tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25709275721652851112024-03-12T15:03:54.918-07:00Overcoming Chronic IllnessMy experience in overcoming chronic illness and my battle to not only survive Fibromyalgia and Cardiomyopathy, but to inspire others as I return to complete health and wellness in the very near future.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570927572165285111.post-60950434374340561782012-03-17T09:26:00.003-07:002012-03-17T09:37:49.346-07:00Recommendation for Stress<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZosh1tWxyzmTV5sBjhZ1mHNQotevP2STwNsbDj4YtEBEXZvgo0A7RNgFwnMKYD1Mw75JobpJfOUPw0jba7cyM8Wur64N7LEtI_GnnMmU-m1D2JKSqkOk94cMS7tLPsIq1uK4sDDowvRc/s1600/Stress+Releif.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifpx 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZosh1tWxyzmTV5sBjhZ1mHNQotevP2STwNsbDj4YtEBEXZvgo0A7RNgFwnMKYD1Mw75JobpJfOUPw0jba7cyM8Wur64N7LEtI_GnnMmU-m1D2JKSqkOk94cMS7tLPsIq1uK4sDDowvRc/s320/Stress+Releif.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720905859234343794" /></a><br />Hi all! I haven't blogged in quite some time and I am happy to report the my health has been improving slowly but surely as I move forward in the healing process.<br /><br />I wanted to take a moment to recommend a great product that has helped me tremendously with anxiety and stress. Its a natural supplement by Shaklee called Stress Relief formula. I have to say that since I started taking it over a year ago, my sleep is better and I no longer have that pit of anxiety and fear in the bottom of my stomach. <a href="http://referral.myshaklee.com?referrer=715A30D7759A">Click her to check it out and get 15% off!</a><br /><br />Hope you are all well and would love to hear how you are doing!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570927572165285111.post-55658951386568388102010-01-15T08:55:00.000-08:002010-01-15T11:57:47.748-08:00Top Ten Weight Loss TipsHappy New Year everyone- I have a great feeling about 2010 and I hope it's a great year for all of us! I am re-posting my top ten weight loss tips- I feel that a lot of people could benefit from this info:<br /><br />Top ten things I do each day to keep over 100 pounds off:<br /><br />I haven't mentioned this in my blog until today- I used to weigh 250 pounds and I am now maintaining a healthy weight range of 142-147 (I'm 5'8"). If I was still obese I am almost certain that my health problems would be have been ten times worse because of it.<br /><br />1. Eat six times a day- healthy meals with protein, veggies, starchy veggies, some fruit, some oil. I also eat organic as much as possible, and I limit eating out to a couple of times per week.<br /><br />2. Exercise- I try and walk (sometimes moderately hike) everyday, and I do my best to practice a healing form of Chi Gong two to three times per week. It has done wonders for my body, my mind, and my overall health.<br /><br />3. Pray- I keep as connected to my Higher Power as possible. If I don't remember that I am not in charge and I try and control things, then my food and my life get completely out of hand.<br /><br />4. Journaling- I try and write every morning about what is on my mind, especially if something is troubling me. I find that this helps to keep me emotionally grounded and I no longer need to turn to food to cope with my feelings.<br /><br />5. Drink plenty of water and stay away from soft drinks, coffee, and blended drinks of any kind. I usually drink different flavors of iced tea, and I brew several different kinds at home most days. As a side note: I no longer use artificial sweeteners- I prefer liquid stevia for all of my sweetening needs.<br /><br />6. Don't eat processed foods- the amount of chemicals and additives in processed foods are nothing that my body needs. They don't give me the nutrition I need (usually they are empty calories), I feel like crap after I eat them, and in my personal experience most of them cause me to crave more food after I eat them. They simply aren't worth the trouble. If I need a quick snack I can have a piece of fruit and some nuts to get me by.<br /><br />7. Prepare meals/food ahead of time- I try and cook a lot of my food in advance. I will buy five or six days of protein and either bake it in the oven or BBQ it. That way I always have healthy foods available when I come home to eat. Same goes with my veggies- I make several days worth at a time so that I am always prepared for my next meal without having to think about it (sometimes that can get me into trouble!).<br /><br />8. Limit fruits- personally I have problems with my blood sugar and I find that when I eat a lot of fruit it not only goes straight to my stomach (the pooch), but it causes my blood sugar to drop about an hour after I have eaten. This is a big set up for a binge and I avoid eating fruit by itself as much as possible. If I do have fruit, I combine it with a protein to keep my body stable. I used to only eat fruit twice a week; now I eat it every other day instead.<br /><br />9. Support group- I regularly attend a support group for people with eating problems. If I wasn't open to a group I would either see a therapist that was familiar with weight issues (I do that also) or I would find a buddy who would exercise with me and we could support each other in our weight loss.<br /><br />10. Acceptance- I know that this is a hard concept for people, but it has worked wonders for me in all areas of my life. I had to accept that I was overweight and I needed help. While I was loosing the weight, my focus had to be on getting my insides better instead of obsessing about the extra weight I was carrying. Once I accepted myself as I was, and felt gratitude for the fact that I was doing something to improve the situation, the weight began to come off easily. I have also found that self- love is extremely important and telling myself that I love myself in the mirror everyday has become part of my routine.<br /><br /><br />Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about my routine or the support group I attend- I am more than happy to help.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570927572165285111.post-7613182470576816782009-08-31T16:29:00.000-07:002009-08-31T16:37:12.333-07:00One of My Favorite Spiritual Guides<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUHQJHKBaLM60aEYLLEDQrn7AAQZE43hFpszvSInC6nDs8iYntKnvx8bn-Sb0w8oF5DmB9g9bGlQfOTpN7ugA3Nhrucp83VDcK-Ll2ypjWnDhuQREFyPvevzXUeMklAUoQxMeP4rY10A/s1600-h/melissa+pics+051+cropped.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUHQJHKBaLM60aEYLLEDQrn7AAQZE43hFpszvSInC6nDs8iYntKnvx8bn-Sb0w8oF5DmB9g9bGlQfOTpN7ugA3Nhrucp83VDcK-Ll2ypjWnDhuQREFyPvevzXUeMklAUoQxMeP4rY10A/s320/melissa+pics+051+cropped.