Right after Christmas I bought a juicer.

It was one of many suggested ways to prep the kitchen for a successful finish of the cleanse.

I took the suggestion.

Though, up until tonight the fine piece of gleaming machinery sat on my counter untouched.  So, even though I scored a fantastic post-holiday deal, I was beginning to wonder if it was worth the investment.

What I didn’t know when I started the cleanse is that the final week is comprised totally of cold soups, juices, and smoothies.  In fact, today was a day of fasting.  Just water, tea, and (if needed – and for me it was) a bit of whole, fresh juice.

I’ve never owned a juicer.  I’ve always assumed that a high powered blender basically produced the same result.  That assumption proved to be wrong.  Very, very wrong.

You can imagine how a day of work, hour-plus commutes, and a mad dash to the library to make Tuesday movie night could build up an appetite.  And I had significant doubts that the juice of two carrots, a mango, six strawberries, and a peach would satisfy me in the least…but the doubts proved useless and the courage to try (once again) proved powerful.

This glass of pure and unadulterated nectar was the most rewarding indulgence I’ve given into in a very long time.

A real “cheers” to beauty, health, and happiness.  And as I sucked up those final divine drips, I heard myself singing one of my son’s favorite sayings from Daniel Tiger:

Just keep trying, you’ll get better!

(PS – Even though I’m proud of trying, I’m still pretty psyched for breakfast tomorrow. :))