Jazz-The Soundtrack to My Disability Life
It was a calm and temperate Phoenix night. Clear skies. Mid-May, so it wasn’t unbearably hot yet. I was walking back to my car after leaving an event at the Phoenix Science Center, cosplaying as Poison Ivy as it was a “science of superheroes”-themed event. I pushed the button to cross the street. I had the right of way. As I entered the second half of the road from the pedestrian crosswalk, suddenly, BOOM! CRASH! I was struck by a car traveling 48mph. I was thrown 15’ up and 100’ forward from where the driver hit me. I sustained multiple injuries, some of which have resulted in long-term disabilities and conditions to include a traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, nerve damage and vestibular and vision issues, just to name a few. The driver never got out of his car and left me alone, broken and bleeding on the street until a Good Samaritan who witnessed the incident came to help me.
Jazz has become the soundtrack of my disabilities. There’s a song or artist for every mood, every experience, every setback and every triumph that I’ve been forced to contend with in the almost eight years since the traumatic accident occurred. I’ve always loved the motto, “life is a movie, starring you,” and if I were to choose the genre that best encapsulates and expresses my experiences since becoming disabled, it would be jazz.
Jazz is a difficult genre to clearly define because it encompasses a wide range of music spanning time, culture and region. According to Wikipedia, “Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with its roots in blues, ragtime, European harmony and African rhythmic rituals.” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jazz)
Artists such as Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and John Coltrane are familiar favorites of the musical style. Although often a male-dominated genre, the contributions of female jazz artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughn should not be overlooked; their influence on modern-day artists such as Diana Krall and Melody Gardot is apparent.
Jazz is a style of music that is rooted in improvisation. Performers may change melodies, harmonies or compositions depending on mood, audience participation and the general vibe in the room. Notes and melodies may change at a moment's notice, you never know what to expect and may never get the same live musical experience twice.
As a disabled person, I am no stranger to improvisation. The contemplative mood of Blue Mitchell’s song, “It Could Happen to You”, aptly named, melodically expresses the way that I constantly have to think of ways to adjust. The symptoms of my disabilities affect every aspect of my daily life, from self care to parenting and everything in between. Prior to the accident, I was an independent wellness instructor and single mom with a vibrant social life. Becoming disabled changed all of that, and I had to learn how to improvise to accommodate the effects of my disabilities. I constantly have to think on my feet and play it by ear just to make it through the day, a direct parallel to the way that jazz music encompasses improvisation.
I would be lying if I said that the question, “why me?” did not come to mind at times, especially in the early days of recovering from the accident. Every time I went to the doctor, it was more bad news: another diagnosis, another medical professional informing me of the negative long-term effects that I would be experiencing as a result of my disabilities and conditions. Interaction and collaboration are two key elements of jazz music.
Artists have an almost supernatural connection to both the music, and each other that creates beautiful pieces of instrumental art. Songs such as, “Have a Talk with God” by Henrik Gunde, Nicolas Kock and Karsten Bagge are excellent examples of several artists coming together to create something greater than what could be accomplished alone. Throughout my journey with disability, I have had to learn to lean on others for help. As a highly independent person, this was extremely difficult for me. But like the collaborations and interactions found in jazz music, once I learned to collaborate and interact with others for my well-being (primarily my immediate family), it created this beautiful mosaic of my current existence that’s greater than what I would have been able to accomplish on my own.
Because I finally learned to collaborate with others for assistance, I have been able to become a speaker and advocate, championing the issues that affect disabled persons, particularly those in the brain injury community. I collaborate with other survivor-advocates as a member of The Brain Injury Association of America’s Advisory Council. This would not have been possible unless I had taken a lesson from jazz music and learned to interact and collaborate, to lean on even, the people who are close to me in order to help me not only survive, but thrive despite my conditions.
