Well, I decided today to break the juice feast and had about four prunes (along with their soaking water). I did this for several reasons, perhaps the most significant being that I simply felt complete. I will undoubtedly repeat the juice feast again one day. I've found it very healing. I just needed it to be over for now.

It was interesting to examine my emotions around it all today. I was feeling pretty deprived the past few days and unable to shake that feeling. This morning, a friend came over and said I looked like I needed a hug, and I actually burst into tears! I told her I didn't know if I was clearing out some long-held emotions, or if I was really just wanting to eat again. (I'm still not sure about which it was, actually.)

My friend told me that she wished I could see myself as she does: healthy, beautiful, and whole. That opened some floodgates for me (which would, I suppose, indicate that this was about old stuff). She said she wished I could just "be," rather than constantly be striving. That really struck a chord. I can get into overachievement mode pretty easily.

After our conversation, I decided that I needed to be begin to eat solid foods again. I have been craving salad for several days, but not wanting extra juice. My weight is still about 10% under my "ideal," and I feel pretty darned good!

The one thing I haven't achieved yet is completely normal facial skin. I still have signs of rosacea, though the improvement is striking. I've seen slow but steady improvement with that in two and a half years of raw food, so I'm confident that it will continue to heal -- and that this raw feast has given the process a great boost.

I am by no means actually done with the feast, as four prunes does not a meal make! I'll follow the guidelines outlined on juicefeasting.com and go slowly with the solids. Interestingly, I'd just as soon skip the fruit days and go right to the salad, but I'll be a good soldier and follow the directions.

I had a colonic this afternoon, and I was impressed that something other than water cleared out. After my last one, I thought I was pretty pristine, but apparently, I still had (have?) more cleaning to do. Isn't it satisfying to see that old stuff exit? (How many people can one talk to about this stuff?)

Anyway, I'm very, very grateful to have experienced this cleanse and to have met friends here at this site. I'll continue to post through next week, at least. Blessings to all of you! I wish you all great health and happiness and lots of stamina! I'll try not to feel like a drop-out...