So you’ve probably heard this analogy before - a caveman is chased by a predator (like a tiger) and defends himself or runs for dear life. Obviously, his "flight-or-flight" mechanism kicks in. Adrenaline floods the bloodstream and his heart rate and blood pressure rise...
Read MoreLast Christmas morning was the first one in half a decade in which I didn't wake up feeling like I'd been run over by a truck. Over the years I had grown to dread the holiday season. Everyone around me was basking in the glow of the colorful lights, festive parties, child recitals, and favorite traditions while I was laser-focused on watching every morsel of food I put into my mouth and mustering any amount of energy I could to just get gifts under the tree...
Read MoreEver heard the story behind the phrase a “canary in a coal mine”? Many of you with environmental or chemical sensitivities probably know it all too well. But just in case you’re unfamiliar…
According to the Smithsonian this mining tradition took place from 1911 to 1986. They were sent into coal mines ahead of time to detect carbon monoxide and other toxic gases before those gases could hurt humans...
Read MoreComing off my month long infection-busting protocol (and feeling AWESOME!), I've had a difficult time wanting to jump back in to eating all the "regular" food. When you eliminate basically every possible inflammatory food for your body for a good chunk of time you give yourself a chance to come back into balance...
This isn't your typical waffles and maple syrup, obviously, but it's my savory take on the concept and it's even good enough to receive my middle schooler's stamp of approval...
Read MoreLast weekend my extremely laid back, fun-loving, ever-present good friend sensed my left-brain logic kicking up in the midst of our conversation. I couldn't help it. It's the way I've always operated. Ask me a question these days about nutrition or pathogens or toxins and I'll get all cerebral on you! I like to try to make sense of things even if it sends me down one rabbit hole after another in my mind.
Then she said calmly, ...
Those of you following me on Instagram may have heard about the month-long, infection-busting protocol my son and I are in the midst of completing. In addition to taking heavy doses of herbal supplements (like maitake mushrooms, olive leaf extract, and many more), we're on a very limited diet in an effort to avoid as much unnecessary inflammation as possible. Cooking becomes a bit challenging without grains (with the exception of rice), dairy, nightshades, nuts, coconut, soy, legumes, chocolate, coffee, eggs, ferments and sweeteners (including maple syrup and honey).
Read MoreHow many of you have felt isolated and even rejected in the midst of your dis-ease?
What happens when you’ve sung that hidden illness tune so many times that your song is no longer heard?
Maybe it started with the doctors who couldn’t see anything wrong with you in their impersonal work-ups.
Read MoreRemember those high school or college days when you were given an assignment weeks in advance and just couldn’t quite figure out how to manage your time to avoid cramming everything into an all-nighter in the final hours? Maybe you received the instructions for the paper or the upcoming exam and thought, “Whew, I have plenty of time for this. It’ll just take a little bit of effort every day and I’ll ace this thing!”
Read MoreModern day society values hard work. Most of us are brought up to believe that success can only arise out of blood, sweat and tears. That’s how we can become the best versions of ourselves. That’s how we can accomplish greatness. That’s how we can be happy.
Problem is, all this hard work, or being busy, actually distracts us from being happy!
Read MoreLike many you I felt that I had given up so much in my life in an effort to heal.
I gave up gluten, dairy and a laundry list of other foods in an effort to heal my gut.
I made this mean that I had given up on enjoying restaurant meals and social events with friends.
I gave up my high paced career when my energy was no longer available to sustain this lifestyle.
I made this mean that I wasn't really the accomplished woman with whom I had so strongly identified for decades.
This is the second part of my series where I share with you some of the many books that have been instrumental in guiding me on my healing journey...
Read MoreMany kids have trouble getting a handle on their anger. My parents will certainly tell you I did! For some, these emotionally charged outbursts continue into adulthood. It took me a very long time to figure out that my short fuse made me feel powerful and was really a disguise for a whole host of more vulnerable emotions like sadness, embarrassment and shame that I wasn't willing to face.
Read MoreThe topic of leadership has been bouncing around in my head ever since my son confessed his fears about being an effective leader for the new, younger boy scouts this weekend... As we talked through his dilemma I couldn’t help but think about how we all face a similar struggle every moment of every day as we choose how to be the best leader for our inner worlds, our most significant leadership role...
Read MoreSince implementing a mindful eating practice I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my energy levels after meals. Slowing down to acknowledge a meal that you are about to eat and savoring the bites as they touch your lips may seem like a luxury we just don't have the time for these days (not to mention a bit odd), but there is real evidence that this practice translates into health benefits for you.
Read MoreI thought it would be fun to share with you some of the many books that have been instrumental in guiding me on my healing journey...
Read MorePicture yourself waiting for an elevator late at night, all alone in a quiet building. You push the button and search inside your bag for your keys as your mind wanders through any number of busy thoughts. Suddenly the elevator door opens and you're startled to see a strange man, who for some reason, makes you afraid...
Read MoreHope for the best, but plan for the worst. That way I won't be disappointed. That way I hold on to a sense of control. That way I don't risk failure.
Read More"If a brain that has missing parts can learn to work around the gaps, then surely a brain that has all its parts, but is misfiring, can learn how to function harmoniously again!"
-Norman Doidge, The Brain That Changes Itself
