May27

Searching For The Sun In Quarantine

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Searching For The Sun In Quarantine

Hello! As the crazy times dealing with coronavirus continue, I have encouraged all of my readers to have a go at creating guest content for lifewithlilred. It gives you an afternoon of entertainment, publicity for your page, and it helps me keep daily content coming. Believe you me, it’s very hard under these stay at home circumstances!

Luckily, some very kind and talented guest bloggers have answered my call to action, including the lovely Sheryl Rose of Sheryl’s Light. She is literally the sweetest ever and her blog is filled with great content to get lost in for the evening. So, do be sure to check it out and give it some love. Now, find out how Sheryl keeps things on the sunny side during these trying times:

Searching For The Sun In Quarantine:

The last few days here in Vermont have been quite warm being in the ’60s. Growing up in California as a young girl and later on a young woman I loved to sunbath. Having a nationality of Black Irish and Cherokee Indian all the hours spent in the sun would result in a deep brown tan which I loved. As I grew older, I spent less and less time in the sun becoming more aware of skin cancer and harmful UVB rays. Plus, since moving and living on the East Coast, there is way less sun.

Since this COVID-19 started I had started counseling. I was feeling depressed because of how badly I missed my family and old friends. This was before the outbreak. I went to one session instantly bonding with my new counselor. He has a very kind face. I trusted him immediately. Shortly after, this nasty little virus came to light prompting stay at home orders. I was bummed that we couldn’t continue our meetings so he suggested video chat, instead. I was so happy. Trust me I’m getting to the point of this post.

Sure enough on Thursday at noon, I get the awaited phone call from John to let me know he sent me the link for our video chat. I click on it, put my name in the on-screen box, and presto, we were at my session. As we are chatting away I notice my little screen of myself in the corner and my face is what I think a deadly white skin tone. Yesterday, I went over to where the apartment complex storage area is and retrieved my lounge chair, bringing it upstairs. Then the clouds came suffocating that idea.

I spent some time on Amazon researching sun tanning equipment and aside from the cost, they weren’t quite what I was looking for. I looked at the spray tan kits that came with a six foot tall tent. Where would I put that?! I even looked at the tanning creams which, from experience, don’t work all that well with the streaking and darkened elbows and knees.

I decided that tanning for free with only the cost of baby oil (which I already have) was the way to go. Today looks pretty good so I’m going to give it another try outside. I took a big plastic bin out to the trash this morning so I know it’s already really warm and it’s only nine AM. I need color. REAL color and, if nothing else, getting outside will definitely be a big plus!

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This is not me, but reminds me of how I looked when I used to sunbath complete with painted toenails and anklet. Plus I dreadfully miss the beach.

About The Author:

Hello, my name is Sheryl Rose. I have three grown children, a husband of fifteen years all together who I met online, two grandsons ages three and four, and a baby hamster named Zoey. My husband and I live in Vermont. We have lived here for six years moving from Maine. I miss Maine, the seafood, and ocean. My children live out of state. One daughter in California, middle daughter lives in Florida with her life partner, and my son who is married to his wife and two sons live in Texas. My deal is, despite the trials and tribulations you can still come up smelling like a rose. Get it!? My vision is to share my journey helping others like me. Life is love. Life can smack you around but you still can rise above it all and be kind. Life is a lark, as I’m fond of saying. Let’s have some fun.

Thank you so much again to Sheryl for her charming guest post! How do you keep a positive attitude amidst uncertainty? Who always helps to cheer you up? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
May26

Is It Time To Get Your Confidence Back?

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Is It Time To Get Your Confidence Back?

