A Journey from Darkness – How I am Doing Today

For the most part, since I last checked in, my life has changed 360 degrees. For the most part, although some of the experiences were quite traumatizing, life is good.

Many of you wrote in and asked if I got fired from my job in NYC. The answer is yes. However, I had already accepted a contract in the UK, so despite the news still stinging, it was for the best.

Improving my overall health both physically and mentally is a constant struggle. But, I have realized over the course of this journey that the benefits outweigh the negatives, especially as a woman entering her mid-thirties. Our actions to ourselves and others have far more reaching consequences than when we were foolish and young and often forgiven. (This goes double for our bodies.)

I do not have to take any medications, and the constant threat of this, keeps my diet in check. Living in a new culture is challenging, but at the same time, gives more choice that I had not thought of when I lived in America. I am often in restaurants with new foods and veggies I have never heard of. I never feel deprived. I am in control.Continue reading→

A Journey from Darkness – Week 6

I had more tests done. Things are not looking good for me on the long term, but Cat assures me we can tackle this latest news together and not to fear an interim diagnosis. I would love to share with you what that was, but I would like to protect this piece of my privacy, which I hope you understand.

Man, have I been having a lot of regrets lately. One of my silly flash cards reads,“Regrets cripple the future.” Ouch!

I hate the term wake-up call. But, I cannot find another word to express the fact that I feel this crazy sense of urgency and helplessness all at once.

Professionally, at least for me, I am keeping all this to myself. My performance of the past 1.5 years hardly allows me a pity-party at work, and I think to some degree it would be used against me.

I am hanging in there. I got a pay-cut. Nothing huge – but I think my Boss wanted to sort of backhand slap me a final time.
I think my performance is there. Thank God my health is not impairing my work.

Eating regularly and eating well are changing me for the better.

I was away all last week but stayed in a hotel that allowed me to give them my diet plan and send me food that kept me out of the sugar devil’s way. I paid out of pocket for this – but it was worth it.

I lost 1.5 more pounds. This really was never my goal – but face it – if we can button things up easier – we feel happier. A sad reality of the human psyche, right?

I have signed on to another 6 week program at The Second Act. I will update you periodically with my progress, as it also keeps me more accountable.

I do hope that if one person out there has learned that your diet and mental health intrinsically affect your overall life – then my job is done!

Until next time, eat well and remember not to take anything for granted.

Jenny

A Journey From Darkness – Week 5

A lot of my girlfriends in the city and in other major areas around the USA have made a decision. They would rather drink their calories than eat them. I shared this “in” diet methodology with Cat. She said to me, “Do you really think it makes sense?”

I said, “A calorie is a calorie…”

To which she replied, “Yes, but what happens when you ingest certain calories?”

Here in lies the fundamental difference between holistic and regular medicine. No one ever asked me or explained things to me. No medical professional asked me to make a choice – they simply told me this is a solution, do that, don’t do this. Eat x amount a day, take these pills, etc…. You know the drill.

My food diary changed gears this week. I began adding in a few of the things taken off for the past month – in a modest amount and saw/experienced how it impaired and/or affected my digestion, my sleep, my skin. Yep – the jury is in. Sugar = bad.

Sadly, the other truth constantly smacking me in the face is that everything we eat, think, and do will affect our health. Actions and decisions have consequences, even the ones we made 10 years ago. We kind of all know this, though, don’t we? We just need a professional to remind us.Continue reading→