BUILDING A SUPPORT SYSTEM

As you transition to adulthood and take on the role of managing cystic fibrosis yourself, it can be quite overwhelming. Making, planning and arranging all sorts of Dr. visits, clinic visits, pharmacy orders, medication deliveries/pick ups, daily cleaning and sterilization of all your equipment, amongst all the other things that naturally occur when we turn 18. The phrase, "it takes a village to raise a child" is true, but we like to add our own twist...."it takes a village to raise a child, but it takes an army to raise a child with CF." 

I grew up with an incredibly strong support system and then at 25, married a man, a very 'hands on' man. One who helps around the house, in our relationship, and in raising our son. This plays a very important role in experiencing success, despite a terminal illness. Management of the disease, mental and emotional support, having someone to help you fight when you are down...can literally be the difference between life and death. Strong support systems are vital.

If you do not experience a strong support system right now...do not fear. 

You can create one! The success associated with support, is not only seen in disease management, but everyday life. 

Today I will be sharing a few tips on 'How to create a support system':

1. Be brave! 

Open up and educate your friends, neighbors, church congregation, aunts and uncles about your disease process (or whatever you may be dealing with). When people understand what you have on your plate, you will be surprised how many people are willing share this burden. They will want to help make life easier for you.

2. Be a good friend to others. 

Be invested in others lives and willing to show up for them too. 'Like attracts like', the law of attraction is real. Do what you can for others when you have 'good days'. On your low days, sending off a message of love to those in your circle, sending out a thank you card to those who have previously helped, and placing phone calls to check in on those around you. You'll find when you show up for others, they will show up for you too.

3. Find the Happy.

We all have 'hard stuff', but looking for the good amongst the bad will make life easier. You'll become a person others want to spend time with. People enjoy being around happy people. We each prefer to spend time with those who make us feel good about ourselves vs negativity. Negativity carries so much weight, and ain't nobody got time for that. Finding the silver living, isn't an innate characteristic, but one that with practice becomes easier and easier. You will find quickly that 'finding the happy' in your daily situations will make your tasks and life easier to handle. Easier to live!

our first ever 'Momcation' we picked the most expensive hotel we could find ;)

In parting, I'll leave with a few thoughts; as a newborn the Doctor's ran tests to find out "what was wrong with me". But I do not believe anything is 'wrong with me'. I was born with a disease, but having this disease not mean I am wrong or inadequate in any way. Having CF has been a beautiful gift. It has allowed me a unique life, one to have many experiences others won't have. It has allowed me to exercise faith, and find hope in a higher power. It has taught me grit, dedication and perseverance. To be strong when things are hard, harder and hardest. I pray that if you currently have a physical or mental diagnosis, that you understand nothing is 'wrong with you'.  You are perfect the way you are. Your (fill in the blank) is what makes you you. Some days will be harder than others, but each of the days are worth it. 

Xx, M

GIFT GIVING WITH JORD WOOD WATCHES

As my husband has grown emotionally, intellectually and professionally, I wanted to do something to honor his growth. I have enjoyed seeing him rise to the occasion when things got tough during studies while in dental school. I've smiled as he explained procedures that he was once unsure about to being confident enough to teach someone else. 

Being in the front row seats, on the sidelines and backstage crew of his life, is an honor. 

When he had finished his second year of dental school and Midwestern University did their "bridging ceremony" as they graduate from didactics to clinic, I gave Ric his first 'professional' watch. The Dover - Olive and Acacia wood watch from Jord (pronounced Yode) 
Luxury Watches.

When I first came across Jord watches, I knew I couldn't have found a more perfect watch speaking 'Ric'. My husband is a man of the outdoors. Being in the sun, mountains and nature is his happy place. Where he rejuvenates and recharges. A watch made of wood, yes, that's a watch for Ric.

*Fun fact, Ric's wedding ring is also a wood ring.

To keep on with the tradition I had set for him and his 'professional advancements', I knew another watch was in order for a graduation gift. Again, I partnered with Jord Watches to gift him the perfect men's watch. For graduation I chose the Hyde Ebony and Iron. It is super minimal and masculine. We engraved the bottom to say his new title and the date it was earned.

