Bottled salad dressings are l.o.a.d.e.d. with salty goodness that makes veggies taste less veggie-like. If you’re doing the low-sodium thing, like me, this is a definite no-no. These dressings have to go far, far away from your fridge. As a replacement for a while I was using olive oil and…
A facebook friend of mine linked to a recent Huffington post article titled, “To the Parents of Small Children: Let Me Be the One Who Says It Out Loud.” I don’t have any kiddos (yet), but I just had to know what needed to be said out loud, so I…
Our owl made a grand appearance again last Friday. I call him “ours” because he’s a great “horned” owl, and we are the Horns. I don’t think that’s a coincidence. Each time he visits it feels like it’s just for us, and I am granting myself this one delusion. We…
I recently finished In the Kingdom of the Sick by writer, author and health activist Laurie Edwards. It is a fascinating exploration of the intersection between illness and society. Coping with chronic illness can have a narrowing affect on your life as you deal with daily symptoms and doctors appointments.…
There are an infinite number of ways to meditate, and just about infinite benefits that come from consistent meditation. The most important benefit, as it relates to coping with illness, is that meditation turns off our stress response system. This allows our body’s energy to be directed to repair and…
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.…
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…
“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…
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…
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…