And on that note (pun intended), It’s not all bad. Becoming disabled has shown me that I possess a strength and resilience that I didn’t know I had. The smooth, persistent melodies of “The Feeling of Jazz” by Duke Ellington and John Coltrane remind me of the fact that no matter what I’m facing-having to advocate for myself with doctors, dealing with the ableist misconceptions of others, debilitating pain, an uncertain future, I just keep on trucking. But unlike “The Little Engine That Could”, repeating “I think I can, I think I can,” my mantra has become, “I know I can, I know I can.” This song’s lilting cadence conjures up visions of me continuing to walk forward on this unchosen and unexpected path that I am now on with my disabilities and conditions.
At the 1976 Grammy Awards, Mel Torme asks “The Queen of Jazz”, Ella Fitzgerald, how she would explain what jazz music is to people. She replies that she thinks they can show them, and they go into a captivating scat performance, going back and forth, improvising notes and melodies, showcasing a beautiful explanation for something that is frequently considered to be undefinable. (view that performance here: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x23t25p) That’s how I feel when I’m trying to explain what my life is like now that I’m disabled. There’s complications, back and forth momentum, highs and lows, joy, hidden pain even; but it all comes together beautifully to create the soundtrack of my life.
This journey began with a BOOM and a CRASH, like what we experience in the latter portion of Miles Davis’ “Nefertiti” after a mesmerizing, trance-like and consistent repetition of the melody in the first half of the song. The seeming dissonance that ensues is actually more of a controlled free-fall, which is exactly what my life as a disabled person has felt like. At times I may be “In A Sentimental Mood” (Thank you, Mr. Duke Ellington), but honestly, I wouldn’t trade this iconic symphony of a life with disabilities for the world. It’s been in this improvised, “take it as it comes and create something magical” experience that I’ve discovered a more marvelous version of myself. A version that’s allowing me to create something bigger than myself. If that’s not jazzy, then I don’t know what is.
©2025 Cazoshay Marie. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
D.I.D. with Cazoshay and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on this blog is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.
The Importance of Social Media for the Disability Community
There are so many different aspects of the disability experience that able-bodied normies probably have no idea about. There were many things that no one prepared me for when I became disabled after being struck by a car traveling 48mph while crossing the street in downtown Phoenix. The extreme isolation was certainly one of them.
Image via CDC.gov
No one told me that the symptoms & limitations of my disabilities would cause me to miss out on so many things. I’m living with a traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, nerve damage & a host of other symptoms that make even completing simple daily tasks difficult. My teenaged son has stepped up in so many ways to help me do things that are now challenging or impossible for me to complete. All the symptoms that are associated with my disabilities & conditions make it very hard to get out of the house & interact with friends, or even to have them over to my home for visits.
Image via Black Girls Brunch
Where I was once very socially active, always at a brunch, exhibit opening or networking event as a highly motivated wellness professional, artist, single mom & outgoing introvert, all that came crashing to a halt as the car crashed into me, my body breaking the driver’s windshield as I was catapulted through the air 100 feet from where I was struck, landing on the cold, hard pavement. As the car crashed into my body, it also crashed into my active social life, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. If you’re curious, the driver never got out of the car to help me, but that’s a story for another day.
Two hours of reconstructive surgery from one of the top plastic surgeons in Arizona helped me not show too many visible signs of my disabilities & conditions
It’s been a long, hard journey to say the least. One that necessitated me entering counseling to help me not only deal with my severe PTSD, depression & anxiety that came about as a result of the accident, but also to help me reconcile the “old me” with this “new normal”, if indeed you could call it that. While I had friends that came to visit me in the initial time period after the accident, between the vestibular issues, the chronic pain, doctor & therapy appointments every day, all I could really do was watch woefully from my couch-bed where my family had me set up in order to care for me, as I saw my friends attending concerts, getting engaged, going on trips & doing all the things I used to do & be involved in that were now impossible.
My counselor suggested that I begin sharing about my experiences online. That was the last thing that I wanted to do. Before the accident I was active on social media, but all that stopped after the accident. The whole experience felt like one big nightmare that I couldn’t wake up from. In fact, I was having nightmares every night, reliving the horrors of the accident over & over again. So the last thing I wanted to do was lay myself bare for the interwebs to see when I already felt so vulnerable.
