Weekly Vlog: The Happiest Year of my Life
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 ธ.ค. 2023
- While writing in my 5-year journal recently, I started my entry with, “it was a super-sweet day.” I’ve been writing the same thing for a while. The thought came to me that this has been the happiest year of my life. A bold thought-but I checked and double-checked, and it’s true. In this vlog, I want to share what made it so, because so many of us are striving for happiness.
I came into the year shiny Bright and doing well, and all I wanted through the year was to be steady with that. That was my word for the year: STEADY. Steadiness doesn’t come naturally to me, but I have been this year. My food has been super Bright. That was also the case in my 30s, but I had other challenges, including premature twins. In my 40s, Bright Line Eating was born, and it was a huge success, but it was also a whirlwind and a challenge. So I’m pretty confident that this is the happiest year of my life.
It's not just that my food is Bright. My habits have been dialed in, including a new layer I added recently: I’m taking a low dose of hormone replacement therapy. It helps. I’ve always struggled with depression and high/low moods. This routine of hormone supplementation helps me feel more even-keeled, punctuated with moments of great joy.
Other than that, what made this the happiest year? I have three stories to tell you that have deep lessons.
I'm in service in a way that makes a difference-peer-to-peer, volunteer service-sponsoring in 12-step programs. I’ve been so busy that I stopped doing this. An old friend urged me to get back to it, so I did. Volunteer service is so good for me. In fact, I talk to one of my sponsees who lives overseas at 5:15 am and while we talk I use my light box. That has given me an uptick in my well-being, which I attribute to the human interaction, the biology of light, and the structure. That’s the first lesson: peer-to-peer support matters. If you can do peer-to-peer support in Bright Line Eating, no matter where you are on your own Bright journey, I recommend it. Here's what that could look like, even if you’re not Bright yourself right now. Step 1: GET BRIGHT. Get 2 weeks of Bright Days strung together, and then post in the online community: “I just got TWO WEEKS of Bright Days and now I want to help you! Do you need a guide to help you Rezoom? I can share my experience.” Boom. Service.
The second lesson is this: you don’t have to take out the trash; you can compost just about anything with love. I found this out when one of my primary relationships was ruptured. We tried to get back to each other and couldn’t. And then-probably because we both were praying very deeply-we just tentatively reconnected. Since that day, every single interaction has been off-the-charts loving. No reflection on our past disagreement. Just love. It was like our rupture was a garbage-filled backyard, and I thought we needed to clear away the trash before we could plant flowers. But instead, we took bags of love-soil and poured it on top. And soon we were able to plant flowers in the love-soil, and I realized that all that trash would just compost underneath. I think I was arrogant in thinking that everything needs to be worked through.
The final lesson is that it's never too late to reinvent yourself and dramatically revise a story you’ve been telling about yourself for a long time. My motherhood journey has been hard from the beginning. When Bright Line Eating was born and I was saddled with massive working-mom guilt, I worried that my kids weren’t getting the best of me. But that’s shifted this year. My kids are older now, and their needs are a better match for my skills.
So I started showing up a lot more for my kids, and I crafted, sometime mid-year, what I called my Four Pillars of Joy:
1 A thriving marriage
2 Micro-moments of love with my kids
3 Joy in manifesting Bright Line Eating’s vision
4 A strong, healthy body
One of my kiddos was not showing up for class, and I took away her cell phone. When she was protesting afterward, I wasn’t frustrated, nor did I think I was a terrible mother (even though she was telling me I was)-and in that moment, I saw how much my inner narrative had changed.
The next morning, I had a card under my door from one of my other kids. It was filled with love and affirmation.
That's a result of changing the narrative of my motherhood journey. So if your lines haven’t been Bright; if you’ve struggled with your relationships, your appearance, or your food, it’s not too late to change. My narrative changed because I took action.
It’s been the happiest year of my life. My word for 2024 is JOY. My New Year’s resolution is to keep doing what I’m doing now. Writing in my journal. Focusing on my four pillars. Writing down my food, committing it, and eating only and exactly that. Being of service. Keeping my food simple so I can be fulfilled, nourished, and happy. It’s the right formula for me. It makes me happy.
