Elizabeth Gilbert sat on Oprah’s couch and revealed a question she asks herself. I grabbed my phone and typed it into the notes app. I’ve journaled on it a few times since. What do I really, really, really want? I distinctly remember Elizabeth saying that the 3 “really’s” were important.…
Symptom Mind Games
I sometimes joke that I’m on “Symptom Watch 2013.” As I come closer to kidney failure, my doctors have warned me that I may begin experiencing symptoms of uremia (a buildup of uremic acid) soon. This has resulted in a whole series of mind games. Every completely normal yawn, itch…
Native Foods Cookbook
“We just ate at the best restaurant. Have you heard of Native Foods?” It was my dad on the line excitedly telling me about a new vegan restaurant that moved in just down the street from his home. He isn’t vegan, but has professed, on several occasions, his love for…
Laughing at Illness
My favorite thing on this Friday is laughter. I mean, who doesn’t love laughing? When you have an chronic health condition, it is practically essential. Of course funny movies are good. Modern Family and The Big Bang Theory can be hilarious, but could you find humor in your own medical…
Seek Love First
Deepak Chopra tweeted, “If we seek happiness first, everything else will follow.” What do you think “everything else” is? Money? Love? Health? The message implies that if you want specific things the way to get them is through happiness. This sets up a qualifier. I’m seeking happiness, but really I…
Sitting in the Sun
I recently read Bossypants by Tina Fay. It is a really funny book. Toward the end of the book she has two chapters titled: Remembrances of Being Very Very Skinny Remembrances of Being a Little Bit Fat Both are less than two full pages. Mainly a list of things she…
One Year Vegan-versary and a Trip to the Farm Sanctuary
It has been one delicious year since Phillip and I made the decision to be 100% full-time vegans. We first toyed with the idea after a coworker lent me the book Skinny Bitch. Yes, Phillip got curious and ended up reading it too (it’s what prompted him to become vegetarian).…
33 Ways to Relieve Stress
Stress causes a physiological reaction similar to what would happen if we were under attack. Our blood pressure increases, our heart rate becomes more rapid and our focus narrows. The body is concentrating on survival. Fight or flight. In practical terms, this stress reaction limits your options. It is hard…
In Honor of Mom
It is easy to overlook unconditional supporters who cope with your illness right along with you. They too feel stressed, shed tears, ask questions and advocate for your health. This is an especially heartfelt job for a mom. I have no clue how my mom managed the medical intricacies and…