One of the most frustrating things about living in the modern world is the fact that, for many of us, it seems dedicated to making us feel as bad about ourselves as possible. The world sets such incredibly high standards for many of us that it’s unlikely any of us could live up to them. Because of that, developing any kind of self-confidence can be a real challenge. Of course, just because something is a challenge doesn’t mean that it’s impossible. With that in mind, here are some things that you can do to bring up your confidence levels, even just a little:

Take care of yourself:

If you want to start feeling better about yourself, then one of the first things that you’re going to want to do is to start taking better care of yourself. After all, if you don’t feel good physically, then your perception of yourself is going to end up pretty skewed. This could involve anything from eating better and sleeping more to treating yourself to some pampering with a spa day or a treatment to remove body hair with lasers. Whatever you do to look after yourself, not only are you going to feel better physically, but it’s a good reminder that you deserve a treat from time to time.

Self care can come in many different forms and what makes you feel good could be the polar opposite from your best friend. That’s okay and is why it’s called self care – it’s completely up to you! Perhaps this means scheduling an appointment with a therapist. Or maybe it’s scheduling a consultation for cosmetic surgery with beautybybuford.com (or a similar practice in your local area). If cosmetic surgery has been on your mind, make smart decisions and wait for surgery until you find a surgeon you are fully confident in.

Get off social media for a while:

Social media can be a really amazing thing. After all, it gives us the chance to connect with one another no matter where we are and keeps us up to date on the current goings-on of the world. However, it can also be a pretty negative influence on many of our lives. Seeing the carefully curated images that people put of themselves on social media, it’s easy to start feeling somewhat inferior. But the truth is that these images simply aren’t a reflection of the real world. Getting away from social media from time to time is one of the best things that you can do to start feeling better about yourself.

Get used to your body:

One of the things that far too few of us actually take the time to do is to look at ourselves in the mirror. Many of us have some kind of perception about our bodies that so heavily colors what we think that we don’t pay attention to the reality of how we look. Taking the time to actually look at yourself and get used to your body can help to remind you that you likely look totally normal and that there’s nothing wrong with how you look.

The reality is, that a lot of aspects of the modern world are built around making you think that there’s something wrong with feeling confident about yourself. This is often because it’s a whole lot easier to sell you stuff when you feel miserable about yourself. Remember that you’re not doing anyone any harm by feeling good about yourself and, in a world that is designed to profit from making you feel as bad about yourself as possible, there’s something pretty radical about loving yourself.

Featured Image By: Pexels

May26

Avoid Moving Day Chaos With These Practical Tips

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Avoid Moving Day Chaos With These Practical Tips

Are you going to be moving soon? If so, you’re probably already dreading the big moving day. For some people, moving day can be incredibly stressful since it takes a lot of physical work and they might be concerned about some of their fragile possessions breaking while in transit. Depending on the distance between your old and new home, it can also take quite a lot of time, so it’s normal to be a little anxious. However, moving day shouldn’t feel like a chore. Instead, it should feel more like a celebration, a time to be happy because there are lots of new opportunities waiting for you on the other side.

So to help make things easier, we’ve put together some tips to help you avoid moving day chaos and enjoy the day for what it is: A new beginning.

Label every box:

Labeling boxes will ensure that you don’t lose anything in transit. You could either label them by number and then have a huge list of what those numbers mean or you could just label them with full proper descriptions if there’s enough space on the face of the box itself. There are lots of different ways to organize boxes, so just make sure you do something that can help you keep your items accounted for.

If the packing process is what is causing you stress, most moving companies offer a packing service as well. This could be a good way to go if you are moving a lot of fragile pieces as they will be packed properly. Prior to booking this service, make sure that the company is offering full coverage for any damages. Businesses like https://www.atlantahomemovers.com/ offer this to eliminate any undue stress for their clients.

Keep in touch with movers:

Communication is the key to a successful move. Look for an affordable reliable moving company and then keep in touch with them throughout the entire moving process. This will ensure that they’re in the loop when you need to make changes and it will help you organize what things you should be moving first based on their size and weight. You should also communicate any access problems such as stairs, lifts, and other obstacles that might make it difficult for them to move something from your home to their truck or vice versa.