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376275172494423330" /></a><br />Check out the recent testimonial I wrote about one of my favorite spirit guides/psychics Melissa: <br /><br />I have been going to Melissa for the past several years and it has always been a wonderful experience. That face that I continue to seek her guidance after all of this time should say volumes about how much her readings help. I've found clarity during some of the most stressful times of my life. When I leave a session with her, I feel uplifted and positive about what is about to happen in my life. She has been RIGHT ON THE MARK about job issues (including the fall of Bear Sterns), health, and relationships. Additionally she has suggested ways for me to grow and become more grounded and happy in my life over all. I cannot recommend her highly enough! If you want clarity, direction and answers, she is the woman to see. <br /><br />Make sure and check out her web page by clicking on this posts title!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570927572165285111.post-25681805619409608052009-07-28T19:29:00.000-07:002009-07-30T10:04:47.234-07:00I've Got To Sing My SongI wanted to share the DVD I just got back from my singing performance in June- it was an amazing experience and I am blessed to have been strong enough to do it. I hope this inspires others to push past some of their limitations and see what they can accomplish if they put their mind to it! Click on the post title and it will take you right to my video.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570927572165285111.post-41386516616645577212009-07-12T16:01:00.000-07:002009-07-12T19:23:37.414-07:00My Amazing Visit With A Psychic Medium<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2Lb99GBiRWaCDVStAi59StdnjEaZ5x3YH1uZu93FvE4LvC56OWWQYYEt3GCNQKf5Vb2XHiTFVhSNmKu5ooUcaWyxTUqmi90YN-8I785ED1FB5QUefw0Yac2NU4Hj4o0FbAMviLcxe1c/s1600-h/Marilyn+Papa.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2Lb99GBiRWaCDVStAi59StdnjEaZ5x3YH1uZu93FvE4LvC56OWWQYYEt3GCNQKf5Vb2XHiTFVhSNmKu5ooUcaWyxTUqmi90YN-8I785ED1FB5QUefw0Yac2NU4Hj4o0FbAMviLcxe1c/s320/Marilyn+Papa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357739461608412866" /></a><br />Hi all,<br />I wanted to share with you the fantastic session I had with Marilyn Papa, who is a very gifted Psychic Medium. I can't say enough about how great her energy is, and what an emotional and eye opening reading I had. First of all, when I fist walked into the room, I was struck by how peaceful and loving the energy was, and how comfortable I immediately felt. I was blessed to not only have received messages from people that I have always loved and who have passed, but I left knowing that they were always with me and I am never alone. How beautiful is that? Honestly, if that knowledge was all that I received from this experience, it would have been more than enough, but I can happily report that it was so much more than that. <br />Marilyn could see me very clearly and was able to get to the heart of many of the issues that have been holding me back. In addition, she was also able to keenly hone in on what my life has been like, and some of the stuggles that I have gone through-it was quite touching. I was asked to bring a list of questions, and by the end of the sitting, they had all been answered in one way or another. Big stuff like my health, my move to Santa Barbara, and the topic of romance and marriage. I was really moved by the reading, and at one point the heat in the room became quite strong- that's how powerful the energy was in there! Anyway, I left there feeling touched, motivated, hopeful, grateful, and with an undeniable feeling that I had just had a life experience that I was not going to forget any time soon. In fact, I think it will stay with me for the rest of my life.<br />I have included a link to Marilyn's website below- she is in the LA area, so if you live here or are visiting, you can have a session with her in person. If you are out of the area, she does great phone sessions as well. I am not one of those who just believes that all mediums are for real, or even talented, but I truly think that she is one of the very gifted ones. I really can't recommend her highly enough. Feel free to contact me as well if you have any questions, and promise me that you will let me know about your visit once you see her for the first time. You won't be sorry!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.moonridgespirit.com/index.htm">http://www.moonridgespirit.com/index.htm</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570927572165285111.post-18270463900595086592009-05-22T16:33:00.000-07:002009-05-22T16:43:10.281-07:00Sharing the Recipe for Two of My Favorite Dishes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJxcQl9SwmsogYQYmOkLrfDkQuznaMmX0EarUFtkW84NHloE0isF81JTM-ib2Y7lMn1Nyp6nghxzXJkSv_cJWiUVH8V2hYKnKY_38SghlDbTOHP-5mBYFD2-MO86_msQmofsW1a3fMpA/s1600-h/Winter+Squash.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 113px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJxcQl9SwmsogYQYmOkLrfDkQuznaMmX0EarUFtkW84NHloE0isF81JTM-ib2Y7lMn1Nyp6nghxzXJkSv_cJWiUVH8V2hYKnKY_38SghlDbTOHP-5mBYFD2-MO86_msQmofsW1a3fMpA/s200/Winter+Squash.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338796736119108786" /></a><br />As a lot of you know, I don't eat sugar or sugar free items, so I have to get my kicks from somewhere! The following two recipes are for winter squashes that I eat on a daily basis- I look forward to them and what's even better is that they are healthfully prepared and good for you too:<br /><br />1. Butternut squash: preheat oven 400,spray a non stick pan with cooking spray or coat with oil, cut butternut squash into cubes and place in pan, then sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg and salt, cover with foil. I usually cook it for about 20-25 min with the foil on, then I take a spatula and flip the cubes over and let them finish cooking with the foil left off. If it happens to get too dry then add a bit of water and cover again. You can also use this on Acorn and other similar squashes but they are more delicate and cook much faster.<br /><br />2. Kambocha: preheat to 350, put some water in the bottom of a non stick pan, cut squash into pieces and sprinkle with the same seasonings as the butternut squash. Cover with foil and after about 25 min check it to see how far it has progressed. This squash is a little trickier- if you cook it too much it dries out or even becomes like shoe leather. I have also found that when you buy the squash its best to get one that looks older and is not a vibrant green- when they are a vibrant green they aren't quite ripe and the don't turn out very well.