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

Key Themes

• 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.

Important Disclaimers

• 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.

The Story: How the Dominoes Fell 1. August 2022: Stepping Back From Fear-Driven "Crunchy" Culture

• 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

2. October 2022: A Major Boundary With a Toxic Relationship

• 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

3. Early 2023: Changing How I Worked Out

• 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.

4. February to May 2023: Going Gluten-Free and Cutting Back on Alcohol

• 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.

5. August 2023: Getting Off SSRIs After 15 Years

• 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

What Actually Healed Me

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

Simple "Glow Back" Skin Habits

These are the practical, easy wins that helped the outside catch up to the inside.

1. 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.

2. 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.

Sponsor Spotlight: PreBorn

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• Donate at preborn.com/speakeasy.

Takeaways to Sit With

• 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.

Reflective Questions

• 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?

Closing Encouragement

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