Feel Grateful For The Body You Live In
The other day I was on Instagram, and saw a message from one of my favorite accounts. So I hopped on over to visit @AmberRomaniuk and took a look at her latest post. It said: “Feel Grateful For The Body You Live In.” And I do. I love yoga, walking, and hanging out on my Bongo Board to play and practice balancing. There are so many parts of me that are working. And compared to most people who have suffered from MS for decades, I am thriving.
Do I Feel Grateful?
So, I asked myself, do I feel grateful? The answer is complex. And it includes this part: NOT ALWAYS. Living with three autoimmune diseases and the BRCA and MTHFR genetic mutations has become a full time job.
Will I Work Again?
Someday, I may be able to work and travel again and not lead a restricted lifestyle. And, that may not ever happen. My life may continue to be limited. Beyond a doubt, I am grateful for everything at my disposal when it comes to dealing with my health. I have the brains and financial resources to be totally empowered and make fantastic decisions. Still, there are so many factors that are far beyond my control.
Living In Limbo
Although I’ve done everything in my power, I live in limbo. Since 2014, I’ve had no idea what the next day will bring in terms of my health. Will I be able to go to the things I have planned? Or will I be home bedridden, exhausted, and barely able to function. This past year, 2018 was my toughest ever. Although I cannot go into detail here, I can tell you, it was the first time I worried every single day that I’d end up in a wheel chair. I’ve had a better year in 2019 and seem to be on the mend, but still, never know what’s around the corner.
Losing a Career
I’ve gone from writing books, going on tour and appearing on Fox News to speak about diet and health, to spending my life in medical offices. Doctor appointments and multiple forms of physical therapy rule my days. And still, I have so much more than I could ever express here to be thankful for. It’s confusing to say the least.
Look On The Bright Side
Life is strange. When you lose something that you had it doesn’t ever really feel good. Often I make my days a practice in acceptance. And I’ve become very zen about my life and accepted it for what it is. Still, having always been out and about in the world, and worked since I was eight years old, there’s a missing piece. I did not retire by choice. I was forced into it. And there’s a deep sadness about this loss.
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Are You Living In Limbo?
Is your life hanging in the balance of a bunch of medical issues? Has it gone on for a long time? What has it stopped you from doing? And what do you still enjoy and love most? Life is complicated, so leave a comment and let me know how you’re doing friends! This community is one of the juiciest things in my life and keeps me going every single day.
Kathryn says
I feel that you are still working, but in a different way. Your blog is work. Research and writing is work. And, taking care of yourself is part of your work. Or, at least I think so.
Elana says
Thanks for your sweet and thoughtful comment Kathryn!
Kathryn says
You’re welcome.
In reading more comments, I wonder how much autoimmune disorders can be triggered by all the free glutamates in the modern American diet from all the processed foods. You might find the video at unblindmymind.org interesting. And, once triggered it takes an incredible amount of work to reverse it, if possible.
I am going to start using Moringa Leaf powder in the near future. I just want to make sure my doctor (who referred me to a naturopath) is on board as it purportedly improves thyroid function. This means fairly frequent blood tests to keep track of what’s going on. A friend dowsed moringa leaf for me and got 9 on a scale of 10 with no contraindications. Luckily for me, my issues are relatively moderate to minor.
I found out about Moringa Leaf from a You Tube video of a man talking about how it reversed his rheumatoid arthritis.
Many blessings Elana. I hope things improve for you.
Elana says
Kathryn, thanks for your comment! I totally agree and posted about glutamates here in 2014:
https://elanaspantry.com/is-store-bought-chicken-broth-unhealthy/
Thanks so much for keeping in touch!
Elana
Ky says
Thank you for sharing your experience. I can relate in so many ways. One day at a time, I more have to concentrate on one step at a time. Onward and forward. No looking back. I am being more kind to myself and putting me first. Thank you for mentioning the bongo board, I’m going to order one. I need all the help I can get. Fan from afar for a long time.
Thank goodness for you.
Silent fan Kelly G.
Sw Wa.
