Hey there everybody,

I want to start off by saying thank-you to all of you who have offered support and words of wisdom throughout my journey to self-awareness. Although I am no longer able to continue, and feel very disappointed about not reaching the 40 day mark, I am becoming aware of how much I have learned in a relatively short period of time. My body is 100% clean, my tongue is pink, my skin clear, my blood pressure 120/80. I no longer suffer drastic mood swings(although I was sulking last night!!!) and have a much clearer perspective of my environment. I was truly staying on the Master-Cleanse just to lose more weight and to be able to say that I did 40 days. But my body took over, and made it abundantly clear that it was time to stop. I had taken a lot of time to think about if I should stop, thinking about if I was just tired, or if there were other reasons to explain such a violent reaction to the lemons. I really couldn't justify any reason, and tried the suggestions offered yesterday. I am just fortunate that I am clear enough to know what my body is telling me. I haven't had this awareness for a very long time, over three years to be exact. To back up my decision, when I went into the kitchen today to try the lemons, I actually got a sniff of the lemons in their skin and had to run to the washroom. My gag reflex was on the ready!!!!

For those of you working your way towards your goal, or if you are considering whether The Master Cleanse is for you are not, I have this to say. Do not be discouraged or derailed by thoughts of "conventional" wisdom. It may seem threatening and perhaps unbelievable that you can survive well without eating, but this has been mine and many others experience. As I continued through the day 20 barrier, I became stronger both mentally and physically. My doctor discredited anyone saying that my heart would be enlarged, my organs permanently damaged. I heard Van say that she had been told that, and I was told that too. My doctor said that medical supervision is advisable, as the stirring up of toxins could potentially release a dormant illness or weakness.

Know that this challenge you are on is probably one of the biggest things you could do for yourself, for many different reasons. You are finding new strengths within yourself every day you continue. I didn't realise this for myself until this morning. I went to bed totally disheartened, but woke up feeling mellow and introspective. I am a very new person, and have finally shaken the fog that I was living in ever since I began my baby making journey. My second son's 1st birthday is two weeks from now, and although I won't be as small as I would have liked to be, I will have achieved my goal of getting my stuff together. I am still in a bit of a shock that so much could be achieved in only 27 days. Funny how last night 27 was a disappointment, and this morning, 27 is such an achievement. I have lost 38 pounds, and 22 inches over all. I have gained a window to see how I can learn to really like myself again. I really don't know which is more special to me, as they were such a force to be reckoned with mentally.

Well, I think I have expressed maybe too much verbal diarrhea(I won't have to think of that word again for a while!!!!) I would love to continue checking in and reading how you are all doing. Good Luck, health and happiness, and may your chosen spirit guide you toward self completion and acceptance.

Claire

PS If I didn't say it before, there are three people who inspired me greatly. You were my motivation and my grit, and for that I truly thank-you, Van, Cairns, and Tiratu.