<br /><br /><br />Let me know how it goes!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570927572165285111.post-84808975789015265172009-05-07T09:21:00.000-07:002009-05-07T09:31:17.149-07:00Just Dance<em>Check out this wonderful email I received this morning- it really set a great tone for my day:</em><br /><br />"Those who danced were thought to be quite insane by those who could not hear the music."<br /><br /> Angela Monet <br /><br /><br />Dear Erika,<br /><br />Dance to the music of YOUR soul.<br /><br />Who cares if no one else hears the beat?<br /><br />Who cares if you dance alone?<br /><br />Who cares if you look silly?<br /><br />JUST DANCE<br /><br />Passion is an INSIDE JOB!<br /><br /><br />Blessings,<br /><br />Rev. James J. Mellon-Bailey<br />Founding Pastor<br />The NoHo Arts Center for New Thought<br /><br /><br />Check out our website:<br />www.nohonewthought.comUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570927572165285111.post-88852537131874547752009-04-26T15:54:00.000-07:002009-04-26T16:08:53.141-07:00Are You Having A Romance With Life?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbl5IIicgI2NV3UJakkhIC8Mgo4MH_rGaOnaw6M-cAZND_BPHE_QceQgblsv4xZ-Vg2lf_ify1ihEWkj3Ild5ujjuHos2Ixr0kPiXV7Uy2Rq5RNQZ_lVUHWrsvin1_LBZql-vy607vMM/s1600-h/rainbow_6.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 147px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbl5IIicgI2NV3UJakkhIC8Mgo4MH_rGaOnaw6M-cAZND_BPHE_QceQgblsv4xZ-Vg2lf_ify1ihEWkj3Ild5ujjuHos2Ixr0kPiXV7Uy2Rq5RNQZ_lVUHWrsvin1_LBZql-vy607vMM/s200/rainbow_6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329140947881649618" /></a><br />I just got back from church a few hours ago and it was a great service with a fantastic talk! Essentially the message was a wake up call to really dance with life and the universe and not hold back out of fear and old ideas. Our reverend asked the question "are you waiting to do what makes your heart beat faster, what makes you feel fully alive?" My response was yes and no. The stronger I get physically and emotionally, the more I reach out and try and do the things that make me happy: sing, be in nature, ride horses, sit in the sun. On the other hand, I also let my fears and my limiting beliefs stop me from even attempting many other things that I know bring me joy.<br />What is it in your life that you would like more of? Is there something that fills you with joy, makes you smile, and completely carries you away once you are "in it?" I have decided to challenge myself even more and reach for the things that fill me up- no more excuses. Are you ready to do the same?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570927572165285111.post-47699302473501369412009-04-05T19:27:00.000-07:002009-04-05T19:47:37.632-07:00Toxins In Your Skin Care<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyYelU9vFRpCTtKCmZjK8fSkVXlTS3DdK7eSK1iC9suUuSSPGZoxMBZ2g5_adqalZyHWLF763uNVavc3mocjNXvrvrzdvr5v3xh2uOrEoP-pg57fD2QTvlDmJW5yHXQiKO6ww51wMHmI/s1600-h/toxic.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 128px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyYelU9vFRpCTtKCmZjK8fSkVXlTS3DdK7eSK1iC9suUuSSPGZoxMBZ2g5_adqalZyHWLF763uNVavc3mocjNXvrvrzdvr5v3xh2uOrEoP-pg57fD2QTvlDmJW5yHXQiKO6ww51wMHmI/s400/toxic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321404118120194898" /></a><br />I just want to put it out there for those of you who may not be aware: there are many, many toxins in most of our beauty products, cleaning aids, laundry detergents, deodorants, and last but not least, processed foods. One area in particular that I would like to lean more about is skin care- from what I have taken in so far, most of these items contain parabens which are small amounts of toxic chemicals found in almost every beauty product on the market today. They have been shown to effect changes in estrogen levels, linked to breast cancer, and harmful to those with chemical sensitivities. This doesn't really sound like something that I want to be putting on my body and face everyday- what about you? <br />I have tried several natural alternatives,and so far I have been rather disappointed. Do I have to sacrifice my health in order to look good? I do intend to look into this further because I feel that it's quite important for my health and my return to wellness. I have stopped using deodorant (don't need it actually), I clean my house and wash my clothes in natural detergents, and I eat organically as much as possible. I really feel that the next step on my path to total wellness is to get rid of the chemicals that I use in the name of beauty each day- there must be some great alternatives out there- if you know of any good brands please let me know!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570927572165285111.post-29416360408846393592009-03-19T10:16:00.000-07:002009-03-19T12:24:06.995-07:00The Power of Service<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVU0hUxfpv_7yk4yP0Dlrt2cNurO4DZOfp9D56431CPPy_K0KXHOpgHB0u4Iro2M8BFccHBENAQYH3NcLJXLEBWm9WNa-jHvg8BIZvdzDA4gLIap-ENi0il0rLG-D_9lB-JtPPpa3YaY/s1600-h/Helping+Others.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 145px; height: 49px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVU0hUxfpv_7yk4yP0Dlrt2cNurO4DZOfp9D56431CPPy_K0KXHOpgHB0u4Iro2M8BFccHBENAQYH3NcLJXLEBWm9WNa-jHvg8BIZvdzDA4gLIap-ENi0il0rLG-D_9lB-JtPPpa3YaY/s400/Helping+Others.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314981232639548642" /></a><br /><em><strong>If someone listens, or stretches out a hand, or whispers a kind word of encouragement, or attempts to understand a lonely person, extraordinary things begin to happen.<br />-Loretta Girzartis</strong></em><br />I have written quite a bit about depression and doing my best to come out of it and lead a productive and happy life. Well,I am happy to report that I have been experiencing a much fuller experience in my day to day activities, and although it started with going to school and taking a great class- the other main component has been being of service. Getting out of myself and helping another person has always been an important part of my 12 step work, but as of late I have really been available to those who reach out to me. I am also reaching out my hand more and more to help those that are struggling with one issue or another. Do you know what has happened? I am much less concerned with myself, my health, my outlook, my fears- how fantastic is that? It has brought me such joy and peace that I just had to blog about it.