Ric Sherman DMD
5/2019

The cedar box they are stored in can also be customized and engraved. These boxes are high quality and perfect to keep the watches safe from kiddie hands. They are beautiful, enough that I don't even mind having it sit on our counter or bedside table!

If you search any 'best gifts for men', 'top ten gifts for the man in your life' or '88 best gifts for men' list and you will always, always, always find a watch. That's because a watch is classic. A watch is timeless -- pun intended ;) They hold their value, they hold memory and they hold meaning. A watch can be passed down from generation to generation and when received is an honor.

If you're special man has an event coming up, honor him. Father's Day is on the horizon too. Do him a solid and buy him an esteemed watch. Because I love ya'll so much, I wanted to give ya a jumpstart on that gift. Jord and I are doing a giveaway to help you give the perfect gift! 

And yes, before you ask, Jord also sells women's watches!

Follow this link to be entered to win $100 off your choice of watch just by entering the giveaway, and receive an e-mail with a 10% consulation gift code. Everyone who enters will get 10% off and one lucky winner will get a $100 discount.  www.jordwatches.com/g/shermanarmy

Xx, M

Mens Wooden Watches

CARIPRO ULTRASONIC TOOTHBRUSH

the caripro ultrasonic toothbrush will change your life.

that's all i need to say. blog post, over.

really, i should stop there. i could stop there. but some of you will want more, so i will give you more.

switching over to the caripro ultrasonic toothbrush will be one of the best decisions you make in 2019.

this is no ordinary toothbrush, it's not really an electric toothbrush because it vibrates at much higher frequencies, allowing it to be qualified as the worlds first ultrasonic toothbrush.

for comparisons sake, imagine how much damage a 3.0 earthquake can cause...that is the electric toothbrush you are using right now. compare that to the vibrations and damage of a 10.0 magnitude earthquake. 

10.0 brings eerrrrrything to the ground.

well this toothbrush shakes eveerrrything out of your teeth. i'm talking about that poppy seed that gets stuck in the groove of your back teeth....yeah, it brought that

 out.

the caripro ultrasonic toothbrush has five different settings:

1. clean

2. white

3. massage

4. gum care

5. sensitive

i have tested all five settings. the top three i use are: 1, 2, and 5. if you remember back a bit ago i did a blog post mentioning my sensitive teeth. i do believe this ultrasonic toothbrush does have a difference between all the modes to feel a difference when it is cleaning your teeth. it is so gentle that the 'clean mode' is sufficient majority of the time, but every once in awhile if my teeth have had a sensitive day, for whatever reason,  and i just want to be safe, then i will use the 'sensitive' mode and have zero issues.

your gums will be grateful.

your teeth will glimmer and shine like never before;

and lets be real, we drop over $$$$ on massages for our body, buuuttt why aren't we treating our mouth with the same respect and luxury. you're mouth helps do everything for you; eat, breathe, smile, communicate.

guys, i told ric when i got this that i had 'found the best toothbrush ever.' and encouraged him to try it that it would 'change his life too'. 

(grab extra toothbrush heads: here)

his response: 'that's a bold statement, amanda.'

me: 'dude, i know, i know...but I AM SERIOUS.'

i was serious then and i am even more serious now. you want to try this toothbrush.

if my word isn't enough...and some of you are on the fence. not sure how you're still there, but i respect ya....i will throw in a discount code.

use: shermanarmytb20 for 20% off your entire order.

again for the people in the back. 20% OFFDISCOUNT CODE: shermanarmytb20

wait there's more 

to make things even easier for one of you. i have partnered with caripro to 

giveaway a FREE TOOTHBRUSH to one winner!! 😄

to enter to win the caripro ultrasonic electric toothbrush please fill out the form: HERE

still have questions? please check out the caripro FAQ page.

if you give it a try, let me know. i'd love to hear and chat about your experience!

#smilefearlessly, my souldiers.

xx, M

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