Elana says
Ky, thanks for chiming in (once silent fan)! Be sure when you start on the bongo board to do it on carpet so that it is not too wacky and challenging! I hope you’ll stop back by and let me know how it goes :-)
Marylou Montgomery says
Hi, Elana! Don’t fear the wheelchair! I’ve had MS for almost 50 years ( diagnosed 30 years ago). Have needed to permanently use a power chair for the past 20 years. It actually freed me up to enjoy more mobility. I drive a van with hand controls and wheelchair lockdown, and although some issues keep me close to home, I still enjoy life and family. Your accomplishments are many, your outlook is amazing, and you will continue to adjust beautifully. Thank you for all you do for us; I love your recipes, and your insightful messages for all!
Elana says
Marylou, thanks for sharing this inspiring comment with me. Hugs to you :-)
Liesel says
Elana – You’re such an inspiration to everyone you encounter; Your heart is so genuine and real and you are truly a breath of fresh air in a society that is constantly providing platforms to promote “fakeness.” Thank you so much for sharing your story, your real struggles, and your seemingly endless knowledge that is helping so many people. You are so appreciated!!!
Elana says
Liesel, pronounced with a “z” I think this is from you. Big hugs and can’t wait to see you! ❤️
Joan Seliger Sidney says
Hi Elana, I’ve been living with MS since my first exacerbation, Oct. 1965, when I had just turned 23. Luckily, I’m still married to my devoted husband of 54 years & I was able to have 4 great children, a career as teacher & writer (which I’m still continuing), & a marvelous life, which keeps getting better. I adaptive ski & will ski at Breckenridge in the Hartford Ski Spectacular Dec. 8-15. OK, I spend too many hours swimming 1/2 mile of laps, going to PT, & doing therapeutic riding, but strangers come up to me at the gym to say I inspire them. I’ve learned a lot from living with MS & being in a wheelchair (something I did my darndest to avoid, but Copaxone wasn’t available to prevent that from happening). Please checkout my website: http://www.joanseligersidney.org . I’d like to hear from you. I love your gluten-free recipes. All the best, Joan
Elana says
Joan, thanks for your wonderful and inspiring comment!
Bonnie Mann says
Dear Elana, Thank you for opening your heart the way you do. Please know that we do hear you and follow you closely even if we don’t respond often. I look forward to all of your posts, have enjoyed your recipes for years and know that a tremendous amount of research is behind everything you do. Thank you for that. Also, know that you are a bright spot in MY day.
Elana says
Bonnie, thank you for being here when I open my heart! Your comment is such a bright spot in my life –very grateful for you :-)
mary burruss says
You are an inspiration to me. I understand how difficult it is to live life with restrictions. You are so right that the attitude of gratitude is so important. Thank you for all your healthy recipes and thoughts.
Elana says
Mary, thank you!
Sharon Slocum says
I have just finished an amazing workshop with Anita Moorjani who wrote a book called, Dying to be Me. She views illness from an entirely different perspective than Western doctors and healed herself from a terrible illness. I’m sure you have tried everything but perhaps you might be open to hearing what she did. Many at the workshop found her amazing and had healed themselves from their previous illnesses. My prayers are with you Elana.
Elana says
Sharon, haven’t heard of it, but just ordered it due to your recommendation :-)
Jessica says
I really and sincerely know it doesn’t take away the ouch, but clearly your illnesses have given the world something we wouldn’t have had, were you not uniquely you -all of you- including, and especially, every limitation you continue to work with, daily. I was just thinking about how many times I’ve been taken “out of life” through body-spirit crises. I realized my highest calling (and value!) is personal integration and healing, so…the fact that I often couldn’t or cannnot do things everyone else can means that sometimes it’s simply just impossible to do two things at once. I am doing other precious work, which does eventually show itself through what I offer others. Not to oversimplify a hard path, but today this brought me lightness :)
Grateful for your courageous Soul path, and that it has brought you to us.
Elana says
Jessica, what a thoughtful comment and thanks for the reminder that while there is still an ouch, my illnesses have given something to the world. I wish we could sit quietly and mediate together ❤️
Leanne Vellacott says
Thank you Elana for been so open and raw about your struggle with MS. Having gratitude can support you daily in feel ok.
Been a full time carer to my husband. I also have given up so much in my life. However there is always time for selfcare and keeping fit.
Your journey is long and hard, you write you cook and look at nature and live in the moment. Enjoy those moments! Thanks for the great recipes.
Elana says
Leanne, thanks for your beautiful comment!