<br />Is there someplace in your life where you can be of service? Your neighbor, a friend, volunteering at a shelter or food pantry? I know that people are caught up in the state of the world right now, but giving your time by just listening and offering support can make a world of difference to someone who feels truly alone and frightened. I can't say enough about the power of service- we can't change the economy but we can make a difference in the people's lives around us. What if we all gave more service? Wouldn't that be amazing? We would not only be happier people, but we would be uplifting others as well! Please take some time this week to help someone in need- you will be happy that you did.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570927572165285111.post-42368219991945965032009-03-12T21:22:00.000-07:002009-03-12T21:31:29.495-07:00Need To Find The Time<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKscZU_RwCRBkdcDwNZbjTyU1FX1sJqO_FaHTdSTIGfGFlW7UXHJjT0U7KE2UE3Kt1g2_wNd_lSjE9gG8IS69QpK2My6uDGsSzrQHZ-9KfXW0DBEthAzEFIbSQ2IXPnOHhmHFJtKTLF4/s1600-h/clock.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKscZU_RwCRBkdcDwNZbjTyU1FX1sJqO_FaHTdSTIGfGFlW7UXHJjT0U7KE2UE3Kt1g2_wNd_lSjE9gG8IS69QpK2My6uDGsSzrQHZ-9KfXW0DBEthAzEFIbSQ2IXPnOHhmHFJtKTLF4/s200/clock.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312525253330128098" /></a><br />Recently I started taking classes at the local community college as a way to not only get my degree finished, but to ease myself back into the world. Having been ill for so long, starting out slow is essential to my progress and I am thrilled that I am learning so many new things on top of it. The class I am taking is on World Religions, with a focus on Eastern Religions. The last few weeks we have been learning about Hinduism, and I have to say that I just love opening my mind to new concepts, as well as sharing these insights and observations with others in my class.<br />As much as I love going to school,however, I am having a hard time keeping up with my blog. Posting and networking has taken a back seat to reading and studying, but I am hoping to find a way to balance what I have to do each day so that I don't neglect my blog, which is so dear to my heart. I would love any advice that my readers may have about budgeting your time- I seem to be at a loss with this one!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570927572165285111.post-30942692946153608402009-02-23T18:36:00.000-08:002009-02-27T16:40:22.958-08:00My Artificial Sweetener Nightmare<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFk6EG1v4aNG-nPaeAm9TMRPBVHPCxb_Y3L5mKCSsG6Ia_Zh7BT3L5S8vZfr0gFAkEQCVSZ7NJ6IiOcHBEGOzNL5kX3GseuumAODgvjcThDL1-ZcKD1uNL6fk5cJMHiB-QzHrM3nwRDU/s1600-h/Splenda.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 135px; height: 84px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFk6EG1v4aNG-nPaeAm9TMRPBVHPCxb_Y3L5mKCSsG6Ia_Zh7BT3L5S8vZfr0gFAkEQCVSZ7NJ6IiOcHBEGOzNL5kX3GseuumAODgvjcThDL1-ZcKD1uNL6fk5cJMHiB-QzHrM3nwRDU/s400/Splenda.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306198159998602658" /></a><br /><br />My Artificial Sweetener Nightmare<br /><br /><br />I was recently reading a great post on Dr. Mercola’s web site about the dangers of Splenda and it got me to thinking about my own personal experience with these harmful sweeteners. Having had a weight problem my entire life and not being able to tolerate sugar (it made me want to eat and eat!), I did what most people do in my situation- I used artificial sweeteners. On top of that I am quite compulsive, so I used a lot of it. Drinks sweetened with Equal and Splenda were a daily staple, as well as packets and packets of Splenda, which I put in my coffee and on my food. It took me many years to face up to the fact that these so called “safe” sweeteners were really poising my body, and on top of that I had a chronic illness, which was exacerbated by anything chemical and highly processed.<br />Needless to say, I finally was willing to let all of them go about a year and a half ago, and although it was difficult, it wasn’t the hardest part of my withdrawal from them. About three days into it, I had a severe liver attack which lasted for almost an hour, and I had to lie on my back and deep breathe the entire time so that I didn’t throw up or have to head to the hospital. I had terrible stabbing pains in my side, burning in my intestines, and hot and cold flashes running through my body. Not a pretty experience at all! It has taken me months to heal my liver, and it still gives me trouble now and then.<br />The reason that I am sharing this with you is because I really want to get the word out about just how toxic these substances are! Splenda may be derived from sugar, but the end result is that it becomes chlorinated artificial sweetener once it has been molecularly altered. Do you really want something like that in your body? <br /><br />Please go to the following websites for more information:<br />http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/02/10/New-Study-of-Splenda-Reveals-Shocking-Information-About-Potential-Harmful-Effects.aspx<br />www.truthaboutsplenda.com<br /><br /><strong>Do yourself a huge favor and stop using these poisons as soon as you can!</strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570927572165285111.post-86208592011706203712009-02-17T12:51:00.000-08:002009-02-17T13:22:38.749-08:00Do What You Love<a href="http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff47/beefishlove/joyful.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 278px;" src="http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff47/beefishlove/joyful.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />As many of you know, I have been working to overcome chronic illness and depression for a while now and I have finally figured out that making it a point to do the things that I love brings me closer to being completely well.<br />People have been telling me for years to follow my heart and to do things that I enjoy, and I would just dig in my heels and respond that I didn't feel well and I would get to it when I was better. Well, it turns out that I had the cart before the horse! The more that I make having fun and doing things that excite me a priority, the better I feel (physically and emotionally). One thing that helped me to figure out just what those things were was to look back over my life at the times that I was happiest. What came up for me was going to college, singing, attending church, riding horses, and just hanging out with friends. The sad part was that I hadn't been doing much of anything fun for a very long time, and once I began to make an effort to bring those things into my life, the stronger and happier I have felt. Once I made a firm decision to move forward with some of the things that bring me joy, amazing things started to happen: I began to look forward to getting out of bed in the morning, I was able to accomplish more things during the day, and it gave me the strength to affirm that I am no longer a victim and that I really want to be well. Pretty powerful stuff if you ask me!