I need a miracle!

[Jack Straw]

I beleve in them - believe we have to earn them really. I'm middle aged and very sick. Too much SAD and no time to waste if I'm going to turn it around!

I used to be the kind of man people liked being around.. fun-loving, athletic, kind, compassionate, and centered. I was hurt a few years back and stopped exercising and eating right. I became dependent on pain pills that gave me insomnia and anxiety pills to put me to sleep! Now, I'm a completely different person - unhealthy, angry, moody, and almost broken.

Just like all of you reading this, I know the solution! But I will need help -I admit. For years I was taught that "real men" are tough and suffer in silence...but it's not true. The way back is long and difficult, but I know I have a chance now, but I need to step out of my isolation and reach out for help!

I'm staying home from work tomorrow to sit down and map out my plan. I'll start with a fruit-nut smoothie and that will be the new beginning! Thanks for listeneing.

js

[RawSinger]

You've chosen the right path for ultimate health!! Raw food IS a miracle!! I guess you know that already, which is great. You're very well-spoken, by the way. Welcome to RFT!! This is a great place for guidance and support. If you haven't already, consider buying Alissa's book and DVD. Will be very helpful for you. Good luck!!!!!!!!

[shashibala]

Do not suffer alone! You are making a very important step toward LIFE!!
There is so much support here. We all have our challenges and that is what brings us together! Do you have Alissa Cohen's book? It is a great inspiration and resource. RAW foods will help you heal. It is a journey of self discovery that will surprise and amaze you! Welcome and Best wishes on your path to health and happiness! :)

[1bigfamily]

Wwelcome to the group! I am new and I started this journey for better health too. We can make it!!

[carolg]

Jack,
You are not alone being here. We are your cheerleaders. Age I wouldn't say has anything to do with being sick, but perhaps wrong choices people make contribute to SAD health.

Do you own any raw books? You don't have to do the gourmet dehydrated stuff unless you wish. A food processor and blender are nice tools to have. Doesn't have to be anything pricey either.

What city do you live in or near? If you are close to Boulder, CO we have lots of support. Hang in -- your best days are still ahead.

Don't be afraid to share your heart.

Maybe we can find you a friend who can call you just like I do with Pam here who is working to losing lots of weight.

Hang in. You can do it!! We are here with you all the way. It's strange to maybe hear, but it's true--we care. Don't beat youirself up if you fall on the raw diet sometimes. Everyone is on their own journey.

Post away. Keep us updated.

carolg

[klomasius]

Well done Jack!

Congratulations on making such a positive choice!

With the realisation of the absolutely crucial link between diet and our health, you are already one step ahead of the pack, and it's only upwards from here!

Take it slow and easy, miracles are sometimes the sorts of things that creep up on you, so don't get frustrated if things don't happen overnight. Remember that our current sick society has become used to quick fixes, which aren't really fixes at all, merely maskers of the real problem, that's why they are so quick.

Healing takes time, but once your body gets a break from all the bad stuff thrown at it, it will wake up and realise its potential and there's no stopping it!

May I suggest you look into the amazing healing powers of greens, in particular green smoothies and juices. Many people have attested to the fact that these have helped them immensely in their quest to rid themselves of ill health.

The net is your friend, it's a store of knowledge and a place to find like minded people who can support you on your journey.

Raw Food Talk is full of such knowledge, and the sorts of people who are kind and generous enough to lend a hand to strangers with no care for payback.

I have been that stranger, and now it's time to start giving back some of that help I've received.

Remember, upwards from here Jack!

BEST OF LUCK!

[StarFire]

Aloha and Welcome to RFT Jack! well... if you're looking for a miracle... you've come to the right place.

Finding Alissa and the LIVING ON LIVE foods LIFEstyle... WAS my miracle. Finding this path -- literally SAVED my life -- and I do mean literally. Do you have Alissa's book and DVD? I'm tellin ya Jack... these two tools were invaluable to me.

There is so much information, so much inspiration, and Alissa teaches you how to make this LIFEstyle DO'able.... fit anyones budget, it becomes fun and an adventure... the recipes are amazing.. and so easy to prepare.

Having these two tools made my transition so much easier...

You have a beautiful heart Jack... and the desire to reclaim your life is strong .... you will do fabulous on this journey.... but make sure you have the tools to help you be successful....

we will all be here to help as much as we can... to answer questions, offer support, laughter and lots of hugs....

blessings on your journey - and I am soo glad you have joined us!

RAWk on!

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/welcome.gif

[spicyfull]

I wish you everything you need to Stay RAW.........Welcome to MY World.

[Zaphirah]

You can put your finger down now, JS. :cool: Like the other's said Raw is a miracle-and your good health is truly a FREE "miracle"-yours for the taking-no strings attached. Your days searching the dusty parking lot scene for incredible happiness is over. it stops here. Just like the Twelve Tribes Osay Shalom/Peacemaker bus says "We can take you home." -except unlike those guys (I lived with them) this miracle doesn't fade away.