But with the encouragement of my family, I began sharing what I was going through here on my blog & social media outlets. Many of my friends were surprised & had no idea how hard things had become for me because my disabilities are considered “invisible disabilities”, meaning you can’t necessarily tell that I’m disabled by looking at me. Many didn’t (& still don’t) know the extent of my struggles because I don’t present as someone who is struggling. But I am. In so many ways.
As I began sharing my experiences online, it became a way for me to stay connected to people that I knew, but also to meet new people. Both disabled & able-bodied. I don’t have a huge following by any means, but social media became a way for me to have interactions with others when I’m not able to go out & have those interactions IRL because of my disabilities.
I experience extreme migraines, dizziness, sensory sensitivities, cognitive issues & more due to my traumatic brain injury. Noises, lights, stimulation, all things you encounter in the world at large are things that hinder me from social activity. Accessibility is a huge issue for those living with disabilities & while the goal is of course to be able to go out into the wilds & have real interactions, sometimes, for various reasons, if you’re disabled that’s just not possible.
Having a community & interactions online can help solve the issue of isolation for individuals living with disabilities. We can chat, text, share pictures & updates & maybe even find others who are living a similar experience to ours. This is why I’m starting the Resilient Roots Support Group for parents living with brain injuries. We’re meeting monthly online on Zoom so that any parent, anywhere can participate & not be limited by location, access or ability.
So if you’re disabled, it may be hard to go online & see your friends doing all the things you wish you could be a part of, but try to reframe the encounter to recognize that you are still participating in your own way by interacting with the posts online. And don’t be afraid to share your own exploits as a person living with disability. Who knows who you will educate & inspire? It might not be IRL experiences, but I believe even online social interactions are better than no interactions at all, & through social media, you have the ability as a disabled person to curate your own community on your own terms whereas much of our lives feel like they are being lived on anything but our own terms.
So send that tweet, make that TikTok video & post that picture on Facebook, your community is waiting for you.
I’d love to connect with you! Find me on social media here:
©2024 Cazoshay Marie. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
D.I.D. with Cazoshay and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on this blog is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.
The Joys of Online Ordering: Something to Look Forward to
““Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.” ”
It may not be obvious at first glance to see the connection between being disabled & buying things online. As a person living with disabilities, especially considering that my life is so drastically different than it was before the accident where I acquired the disabilities, speaking candidly, it often feels like I don’t have a lot to look forward to.
Because of my disabilities, I don’t get to spend time with my friends like I used to, I’m unable to attend events the way I used to & I am unable to do many of the hobbies that I could do before.
Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful to be alive & have done my best to make modifications & parcel out my energy & abilities on any given day to still be able to enjoy doing as much as I can. But because of how frequently I often feel like I’m missing out, (because I am) I’ve learned to find joy in other small ways.
One of the surprising ways that I’ve been able to find joy is in online shopping! Now, this is obviously something that you are not meant to go overboard with as it can become an addiction or even negatively impact you financially. But I’ve found there can be so much joy in something small, like the anticipation of expecting a little treat from Sephora-a new Armani eyeshadow or YSL lipcolor perhaps. (I just ordered the eye tint in Wood and am loving the Candy Glaze in Scenic Brown-seriously, I’ve been wearing it every day.)
I do most of my shopping online right now as it’s been a really great accessibility tool for me as a disabled person. Shopping IRL is very often a struggle that aggravates my symptoms to the point that I’m unable to function for the rest of the day, or for several days after-even with The Awesome Teen™️ helping me. I usually order my groceries for delivery since grocery shopping is a really difficult activity for me, as it is for many disabled persons. If Trader Joe’s would start a delivery service, my life would be infinitely more enjoyable…especially given my addiction to their truffle potato chips. Maybe it’s better that they don’t deliver…😆
But back to the fun part. Shopping online gives me something positive to look forward to in the future. Of course I have goals & aspirations that I would like to achieve, but honestly, when I’m faced with the realities of my disabilities & an unknown future living with them, it can feel discouraging sometimes.
