Do you think everything happens for a reason? I do. I've always believed in a celestial force that is rooting for me, nudging me towards my life's purpose, providing endless growth opportunities, chance meetings and auspicious guidance. If we see all life's events as lessons, even the failures, the heartbreaks and illnesses will inevitably unveil deeper meanings and hidden clues.
In the pursuit of excellence, we willingly endure the price of transformation, while at times we cling to the familiar, kicking and screaming as change becomes inevitable. No matter how we get there, it's a magical moment when life seems to fall into place and evidence of divine intervention becomes clear.
My world shattered in 2018 New Years Day , when I woke up one morning with firey-red rashes, eczema and bumps from head to toe. Besides the intense burning and itching on my face and entire body, my face had swelled more than 3x its normal size and my eyes were almost completely swollen shut with crusty burned eyelids. I felt like a monster, and the person staring back at me in the mirror was frighteningly unrecognizable.
I was absolutely miserable in every sense of the word. I couldn't sleep, I couldn't go anywhere, I couldn't work. I could barely stand to be in my own skin. I kept thinking, "How the hell can this happen to me?!?!" I eat a fresh, organic, highly plant based diet, I exercise, do yoga and meditate regularly. I've devoted my life to the health and beauty industry and spend countless hours studying, writing and researching topics related to longevity and healthy aging. I am NOT allowed to have a health crisis!! But that's exactly what happened. I had no choice but to accept my fate, and deal with whatever it was.
At first, I couldn't remember any of the things that were important to me. Everything, including my "life's mission" seemed inconsequential. All I cared about is "fixing" myself and figuring out what went wrong. My healing journey began with letting go of everything I felt I SHOULD be doing... and instead, surrendered to what was happening now.
Suspecting the toxic fumes that were released from the horrible fires over the holidays, I immediately installed high quality air filters and water filtration systems. After numerous doctor visits, a slew of blood tests, Vitamin IV, ozone therapies, herbs, topical salves, a strict vegan and gluten free diet and small fortune later, I am finally looking and feeling myself again.
Although, I am still dealing with hypersensitivity to food, chemicals and environmental pollutants, I TRUST my body and know I have risen out of the ashes and am steadily moving towards a better me, new and improved, eyes wide open.
With the ferocious flu epidemic, bronchial infections and auto-immune diseases on the rise, if we don't protect ourselves from the increasing dangers of poor air quality, EMF's, pesticides, chem trails, processed foods, clothing made from synthetic dyes and GMO crops, and the plethora of chemical laden consumer goods, we will surely pay the price.
Wellness is not only the absence of disease but by feeling good and enjoying life. When we are in a continual state of chronic stress, either from emotional or chemical sources, our immune systems become taxed and depleted making us more susceptible to premature aging, health issues and ultimately a shortened life span. The good news is managing modern day "stressors" is completely in our control and simply involves awareness, consistent self-care rituals and a holistic toolbox. When we make the best choices we can in each moment, we are investing in ourself, our health and our future.
For holistic ways to beat stress, read 20 Holistic Tips to Beat Stress