You ARE home, Jack Straw. This is where true LIFE begins. It's not easy-but it IS doable. You sound so much like is was when I first came here-tired and worn out, angry and fed up. have you been thinking "somethin' gotta give???" That's how I was. Raw cleared up my eating disorder (binge eating), my obesity, my skin, my energy, my sleep issues, my aches and pains, and my MIND. That was the biggest and most rewarding change.

Hang in there brother. It WILL be done. Now that you've got your ticket-come on in and enjoy the show! :)

ETA: what part of the country are you in-maybe you could hook up with other rawfoodies in your area for support? (and by the way-my next tattoo is going to be a ring of raspberries and inside it's going to read "I need a miracle everyday". LOL!"

[jacsam]

Alissa's book and DVD.....they're the road map for the journey your taking. In fact I'd just start adding more raw to your diet until you get it and then read the book, watch the DVD.....then you'll now how to successfully map out a plan for yourself. Your going to do great.

[Vivafree2]

Welcome Jack!
Have a wonderful miracle :) and we are here the elves and fairies to help you with that!!:):):)

[Theogirl]

Jack, you have a whole new wonderful life ahead of you! Welcome to loving your life! :)

[Zaphirah]

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[Frugal Raw]

You deserve all the best that life has to offer - Welcome!! I wish you the very best of rawesome health!!

[carolg]

www.meetup.com may have a raw group in your area.
Zaph, you rawk!

All,
It doesn't get better than this support does it?

OT: I'm believing for myself to find a speaking mentor or writing one so that I can launch up the ladder. It's been a slow journey and this is just what I need and want. Yahoo.
carolg

[Jack Straw]

Thank you all so much! I began the day with a raw smoothie and am stocked up with fresh fruits and vegies for a week! Also, am throwing away the pain pills so gonna be sick for a while. Overnight changes are the hardest I think but I really feel it's my only chance...again thank you for the wonderful welcome - will touch base here often!

js

[Eveleaf]

Jack, I salute your *courage* for facing your difficulties head on and in such a brave, agressive manner. I fully believe you will find yourself capable of getting your life back under control!

[RawHeaven]

Your miracle has already arrived. It started when you began turning things around in your mind and you're never alone.

I know exactly how you feel. I was injured a few years ago and was very dependent on pain medication, became obese and a very cranky, unpleasant and unhappy person. I was a mess and eating way too much junky vegetarian and some SAD food. Prior I was (cooked) vegan, fit, athletic, fun active and generally happy.

Raw is a miracle JS. I have experienced a 360 degree change in myself in only a few months. The weight loss has been great, but more importantly I'm vibrant and healthy. You will feel better and not only that, you may be delightfully surprised to also experience a brand new person and man emerging.

I wish you everything you need for support and peace on your raw journey.

And best of all if you enjoy food, this is the best food on earth.

Crystal

[RawHeaven]

Thank you all so much! I began the day with a raw smoothie and am stocked up with fresh fruits and vegies for a week! Also, am throwing away the pain pills so gonna be sick for a while. Overnight changes are the hardest I think but I really feel it's my only chance...again thank you for the wonderful welcome - will touch base here often!

js

Adding ginger root to your smoothies will help with any nausea that may surface with the pain med withdrawal. I find that both bananas and coconut oil helps me balance the emotions...you can add a tsp to your smoothies and work your way up. Just a thought and suggestion. Listen to your body of course.

I wish you all the best!

[Zaphirah]

How's it going JackStraw? Been thinking about you...

[carolg]

Jack,
Perhaps getting some of those drug toxins out may consider "ion cleanse baths" not from beauty salon, but thinking more like from someone who has a smaller practice where they take super care of changing the plates often. Find out how often they change the plates. Here it costs for half hour $35. It has helped my husband bunches with his candida he never knew he had. Also he is doing NAET treatments with acupuncture. We are on the raw thing for a while too.

Need any phone support from us? What time zone? Feel comfortable. We want to see you successful.

Keep up the great work. We're the best cheerleaders you'll ever find.

Got any www.meetup.com in your area? Or raw groups? What city/State for rawlucks I can search for you.

Feel GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!

carolg

[RawHeaven]

----- Also he is doing NAET treatments with acupuncture. We are on the raw thing for a while too.



I agree with regard to the acupuncture. Saved my life and cleared a lot of prescription drug energy out of my body! Find a great acupuncturist in your area Dear Jack. You're not alone and you've got a lot of support here!

[carolg]

RawHeaven,
www.red-white.net

People from many states come here. This woman is amazing and she has taken advanced classes. She has a great practice and seems to be off lots more than anyone I know. Sometimes I think they can have 6 or is it 8 patients going same time, every 30-45 minutes too for whole day, 4 days per week. Amazing. She has performed miracles for people too. They do fly in. My daughter is one. She then books people for several days in a row. 3 month wait list. Now I'm waiting to get the Aug/Sept/Oct. appts. Can you imagine? It has really benefitted my husband who had sudden outbreak of amoxicillan allergic reaction due to scare tactics by dentist...never again...so it's candida for him, my daughter Crohn's/IBD (2 problems here) and me after seeing them worked on got tested and showing lots of allergies like daughter. I would never believe it before as I am showing no signs.

