Before I go any further, I want to acknowledge that I know some readers are probably getting all ruffled right about now.  Get over it.  I know people in advanced stages of cancer who refuse to be defined by that diagnosis.  And guess what?  They are beating very slim odds.  I know people who survived massive strokes who are living fulfilling lives.  I know a teenage boy who was born with Spina Bifida, has always been in a wheelchair, and lives a more fulfilling life than most people I know.  Yes, really.

I will stick to expounding on Celiac, since that is the particular medical condition on which I can expertly talk.  Why?  Because I was diagnosed with it almost 15 years ago.  Notice I didn’t say “I have Celiac”.  Or that I “suffer” from Celiac.  Because I refuse to claim it.  Once you claim something as your own, it takes over and controls you.  I am not about to let some medical diagnosis control me!

The only things in life we suffer from are those things we choose to suffer from.  That isn’t to say I haven’t made lifestyle changes in order to beat the evil Celiac diagnosis.  I have.  I choose to live a very gluten free life in order to reap the rewards of not owning the condition.  I would rather be 100% gluten free, be called a “picky eater” (thanks Martha Stewart.  I wouldn’t want to be a guest at one of your parties anyway), and do without than to deal with vomiting, diarrhea, extreme fatigue, all-over aches, etc. 

That also isn’t to say that I don’t occasionally deal with set-backs caused by the particular condition which I refuse to own.  This holiday season is a perfect example.  I did manage to somehow ingest some gluten.  I did deal with the dreaded side effects.  But I still didn’t claim it as my own.  I could have gotten all down about it and been all “wo is me”. But what would that accomplish?  Exactly nothing.  I don’t know where the gluten came from.  I do know I enjoyed gathering with new friends, and gathering at new places with old friends.  In either scenario, I obviously accidentally ingested gluten.

Instead, of casting blame or beating myself up over it, I stepped back, re-grouped, and started over.  Otherwise I would be giving in to the vicious cycle of negativity that can come with any medical diagnosis and it’s symptoms.  Remember: we reap what we sow.  I simply refuse to go there.  Just as I refuse to live in a bubble. 

And to feel better?  I will fill my body with mega-nutrient containing foods, including plenty of raw vegetables; drink plenty of water; provide my body with enough rest to re-energize itself… oh, and drink my daily Shakeology: not only does it contain 70 superfoods for optimal health and it’s gluten free, it also tastes fabulous!

If you are trying to switch to a healthy lifestyle and don’t know where to start, or where to continue, let me know.  I want to help! You can comment here or contact me at [email protected].