Moving house is an exciting and stressful time but excellent communication with the team helping you can make things a lot easier. Enter a search for “nashville moving company” (or your local area) and be sure to read plenty of reviews and seek recommendations from friends and family too. When you have narrowed down your options, call each company so you can discuss the move and your communication expectations so that the big day goes without a hitch.

moving companies Boise

Be realistic about how much space you need:

Movers are going to have different vehicle options for different situations, so make sure you make a realistic estimate about how much space you need. If you’re unsure, you might be able to work this out with the mover before the big day arrives. Chances are high that if you go on the website for the professional movers you’re using, that this information will be provided on their website too.

Consider this the perfect opportunity to declutter:

Moving day is usually a good time to declutter and get rid of unneeded items. Since you’ll be packing everything into boxes for the move, this can be a great opportunity to throw out anything that you no longer need. Be more mindful about how you pack your stuff and you’ll find that you can clear out a lot of unnecessary or old things.

Decluttering as you pack is a great way to give yourself a fresh start in your new place. It is also an excellent way to save money on your move as the moving team you use won’t have to haul as many belongings or have them take up space in their truck. When you enter a search for “top movers in Los Angeles” (or your local area), you might be able to get a price quote on the phone. Do some heavy duty decluttering prior to the move and that initial quote could decrease and you will spend less time unpacking.

Remember to have a little moving bag or suitcase:

Since all of your stuff is going to be in boxes, it’s going to be difficult to get any essential items you need. The first thing you should pack is a bag or suitcase that has all of your essential stuff in it, such as a change of clothes, toiletries, and work-related items. Think of it as packing a bag for a holiday or paying a visit to a distant relative. You’ll likely be using this bag for at least two days, especially considering that you need to unpack in your new home as well.

Make the most of your move with the tips above. Good luck!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

May26

What Have I Been Watching? Pt. 2

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What Have I Been Watching? Pt. 2

Hello!!! Although the stay at home order in Ohio is gradually being lifted, Johnny and I are still not comfortable yet diving into normal society. So, until we feel safe to enjoy the community again, we are okay with continuing our constant state of vegging out at home. On a previous post, I broke down all of the television and movies that are keeping my boyfriend and I sane…

Can you believe that a few weeks after posting that article, we’re already done with all of the shows that I mentioned?! Now, we’re onto the following:

SuperStore:

Johnny began watching this comedy based in a Walmart style store a couple of weeks ago and, originally, I didn’t care for it. Season one was weak and it took me a while for all of the different characters to rub off on me. When I finally started enjoying the show about halfway through season two, I did a complete 180 and now I am obsessed.

Superstore is the first thing I recommend when Johnny asks me what I want to watch. There are a few bigger names in the cast but I have not heard of a majority of the actors in it, which is kind of fun. From coworker relationships to goofy antics throughout the store, this show has kept me in stitches ever since I realized I liked it!

LEGO Masters:

I have definitely posted about LEGO Masters before but I wanted to mention it again, because it is that fun. Hosted by Will Arnett and judged by two master builders from LEGO, this is a fast paced competition show where teams of two create masterpieces out of the beloved children’s toy.

LEGO Masters follows your standard competition style protocol with eliminations and different challenges, each episode more exciting and difficult than the next. The artistic ability of every single contestant on the show was just amazing and I am crossing my fingers for a season two.

The Pacific:

My boyfriend is a huge history buff and you can often catch him at home watching different documentaries and TV shows about the subject. Earlier in quarantine, we watched Band Of Brothers, which depicted the soldiers fighting in the Easy Company division in WWII.

Now, we are watching The Pacific. Still WWII, but the soldiers being depicted are now fighting the Japanese soldiers in famous battles like Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. Believe me, the show is intense. But, omg is it interesting. I can’t say that I am as big of a war genre lover as my boyfriend. However, an episode or two of a series per day is something that I can handle and I have been enjoying dipping my toes in the water with that.

