Living Beyond The Bite

Our culture drives us to fill each moment of the day with so many opportunities. We have been conditioned to believe that we can have it all. The reality is we can’t. I am not going to sugar coat.

Adding challenges of food allergies will interfere and challenge us when we it is the most inconvenient.

It is so easy for me to get caught up each day in all the things I need to do, all the things that I want to do, and all the things that others want or need me to do. I often say yes because why not but really when you are saying yes to a new project you have to ask yourself what I am now going to say no to.

When I cave to the pressure of piling on too many added tasks and projects then I not only overwhelm my mind but I also overwhelm my immune system.

Time is finite meaning we only have so much of it. The only way we can add time back and stay on top of our health is to work to take that time back.

Learning that I have a serious potential life-threatening food allergy has challenged me if I can be honest. Alpha-Gal syndrome has created limits on my health and really my time also. In order for me to stay healthy it isn’t just about not eating the foods that I am allergic to. It is also about staying organized, making sure I am prepared when I travel for work or pleasure, and of course cooking ALOT more!

I’ve said no to alot of things over the past 4 years which saddens me sometimes. But it has created alot of opportunities to engage in new things and has shifted my perspective on what is really important. Here are a few things that I have learned:

1. Take care of yourself first! While this seems like a very selfish statement if I don’t take care of myself first, then I can’t care for others when they need me. These are things I work towards:
   • Stay Hydrated
   • Get Sleep
   • Don’t Overcommit
   • Eat Right
   • Moving My Body
2. Be prepared. This is so important. There are so many things I can’t eat! I have to take time to shop, stock up, not overspend (dietary issues can be expensive), meal prep, and cook. That is in addition to the very busy full time job I have, volunteering at church, and making time for my husband and my family.
3. Give yourself some grace. I don’t get it right every day. I haven’t gotten quite a few things right this week but I have gotten many other things right and that deserves to be celebrated!
4. Make good choices. This is easier said than done but the more I choose to lean into my life instead of listening to what culture says then the happier I am with the choices that I make.

The more I apply these things in the list above helps keep me on tract in creating boundaries.

I still have that desire to say yes to all the things I want to do in life.

I still want good food!

I still want to live a full life.

Alpha-gal syndrome has just taught me that “having it all” comes at a price. I am determined to live a full life in spite of a tick bite.