Week four of the Ending Well series lands right at the halfway mark. This episode is a look back over a three-year road (starting in 2022) of how God helped me fight inflammation, feel like myself again, and regain my "glow." This is not a weight-loss talk, not a quick-fix list, and not medical advice. It's a redemption story about healing from the inside out — spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." — 3 John 1:2
Redemption doesn't just cover salvation; it keeps working through sanctification and healing.
Inflammation wasn't just a food problem — it was also a soul and nervous system problem.
Real health change is slow, layered, and personal. Your timeline will not look like mine.
The glow came as a byproduct of feeling better and living freer, not chasing beauty.
This episode is descriptive, not prescriptive.
Not medical advice. Always talk with a qualified professional for your situation.
Do not try to do everything at once. This was a year of foundations plus a total three-year process.
One percent better beats perfect overnight.
I was drowning in rules, guilt, and constant fear of what might be harming me.
The anxiety and striving became more toxic than the ingredients I was avoiding.
First domino: I quit trying to do it all perfectly and started living with grace, budget reality, and peace.
Lowering my standards for myself lowered my inflammation.
"Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28
I set a serious boundary with someone whose presence fueled self-hatred.
Went no contact for about six months.
The inner tape of shame and criticism began to quiet.
I learned that giving up self-hatred is profoundly anti-inflammatory.
Recommended resource mentioned:
When to Walk Away by Gary Thomas (plus podcast interview)
"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." — Proverbs 4:23
I stopped high-intensity workouts that were spiking cortisol daily.
Switched to lifting heavy and slow, more functional strength training.
Worked out less, recovered more.
Energy improved, inflammation eased, confidence rose.
Current favorite: Nourish Move Love workouts on YouTube.
Big takeaway: exercise is a gift, not punishment.
Grain Brain by Dr. David Perlmutter was a turning point.
I tried going gluten-free (cold turkey, not ideal but it worked).
Brain fog cleared, bloat dropped, inflammation noticeably reduced.
Cutting alcohol alongside gluten made a huge difference.
I don't need to understand every mechanism to honor what clearly helps my body.
Reminder: everyone has a "thing" — gluten, dairy, sugar, alcohol, stress. Find yours with grace.
A massive milestone with a full story in episode 267.
For me, SSRIs were not helping inflammation or overall vitality anymore.
The drop in facial inflammation from August to December was dramatic.
I'm not shaming anyone on SSRIs — I was on them a long time. This was my path.
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." — Galatians 5:1
This part matters: the glow wasn't mainly from products.
Lowering impossible expectations
Creating boundaries
Learning to like myself
Getting out of fight-or-flight
Moving my body in a gentler way
Removing gluten and minimizing alcohol
Walking in obedience even when it felt backwards
Healing was spiritual and emotional first, physical second.
"Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." — Romans 12:2
These are the practical, easy wins that helped the outside catch up to the inside.
Dermaplaning at home
Removes dead skin and peach fuzz.
Skin care and makeup apply better.
Big difference in glow and smoothness.
Learn carefully through YouTube tutorials and use a quality razor.
Stopping skin picking
Picking was aggravating redness and irritation.
I prayed about it and replaced the habit.
New habit: brush my hair when the urge hits.
Asking God for help in small things counts.
A free ultrasound can double a mother's chance of choosing life.
PreBorn offers ultrasounds plus ongoing support for mothers for up to two years.
It costs 28 dollars to sponsor one ultrasound.
Donate at preborn.com/speakeasy.
If you're overwhelmed, start with one domino.
God often heals from the root, not just the symptom.
Your body listens to your beliefs.
Peace, obedience, and self-kindness are deeply practical health tools.
The goal isn't prettier; it's freer, healthier, and more whole.
What is one area where fear or perfectionism is inflaming your life?
Who or what might need a boundary so you can heal?
What small change feels like the next right step, not the whole staircase?
How would your health shift if you treated yourself like someone God deeply loves?
This glow-back story is really a "come back to life" story. It wasn't a sprint; it was obedience in baby steps. If you're in the thick of it today, don't despise the slow fade. God redeems years, bodies, minds, and hearts — and He's patient in the process.
"He restores my soul." — Psalm 23:3