America’s Next Top Model:

Lol, this is certainly not one of Johnny’s shows but it is one of mine! I have been dedicated to rewatching ANTM since all of the seasons got put on Hulu and revel in when Johnny ends up taking a nap so I can put on a few episodes without him complaining! Cheesy, corny, guilty pleasure TV? Absolutely. But I couldn’t stop watching Tyra Banks and that big beautiful forehead if I tried! ❤

These are just a few of the shows that have been keeping my boyfriend and I entertained in quarantine. How about yours? What are you currently or have recently been binging on? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May25

Having A Great Day, The Safe Way

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Having A Great Day, The Safe Way

Hi! While in quarantine, there have been many special occasions that have came and passed, including several birthdays in my family and Mother’s Day. Although it would have been nice to have big birthday blow outs and celebrations, that just isn’t possible right now. However, my family always seemed to manage to have a good time, despite the obvious set backs.

For example, for my sister and dad’s back to back birthdays, Johnny and I ordered pizza and we made an evening of it at my parents’ house. And, for my brother’s birthday, we hit up a local ice cream stand and brought that deliciousness home to enjoy. We also took the dogs (and ourselves) for a walk around the neighborhood, too!

While these are, admittedly, tame ways to celebrate someone’s big day, it worked perfectly for the current circumstances. Good food and company was shared between all of the people I love and it doesn’t get much better than that. Also, Pizza Hut… Need I say more?

Although your get togethers might not be picture perfect right now, you can still make a great day with the options that are safely available. My boyfriend’s birthday is a week before mine and, while I have gifts at the ready compliments of Amazon, I am also making him something special for dinner. AKA I’m getting him Outback Steakhouse so he can have that for his birthday dinner and watch WWII documentaries a la Parks & Rec. Like I said, work with what you’ve got given the circumstances!

Enjoy your low key celebrations for now and plan for an even bigger and better bash next year. Stay safe and have fun. ❤

How are you celebrating special occasions social distance style? What is your favorite takeout treat? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May24

Just Something Nice :)

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Just Something Nice :)

HELLO! So, this quarantine has been lots of fun… I mean not the quarantine itself, everything kind of sucks. But, hanging out with my boyfriend at home when I’m done at work has been a hoot. Johnny and I have binge watched series after series and played countless hours of Animal Crossing to help us pass the time and, although it’s boring, I wouldn’t want to be quarantined with anyone else. :*)

One of my favorite nice Johnny stories that I never shared was from after I attended a wine and paint night with my best friend and some of the bridal party for her upcoming wedding. I came home with my tail between my legs because I thought my painting turned out like BOO BOO:

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But, the first thing Johnny said when he saw my painting was that he liked it and it looked like a Christmas card. Now, I have the painting proudly displayed in the living room. He always knows how to turn something I see negatively into a positive which I suck at doing and I always feel happy when I look at my masterpiece now.

Another thing that never fails to put a smile on my face is when I notice that Johnny has put my little artist’s wooden body model into a different position:

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^^^ It’s the little things, right?! 😅

Although things are far from awesome right now, I get to spend my excess free time safely tucked away in our goofy apartment world and I am so thankful for that. Especially when such fun surprises are scattered about if you know where to look! 🙂

Who has helped make this time in quarantine more tolerable for you? What is a silly tradition between you and someone your close with? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May23

Home Renovation: 4 Tips For A Successful Project

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Home Renovation: 4 Tips For A Successful Project

Starting your home renovation project can be challenging, especially if it is your first time. When planning a house remodeling, you can be drawn to skip the exciting stages of renovation, like choosing fittings, fixtures, and new colors. However, for the house renovation to be successful, there are things that you will need to consider. Careful planning and making the right choices are the best ways to guarantee the success of your home renovation project:

Plan Ahead:

Come up with a plan that clearly defines the goal for your renovation. You should include your needs and wants in an outline of the work that needs to be finished. Proper planning will also help you stay on your budget. The vital point to consider is the use of the interior design rather than the aesthetics.

Before you start your renovation, you should research a wide variety of information, keeping in mind that renovation is entirely different from construction. With a renovation, you will need to focus on structural requirements and legal limitations. You can start by looking for designs in magazines and ask your architect or contractor such as those from Dans Construction Services, if they can achieve the same outcomes. Make just one plan and stick to it; changing your mind in the middle of a renovation will cost you more money, and you will need an additional permit.

