What's that grumbling in my tummy?

     On August 24th, I took my last sip of soda (hopefully forever).  This was a significant day for me, not only because it is the anniversary of my sister's passing, but also because I am a lifetime soda drinker.  Or pop, as I called it back in my Michigan days.  The withdrawal from this beverage was worse for me than cigarettes.  I knew it had a hold on me, I just didn't realize how much of my life it controlled.  Thankfully, Black Pepper, Lavender, and our Serenity Blend oils were my refuge from the storm.  And believe me, there was a storm.  We all know Lavender has calming properties, and by the very name you can assume that Serenity has the same.  I have been asked about why I also used Black Pepper oil, since it has been known to curb tobacco addiction and not sugar. My answer is not very glamorous or profound in any way.  I was desperate.  I found myself in a screaming match with my 14 (now 15) year old daughter.  I stopped abruptly mid-sentence and realized that my reaction no where matched the topic of discussion. What's a Mama Bear to do? My skin was tingling and I was irate. I remembered hearing about Black Pepper and didn't frankly care if there was evidence to support my needs.  With one single inhale, I was transformed.  I quickly threw Serenity and Lavender into the diffuser and apologized to my daughter.  Each day began to get easier and easier with the help of this magical trio.
     So, what's the deal with the rumbling in my tummy?  Oh, it's the sounds of change.  I had made a decision to avoid all carbonated drinks, since for me, they are a slippery slope towards Dr. Pepper.  My tummy started to go through some major changes that I didn't expect. I won't lie, it was pretty or pleasant. The way I was digesting my food and drink was changing.  My system needed to figure out this new way of doing things.  I normally fed my belly a steady diet of processed food, soda, and sugar.  There were a few smoothies, lean meats, fruits, and veggies mixed in but not a lot!  I will be completely honest here.  I thought my diet was ok.  It was approved by a weight loss doctor, so I convinced myself I was on the right track.  Now that I have not been drinking soda, I am craving better foods.  Whole foods. When I ate the new foods I was supposed to, I didn't feel so hot. I know it sounds strange. I couldn't believe it myself.  So I asked myself again, What's a Mama Bear to do?  Do I go back to eating the crap I know is bad for me just because my system is used to it?  Heck no!!  Adding DigestZen to the mix has been helping tremendously.  This oil gives me the ability to allow my system to adjust to the foods it should be handling with ease. Releasing the toxins it has been used to for so long.  It is my new best friend.
     Because I always believe there is more to the story, this really got me to thinking.  How many times do we go back to old habits, stay with toxic people in our lives, and perhaps jobs that are bad for us?  I believe it is because of that uncomfortable change you go through when the bad is removed.  Logically, we assume that if it is good for us it will feel good. The saying "The devil that you know" makes perfect sense here.  Stepping out of your comfort zone can be uncomfortable.  But to me, that short period of transition is worth it.  Accepting that I am worth the effort has made all the difference. 
     I learned a strange lesson by quitting drinking a beverage that I know is bad for me. But, I am happy for the new found knowledge.