<br />I can't recommend doing what you love enough- please take the time to put your passion and what makes your heart sing at the top of your list(or at least on the list!)- it will make all the difference in the world. I promise!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570927572165285111.post-77049990254443367632009-02-06T19:38:00.000-08:002009-02-06T19:53:00.514-08:00Vitamin D Deficiency<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTX9wsSSM6o6hMPZJyTfAV3h5AKCTLJ9Q2_H6BCVFV20E09OYX7QvrCgR72iQF9GtvaqLNkoUgs9d4LM-lwNp57Bakh9tAWbGm8pe2T8JMk7_qx4Glr2_enpco6cBfj2n2u6WUyHZd5uI/s1600-h/Sun.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 116px; height: 116px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTX9wsSSM6o6hMPZJyTfAV3h5AKCTLJ9Q2_H6BCVFV20E09OYX7QvrCgR72iQF9GtvaqLNkoUgs9d4LM-lwNp57Bakh9tAWbGm8pe2T8JMk7_qx4Glr2_enpco6cBfj2n2u6WUyHZd5uI/s320/Sun.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299897991858391554" /></a><br />A few weeks ago I got my blood tests back from my new Endocrinologist and the biggest issue was a very low count of vitamin D. This was news to me! I was expecting it to be my adrenals or my hormones, but vitamin D? How strange. The doctor’s answer was to prescribe 50,000 IU’s of vitamin D to be taken twice a week. She also said that I should check my levels again in three months to see if I have made any progress.<br />Well, it was no surprise to me that my body couldn't tolerate such a high dose of the supplement. The first time I took it, I ended up having to lie down for a few hours until my feelings of sickness passed. About four days later I took a second dose (but this time at night) and the next two days were difficult for me as well. I felt dizzy, nauseated and a bit weak. Finally I decided that this was not the way for me to get my vitamin D levels up. My acupuncturist asked me to get some of the supplement in liquid form, which I may do, but I have a feeling it won’t come in a high enough dose to make a real difference. My other choice is to take a supplement- so within the next week I will make a choice and start to take care of this piece of my wellness puzzle. Feel free to share any experience you may have with this issue- I would love to hear what has worked or has not worked for you.<br />Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency<br />- Inadequate dietary intake of vitamin D<br />- Malabsorption of vitamin D<br />- Too little exposure to sunlight<br />- Chronic Pancreatitis <br />- Celiac disease<br />- Crohn’s disease<br />- Cystic fibrosis<br />- Colitis<br />- Fistulas<br />- Bilary Obstruction<br />- Renal disease<br />- Malfunctioning parathyroid gland<br /><br />If you can’t go out and spend some time in the sun every day, here are some other ways of increasing your vitamin D:<br />- Take 2 teaspoons of cod liver oil daily<br />- Carlson Labs and Solgar make a 1,000 IU vitamin D supplement that can be very helpful. Take one daily. Swanson also carries some great brands too.<br />- Eat foods rich in vitamin D: bone broth, egg yokes, milk, salmon, sardines and cod.<br />- If you do decide to supplement do so under the care of your doctor- it is easy to increase your vitamin D to toxic levels- this can be avoided with regular blood tests to monitor your progressUnknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570927572165285111.post-3816185575512815872009-01-21T09:53:00.000-08:002009-02-01T15:37:42.453-08:00I Just Love GABA!I have written posts a couple of times about anxiety and depression and the different supplements I have found to be helpful in dealing with these issues. Well, I finally took my own advice and started to take GABBA again. I bought Solgars 500mg tablets, and I take one or two pills a day on an empty stomach. I have to say that after only a few days I can really feel the difference! This is the week before my period comes (sorry guys!) and it is usually quite distressing- anxiety, tears, depression, anger, rage, trouble sleeping, etc. Not this week my friends- I have felt so much better and calmer that I wanted to share this with my readers. If you are having some of the same issues, please do yourself a favor and look into this wonderful supplement.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570927572165285111.post-76970958972852094712009-01-12T11:41:00.000-08:002009-01-12T11:51:12.331-08:00Alternative Anxiety Treatments<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRY9Ih5JuSuVigjSeAiV3pvT5dZvWQ8f0pubHR6IlORNewjeTNu7Yz98GGMsJ0f5E5gy1OAHlZWp1UyU38ha8fw5lGTP76XJ3NVYnWdTKQEmCwxSLB4gH4Zqd20DJD-v6NB4Qj_dnIiNM/s1600-h/Sunrise.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 90px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRY9Ih5JuSuVigjSeAiV3pvT5dZvWQ8f0pubHR6IlORNewjeTNu7Yz98GGMsJ0f5E5gy1OAHlZWp1UyU38ha8fw5lGTP76XJ3NVYnWdTKQEmCwxSLB4gH4Zqd20DJD-v6NB4Qj_dnIiNM/s320/Sunrise.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290496982740449826" /></a><br />I have been dealing with anxiety for many years- usually it is hormone related and the two weeks before my period are the worst by far. Due to the fact that I am unable to tolerate anxiety meds I have been looking into natural alternatives so that I can be free of the stress of feeling like I am on high alert all of the time. Here is what I have found so far:<br /><br />Supplements:<br /><br />Magnesium Taurinate<br />Valerian Root<br />Apple Cider Vinegar<br />Rhodiola<br />Sam-E<br />L- theanine<br />Passion Flower<br />Niacinamide<br />Gabba<br /><br /><br />Treatments/Therapies:<br /><br />Massage<br />Acupuncture<br />Tai Chi/Martial Arts<br />Cold showers (need to look into this one further- doesn't make much sense to me)<br />Walking/Exercise<br />Yoga<br />Meditation<br />Abdominal Breathing<br /><br /><br />I would love it if you could share with me what has worked for you or someone that you know- I am absolutely open to suggestions.<br /><br /><br /><br />Be well!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570927572165285111.post-37224570486486870262008-12-28T17:56:00.000-08:002008-12-28T18:11:39.825-08:00Oh, What A Relief!I wanted to let you all know that after much thought, prayer, and consideration, I have decided not to have the defibrillator implanted at this time. I also came to the decision to come back and review my options in six months- that way I haven't completely closed the door on this issue.