veganism will save the world.

I know sugar isn’t good for me and causes health problems, so I do try to limit my refined sugar intake.

I really like bread.

I eat mostly what I want, what I like, when I’m hungry. Sometimes, that means coffee at brunchtime and a sensible dinner. I suppose it’s intermittent fasting, but I just eat when I want to, not when society tells me to.

I teach my kids that balance and moderation is key.

Exercise

I do HIIT workouts about three times a week.

I had physical therapy for my knee last year and I continue to practice what I learned with my exercise ball, balance trainer, kettle weight, and hip band.

Here’s how I maintain my health. It’s not all about exercise and eating!

Everyone is different. I’m not competing with anyone but myself.

I try to walk outside 1-3 miles every evening after dinner. If I don’t get my walk in, I don’t feel well and I don’t sleep well. This is my down time to destress and listen to the birds and wind. It calms me. I get to think and work through problems or issues or conversations.

Rest

Rest is so, so, so important.

I try to not be too busy. I like being peaceful and not rushed.

Life happens.

Even good stress can affect us physically and mentally.

When I’m stressed, I get bloated. I don’t sleep well. I feel anxious. It’s a vicious cycle.

Moving every 3 or so years is stressful. Cats get sick. Finances get wonky. Car accidents or repairs that can’t be avoided. I take extra care during stressful life events.

I try not to overschedule the kids so we don’t have to hurry and we can almost always have dinner together.

We have leisurely mornings over breakfast. We do reading. I do work while they complete their lessons. We watch shows or run errands. Evenings are for sports, dinner, walking, more reading, prayers.

Learning

I am constantly reading. I love to read books about parenting, education, religion, psychology, politics, history, historical and speculative fiction.

I have stacks of books on my shelves and tables and oodles of Kindle editions. I get books from the library if I can.

I like to read articles about my many topics of interest. These often lead to more books from their bibliography and source notes and quotations.

Learning is very important to me. I want to keep up with everything. I want to fill in the gaps in my lackluster Georgia public school education.

My aunt and several elderly female cousins had Alzheimer’s and I worry about my parents and my husband and myself.

I am learning about anti-racism and how to counter prejudice and stereotypes. What can we do to improve our society and eliminate the wealth and class gaps?

I dream of a better future for all of us.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jennifer Lambert, M.Ed. (@jenalambert)

I’m constantly reevaluating my priorities as my family and I grow and change.

I don’t have a Word for the year. I don’t really do resolutions. I constantly try to improve and become who I am supposed to be. I want to exude love and kindness and teach my family what that should look like.

What are your priorities?

Share2
Tweet
Pin57
Share
59 Shares
You might also like:

Filed Under: Health Tagged With: growth, health, New Year

My pollinator garden is going great! My pollinator garden is going great!
I made a rare trip to Trader Joe's and was not dis I made a rare trip to Trader Joe's and was not disappointed. We grilled the figs stuffed with herb goat cheese and wrapped in prosciutto, drizzled with almonds and local honey. Glory.
The game time has changed at least three times, an The game time has changed at least three times, and we arrived over two hours early, too late to go back home and come back. The weather is muggier and sunnier than we anticipated. No foods or drinks or coolers allowed inside the venue.I ate my lunch in the car while looking at a cornfield. Who knows when dinner will be?I love watching my son play baseball, despite the obnoxious parents loudly cussing at the umpires, abusive coach/parents screaming at their own kids, and boys who play 4 sports and don't really want to be here. This field complex has about a dozen domestic beers on tap and more drinks in cans and it cost $8 for me to enter. I feel like I'm at a club.I never did like clubs.I think I deserve this tub o'beer.#baseball #beer #midwest #sports #homeschool
First rose of the year! First rose of the year!
Apparently, this means it's bedtime now. Apparently, this means it's bedtime now.
Some days I feel like this bird looks. Bless his h Some days I feel like this bird looks. Bless his heart. Me too, baby.
We have a new driver in the house! We have a new driver in the house!
It's all done. 20 years. On to the next chapter. H It's all done. 20 years. On to the next chapter. Happy retirement!#usaf #milfam #milwife #milspouse #military #retirement
The boy does love foraging for ramps and morels. P The boy does love foraging for ramps and morels. Pizza night!
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Recent Posts

  • Summer Slide
  • Benefits of Taking a Magnesium Complex Supplement
  • Easy Summer Meals
  • Poor or Broke
  • How Does My Garden Grow?
Booking.com ThermoWorks Thermapen Mk4

Comments

  1. Michele Morin says

    December 2, 2019 at 12:25 pm

    So many good thoughts you’ve shared here, Jennifer. AT LEAST a decade’s worth!

    Reply
  2. Mica says

    December 2, 2019 at 3:31 pm

    So beautiful! A decade seems like such a short amount of time when we look back, but so much can change in those years, especially in family life! I’m trying to take more pictures too, I’m always the one with the camera and hubby hates taking pics!

    Hope that you are having a great start to your week!

    Reply
  3. Ann Phil Ariel says

    December 3, 2019 at 1:17 am

    Hi Jennifer,
    What a joy to be here today.
    What an emulating life style!
    It’s Indeed a great share! :-)
    Thanks a lot for sharing about the wonderful products you use, the links are worth preserving.
    I am bookmarking the post for my further use.
    Your daily routine you presented it well here. It’s really worth emulating. :-)
    I am here via Janice Wald’s page, wherein you shared this post in the Monday party.
    Keep sharing all the best.
    Season’s Greetings

    ~ Ann And Phil

    Reply
  4. Debbie Wilson says

    December 4, 2019 at 9:17 am

    Jennifer, thank you for your list. Made me want to chat with you. I take glutathione in the morning. Does is have a calming effect at night. Congratulations on a new and healthy lifestyle.

