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
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Redemption doesn't just cover salvation; it keeps working through sanctification and healing.
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Inflammation wasn't just a food problem — it was also a soul and nervous system problem.
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Real health change is slow, layered, and personal. Your timeline will not look like mine.
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The glow came as a byproduct of feeling better and living freer, not chasing beauty.
Important Disclaimers
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This episode is descriptive, not prescriptive.
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Not medical advice. Always talk with a qualified professional for your situation.
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Do not try to do everything at once. This was a year of foundations plus a total three-year process.
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One percent better beats perfect overnight.
The Story: How the Dominoes Fell 1. August 2022: Stepping Back From Fear-Driven "Crunchy" Culture
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I was drowning in rules, guilt, and constant fear of what might be harming me.
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The anxiety and striving became more toxic than the ingredients I was avoiding.
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First domino: I quit trying to do it all perfectly and started living with grace, budget reality, and peace.
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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
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I set a serious boundary with someone whose presence fueled self-hatred.
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Went no contact for about six months.
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The inner tape of shame and criticism began to quiet.
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I learned that giving up self-hatred is profoundly anti-inflammatory.
Recommended resource mentioned:
"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
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I stopped high-intensity workouts that were spiking cortisol daily.
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Switched to lifting heavy and slow, more functional strength training.
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Worked out less, recovered more.
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Energy improved, inflammation eased, confidence rose.
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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
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Grain Brain by Dr. David Perlmutter was a turning point.
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I tried going gluten-free (cold turkey, not ideal but it worked).
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Brain fog cleared, bloat dropped, inflammation noticeably reduced.
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Cutting alcohol alongside gluten made a huge difference.
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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
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A massive milestone with a full story in episode 267.
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For me, SSRIs were not helping inflammation or overall vitality anymore.
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The drop in facial inflammation from August to December was dramatic.
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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.
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Lowering impossible expectations
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Creating boundaries
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Learning to like myself
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Getting out of fight-or-flight
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Moving my body in a gentler way
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Removing gluten and minimizing alcohol
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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.
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Dermaplaning at home
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Removes dead skin and peach fuzz.
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Skin care and makeup apply better.
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Big difference in glow and smoothness.
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Learn carefully through YouTube tutorials and use a quality razor.
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Stopping skin picking
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Picking was aggravating redness and irritation.
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I prayed about it and replaced the habit.
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New habit: brush my hair when the urge hits.
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Asking God for help in small things counts.
Sponsor Spotlight: PreBorn
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A free ultrasound can double a mother's chance of choosing life.
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PreBorn offers ultrasounds plus ongoing support for mothers for up to two years.
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It costs 28 dollars to sponsor one ultrasound.
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Donate at preborn.com/speakeasy.
Takeaways to Sit With
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If you're overwhelmed, start with one domino.
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God often heals from the root, not just the symptom.
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Your body listens to your beliefs.
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Peace, obedience, and self-kindness are deeply practical health tools.
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The goal isn't prettier; it's freer, healthier, and more whole.
Reflective Questions
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What is one area where fear or perfectionism is inflaming your life?
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Who or what might need a boundary so you can heal?
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What small change feels like the next right step, not the whole staircase?
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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