FOR THIS VLOG, PODCASTS, TRANSCRIPTS-and MORE: ble.life/uQfNup
While listening, about halfway in, I was thinking her kids are so lucky to have her as their mom. Then you got to the letter….wow, that was beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
That certainly was a sweet moment 🥰🥰
Amazing ❤ Thank you!!! Loved every second of this vlog- you brought me to tears and inspire me to bring on the JOY in this wonderful BLE journey 😊
I cried big alligator tears when you read your daughter’s letter. She sounds like a chip off the old block with her ability to express love, sincerity and gratitude. My heart is full because of what she wrote to you. Thank you for sharing it. Makes me want to be the best mom ever.
I'm in tears, Susan! I need everything you talked about. More service, four points for joy, and your letter from your daughter. That reminded me of the notes I often got from my daughter. That's what makes it all worth it! I'll be adopting your four areas for myself to work on in the new year. Thank you for being you and sharing you with the world. I needed you this day.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us 😍😍
Beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to change a narrative. Looking forward to the next adventure.
What a beautiful letter your kiddo wrote you. Definitely a keeper to reread often as you feel “less than” throughout the years. Thanks for sharing it.
The card brought tears to my eyes. What a sweet daughter. I’ve gained 20 pounds in 2023 of the 140 pounds I had lost. My New Year’s resolution is to get back on track and get that weight off.
We see you and your commitment 🫂
2023 was a season of change for me. I left my diet mentality and entered bright body and maintenance. I left my home of 34 years and am living with daughter while we build small home. I left my deeply shame based and angry self who blamed others and began a journey of learning to deal with my emotions in a helpful way through BLE and a private therapist. I have changed and am learning to like this new person 🎉I am still married to the same wonderful man and even our relationship is changing as we enter retirement and spend more time together❤
Thank you for sharing
My word for 2024 is curiosity
We appreciate you sharing your 2023 with us 😊😊
This impacted me profoundly.
Thank you Susan for sharing your authentic self 🙏🙏🙏🙏👍❤️❤️
Susan, I have been with you on and off since the first email list. This is THE best, to see you find that steadiness in your life, but also how that authenticity and peace resonates now, is just beautiful! This inspires me to form and invest in those personal relationships that can be a greater source of joy in my life too, thank you!
We love hearing these sweet words! Thank you for sharing. 🥰
Thank you Susan!! So much wisdom here. You are a great experiential learner!!
This is such a wholesome blog,thank you
I need it to hear that is NEVER TO LATE TO CHANGE MY NARRATIVE
Such a special weekly vlog Susan, you are so incredible, transparent and loving. ❤❤❤❤ Thank you.
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Just like the Stevie Wonder song says Someday at Christmas….someday all of our dreams will come to be…someday where people are free…maybe not in time for you and me..but someday at Christmastime! Thank you Dr. Susan and I believe that there is nothing wrong with dreaming of a better future and a brighter new year! Considering how short we often fall, maybe setting the bar high is the more practical thing to do. Love you! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Beloved Carey❤️
What a beautiful sentiment expressed by your daughter. I’m in tears. Thank you for sharing with us. ❤️
Thank you for being here 💖
You modeled what we all can benefit from - Reflecting on how our year went, what went well, what challenges we faced, and how we grew and learned from our experiences. Then celebrate! I'm not sure how you got through reading that letter! As parents, we all need that feedback, those micro-moments of joy and to know that we are making a difference. Well done!
In June it will be 10 years since I met you, Susan. :) So honored to know you. You've been my role model in many ways - including authorship! That's my big celebration for 2023. I've birthed a book. My word for next year is Community - I want to create a community of people who want to flourish and thrive in all areas of their lives.
Congratulations on your book! 📖🧡
2023 my word is Change and BLE has been a big part of the many many changes this year. Every single month and probably every day things changed this year. The sine wave of life is real. Thanks for sharing. The letter was beautiful and what a sparkly consequence for changing the narrative. Looking forward to 2024!!
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Wow! Susan! Just wow!!
I’m sooooo frustrated!😩 This video has stopped 3 times and gone dark and I’ve had to restart it. I just want to listen all the way through! No stopping, no commercials, just peace to listen.
Hi Mary, we always include a link to the vlog on our website within the description for your convenience. Here it is for ease of use: ble.life/uQfNup We hope this helps 🧡
What a lovely vlog! So beneficial to hear you say that being consistent and steady with your food creates a happy life, or at least helps to create it immensely! And that note from your daughter had me in tears, teenagers are hard! Thank you for all that you do. ♥️
Thank you for your comment 🥰🧡
Thank you for that heartfelt message of joy and hope. I’m reminded that I can’t keep it unless I give it away. And I wish I could borrow you for my angst-ridden teenage granddaughter!
