Racing ahead, anxious to reach the next destination, the road itself blurs. Driving myself with the ease of a new car, I disregard early warning signs of unseen curves ahead. Motherhood, marriage, and employment consumes me. I conserve time by taking shortcuts with prepared food. I forego exercise with the excuse that I am always running. I prioritize my job without considering the true costs of my lifestyle. My hectic schedule makes preventative healthcare appointments a hassle. I need to recharge, yet finding personal time involves staying up late at the expense of sleep. Chugging along like a vehicle overdue on maintenance, my increasingly debilitating health forces me to stop. In response, I map out my new journey to wellness.
Starting with medical treatment, I submit to diagnostic tests, undergo surgical procedure, use prescription medicines, attempt an autoimmune protocol diet, and take supplements for dietary deficiencies. I am stunned by the diagnosis of multiple autoimmune diseases that are genetic, chronic, incurable, and require lifelong medication. Simply stated, what I eat, what I surround myself with, and the very method of acquiring what I need to live, causes my body to destroy itself. It feels like I have been buying buckets of nails, throwing them in my road, running over them, wrecking my vehicle, then hiring professionals to fix it.
Bypassing conventional guides, which misdirected me in the first place, I try alternative routes. The elimination diet indicates that my food intolerances include all grains, dairy, and legumes. Learning new methods of preparing food, using Make it Paleo: Over 200 Grain Free Recipes for Any Occasion by Bill Staley and Hayley Mason, takes worthwhile time and effort. I adjust to eating high fat, moderate protein, low carbohydrates, and zero grains or dairy. I feel better physically and return to normal weight range. Seasonal allergies no longer require daily antihistamine treatment. I can concentrate and feel optimistic. My blood work shows improvement, though medication is still necessary. Reading both Wheat Belly: Total Health by Dr. William Davis and The Big FAT Surprise by Nina Teicholz impacts me so positively that I evangelize to anyone who even pretends to listen. In spite of progress, I still suffer autoimmune flare-ups which mimic the flu, so my quest for healing continues.
Time for some off-road travel. My allergic reactions to perfume, chlorine, exhaust fumes, smoke, and cleaning solutions indicates chemical sensitivity. I avoid chemical components in my environment and replace them with biodegradable naturally derived solutions. I eventually reduce my belongings and move into a tiny cabin in a rural area. I install a rainwater collection and filtration system. Creating a simpler, more organic lifestyle further reduces incidences of migraines, skin rashes, urinary tract cystitis, bronchial inflammation, and sinus infections.
Finding a safe resting place, I focus on healing my mind. Crooked Cucumber: The Life and Teaching of Shunryu Suzuki by David Chadwick sparks my interest in zen studies. My takeaway is to recognize duality and train my brain to cease churning. I practice daily sitting in half lotus, deep breathing, and being fully present. This enlightenment contradicts my lifelong habit of continually thinking, planning, reflecting, and moving. Adjusting my expectations makes all the difference in my satisfaction with daily life. My inner artist reawakens, so I desire the vigor to create and build.