But when I place an order online, I know that generally speaking, getting my special item(s) is going to happen. Regardless of my condition or what I’m able to do, it’s going to happen. So it gives me something positive to look forward to that’s not connected to the limitations of my disabilities. And I get a little prize at the end of it. Who doesn’t love that?
Finding joy in small, sometimes unexpected ways can be a great way to stay encouraged when experiencing big life changes like becoming disabled. I think the same is true if you’ve lived with disabilities your whole life as well.
Below I’ve listed a few of my favorite places to shop online, including some secondhand spots so you can feel extra good about your shopping choices heehee. 🛍️
Thrift Books-Thrift Books is a secondhand online bookstore. My most recent purchase was “Love Letters of Great Men” edited by Ursula Doyle, a book that was inspired by the first Sex and the City movie.
Sephora-This is one of my all-time favorite places to shop. I was so happy when we got our first one in Alaska. It can be hard to buy makeup blind without seeing it in person, so I may do a separate post about how I do that, but there are so many amazing products & brands to choose from.
The RealReal-The RealReal is an online secondhand luxury store. It’s a newer favorite of mine. They have everything from Louis Vuitton to Chanel to The Row, Fendi, Christian Dior and Loewe. Everything is authenticated by a team of experts so you can feel safe purchasing your fabulous pieces.
Amazon-Amazon is my go-to for sooooo many things. Household items, self care items, clothes...I mean you name it and Amazon probably has it…and with 2-day Prime delivery! I even recently bought miso paste from Amazon! I’ve provided a link to my Storefront with some of my chic, elegant picks for your fabulous life.✨ As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase.
Ulta-Ulta is another awesome way to purchase your beauty items, especially because they have a really great rewards point program. They’re also one of the few retailers that carries Chanel makeup, so that’s a plus!
AbeBooks-This is another online secondhand book retailer. They have great prices and obscure titles, including a lot of out of print literature.
Saks Off5th-Saks Off5th is Saks 5th Avenue’s discount counterpart. You can score some pretty great deals here on all the types of things you’d find on the regular Sak’s site.
I’d love to know where you love to shop, leave me a comment and let me know!
©2024 Cazoshay Marie. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
D.I.D. with Cazoshay and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on this blog is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.
“Disabled & Elegant”
I have struggled these past few months with keeping my blog updated. Both physically & directionally. I’ve been endeavoring to post on my TikTok every day, have become an active member of the Brain Injury Association of America’s Advisory Council, have speaking events scheduled & I have an amazing Super Senior who is active & preparing for college. Needless to say, all that has been taxing on me physically & I haven’t been able to keep up with posting here.
I’ve also struggled with the direction that I want to take the blog in. I don’t feel like my previous posts, although many have been popular (“The Gentlemen’s (Southern") Spicy Pickled Eggs” from 2022 remains a top hit), I’m in a different place style-wise, & mentally as well.
When talking all this out with my Advisor (aka my much cooler than me Gen Z son), he said, “make it be about how you’re disabled and elegant. That’s you.”
Could it really be that simple?
He’s not wrong, that pretty much encompasses where I’m at in life. As a disabled person, especially as one living with invisible disabilities, there was a big part of me that felt like I had to present a certain way. Not dishonestly, but certainly holding back & not showing the real me for fear of judgment & negative reactions. (Which I have experienced more than my fair share of as a disabled person.
The real me loves fashion, luxury beauty (luxury anything really), etiquette, entertaining & dressing up for no reason other than that I’m grateful to be alive & realize what a blessing that is. Especially after being struck by a car traveling 48mph while crossing the street in downtown Phoenix. A traumatic event that could have easily taken my life. I’m no longer saving things for a “special occasion” because every day that God gives you is a special occasion.
Going forward, this blog will share even more about my experiences of living with disability, all from the perspective of an individual #SurTHRIVE-ing with elegance, grace & the vulnerability of showing who I really am as a person. Secondhand Chanel pumps and all. (Eco-friendly & cost-effective!)