When you are planning a renovation, it’s helpful to compile a list of professionals near you to take on the job. These pros should come highly recommended as a renovation is a big project to complete. To find the best contractor in your region, you can search online for a “construction company in Amarillo, TX” or your local area, for example, to find some options for companies you’d like to work with.

Budget:

When it comes to house renovations, the sky is the limit. The amount of money you will need for the improvement will depend on the size and the design, the amount of demolition and renovation that will be done, and the customization as well as the amenities you want to add. Therefore, before you plan to renovate a house, ask yourself how much will you be spending? Once you have planned for the precise budget, make sure that you add extra money for surprise renovations.

One way to make your budget stretch is through minor, occasional renovations. For example, instead of shelling out on new flooring, can you make what you already have work until a better time? Accents like area rugs or services for carpet stretching and repair can freshen things up until you have a bigger budget to accommodate a bigger renovation.

Store your Stuff:

Some renovation projects will need your furniture and your belongings to be moved out. You will be required to move everything out of the construction area because;

  • It safeguards your belongings
  • The renovation project will be easier
  • You will have peace of mind knowing that all of your belongings are not in the construction site

You can stuff your belongings in the garage or pick another room and store them. Additionally, you can rent portable containers. Pick any storage choice and give yourself peace of mind.

A renovation is also a great time to do some decluttering as you pack away items for storage. If you have a large cache of unwanted items or waste left over from the clean out, you will need the proper means to get rid of everything. Considering Commercial Waste Removal Greensboro (or elsewhere more relevant to your area) is a straightforward approach that will help with cleaning out quickly. You could otherwise consider doing a yard sale for some more expensive items or donating useful items to charity.

Find a Skilled, Trustworthy Contractor:

When planning for a renovation, the best thing to do is hire a contractor. Remodeling contractors can help make the whole process stress-free and straightforward. Avoid choosing a contractor in cost estimates alone. There are other things to consider when selecting a contractor for your renovation project, for instance:

  • Years of experience
  • References
  • Payment schedules
  • Contracting license
  • Certificate of insurance

Contractors will tell you what will work and what won’t work in your renovation project. They will offer professional insight into the design, style, and current technologies in home improvement. Contractors are also priceless when it comes to hiring subcontractors like electricians, plumbers, and carpenters who focus in various areas of your home.

There is a lot of planning involved when it comes to renovating your house. Regardless of whether you are doing a whole-house renovation or some simple updates, you need to leave the bigger jobs to the professionals. A successful home improvement project can increase the value of your house while making it a much more stylish place to be in!

Featured Image By: Adobe Stock, by Andy Dean

May23

Just Saying Hi!

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Just Saying Hi!

Hello!! We’ve made it through another week and I, for one, am stoked on it because I am taking a few days off next week! Oh yes, I most certainly am. These are the first few days off I’ve had since all of the coronavirus craziness came into play and I am going to savor every minute of it. Needless to say, I’m just a bit excited! 😀

This post is nothing special, it’s just me dropping by to say hello and to remind all of you to take care of yourselves. And, if that means taking a few days off to improve your mental or physical health, then go for it. Or, you can always kill some time by guest posting on lifewithlilred, which you can email me about at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com.

What is everyone up to this weekend? Anything exciting? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May22

Positive Changes In Quarantine

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Positive Changes In Quarantine

Hello! Although different businesses are beginning to open in Ohio, my boyfriend and I plan on staying in until we are comfortable going back out. At least once per day, whether I’m at home or at work, being bored is acknowledged. And, yes, it’s a boring time. But, I’ve made some positive changes that I’m proud of during this time indoors so it can’t be all bad, right?

… It’s still pretty bad. But I am happy about the following:

Preparing Food At Home:

My boyfriend, Johnny, and I have been eating at home like nobody’s business. Which is a vast improvement health wise and financially to when we were eating out once or twice a week. Of course, we still treat ourselves to Taco Bell every now and then but we have been doing much better about going grocery shopping, preparing meals, and eating leftovers. I could get used to this!