Regardless today a treatment for me.

Great about hubby's saved life by acupuncture. Yes, finding a good one is key.

Jack,

Your cheering team is saying GO...........JACK........GO!!

carolg

[RawHeaven]

Carol, thanks for the link and information.

Best wishes again Jack...don't want to hijack your introductory thread!

Let us know how you're doing though when you can.

Peace,
Crystal

[Jack Straw]

Thanks everyone - just going simple day to day right now. Energy is at low ebb so doing the basics and in bed alot. I'm 90% raw with only miso soup and brown rice. Waiting for my body to come live again...hopefully soon - thanks again!

[DreamSeeker]

Wow, Jack. Your courage makes me smile. You are a very brave person, and I wish you all the best. I'm just starting my journey, too. I'm sending you good wishes!

[Zaphirah]

WAY TO GO!!!! I'm in AWE of your commitment! You are in the valley, but soon you will be on top of the mountain, looking down at where you've been.

[raven]

Welcome, Jack! Thank you for reaching out. There have been a multitude of miracles on this forum. Your miracle will manifest too. You have taken stock of your life and you're motivated to make changes. Have you looked into raw meetups where you live (check meetups.com, I think)? Start with your smoothie and keep going. You'll improve one day at a time. We're all here to support you. Please stick around and ask any questions.

Suzy

[Otis]

Thanks, Raven, for that Meetups.com website. Here I thought I was all alone and there's a group just 9 miles from my home. I just signed up! Carolyn Otis

[Betsy]

I just am here to offer my hope for a better tomorrow. I have prayed, too.

[carolg]

Jack,
Great to hear from you. Keep up the "minute at a time" approach. You are growing through your challenges. Just like we are here encouraging you, your test will help others with a great testimony. Are you able to get sunlight while you are in bed or sit by a window? I know light makes me feel so uplifted. Wear bright colored clothing too. My house is dark and I hate having little light. My husband put in this funky thing and it is horrible. Surely doesn't bring much light in.

You may think what I am going to share silly, but maybe it can get some fresh blood going: got a mini trampoline? Okay, if not, can you just do a few small jumps to get your blood moving? How about jumping rope. I'm an AARP person and I can still jump around like a nut. Jumping rope would be fun.

Keep up the great work. We know and believe your success is happening each second you breath.

I'll look for a post tomorrow night as gone all day in a meeting tomorrow.

Oh, give yourself a hug several times a day. Have you ever laughed at yourself for a few minutes, watched a funny movie or something to get that going? It's very healing and healthy!

carolg

[pamparred]

Jack, welcome and best wishes on your journey. A lot of us here have medical problems and have found the raw food to be the best way to let our bodies heal. The support on this site is great and here for you whenever you need it. Don't worry if you spend time in bed. Rest is the best medicine for healing, it allows your body to spend its energy to heal. Your energy will return soon enough and then you can get out and start moving. We are here for you!

[Jack Straw]

What an incredible welcome! Thanks so much! Diet is going well and purging these pain medicine chemicals is a bit of a challenge but today - I got a little surge of energy! It didn't last too long but I felt it was nature giving me a glimpse of what's possible! :D Looking forward to getting to know the great folks here!

JS

[shashibala]

It's good to hear you are doing well so far!! Keep on RAWK'in !!!
Drop in a pebble....Wait for the ripples....A miracle happens :)

[RawHeaven]

Mr Jack, how's it going?

[carolg]

Yes, where is Jack? He hasn't given us permission to email him so it's not an option. Gosh.
carolg

[Gittel]

Welcome, Jack! RFT is such a wonderful, loving place of support. I hope that you find each day just a little bit easier. I commend you for your strength of character to search and grasp health. Keeping my long-term goal of good health on my mind helps me to get through my difficult times. I wish you continued strength and good health.

Gittel

[Jack Straw]

Hello,
Sorry I haven't been around much. I'm doing well - am totally off painkillers but not an easy thing. My work schedule is insane from April - June so just trying to hang in right now. I plan to spend more time on my diet this summer and learn new dishes. I'm basically eating the same thing over and over and it's a bit monotonous. I'll touch base with you then. Thanks again for your support and encouragement!
JS

[shashibala]

Glad to hear you're still rawkin'!! I know when I first started I had like 4 things I made all the time. It takes time to broaden the skill base.
Congratulations on your freedom from the medications. That is hard and I applaud you!!! RAWK ON!!!!!:)

[rawviveyourself]

Jack - Welcome home!:D

[Jack Straw]

Well hello!

I am doing this! It took me a while to get totally on track but have been 80% raw for almost three weeks and have lost 20 pounds. The additional 20 % is cooked whole brown rice and starchy vegetables. The only processed food I eat is Miso. I am fighting off chronic arthritic gout and though I am still gimpy, I am getting better. I pray that my health will return.

The miracle is happening though more slowly than I'd like. Looking forward to doing the things I once loved. Things have settled down and I will be able to be more active here now. I need to be HERE to keep going. Guess I'm not new anymore though :D . Where do I go now?

Best,
Jack