Sending love 💞💞
Your message gives me hope for my son and I. A very challenging relationship, but praying really helps. Thank you for the timely reminder. ❤️
Something happy, nice!
You should do a vlog about your morning exercises!
Hi! We love getting vlog ideas from our viewers:) Please submit your vlog idea here: www.brightlineeating.com/vlog-ideas/ Thanks for reaching out! ❤️
One of your best talks
Add “love soil” ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Then plant flowers 🌺 🌸 🌹
Amazing blog!! Truly touched my heart!
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Thanks for sharing. My 2023 has been a great year particularly with my introduction to BLE. This will provide my foundation for 2024. Heart felt blessings to you Susan and your family 💚
We're so glad you're here 🥰🥰
Amen Susan! So happy for restored relationships
Am inspired to make those micro moments happen love your giving spirit susan.
Am inspired to make those micro moments happen love your giving spirit susan.😂
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Thank you Susan you are an inspiration. Happy holidays 💕
You made me cry. Thank your kiddo for being her
So sweet 🥰🥰
God bless you and have a Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Merry Christmas 🎄
I registered for Boot Camp and only listened to a few lessons/vlogs, and my life got more than lifey- it bowled me over and I've been "absent" for the boot camp since.
In listening to you talk about it's never too late to change a narrative, I'd like to start over with Boot camp. I remember reading that if I join Bright Liners in January with the annual fee,
I can also retake boot camp?? When life gets overwhelming, I get very anxious and then mess up with food bingeing- only to show my stubborn self that yes, it IS flour, not just sugar, that causes me to continue gaining weight. Please let me know when the next boot camp is usually scheduled in the new year. thank you!
Yes it's never too late! Boot camp is coming up in early January! Please reach out to support to know what your options are 💞💞Head to: support.brightlineeating.com
Great Vlog. I also had a great 2023 in large part due to BLE. With much appreciation, happy holidays to you Susan and the BLE staff.
Glad to hear that! 💞Happy Holidays to you!
so good to reflect on the year and keep going with what works.
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@@Brightlineeating the only caution I would make is that many of us wish our kids would say those things to us but they don’t. And it has NOTHING to do with how much care and love we have given them. So yeah great about your kid saying those things but well I guess it’s up to us not to go down into depression about our situation. Maybe some words of encouragement in your next Vlog?
Hi MsBoshey! We always appreciate getting vlog ideas from our viewers! Please submit your vlog idea here: www.brightlineeating.com/vlog-ideas/ Thanks for reaching out! ❤️
Happiness is our birth right👍❣️🌿💚
You make me smile with your WEEEEKLY Vlog - I actually didn't have my headset on and had to back it up just to hear you! :)
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I have being working on improving my eatiing. It a joy listening to you. It let me know I need to work no honey or maple syrup.
So glad you're liking the vlogs! 😍😍
Ty
Your daughter is very sensitive and exceptional.
I think all the little things you do help you but I know that HRT is a game changer! Way above all the little things. I’m glad your hormones are in harmony so that your life becomes that way too.
I enjoy your blogs and can’t believe it will be ten years!! I’ve been listening to you for a long time as I was on your original email list.
Would love to know how to listen to these blogs without all the commercials. Can we listen straight from email like we used to and not be sent to utube??
Thank you for your comments. 💞You can access our vlogs directly from the website if you prefer! We also have them set up as a podcast for easy listening. 😊😊
Such a beautiful heartfelt vlog SPT you have me crying with happiness
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That card was written by one mature and wise child who is being raised by two incredible parents!
So very sweet of you to say 💖💖
And if you give time to these past things by bringing them back in conversation those awful situations, that low frequency spirit tries to sneak back in!!
That letter .. WOW... 😢❤. Also does anyone know who won the book buying launch contest for the On This Bright Day book ?
Happiest year for me? Yeah. Even though I went through the hardest loss I have ever faced. But bright life and bright, close relationships (and bio-identical HRT! 😂) have carried me through the worst with deep joy even in grief. Yeah. Everything doesn’t have to be perfect for me to be happy.
We're so glad you're here and we're sending you love. 💖💖
I really dislike having commercials interupt your message. I have enjoyed and learned from you over the years but at this point I am going to unsubscribe here and on email. I hope your new year will hold continued happiess. Thank you.
Hi Joygray8287! No need to unsubscribe, you can still watch all of our content at our website :)