<br />I have to say that it is a tremendous relief to have this taken off of my shoulders. I hadn't been sleeping, and I found myself crying a lot over the idea of putting a foreign device into my body and having to rely upon western medicine for the rest of my life. It just didn't sit well with me at all! I am so grateful that I am now able to move forward into the new year with my focus being on health and growth, and not having to spend more hours in hospitals and doctor's offices. Some may be afraid that I will just drop dead without it, but honestly, my intuition is telling me that I am going to be just fine. I really do believe that what we choose to focus on increases, and if I am looking at my poor health and what the doctors have to say, I will be stuck in this place for the rest of my life. On the other hand, by choosing to look at how fantastic my life can be, how good it feels to be well, and how amazing it is to grow and move forward, I can achieve these desires and leave the sick girl in the past where she belongs.<br />Before I end this post I just want to wish you all a healthy and happy new year- we all deserve a fantastic 2009- and I hope that we can all heal, grow, and prosper together!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570927572165285111.post-35078830611694292232008-12-21T12:36:00.000-08:002008-12-21T13:05:21.770-08:00Learning to Trust My IntuitionThe last few weeks have been crammed with doctors appointments- what fun! I went to see yet another cardiologist and two other physicians who specialize in implanting defibrillators. All of them have recommended that I have the device put in, but they don't do much else to convince me that it's a good idea.<br />Between the first and second specialist, I had called my main cardiologist and asked her to give me a realistic percentage of how much greater my risk for sudden death is compared with the average population. She responded by saying that I have a 2-5% greater chance per year of having my heart go into irregular rhythm which can lead to sudden death without a defibrillator. Well, after hearing that, I was pretty much convinced that I didn't need the device put in my body, and I have to say that I felt such a sense of relief and joy, that the next few days I felt very positive and happy. I haven't felt this way in months, and I was grateful that I finally felt like I was moving on.<br />Then on Friday I went to the second specialist and he said that my chances of surviving over the next five years without the defibrillator was 80%, and if I did have it the number would increase to 85%. He also said that the device helped those with clogged arteries a bit more than someone with Cardiomyopathy and an otherwise healthy heart. Okay, at this point wouldn't you think that he would say that he did not recommend the surgery? I really felt that this doctor, the most conservative one at this facility, would say that it wasn't necessary at this time. Sadly, that wasn't the case. He said that he did recommend it, and he went so far as to say that it would be a shame that someone as young as myself would have their life cut short because I didn't go ahead with this. What?! Then he said that I would be an excellent candidate for a heart transplant should my injection fraction go down more (it's currently at 30% and a normal person is about 60%). Now, there I am sitting in his office trying to be calm and to remember that this is only his opinion and that he knows what he is talking about, but the more he spoke the more my neck became stiff and painful. My stomach also began to knot up. As much as I tried, I was not taking all of this very well. The straw that broke the camels back was when he pulled out the defibrillator in order to show me what it looked like, and I could not believe how stinking big it was? I mean, seriously people!<br />It may seem like I am being overly dramatic about all of this, but the thought of putting this foreign body inside of myself does not sit well with me at all. In fact, my mood plunged dramatically after the visit, and once again I felt the dark cloud of depression and frustration move over me again. I felt the same way when all of the doctors were telling me to go on heart meds, and in the end I gave in and my body rejected them. Is this my body's way of telling me that this is a bad idea? I am torn between listening to the "experts" and listening to my heart (intuition)- what if I make the wrong choice? What about all of those people that think I should move forward with this? What about what I WANT TO DO? <br />As you can tell, I am still a bit frustrated about the whole thing, but thankfully I have some tools that I can use to navigate through all of it: talking about it, praying, meditating,being still and allowing the answer to come, and finally I can really listen to what my body is telling me. The only area of uncertainty is the fact that I am not sure if my intuition is clouded by my fears and other peoples opinions, or if it is clear as a bell and I am afraid to follow it. All I know is that when I thought I wasn't going to go through with this I was thrilled, and now I am in turmoil again- that says a lot if you ask me.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570927572165285111.post-2091432648831228392008-12-06T10:48:00.001-08:002008-12-07T16:12:19.911-08:00Take the Time to Pamper YourselfI know that it's been a while since my last post, but that's due to the fact that I have had many doctors appointments and many things to evaluate and consider. I am being faced with task of deciding whether or not I will have a defibrillator implanted in my chest as a precaution against sudden death. Supposedly when you have Cardiomyopathy, there is a much greater risk of dying- the problem is that none of the doctors can give me a straight forward answer as to how much higher my chances are. It makes a big difference if you ask me!<br />I could get into the details of all of this fun stuff, but I have decided to blog about something else entirely: pampering yourself. I was given a wonderful gift certificate for a massage for my birthday in October, and I finally made the appointment and spent the afternoon indulging in the spa experience. I used the facilities, drank the cucumber water, was treated to a special birthday bath, and then I had a wonderful massage by a very gifted masseuse. The reason that I am telling you all of this is because I feel that we all need to practice self-love and self-care regularly. Unfortunately, if you are like me, you tend to put off taking care of yourself until you think you will have the time. Or until you get all of the items on your to do list checked off. At the rate I have been going it's no wonder I don't get around to taking care of myself like this too often.