Day 8
Re-entry into the real world of TEMPTATION! I just completed detoxing for seven days at the Martha’s Vineyard Holistic Retreat. I am leaving the sanctuary today. Mama has to put the pumps on and hit the ground running as soon as I get back to New York City. I’m wondering how I’m going to handle things in the real world. Still, I’m elated over all that I’ve accomplished: 10 pounds in 7 days!
With 14 days to go I still don’t know the full scope of what’s happening but a great by-product of the detox for me is that it helps me be very present. Dr. Roni said it’s about the Awakening; a fresh new way of experiencing myself in the world.
Day 9
Can one person clean a temple?
The challenge is on. My New York life consists of many caloric events — meetings over cocktails, cupcake shops on every corner, invites for dinner. The plus is that I’ve got a great regime going — maximum nutrition in small doses into my body every two hours and I’m well-hydrated. If Steve Harvey, Robin Quivers and Wendy Williams can complete this (which they all did live for 21 days with Dr. Roni and James Hester on their national radio shows), I can do it.
The afternoon lull finds me edging towards the ledge with the thought of chips on one shoulder and vegetables on the other. My secret weapon is to call one of my prayer warrior sisters, Janet Talbert. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own (1 Corinthians 6:19). Come in from the ledge and get out of your way.
I never thought I could do this but the reinforcement of my clothes falling off, and not feeling physical pain is the positive reinforcement to help strengthen my resolve.
Day 10
Ever since I started detoxing I’ve had these intense, multi-layered dreams. Last night’s was all about my adventures on the subway. I saw a man in a wheelchair making his way to the A train. I heard the train arrive and I thought how frustrating it must be to hear the train and not be able to get up and run to it. Yes, it’s analogous to this journey. To help me feel empowered about where my life is headed, I’m going to think about my actions in terms of strategy. Focus on what is in my control.
Day 11
As a film and television producer I’m constantly on the move- reading scripts, meeting with potential directors, writers, checking out new works. Surprisingly, I’m not hungry. My energy is high. I feel lifted. I can hear and connect better. I’m meeting people at juice bars.
I’m excited — I think I might have found my next film project. All I can say is that pretty dresses are involved. Tonight’s hurdle is a museum opening. Hester met me and we drink our green juice in the corner.
Day 12
Today’s soup: half gallon of water, organic kale, chard, sweet potatoes and squash seasoned with cayenne pepper and Bragg’s. Boil until the vegetables become soft and then blend. This blend also makes a great broth to drink as a chaser.
Day 13
I’m not hungry. I’m angry. Emotions are coming up but I’m not burying them with food. I vow not to use pizza as a buffer.
Day 14
Fourteen days of not chewing and I’ve lost 14 pounds. My face is glowing and my eyes are clear. Heads are turning on the street. I feel great. I was buying veggies for my juice and soup today and they looked so good that I wanted to hug them. Glorious beets, carrots, collards, broccoli; all from the God’s garden.
Happy Easter!
Check back next week to see how I’m doing. You can also view a daily schedule that will explain what I’m doing here.