All this means that there will still be recipes, but also tips for hosting easy & elegant dinner parties (hello, cloth napkin folding!) & maybe some outfit & beauty posts added for good measure. And of course I’ll be talking about life as someone living with traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, nerve damage & more.
I hope you’ll join along with me on the next part of my journey.
©2024 Cazoshay Marie. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
D.I.D. with Cazoshay and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on this blog is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.
From Wreckage to Resilience: Celebrating Another Year of Overcoming and Embracing Life's Second Chance
They say that surviving a near-death experience changes you, and it couldn't be truer. Today marks the six-year anniversary since I emerged from the wreckage of a traumatic car accident, being struck by a car at 48mph while crossing the street in downtown Phoenix in 2017, and as I sit here, reflecting on the past year, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and resilience. Join me on this journey as I share my thoughts on this significant milestone and the lessons I've learned along the way.
Gratitude: Surviving a traumatic accident has taught me the true value of life. It's easy to take our existence for granted, but when faced with the fragility of our mortality, gratitude becomes an essential part of our daily lives. Every sunrise, every laugh, and every embrace takes on a newfound significance. I am grateful for the simple joys and the chance to experience them once more.
Resilience: The journey to recovery has been challenging, both physically and emotionally. But through the pain and the obstacles, I've discovered an inner strength that I never knew existed. The human spirit is remarkably resilient, and it's during our darkest moments that we find the courage to persevere. I've learned to face adversity head-on, embracing the challenges and transforming them into opportunities for growth with the help of God, my family and friends.
Perspective: Surviving a traumatic car accident has gifted me with a fresh perspective on life. The trivial worries that once consumed my thoughts have faded away, replaced by a profound appreciation for what truly matters. Relationships, love, personal growth, and making a positive impact in the world have taken center stage. I've learned to let go of the insignificant and embrace the beauty of the present moment.
Healing: Physical and emotional healing takes time, and it's a journey unique to each individual. As I reflect on my healing journey, I'm proud of the progress I've made, both physically and emotionally. Healing is not linear, and there have been many setbacks along the way. But with determination and the support of loved ones, I've learned to navigate through the ups and downs, celebrating each milestone as a victory.
Empathy and Connection: Having experienced the trauma of a traumatic pedestrian-car accident, I've developed a deeper sense of empathy and compassion for others. I now understand the importance of reaching out and supporting those who may be facing their own struggles. Connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences has been invaluable, reminding me that I am not alone and that together, we can find strength in our shared stories. I am blessed to now be a speaker, content creator and disability advocate, sharing my experience and advocating for the disability community.
Surviving a traumatic car accident has forever changed me. Today, as I commemorate the six-year anniversary of that life-altering event, I am filled with a mix of emotions. Gratitude, resilience, perspective, healing, and empathy have become my guiding forces. The journey has been challenging, but it has also been transformative, reminding me of the incredible power of the human spirit. I look forward to the future with renewed determination and a deep appreciation for the precious gift of life.
©Cazoshay Marie, 2023. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
D.I.D. with Cazoshay and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on this blog is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.
Early September Update
I never really know how much personal stuff I should share here on the blog. Do people just want the recipes and DIYs and don’t really want to hear about my journey with the accident and living with chronic pain and invisible disability? I feel like I’m doing everyone, including myself, a disservice if I don’t share about those things, especially since they still affect my daily life so much. One of the most frustrating things about my situation is that I have so many ideas! There are so many things that I have in the queue for you guys as far as recipes and projects go, but as you can see, I’m not able to actually get things posted on here as frequently as I’d like to, and that is because of my current physical state.
It is frustrating to say the least. I recently had a medical procedure that did not go as planned that left me literally bedridden in excruciating pain for over two weeks. I was unable to drive, cook, clean or really do much of anything to care for myself due to the overwhelming pain, and I’m still not really back to where I was before the procedure.
If I’m being totally honest, it can really be hard to keep the faith at times. I have doctors who I do believe are trying their best to help me. But I have been dealing with these issues since 2017, when I was struck by a car at 48mph while crossing the street after an event I attended with a friend at the Phoenix Science Center. As difficult as it can be, hope and faith are my only options, because giving up just isn’t something I’m prepared to do. I have a sixteen year old son who has been by my side throughout this entire ordeal, as well as friends, family members and even strangers who I want to know that even though you get knocked down, there is still light at the end of the tunnel.
