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In 2013, the Mayo Clinic published a study that explored the most common reasons people in the U.S. see a doctor.  The researchers used data over a 5-year period that included 142,377 patients.  Can you guess the #1 issue?

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OMG. The #1 reason people saw a physician was for a skin disorder!  The top 10 were:

1.  Skin disorders
2.  Osteoarthritis and joint disorders
3.  Back problems
4.  Cholesterol problems
5.  Upper respiratory conditions, excluding asthma
6.  Anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder
7.  Chronic neurological disorders
8.  High blood pressure
9.  Headaches and migraines
10.  Diabetes

The #1 issue encompassed nearly half the study population!  All top conditions affected both genders and all age groups!  Seven of the top listed concerns were shown to increase with advancing age.

What can we learn from this?

First:  Our SKIN matters!

Second:  Our SKIN matters! Over time!

Third:  Keeping our skin healthy and nourished is worthy of our attention.

Conclusion:  Sheeperfect® Skin

Sheeperfect® products contain only ingredients that are superfoods for the skin.  Simple as that.  Good skin care contributes to good health.

Years ago, I contemplated Sabbath.  Now, I cherish sacred space.  I think of my home as my sanctuary, but sacred space encounters moments that capture morsels of eternity.  Sacred space is the culmination of this series about Love in 2018.  Beyond everything else, recognizing sacred space – and sustaining it whenever possible – is a form of worship.  When you can see and live in life beyond the tangible, where it really matters, you momentarily touch upon eternity.  These moments encounter the sacred.  While sacred space is not created by formula, but rather, divine appointment, identifying it is a very personal matter which involves understanding some level of existence of and encounter with the divine.  It could be a seemingly insignificant chance conversation with a stranger in a store.  It could be a deep moment of intimacy with a loved one.  It could be sharing a good-hearted laugh with a close friend.  Giving a bowl of hot soup to someone in need.  Or holding a newborn baby (especially when it’s your grandson!).

Recognizing the sacred in everyday life is … well, … sacred.  Spa time is readiness training for sacred space.  Soul Pampering Activities awaken the soul to the presence of the divine.  When you love yourself – and factor in this Sabbath resting spa time, you open yourself to the presence of a divinely loving God.  And you are never alone.  Life opens up to the capital L.  And Love takes on wholly new dimensions.

I wish you that kind of Love in 2018.

My home is my sanctuary.  For me, it is the best place for my spa treatments.  In fact, I am going to make a Sheeperfect® Summer Spa Day an annual tradition.  (The first one, on August 11, 2017, was extra special.  I look forward to dedicating a similar day every year for special personal refreshment and pampering by appointment in my yard.  This year, it will be Saturday, August 11, 2018.  Make your reservation early to secure your preferred time!)

Loving your home is part of Love in 2018.  In preparing for your spa treatments, there are a few things you can do to make your home become spa-like.  Think of loving your home as giving it its own sort of spa treatment.  It will reward you back!

Creating a spa-like atmosphere involves all of the senses.  So, here are some tips for creating your own spa-like space.

1. Identify the space you want to transform.  It could be a bathroom, bedroom, special corner, or other living space.
2. Begin with cleanliness.  (Remember, cleanliness is next to godliness.)  Clean space allows for purification and can be a sort of detox for your home.  Always start clean.
3. Eliminate the junk.  Clutter can be distracting and invasive.  If you have a lot of items sitting out on counters, take inventory and assign priority.  Then select the top 2 or 3 items (or less) to remain and remove the rest.  If you cannot find room elsewhere for the removed items, either reorganize your storage areas or eliminate other items to create space for what you want to keep.  If you have open shelves, remove everything and selectively replace only the highest priorities, leaving ample empty space between items.
4. Splurge on a few nice things.  I have nice towels in my bathroom – and, of course, Sheeperfect® products.
5. Create relaxing lighting.  If you have a dimmer, use it.  If not, consider candles or a small lamp.  If the room has natural lighting, maximize it with selectively placed mirrors, glass, and other items (but not too many) that make the light dance.  My home has marble floors, and I love the way the light cascades and moves across the floor and walls when the sun is out.
6. Consider color.  Examine your space for color.  Do you have a consistent color that you are drawn to repeatedly?  Color affects mood.  If the colors in your space are pleasing, hooray.  If not, consider giving the space a fresh coat of paint.  You can also change the feeling in your space with a chosen accent color – maybe a pop of red against white for energy, or a soft peach paired with vanilla for soft and soothing.  Explore colors that make you feel good, and bring them (selectively) into your space.
7. Add comfort.  Texture matters.  Soft thick towels are a luxurious component in my bathroom.  My bath rug is part of the collection.  Cushy slippers may be just the ticket for you.  A bath sponge in your chosen color and style is an inexpensive addition.  A soft throw on your favorite chair may add that “aah” factor.  Choose to have a few items that are pleasurable to the touch.
8. Don’t forget the other senses.  Sound, scent, and taste.  Each of these senses are important to your spa space.  Special waters, tea, or a glass of wine or champagne can create a feeling of luxury.  Add a little bit of chocolate or a cookie – or a plate of fresh veggies – for a special treat.  The right music sets the tone, and wonderful scented air makes breathing more than just breathtaking!  Sheeperfect® Air is perfect for this!

All of these details should cause you to feel welcomed into your space with an invitation to slow down, relax, and enjoy a respite for renewal.  Loving your home by giving it a spa makeover will return dividends to you when your home loves you back and you find yourself rejuvenated in your own personal spa.

Wow!  We’ve covered so many important components for Love in 2018!  Loving God.  Loving yourself.  Loving others.  Loving your skin.  …So many ways to learn about loving!

Now, it’s time to take some time out.  This is the 7th day of the New Year.  What did God do on the 7th day?  He rested.

Years ago, I spent a whole year contemplating the Sabbath.  The Sabbath is important to God, and therefore, I believe it matters.  But it has mostly vanished from our practices.  Even from our comprehension.  Actually, contemplating the Sabbath was a wonderful adventure.  Little is really understood about Sabbath.  What we do know is that stress is rest(ss)  – but all mixed up.  Stress is a killer.  Which never rests!  Also, Sabbath has a bath in it!

Thus, it is time …[drum roll, please!]… for the spa treatment!  Tomorrow, we will talk about making your home a sanctuary, with tips to make your home into your own personal spa.  But today, we’re just “plunging in”!

So, all that loving takes energy!  There is purpose in time out.  It gets back to the beginning of our love cycle.  Integrating a Sabbath attitude is good for your health.  Taking time for rest and refreshment is nourishing for your personal health – mind, body, heart, and soul.

Think of spa treatment as Soul Pampering Activities.  (Get it? SPA!)  Of course, Sabbath centrally factors in space for God, and the soul part of your health is critical for Life with a capital L.  All of that can package beautifully together when you take time for rest and self care.  Your Soul Pampering Activities day should include the 3 Rs:  Rest.  Relaxation.  Refreshment.  (Ha!  You thought it was reading, writing, and ’rithmetic, didn’t you!)

As you eliminate the junk in 2018, you will find new freedom to add in special components of Love that are invigorating, stimulating, and add vitality.  (Hmm, we just accomplished a whole bunch of that ’rithmetic!!!)  In your SPA time, you may want to meditate on what really matters, while lighting candles and stepping into that steaming salt bath*.  You might take time out to dance, go for a walk, read a book, listen to good music, or just take a nap.  Take time to be quiet.  Learn to listen to God.  Pausing for renewal prepares you for Love in 2018 – and Life … with a capital L.

*Editor’s Note:  Sheeperfect® Spa Bath Salts are soon to be released with fantastic healing essential oil combinations.

Loving your skin is worthy of attention.  (Yes, important enough to add an extra day for this subject.)

Making the transition to using only products with healthy ingredients may take some adjustment.  When skin has been accustomed to the constant application of harmful ingredients, the skin naturally adapts to try to protect itself.  For example, water-based products are often very drying, causing the skin to overproduce oils.  The dilemma produces a counterintuitive result, exacerbating a perceived oily skin problem.  When a healthier skin care regime is engaged, the skin may initially react in shock, which may result in a breakout.

For people with sensitive skin – and I have now met many and heard lots of stories – it is difficult to transition to good products without a process of adjustment.  Therefore, it is important to plan for detoxing the skin.

Especially when transitioning to natural and pure products, detoxing may require a period of time, even several weeks.  But it is worth it.  If you are using a new cleanser – Sheeperfect® Face and Body Cleanser is a great choice – you may initially think it feels greasy.  Your skin may initially agree and react accordingly.  However, after a detox process, your skin will recalibrate into a healthier glowing place and feel revived every time you wash.  During the detox phase, use of Sheeperfect® Salt and Sugar Scrubs may be extra helpful for deeper cleaning and exfoliation, and use of Sheeperfect® Air can provide bursts of healing freshness during the day to help your skin feel alive, fresh, and clean.

If switching from non-natural deodorants or antiperspirants, your body may transition through detox by initially reacting with different patterns of sweating, odor, and possible sensitivity.  Antiperspirant uses aluminum to clog and block sweat glands.  Aluminum has been linked with breast cancer.

If you are moving to purer products for your hair, a transition period may need to be factored in to allow for your hair and scalp to detox.  [Editor’s Note:  A new Sheeperfect® Hair Cleanser is soon to be released, and will be even better than the original Sheeperfect® Hair.  Stay tuned!]

Detoxing allows the body to unclog its pores of stored up toxins.  Thus, detoxing needs to allow for the cleansing to happen and for the body to readjust to a cleaner and more natural freshness.

Here are some helpful suggestions to incorporate while detoxing:

•  Stay hydrated; drink plenty of water.
•  Get plenty of sleep.
•  Practice good stress management and be patient.
•  Breathe.
•  Eat healthy; especially lots of dark green leafy vegetables.  Avoid dairy, sugar, and fried foods.

The detoxing process offers the body the freedom to open up and release stored-up impurities.  As you help, you will begin noticing the resulting lightness from unloading toxins and replacing your skin with renewed breathability and a clean glow.  In the midst of the transition, know that you are using ingredients that are good for your skin, and claim the confidence that you are attaining a new and deeper level of love for yourself by loving your skin.  It’s about Love in 2018.

Quiz:  What is the largest organ in the body?

Yay, you already know!  Yes, it’s your skin!
…Upon which premise I created Sheeperfect®.

More and more, I find myself very passionate about my commitment to good health on all fronts – emotional, spiritual, physical, and relationships.

When it comes to loving ourselves, a good skin care regimen warrants attention.  Yesterday’s blog addressed loving our bodies, focusing on diet and exercise … er, better said, focusing on personalizing healthy eating and activity practices.

Today, we explore the all-important subject of our skin.  I am still trying to figure out why I only get one day out of seven for this! ???  [Editor’s Note:  OK, we’re conceding the importance of this subject and giving it two days!]

As with loving your body, good health for your skin has a lot to do with eliminating the junk.  In today’s world, products of all kinds are loaded with unhealthy additives and chemicals that are toxic and have serious health consequences.  Chemicals found in plastics, foam, metals, pressboard, plywood – to name only a few – and many of the ingredients in products you use in your regular personal care – your soaps, lotions, shampoos, body sprays, for example – are chemical carriers linked with cancer, heart defects, thyroid and hormonal problems, brain disorders, and reproductive complications.  Not only do these pollutants make their way into the food chain, they seep into your body through products you apply onto your skin.

Go to read the ingredients labels on most personal care products, and you will encounter water, and then the long list of chemical names you cannot pronounce.  Whenever water is added to a product, preservatives are required.  In addition, you will also likely encounter a host of other unhealthy additives, including dyes, fragrances, and other chemical compounds.

It is because of this that Sheeperfect® was formed.  The premise that undergirds everything about Sheeperfect® products is that they contain no water and only include ingredients that are 100% pure and super good for your skin.  That means NO preservatives, chemicals, dyes, additives, fillers, or anything else.

So, loving your skin in 2018 might call for a transition to only pure ingredients.  I created Sheeperfect® products because I couldn’t find anything else like them.  Choosing to eliminate the junk is good for you on all fronts. Why does clutter have a way of creeping into everything?  In the New Year (well, really, any time!), eliminating clutter is a fine objective.  (Honestly, it’s crazy how difficult this is!  I am having a hard time getting rid of my boxes!!!)

They say cleanliness is next to godliness.  Love in 2018 includes loving our skin.  Eliminating the junk is the right place to start.

Tomorrow, we will tackle the process of detoxing.

Learning to love your body is a big deal.  So much of our personal health has to do with our physical being.  How we take care of ourselves physically affects every other aspect of our lives.  So, the subject warrants some attention.

Of course, diet and exercise are central.  Hmm, aren’t these about the two most common subjects for New Year’s Resolutions?  My objective is not to harp on or minimize these,  but to personalize them.  Besides all of the wonderful topics of good health addressed in the first three days of the New Year, two indescribably phenomenal components of life are food and sex!  Both, of course, can be abused in horrific ways that lead to death.  But in good health, … is there anything better?  I am hearing a resounding “Amen” from the … you guessed it! … men!  I guess that’s why we say Amen rather than Awomen!

I digress.

Diet and exercise.  Diet and exercise.  Diet and exercise.  There’s no “Amen” here.  Just a “Yuk!”  Boring!

Here’s the good news.  You can learn to love your body by personalizing your food and activity practices to nurture your own good health.  The diet industry garners billions of dollars, regularly suggesting some new diet trend that guarantees to produce the miraculous results “everyone” dreams of achieving.  There are standards for “ideal” that are applied en masse, suggesting every body is the same.  I look around, however, and see uniquely beautiful people of all shapes and sizes.

The unequivocal missing acknowledgment in the diet craze is the forgotten minor detail that DIETS DON’T WORK!

Loving your body doesn’t mean you have to starve it into submission or flog yourself to do 10 more reps.  Instead, it means finding what works for you.  Finding what works for you begins, first, with loving yourself (go back to January 2 blog).  Understanding that you are unique and special – yes, special; precious even! – is critical.  Then, understand the realm of foods you prefer and the nutritional values of those foods.  Then, make good choices for yourself that offer a healthy palate that is pleasing to you and loaded with good nutrition.

For me, fine wine and high quality dark chocolate are musts.  Otherwise, no sugar.  Good quality fats are wonderful – bring on the avocados!  And I love a good steak.  For others, less meat and more veggies is a preference.  The bottom line is this: Quality foods are much more satisfying than junk.  Remember, you are learning to love yourself.  Loving your body involves feeding it well.  What works best for one person may not be the dream plan for another.

Now, about exercise.  Here is another area for personal application.  I love to walk around Green Lake with a friend.  Some people create a sense of community at their fitness center.  Others have their favorite sports.  Find what works for you and figure out how to integrate it into your life.

All in all, coming to a place where you can look at your naked body in a mirror and like what you see is the best.  Aim for that, imperfections and all!  It’s a part of Love in 2018.

Love in 2018 involves loving others.  One of the main keys to happiness involves the close relationships you have with others.

Learning to love others by communicating with them in their primary love language is a great place to begin this healthy part of your new year.  Once you are familiar with the love languages (see yesterday’s blog, Loving Yourself), the next challenge is to learn to appreciate that others receive love messages best in their own primary love language (which, by the way, may not be the same as yours!).

Investing in the relationships that matter to you is an important contribution to your good health.  The New Year may require you to make an assessment of your relationships.  Love in 2018 may call you to make difficult choices for your commitment to your good health.  You may be convicted to change unhealthy patterns of dysfunctional relating.  Find a mentor who can be an encourager or give yourself the gift of a good counselor.

Healthy relationships are like humming engines.  They travel with you and share in your journey.  Good maintenance and fuel can take you the distance.

A commitment to your own good health will enhance your ability to nurture healthy relationships with your loved ones.  When you make family and friends a priority, and devote time and attention to nurturing and enjoying these relationships, the investment returns dividends that multiply – and are directly linked to happiness.

So, Happy New Year!  Here’s to loving well in 2018!

P.S.  This blog is worth opening on the website for the picture!