<br />Having a massage reminded me of how much we all need to pamper ourselves. It doesn't have to be a big event- you can light a candle and sit and relax, take a long bath, go for a gentle stroll, or buy yourself some flowers. Do something enjoyable and self-loving every day-especially if you have been ill. Life is too short to keep pushing yourself and never taking the time to stop and recharge your batteries. I realize that it's a busy and hectic world we live in, but in order to thrive I believe that self-care has to be on the top of our list. If we don't make ourselves a priority then who will? I am making a promise to myself to do something that brings me joy, makes me laugh, or let's me relax everyday- can you do the same for yourself? You will be glad that you did!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570927572165285111.post-67803361395657878852008-11-24T18:14:00.000-08:002008-11-25T15:52:47.341-08:00The Importance of Gratitude"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."<br />~ Melody Beattie ~ <br /><br /><br />On Wednesday I will be going out of town for a few days with my family to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, and it got me to thinking about how important gratitude is for all of us. In fact, it's absolutely essential in order to be happy- at least in my experience. Feeling gratitude and expressing it has done wonders for me. It has helped to pull me out of some of the darkest times of my life; the simple act of sitting down to write a list of what I am thankful for has shifted my perception completely over and over again.<br />Over the weekend I saw a friend of mine, and I was telling about how I have felt improvement in my physical condition. Then I went on to complain that I had gone on a walk and by the end of it I lost all of my steam and was very tired. I told him that I was disappointed in the way my body was holding up and he replied that at least I was doing better, and I had been able to do more than I had in the recent past. The conversation continued on in this fashion- I would gripe about something and he would throw it right back at me with a positive. He finally stopped me cold when he said that there is so much to be grateful for in all of our lives, and until we are able to see that and embrace all that we have, we can never be happy. He calls himself a glass half full person (who formerly was the opposite) and shared that it has brought him more contentment and joy than all of the years he spent feeling like he didn't have enough combined.<br />I have to say that I totally agree. No matter how badly I have felt physically or emotionally, I have always been taken care of. There has always been a better day around the corner, and I have always had things in my life to be grateful for. They say that what you give attention to increases, so why not make the good things in your life multiply, instead of creating more grief and frustration? I whole heartily recommend making a gratitude list everyday and letting it remind you of just how blessed you are. Even if you can't see it at that moment, the more you do it, the better you will feel. <br />I wish you all a peaceful and wonderful Thanksgiving, and remember to take a look around you and let in all of the things that you have to be thankful for!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570927572165285111.post-65749817211039762382008-11-16T18:39:00.000-08:002008-11-16T19:01:33.637-08:00Natural Treatments for DepressionOver the past few months- in fact it's almost been just about a year- I have been struggling with depression and anxiety. I have tried many medications over the years because I have gone in and out of depression a few times before, and almost all of them made me feel sick, or off in one way or another. Recently, I have been looking into natural ways to deal with my depression, and here is what I have come up with so far:<br /><br />Supplements:<br />Omega 3's<br />L- Tyrosine<br />SAMe<br />B-Complex<br />L-tryptophan<br />St. Johns Wart <br />Magnesium<br />GABA<br />Vitamin C<br /><br />Diet:<br />Elimination of allergic foods<br />Avoid gluten and wheat products<br />Limit sugar (including fruits)<br />Cut down on caffeine<br />Stop using artificial sweeteners<br />Limit alcohol consumption<br />Drink enough water<br /><br />Other:<br />SAD lamp if depression is worse in the fall and winter months<br />Get some form of exercise everyday<br />Take in some sun daily<br />Meditate<br />Take up a hobby<br />Go to a support group or therapy<br />Ask God and the Universe to help you find solutions<br />Love and accept yourself<br /><br />Please share anything that you may have found helpful on this topic - I appreciate whatever input you may wish to provide. I know for myself that life is too short to feel like you have nothing to look forward to, and I am hoping that I can find the best natural solutions so that I can enjoy my life (and pass this knowledge onto to you too!).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570927572165285111.post-10328498680668105132008-11-14T14:38:00.000-08:002008-11-14T14:46:00.617-08:00Invisible Illness CFIDS/FMS: B12 for the Brain and Central Nervous SystemHere is a great post that I thought I would share with you:<br /><br /><a href="http://fibroviv.blogspot.com/2008/08/b12-for-brain-and-central-nervous.html#links">Invisible Illness CFIDS/FMS: B12 for the Brain and Central Nervous System#links#links</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570927572165285111.post-74383128511385299052008-11-10T12:24:00.000-08:002008-11-10T12:37:37.598-08:00Finding Balance In A Crazy WorldI have always felt that achieving balance is a very important thing for all of us to strive for, especially in these tumultuous times. In addition, if you are struggling to overcome chronic illness, the need to be balanced is even more critical. I have a list of activities that I know bring me peace and serenity, but I have to admit that I get caught up in running around and getting things done, and then I pay for it by feeling sick afterwards. Not a great way to live your life if you ask me. Even if it is simply a way to remind myself, I am going to list some of the things that bring me peace and balance in my life:<br /><br />Prayer<br />Meditation<br />Tai Chi<br />Acupuncture<br />Helping other people- being of service<br />Journaling<br />Talking to someone who I can trust and who has my best interest at heart<br />Going for a walk<br />Swimming<br />Riding horses<br />Reading- especially an inspiring book<br />Going to church <br />Volunteering<br />Sitting out in the sun and soaking it in<br />Gardening<br />Putting my feet in the grass<br />Going to the beach and watching the ocean<br />Getting a relaxing massage<br />Doing things I have a passion for<br />Being out in nature<br />Learning about new subjects that interest and fascinate me<br />Being quiet and sitting with a heated pillow to warm and relax my body and mind<br /><br /><br />Those are some of the top things that I have done to help me find balance- sometimes I desire more energy; most of the time I need to just relax and let life happen. Feel free to share what works for you- I appreciate any suggestions and I will post them on my blog to share with others as well. Now go and do something good for yourself!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570927572165285111.post-15538462404681936692008-11-02T18:53:00.000-08:002008-11-02T19:11:30.275-08:00The Results Are InOn Friday I got a chance to speak with my Cardiologist about the results of my heart biopsy. It was just as I had imagined- they still cannot find the cause of my Caridomyopathy. In hindsight, this was very good news, but at the moment I was quite upset. In fact I felt devastated for a couple of days afterwards, to be completely honest. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I wanted them to find some terrible thing wrong with my heart; I just wanted an explanation. What in the world is causing my heart to only expand to about half of a normal person's capacity? This seems to be a great mystery for me, and up until yesterday, it was a question that I was determined to have answered. Not just because I want to know how someone my age winds up with a heart condition, but because I want to get better (dammit!) and if we knew the cause, then wouldn't we be able to hone in on a solution? Makes sense to me!<br />The conversation with my doctor was confusing, and at times she contradicted herself. I am now going to have to go and see a rhumatologist, and meet with a team of doctors to be evaluated for a defibrillator to be implanted in my body in case my heart just up and stops one day. FUN, FUN, FUN. Yes, I am still feeling a bit bitter about the whole thing, but I have chosen to stop trying to figure things out and just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Going over and over in my mind what I think is causing my illness isn't doing me any good- and for today I have decided to turn it over to God and relax as much as possible. I really have no business stressing about all of this- it just makes matters worse and I am still healing from the biopsy- so making the choice to stop struggling against this is a very good one indeed.<br />I have many calls to make tomorrow to doctors offices; I am debating on whether or not to call my Cardiologist back for some clarification. She is a fantastic doctor, but she doesn't have much patience when it comes to answering questions, and I have to get over the fear of pissing her off and just stick up for myself. I may also go and see another Cardiologist (yet another opinion) if I still feel that she isn't going to help me progress any further.<br />Well, that's the long and short of it for now. I am going to stay in the moment and once again do my utmost to trust that everything (even this) is working out for my highest and best good.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570927572165285111.post-55052333127620957992008-10-30T13:01:00.000-07:002008-10-30T13:23:20.790-07:00Staying In The MomentI was going to title my post "Waiting is Hard to Do," but since I have chosen to stay focused and positive, I feel that "Staying in the Moment" is much more appropriate.<br />I have been waiting to hear back about my heart biopsy results (which should be ready today or tomorrow), and I have to say that it hasn't been all that easy. On top of that, my body is still in the process of recovering from the procedure, so that has left me with a lot of time by myself to think and project about what they may have found, and what that might mean for my future. I am sure you can only imagine just how creative my imagination can be! <br />Anyway, I went to my primary care doctor this morning, and he didn't give me very much to be hopeful about. The one thing that helped to ease my stress a bit, was the fact that he said it takes much longer to recover from the heart biopsy than it does to get past the cardiac catherization. That was good news to hear, because I have been thinking that I should have bounced back from this already instead of feeling weak and in pain for the last few days.<br />He went on to say that I should not get my hopes up that they will find anything from my biopsy- even if something is detected, most of the time they can only treat the symptoms and not the cause. So my question was this (once again): why did I just go through all of that?!!! He replied that it was absolutely necessary to run the tests for my condition, and that it helps the doctors to rule out possible causes. It also will help us figure out what direction to go into, regardless of what the outcome is.<br />Well, once again I left the visit feeling rather deflated, and after coming home and resting a bit, I have realized that I have been looking for answers outside of myself once more. I know that the solution is in my Higher Powers hands. I know that He wants the best for me. I am also trying to get over blaming myself for having caused all of this- which I feel is essential to my wellness- and will do what I can to set my thinking back onto a better train of thought. Honestly, I haven't been reading or listening to any of the inspirational material that I normally add to my daily routine (except for my twelve step work), and I can feel an absolute downturn in my outlook. I am going to commit to all of you that I will (at the very least), lie down and listen to one of my Law of Attraction Cd's on my iPod. It never fails to make me feel better, and in fact, it just might get me back into right thinking again. I am so glad that I decided to post on my blog today- it has helped me to see that I do have a choice in how I feel, think, and act. Best of all, if I end up backsliding on my progress (which I feel I have) I can always get right back into it by listening to something inspirational. Which is exactly what I plan on doing!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0