The Many Reasons Why I Write About My Health

Day # 4: I write about my health because… Reflect on why you write about your health for 15-20 minutes without stopping.   

  

People ask me all the time, "how do you have time to blog on top of college, and life?" I'll tell you a little secret: It is my blog that keeps me going

I started my blog back in 2011 as a way to help myself. I knew I needed a little "kick in the butt" to get me back into the kitchen, but there was also something within me that allowed me to say, "I'm ready to share my story with the world." 

                  I honestly had no idea what I was getting myself into.

I was inspired by fellow gluten-free bloggers, yet none of them were my age. At the time, I wasn't aware of many GF college bloggers. While I hoped my blog would attract many different audiences, I hoped it would be a resource for other college students like myself. 

I'll tell you another secret: When I was younger I hated to write. 

Now, it relaxes me

Blogging about my health, and sharing my experiences with others, fostered a new found love for writing. It is another way that I can express myself and distress. This was particularly helpful last year, when the gym was off limits due to my foot injury. Before I started my blog the best way to distress was to get in a good, hard workout. However, when I hurt my foot and the gym was off limits, I turned to blogging. The more I immersed myself into writing the more I loved it. One of my favorite ways to unwind at night is by turning on my favorite music, while sitting in front of my computer blogging. 

Before I started my blog I was broken 

Now, I have a voice 

My blog has pushed me to advocate for myself. It has pushed me to try new foods, to not fear the "new experiences", and has allowed me to heal. Most importantly, my blog has allowed me to have a new lease on life. The more I write the more empowered I become. I have expressed my honest emotions with you all. I have spoken about the challenges, and joys of being g-free, but the thing that I am most proud of is the gratitude I have found through receiving this diagnosis. 

I blog for those still searching for answers 

It took me a long time to receive a diagnosis. Maybe an individual is going through the process of getting diagnosed with celiac or gluten-sensitivity, or maybe its a completely different diagnosis. I blog to let them know that life doesn't have to stop after receiving a diagnosis. Life is too precious. No matter how bad the pain is, I hope my blog inspires others, spreads hope, and allows us to appreciate the simple joys in life. 

I blog to spread awareness 

1 in 133 americans have celiac disease. The number is even higher when it comes to gluten sensitivity. So many don't even know it effects them. However, this awareness also comes from a different place. I blog for those who love someone with celiac or gluten-sensitivity. I hope sharing my raw emotions helps them understand what it's like to live with this condition, helps them understand things like cross contamination, and shows them we can still eat really good food! 

I can remember how scared I was to share my first poem. It spoke about emotions that I had never shared with anyone, but I felt if I had experienced this, someone else  probably felt the same thing. 

I continue to write about my health to let you know, 
you are never alone.