It’s the dawn of a new day, a new month, a new year, a new life. In this post apocolyptic, chemo-infused phase of my life, I have decided to take control of my mind, body and spirit, one day at a time. I am blessed to have a partner who shares in the vision and philosopies of a whole food, plant-based diet, invigorating but enjoyable exercise, beaucoup de laughter and, at the end of the day, the serenity of a beautiful sunset framed by tropical foliage and fauna.
There is nothing I loathe more than a self-righteous proselytizer, so far be it from me to become one in this metamorphosis of my own. But since I have shared my journey from diagnosis through surgery, radiation, chemo and beyond, I figured why stop now? I have found a path that resonates with my soul, the very essence of my being, and I have found the strength and courage to follow that path despite the naysayers and pharm-motivated medical advisors.
So this new path is not without its challenges, especially at the onset. Having been raised in the heartland of America, I was a fully indoctrinated, card-carrying, meat, dairy and potatoes kind of gal. A side of salad was a nice addition of color, but not at all necessary to growing strong bones and ensuring longevity. That’s a tough mindset to debunk and even tougher to leave in the dust in the rearview mirror. But leave it I have. Not without trepidations at first, I can assure you. I was hungry, crabby and just feeling like crap all the time. I had no energy, and wondered if this path was just a trendy, new-age scam of some sort. A glass of Pinot Noir would be great, but the sugars were antithetical to this new dietary lifestyle. Not to mention a chocolate lava cake, a lucisous slice of brie on bruschetta, and some chicken in tarragon cream sauce. Hmmmm. Not even a piece of grilled sea bass??? Nope. Not even. For a self-proclaimed home gourmet, this was not easy. I mean, how many ways are there to prepare carrots, celery and brocolli, for heavens sake?! How many smoothies does it take to fill you up during the day? (Answer, a lot. At least at first.)
Well, I have made it through the initial phase of this transition and I must admit, I feel better. The most exciting part for me, being somewhat vain even at this stage of my life, is that my hair and nails are coming back!! Yea!! Double and triple YEA!! The thinning, bald spots on the back of my head are FINALLY filling in rather nicely, if I do say so myself. Praise the lord (and DON’T pass the gravy!) All those natural and pharm produced supplements did not promote a strand of hair growth, I must say. Another interesting result of note…I have lost some weight (yea!) and my acid reflux is GONE! And I just plain feel better, now that I’m through the suffering from all that detoxification.
My Mountain-Dew-and-Snickers for breakfast husband is totally on board with this new lifestyle of eating plant based foods as well. Who would have thought that possible?! It is so great to have a support system and companion on this new path, believe me. Walking through the downtown central market and being accosted by the delicious aromas of deep fried pollo is enough to make me run to the kiosk and buy them out. But those temptations are fleeting, thankfully, especially with my partner by my side steering me to the local feria for fresh fruits and veggies. And maybe a Pipa Fria as a treat. Yum.
We are traveling to Europe tomorrow…so our commitment and will power will be tested to the max. We have agreed to allow ourselves some leeway on the diet on this trip, because you only live once (or do you?) and we don’t want to set ourselves up for failure for the long term. Just wanted to share how blessed I feel and am, and how grateful I am for all that I have been to become all that I am. Love and light…
Namaste.
PS I took this picture of the sunrise off our patio this morning, which inspired me to write in my blog once again 🙂
Aug. 6, 2016
Judy Richter 