I’d be lying if I said I don’t feel useless sometimes, a shell of my former self. Before the accident I was a wellness professional teaching yoga and meditation classes, cooking classes, training for the San Francisco Giants Half Marathon, the list goes on. Now, some days I struggle to even get out of bed due to chronic pain, migraines, vestibular issues and complications from the traumatic brain injury and concussion as a result of the accident.
As a part of my healing journey, I became involved with the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona and other organizations. I began doing speaking engagements and events sharing my experience of living with a traumatic brain injury and invisible disabilities. My son has also had an opportunity to share his parallel experience of healing right along side me as he was affected by what I was going through as well. I’ve spoken to occupational therapy students, at conferences and have been interviewed for podcasts and magazines. While I would not wish this experience on my worst enemy, (I actually don’t have any enemies so that phrase isn’t really relevant lol) I am so glad that God has allowed me to use this experience to help and inspire others.
Photo by Paul Markow
If I could leave you with one thing today, it’s that not only is there light at the end of the tunnel, but you don’t have to wait to be out of the tunnel to find joy and peace right where you’re at now. It might not be easy, but it is possible. I’m living proof of that and I hope and pray that you’re able to find the hope in your own situation, whatever you may be going though.
Keep growing and glowing, friends!
Check out my latest posts on Instagram!
©Cazoshay Marie, 2022. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
D.I.D. with Cazoshay and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on this blog is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.
"Mindfulness for the Millennial Entrepreneur" for 21Ninety
“A study conducted by America’s Small Business Development Centers partnered with The Center for Generational Kinetics showed that 30 percent of millennials currently own a small business…what is the solution to managing it all effectively? In a word: mindfulness.”
The number of millennials who are small business owners or freelancers is steadily growing. In this short article for 21Ninety I discuss not only what mindfulness is, but also an easy way to look at how to apply it to your life as a business owner or freelancer. Read it by clicking the button below.
Resolutions aka More & Less 2018
Resolutions, we've all made them. And in all honesty, we've all broken them too. According to the University of Scranton, research suggests that just 8% of people achieve their New Year's goals. U.S. News shares that 80% of resolutions fail by the second week of February. (So much for cutting carbs in 2016!)
Percentage of Resolutions Made in 2017
Last year (2017) my primary resolution was to be able to take a compliment (without saying anything negative about myself in response). Honestly, this was hard for me to do, but an important practice to implement.
Below is a chart of the most popular resolutions for 2017. This year I did one of my favorite ways of setting goals for the new year, and that is making a More/Less list. It's simply a list of things I want to do more of to replace not-so-positive habits.
Image via: StatisticBrain.com
We're five months into the year, how are your resolutions going? One of my favorite quotes is "every second is a chance to turn your life around," so keep in mind, each day is an opportunity to start over again. Every day your have the opportunity to get a little closer to being the person you want to be, living the life you want to live. It's a process, so remember to be gentle with yourself and I pray that 2018 is your best year yet!
©2018 Cazoshay Marie. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
This material is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.
Living Water & Water for Life
Today's post has a simple, but often neglected theme...water!
John 4:14 states, "But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again—ever! In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up within him for eternal life.” (HCSB)
Jesus is the living water we are blessed to have springing up from within ourselves for eternal life, but we also need to remember to pursue having enough physical water as well.
While there is no universally accepted amount of water that's suggested to consume, it's safe to say that most of us probably aren't drinking enough, and the consequences can be severe. Read on below for more info about water...
Our cells and organs need water to function properly. Our joints are lubricated by it. It also regulates body temperature, and assists the passage of food through our intestines.
We do acquire some water from many of the foods we eat (about 20%), however most of the water we need has to come from actually drinking it.
During day-to-day functioning, our bodies use up water, even just by breathing! Therefore, water needs to be replaced on a consistent basis.
