Turning 30 felt more significant to me in many ways. Of course, there is a societal aspect of pressure involved in turning 30 and being in a certain place in life but this was different. This birthday really felt like a milestone for health. I needed to prove to myself that I could be just as strong, if not stronger, than I was before I got so sick. I truly feel like I was robbed of 2 years of my life (directly following the two years that grad school took). Illness stole my energy, my strength, my happiness, and tested my faith and, on occasion, my will power. I tried not to give up hope so I gave myself an imaginary timeline. By the time I turned 30, I told myself I would be strong, I would run, hike, be awake all day, play with my kids, and discover the purpose for my illness. I am proud to say that the weekend before my 30th birthday I spent 5 days hiking and exploring. I cooked and and ate incredible food, that I wasn't afraid of, all in a TRAILER! I am prouder to say that I have found the purpose of this whole mess, or rather, it found me. I spent so long wondering if I'd ever have a good day and now I have so many good day it is hard to even recognize the bad ones. All of the fear, hard work, and discipline with my diet (all the times people asked me "so what can you eat?"), sleep and alternative medicine has paid off 10-fold. More exciting and more joyful than my own health journey: I have discovered the reason for being sick was to teach me empathy for others struggling down this path. I pray every day asking for more people to help, to let me help them win their battle. My journey is clear now and my future looks bright. I am so grateful for my tribe and my community for getting me where I am and grateful that "30" provided such a beautiful deadline for the hardest part of my calling. Please accept my humblest gratitude for the birthday greetings and well wishes, especially to those who made time to see me, this year meant the most all. Thank you.
Now is the time to seek health and wellness. I'd sure love to help you if I can.
In health,
Sharissa
