Coping, Stress and Anxiety Summit Giveaway

I'm not sure how many times I can say this but, "where did the time go?!"

This year has been a busy one between traveling, work, organizing the GP Walk, home life, and of course my own self-care.  The summer is coming to an end and I hope to have some time soon to share more stories, updates, and photos.  However, today I have a wonderful giveaway and event that I am very excited to tell you about!  

Return from Sedona - The Power of Myofascial Release

"We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face." 
-Eleanor Roosevelt

It has been over a week now since my return from Sedona, where I took a chance at a therapy known as myofascial release.  If you haven't read the previous posts, this was an opportunity to explore a method of healing, which dramatically improved a dear friend's struggle with gastroparesis, amongst other health conditions.  Those of you who have been following me on this journey are probably wondering, "did it help, am I cured, can I eat normally again?"  I've even received messages that if indeed it did they would be on a plane ASAP, ready to get their own treatment.

AZ Week One

Well, I've officially been in AZ over a week now.  I had a bit of a breakdown today (actually everyday but not because of the treatment today).  Sara, the incredible friend I have been blessed to witness overcome GP and travel with, packed her bags and is heading back home.  There are a number of mixed feelings swishing around as I've spent time with her over the past 8 days.  TOTAL awe at her recovery and ability to eat so much now without painful reprocussions.  Then comes jealousy, anger, and sadness that I am still struggling.  These are very honest and expected feelings that I should not be ashamed of.  I mean, who hasn't felt this way when what you want something sooooo much and see it become real for others but not you?  Of course, there is so much love for her and her ability to understand and support me through my own journey it brings tears of joy to my eyes.

Hard to Believe? Lessons from Life of Pi

faith: confidence or trust in a person or thing, or a deity or in the doctrines or teachings of a religion.  It may also be belief that is not based on proof.  

-Wikipedia

It is a just a word right?  Letters put together to form some sort of meaning?  Often used during hardships, when no one, not friends or family, no medical practice or scientific studies, no midnight Google searches nor shared experiences can provide an answer to.  When there is no one left to ask, where do we turn?  For years I've been told to "have faith, things will work out, don't give up, you will get through this."  And though it gets old to hear, I have told myself this everyday, because there is just no other choice.  But until recently, I'm not sure I really and deeply thought about this word, these letters, the meaning of faith.  Today I have formed my own simple definition: to believe.

Gaining with TPN and Finding Purpose

It's actually happening...the numbers are going up, slowly but surely.  The last few days I have held a steady 95 lbs, up 2 lbs from when I started the TPN at 93.  What a strange and unusual feeling to have this happen without pushing myself to eat all day.  Before the flare with the tube troubles last fall, it was no problem to maintain the weight but once it drops, especially this low, it became an impossible and exhausting feat to get it back up.

Fear or Faith?

There is so much to say on this subject and I want to take more time in the future to talk about fear and it's effect on our mind and body.

Re-Post: When Being Positive Isn't Enough

Back in March, I shared this post below when going through a rough time.  We can all relate to having bad days, both mentally and physically.  When we are tired of trying so hard or feel frustrated and overwhelmed with what we have been forced to live with.  Well, I've had one of those weeks, even though I choose to keep a positive outlook, eat the right foods and practice living a healthy lifestyle (breathing, exercise, time with loved ones...).  Why is this?  Because, despite all of this, I still have gastroparesis and days like these are a part of it. 
This blog, as well as connecting with others like myself, whether through the FB page, clients or personal contacts, reminds me that I'm not alone and neither are you.  Thank you for being a part of my journey and supporting this blog, it truly feeds my soul. 
Continue reading for a look at how I felt last spring during a challenging time, as well an additional  book recommendation that has been helpful.

Book Review: Living Well with Gastroparesis, by Crystal Saltrelli CHC

When Being Positive Isn't Enough

Photo credit to www.tortagialla.com

I thought pretty seriously about whether or not to write about this subject, being that I highly promote positive thinking as the key to living a balanced life.  That said, its also not realistic to achieve this 100% of the time, unless you are either not human or incredibly gifted.  For some of us it might come easier than others, and one day might flow better than the previous.  Though I push for a good attitude everyday, I'm learning it's OK to allow feelings to come up such as sadness and anger, as long as I learn from it and move on.

Navigating Emotions with Illness

After many years of living with digestive issues, exploring variations of special diets and journaling my day to day experiences, one factor consistently presents itself as the most difficult challenge.  It's not necessarily the pain, the nausea, restricted foods and lifestyle, but having to emotionally deal with so many changes.