    Reply
    • Jennifer Lambert says

      December 4, 2019 at 10:47 am

      It’s my favorite supplement! Makes such a difference, doesn’t it?

      Reply
  5. Janis says

    December 4, 2019 at 9:34 am

    Thanks for sharing all your healthy tips. Good reminders to take care of ourselves.

    Reply
  6. Robin says

    December 4, 2019 at 12:23 pm

    I always the one behind the camera too. Thanks for sharing with us at the Creative Muster. Looking forward to seeing what you’ll be sharing next week. Pinned!
    Robin 🎄

    Reply
  7. Patsy Burnette says

    December 4, 2019 at 3:07 pm

    Jennifer, it sounds like the last 10 years have been good to you and YOU have been good to you! YEA for all the healthy habits you’ve incorporated into your lifestyle. And like your shirt says, Life IS an Adventure!!! :)

    Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!

    Reply
  8. Rebecca Hastings says

    December 5, 2019 at 11:21 am

    What a wonderful look at 10 years! I am definitely feeling inspired to do the same!

    Thank you for sharing where you were and where you are to encourage others! God is so good!

    Reply
  9. Jean | Delightful Repast says

    December 5, 2019 at 11:42 am

    Jennifer, your balanced approach to health is so refreshing! “Not concerned with weight as a number, I just want to be healthy.” Gradually making lifestyle/food choices you can do for the rest of your life is the way to go. I always say, You can’t get permanent results from temporary diets! I’ve written two posts about health–limiting sugar intake and 16:8 intermittent fasting, both things I have done for a long time and will do for the rest of my life. Keep up the good work!

    Reply
  10. nylse says

    December 5, 2019 at 2:01 pm

    I’d never heard of Glutathione until now; so thank you!
    A lot happens in 10 years. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  11. Lisa notes says

    December 5, 2019 at 4:21 pm

    We have several of the same books on our list! And share the same concern about Alzheimer’s. :( My mother died of it, so I think about it a lot for myself, praying that I won’t get it. I know it’s out of my hands though. Thanks for sharing your decade. It’s interesting to look back at all the changes we go through in a year. I need to do this exercise myself.

    Reply
  12. Karen Friday says

    December 5, 2019 at 4:30 pm

    Wow, you have moved a lot! And all over the map too! Love all the photos and how you said you don’t get caught up in numbers (on the scale or at a birthday). :-) Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  13. Mother of 3 says

    December 5, 2019 at 7:17 pm

    I too am trying to get in front of the camera more as I am always the one taking photos and used to say “no thanks” when someone offered to take one with me in it; I decided a few years ago to stop that since my kids are going to want to see me in photos some day. I feel that now my kids are older and a bit more self- sufficient I have time for me and taking care of me. I too have lots weight, try to drink mainly water, exercise more and eat better because it really does make me feel so much better. Thanks for sharing with us at Encouraging Hearts and Home. Pinned.

    Reply
  14. Iris Flavia says

    December 6, 2019 at 4:22 am

    A great post! I must get back on track, but the weather really keeps me down at the moment. Thank you for this positive post!

    Reply
  15. April J Harris says

    December 6, 2019 at 7:46 am

    I had not thought about doing a round up of the decade, but having read your post, I’m thinking it’s such a good idea! So much has changed in our lives since 2010, and it’s exciting to have a whole new decade to start off. I really enjoyed reading your post, and getting a little glimpse into your life. I hope that you will get your family to take more photos of you. I really regret not having more photos of my late Mom, she hated having her photo taken. We’ve got to get in front of the camera more :-) Wishing you all the best in the next decade, Jennifer, and thank you for sharing your journey with the Hearth and Soul Link Party community.

    Reply
  16. Anita Ojeda says

    December 6, 2019 at 1:14 pm

    My priorities in self-care are to meet my mental, academic/artistic, physical, and spiritual needs. It’s a journey, and I’m getting better at being balanced. I know what you mean about having your photo taken without your mouth full ;). I don’t have a lot of photos of me, either. I never like how they turn out (but I’m working on it–self-criticism isn’t healthy).

    Reply
  17. Michelle says

    December 8, 2019 at 1:58 am

    I loved reading your account of the past decade, and your approach to various things in life. I felt the calmness reading it. It made me feel happy. Lovely!

    Michelle
    http://mybijoulifeonline.com/~bijoube2

    Reply
  18. Confessions of a New Mummy says

    December 9, 2019 at 3:52 pm

    A lovely recap of a decade and what a lot you have packed in – here’s to the next decade!

    Reply
  19. Peabea says

    December 10, 2019 at 10:37 am

    From my blog, to Twinkly Tuesday, to visit you to say hello. Enjoyed visiting and reading. Sounds like you’ve had some traveling adventures and other learning curves as a mom. Mine are all grown and probably older than you. :) I like the idea of your post of the last decade. I may have to look see if I have photos enough to do that, and I also was always the one behind the camera. Congratulations on the adoption, that is awesome and he must be a good man. :)

    Peabea from Peabea Scribbles

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Find Joy in Christ | Mary-andering Creatively says:
    February 5, 2020 at 8:34 am

    […] So much has happened in ten years […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Suggested ResourcesEssential OilsCheckout 51

Archives

Popular Posts

10 DIY Gifts with Essential Oils10 DIY Gifts with Essential Oils
Natural Remedies for HeadacheNatural Remedies for Headache
10 Natural Remedies to Keep on Hand10 Natural Remedies to Keep on Hand
Homemade SunscreenHomemade Sunscreen
Henna Hands CraftHenna Hands Craft
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Reject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT