How I Began Living a Toxin-Free Lifestyle
My Commitment To Me
I came to the place where I would ask myself a simple question, “If I ate this, would it harm me?”
My commitment to natural health and reducing toxins began more than forty years ago, and it is still developing, one step at a time.
I came to the place where I would ask myself a simple question, “If I ate this, would it harm me?”
That question became the precursor to a complete overhaul of the products I used in my home, from cleaning products and beauty products to even the food I chose to eat.
Early Influences
Interestingly, the seeds of toxin-free living were planted early in my life by my grandmother.
She was a wonderful example in so many ways. She was the epitome of toxin-free; she cared deeply for the environment and lived a life that reflected care and kindness. She recycled as much as she could, long before recycling became fashionable.
Stamps from letters were given to children’s schools. Containers and cartons were saved and reused, and the silver tops from milk bottles were kept.
Leftover bread was put out for the birds.
Nothing was wasted.
Everything in her home was simple, fresh, and pure.
We adored visiting her house, especially opening the fridge.
There were always coloured ceramic bowls filled with soaking prunes and apricots, and a lovely enamel tin holding rice pudding.
In reality, everything about her stayed with me, especially the idea of using pure, simple things.
When Things Began To Change
Over the years it became obvious that as products had evolved they were very different to those of my grandmother’s era. Shop shelves were filled with products with long lists of ingredients that were anything but simple. Cleaning products were labelled with warnings and many foods now contained additives, preservatives and emulsifiers.
Once I had taken the first step to make a switch it became so glaringly obvious and ingredients on labels almost screamed at me!
That was when a very simple question began to guide many of my choices.
Researching What Is In Our Products
I have always been fascinated by health and wellbeing, so over the years I began researching what actually goes into the products that fill the shelves of the shops.
I have studied and researched this subject for as long as I can remember.
The more I studied, the more astonished I became at what goes into everyday items.
It also made me realise that this isn’t only about what we put on our skin or use to clean our homes.
Everything we use eventually goes down the sink and into our waterways.
Unfortunately, the number of chemicals in products has grown rather than lessened.
Whole Food And Faith
Whole food has always had a place in my ethos.
In Genesis 1:11–12 we are told that on the third day God created seed-bearing plants and trees for food.
When I ponder those particular verses, it becomes incredibly clear that food and the natural world were important to God right from the very beginning.
And if it is important to God, then surely it deserves our attention and care as well.
The World We Are Living In Today
People today are becoming unwell at an alarming rate.
Fatigue, inflammation, gut issues, mood swings, and hormonal imbalances are increasingly common.
These aren’t simply signs of “getting older.”
They are signals that something is out of balance.
Experts now acknowledge that our homes are filled with chemicals, many of which we have never really been warned about.
From the cleaning sprays under our sinks, to the skincare on our bathroom shelves, to the candles we light in the evening, we can easily find ourselves surrounded by a mixture of toxic substances without even realising it.
And as we walk the aisles of the supermarket, surrounded by brightly coloured packaging and temptation in almost every aisle, we often encounter foods filled with additives and preservatives chosen for their shelf life rather than our well-being.
Many people are simply unaware that some of these additives can have an impact on our health.
Small Choices Over Time
If this journey has taught me anything, it is that small, mindful choices made each day can lead us toward toxin-free, healthier and more natural living.
Join the Pure Joy Circle
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