Worthwhile Hobbies:

At the beginning of the quarantine, you couldn’t visit any webpage without being encouraged to take up a new hobby. And, as redundant as that was, it’s true. During my time at home, I have been practicing all of my languages (French, Czech, German, Spanish, and Italian) and I have also began learning American Sign Language. Not only that, but I have read a few books and wrote a ton.

I have enjoyed being able to practice all of my favorite hobbies as well as picking up a new one and it has made my time in quarantine much more pleasant. Although I am normally pretty good at practicing at least a few times a week, I would like to continue moving with the huge amount of momentum I have gained within the past month.

More Regular Sleep:

During the quarantine, I have gotten myself on a pretty solid sleeping schedule that I am very happy with. My new “bed time” of about ten thirty and then waking up for work at seven has made my body feel so much more… regular. Lol, seriously. I feel well rested, I can wake up for work without hitting the snooze, and I have been falling asleep more quickly. I definitely think that I can keep up with that!

More Financially Responsible:

Although I have succumbed to a few online shopping purchases, I have to say, I have been so much more financially responsible since this quarantine. Of course, there’s nowhere to go to spend money BUT I think all of this time off from impulse buys and drinks at the bar is going to make me think twice about how easily I spend money sometimes. Is it the most fun change? No. But, learning how to say no to things isn’t such a bad thing, either!

Yes, the quarantine is boring. However, there are silver linings to the situation everywhere if you know how to look!

Have you made any positive changes in quarantine? How do you feel about stay at home orders being lifted? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May21

How To Live A Healthier And Happier Life

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How To Live A Healthier And Happier Life

If you have been trying to change your life around and live a healthier and happier one, then it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. It can be tricky to take the first step, so read on to find out what you can do to begin improving your life today:

Visiting a recovery center:

If you have been struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, taking a step towards a Renaissance Recovery Center Outpatient Treatment can be very scary. But, seeking treatment is a significant first step to transforming your life. They can find you a program and a routine that works for you and your needs taking note of any commitments you have, such as work, school, and other priorities that you need to work around.

No matter what your struggle is, these centers are here to help you shape your life into a healthier, happier, fuller one. When deciding on a center, choose one that will best suit your needs. Do you prefer to stay at the center or would you rather it be an outpatient program similar to the alcohol rehab near Overland Park? Do the counselors have a personality that meshes well with yours? You want to set yourself up for the best chance of success.

Should a recovery center be something you are interested in going to, it is a good idea to take a tour of several different options to find the best fit for you. This is a big change and it’s so important that you feel fully comfortable where you are and their services are applicable to your needs. To begin scheduling tours, simply enter a search for “90-day addiction treatment program in south carolina” (or your local area) and research your options. A recovery center that is an excellent fit for you will increase your chances of a better life upon graduation.

Taking up a hobby:

With hundreds of various hobbies and activities around, there is something for everyone. Whether it’s something such as cycling and running to pot throwing and tennis, these are all hobbies that can be done in your spare time. This is a great time to clear your mind while releasing any stress and worries. If you are looking for a small hobby that can be done within the home, then try an adult coloring, writing, and meditation – which can all help calm your body.

Looking after your body:

Taking exercise classes can be nerve-racking and cause anxiety with many people, but it can relieve a lot of stress while making you overall happier and healthier. While there are many exercise classes for you to take, you can also complete courses at home, whether it is on a video call or guidance through a YouTube video. There are many options you can choose from, such as yoga, HIIT, spin classes, and cardio to boost your fitness levels and have a healthy heart.

Gratitude and journaling:

A popular way to release any negative energy is to replace these thoughts with things that you love and cherish. Starting every morning, write three things that you are grateful for, something that would make today better, three things you love, and a quote to boost your confidence and to encourage each day to start in the best way.

Hopefully, with this guide, you will be able to take those first steps to living a healthier and happier life. Will it be easy? Nothing good ever is! But, it’s up to you to give it your best shot. Good luck!

Featured Image By: Pexels