Well hey there!
The last month has flown past while I’ve been busy writing, designing, coding, and, oh yeah – loving on my babies and my husband.
Here is some of what I’ve been up to:
Fighting the flu. The reports aren’t exaggerating — this strain is stubborn.
Finally answering (nearly) every imaginable question about going (and staying) shampoo free: Shampoo Free FAQ. If you have any additional questions, please ask! Not kidding - I’m happy to help anyone considering this.
Trying out other uses for baking soda (since I knew it had to be for more than just baking, hair care and cleaning counter tops).
Watching Alabama’s victory over Notre Dame (Roll Tide!!)
Helping Abbie finalize her application to ASFA.
Inviting y’all to come visit us in Birmingham. Seriously. It’s on Jetsetter.com’s list of the 6 places to visit in 2013.
Continuing to update on the latest Resources and News for parents and educators of gifted and twice exceptional children.
Creating some logos, web designs and graphics that I’m super proud of. I can’t wait for them to go live.
Taking the kids to Tuscaloosa for the first time, so they could watch the BCS Championship parade.
And, starting today, this:
.I happened to catch a post from Missy, at Almost Naptime, where she mentioned the book and that she was going to start on it. She mentioned that it is an anti-inflammatory diet, and that even foods that are healthy can cause inflammatory reactions. That caught my attention, so I sought out more information. I had a lot of questions and have watched her go through the first week and half (I’ve messaged her a lot… bless her heart…)
(Even though I do not have a Kindle, I downloaded the Kindle app and purchased the Kindle version
By the time you read this, I will have already weighed myself and drunk/drank/drinken (heh) 16 ounces of water with lemon juice (after weighing myself, thank you…), had a cup of dandelion tea for liver support, and eaten some flax seed granola with blueberries.
Why?
Because despite the fact that for the last 3 years I’ve been eating healthier than ever, I have struggled with chronic pain/autoimmune issues and, though I run 4 days a week, a slight weight gain. I want to find out if I’m reactive to any of the healthy foods I am eating, and I don’t want ‘slight’ to turn into ‘major’.
Speaking of my chronic pain, several people have asked and I still plan on having my IUD removed. Because I’m a new patient, I had to wait for an appointment, so I will keep updating here as I figure things out. It will hopefully be removed next month.
What are y’all up to? Do tell.
(The book link above is an affiliate link. If you purchase it using the link, I’ll toast you with some dandelion tea… thanks. ;) )
Don’t Be Afraid to Tell Your Story
Earlier this year, I wrote a post about something that happened in my life. It would be silly to try and deny that I was nervous and fearful about sharing it. I knew it would shake people and ruffle feathers.
For two years I’d held on to my story, afraid to tell it.
Ultimately, on that post, there were two unsupportive commenters (and several people who ‘unfriended’ me). One had a confrontational tone, whose intention, I imagine, was meant to embarrass me. I easily shrugged that one off.
But it was the second one that, months later, I still find myself pondering and tossing around in my mind.
I was told that some things do not belong on blogs and that my post was one of those things.
My story had no place on a blog. Even my own blog.
…insert long pause…
I had many thoughts about that comment and still do, because ultimately, the post wasn’t just about telling that particular story, but about the fear that I felt in writing it.
In telling my own truth.
My story.
And why?
Because… I was afraid that it would make others angry at me.
Or not like me.
{hate me.}
Do you know what?
Out of the hundreds of emails, comments, texts, tweets and phone calls I received, all but those two were able to relate in some way and applaud me for having the courage to write what I did.
Despite my fear.
Some of those people may not have even agreed with what I wrote; I don’t know… But they supported my right to tell my story and didn’t try to make me feel badly about doing so.
Why?
Because it was my story to tell.
From my perspective.
About my own experience.
Through self-examination.
When all was said and done, the story wasn’t even about what that commenter implied and was pissed off about. But rather it was about sharing something so that others could maybe… hopefully… learn from something I’d experienced.
I will always shake my head at that comment. But I will continue to tell my stories.
Despite the feathers they may ruffle or the way people may be made uncomfortable.
Not everything looks pretty from every angle, but everyone has a right to tell their own story.
And you should tell your own.
Without fear.
Without anxiety.
Unless you are making up your stories and selling them as ‘truth’.
In that case… you’re on your own.
photo credit