Water is vital to our kidneys, it helps dissolve minerals and nutrients so that they are more accessible to our bodies and help transport waste out.
When the kidneys are not functioning properly because of a lack of water, waste products and excess fluid can build up in the body leading to serious problems including kidney failure, kidney stones, and Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Some severe kidney infections can even lead to death.
Chronic kidney failure can include anemia, damage to the central nervous system, heart failure, and a compromised immune system.
Dehydration is another issue that comes with a lack of water and can also result in kidney failure.
Here's a list from Medical News Today about the other negative effects dehydration can have on your body:
Blood is more than 90 percent water, therefore, if water is in short supply, blood can become thicker and increase blood pressure.
When dehydrated, airways are restricted by the body in an effort to minimize water loss, potentially making asthma and allergies worse.
The skin can become more vulnerable to skin disorders and premature wrinkling.
The bowel needs water to function correctly. If dehydrated, digestive problems and constipation can become an issue. Dehydration can lead to an overly acidic stomach which makes heartburn more common and can encourage the development of stomach ulcers.
Cartilage, found in joints and the disks of the spine, contain around 80 percent water. If dehydration is ongoing, joints can become less good at shock absorption, which leads to joint pain.
Dehydration can affect brain structure and function. If dehydration is prolonged, cognitive ability is impaired.
In summation, water is necessary for our bodies to function properly. Drinking other fluids doesn't do the trick because since they contain other things in them, they require more filtration by the body and won't function or be processed in your system the same way plain water will.
So how much water is enough? The amount of water a person needs to drink per day varies depending on several factors including how active they are and how much they sweat. The Institute of Medicine recommends that men drink around 13 cups (3 liters) a day and women should consume around 9 cups (2.2) liters a day. To put that into perspective, that's about 3 soda liter bottles of water a day (slightly less for the ladies.) One way to help make sure you're drinking enough is to give yourself deadlines throughout the day with the amount of water you need to drink. For instance, you could say, "I will have drunk ----- cups of water by 10:00 a.m."
Drinking water can also help with calorie control because it can make you feel fuller.
Water is mentioned numerous times in the Bible. Here's a list of 107 scriptures where water is mentioned in the Bible.
Most of us are blessed to have access to clean water where even in our own country, many don't. So let's take advantage of the blessing of having clean water and make sure we're drinking enough of it!
All photos taken by Robert of Imported Pixs
©2017 Cazoshay Marie. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
D.I.D. with Cazoshay and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on this blog is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.
The Science of Smudging: The Ancient Art of Burning Medicinal Herbs for Air Purification-UPDATED 3/5/20
#DIDYouKnow that burning medicinal herbs such as sage for one hour in a closed room actually kills 94% of aerial bacteria AND can be maintained for up to 24 hours?
My wellness mama (Wisteria, founder & creator of Needful Things Natural Home & Bodycare) first introduced me to the practice of “smudging.”
The Journal of Ethnopharmacology published a scientific paper which states that with “...using medicinal smoke it is possible to completely eliminate diverse plant and human pathogenic bacteria of the air within confined space.”
UPDATE: Another scientific paper, also published in The Journal of Ethnopharmacology, explores the topic of the efficacy of using smoke as a traditional healing method. It discusses that, “In traditional healing, the burning of selected indigenous medicinal plants and the inhalation of the liberated smoke are widely accepted and a practiced route of administration.” The researchers were able to conclude that, “results suggest that the combustion process produces an 'extract' with superior antimicrobial activity and provides in vitro evidence for inhalation of medicinal smoke as an efficient mode of administration in traditional healing.”
Incense is mentioned 194 times in the Bible. It’s so cool that God has given us everything we need here on Earth to care for ourselves; ancient healing wisdom frequently leads the way.
Besides burning sage, which also has medicinal properties, one of my favorite kinds of incense is Fred Soll’s Ancient Blend Frankincense and Myrrh.
Do you use incense or smudging herbs to clear the air in your home? What are your favorites to use?
©2017 Cazoshay Marie. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
D.I.D. with Cazoshay and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on this blog is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.