Tag Archives: chronic health issues

Life Update | If You Stumble, Make It Part Of The Dance.

Posted in Life by

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“Once the storm is over you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, in fact, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.” – Haruki Murakami

***

I figured I would do a quick life update since I haven’t done one in awhile. Things have been stressful lately – between the new move, my beloved cat recently passing away and our new puppy being sick and in and out of the hospital, I haven’t been getting much sleep and my health has really been a struggle. I’ve been in a lot of pain and haven’t been able to do as much as I would like to. I have been trying my hardest to get everything done that I can on my good days and on the bad days I just give in and let my body rest as much as possible. After years of dealing with chronic health issues I have finally learned to say no when it’s too much for my body and I know when I should and shouldn’t push myself.

I am always working on staying positive and not letting the pain make me hard. I am looking forward to gardening soon. I have some projects I am working on that I am really excited about and I am thankful for the good days that I have and I don’t ever take a pain-free day for granted. It has made me more aware of the beauty in the world and has made me appreciate the little things in life so much more than I think I ever would have had I not dealt with so much pain for so long.

Onto some beautiful images I have taken recently:

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I am so thankful for Matthew and his love and compassion. I never thought I could feel so comfortable and so safe and supported. I fall more in love with him every day.

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“Do what you love. It’s going to lead to where you want to go.” — Wayne White

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Tayo and Tianna love each other. Who would have thought? Tayo is so gentle with her and watching them together brings me so much joy. They are the cutest duo I ever did see.

***

For all of my readers who also deal with chronic health issues, I feel your pain and frustration. I know how hard it is but remember you are not alone and there is a greater purpose for all of the pain. This quote below has been an inspiration in my life and I hope you find comfort from it as well:

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I hope you are all doing wonderful. Your support, comments and emails mean the world to me.

xoxo,

Britanie

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*All of my reviews are based on my own personal experiences with the brand/products. I am never paid to give my honest opinions and will only recommend products that I love and use myself! All Photographs are (C) Britanie Faith unless stated otherwise.*

Rest, relax, and be in a letgo.

Posted in Life by

“Rest, relax, and be in a letgo. Letgo is the secret of life. Letgo is the secret of religion. Letgo is the greatest secret. When you are in a letgo many things, millions of things, start happening. They were already happening but you were never aware.” – Osho

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ॐ Om ॐ

***

Lately I have been really trying even harder to stay present in the moment and to surround myself with the most positive of energies that I can. I have a lot going on with my health right now and I could easily choose to just give in to the stress and the frustration of it all, but instead I am trying to focus on the things I am not lacking in: i.e.- love, support, inspiration, faith, hope.

It can be very easy from an outsiders view to look in on someones life (especially nowadays with blogs, facebook, twitter, etc) and to judge someone’s life based on a mere glimpse of what that person chooses to share with the world. I try to share the things that are hopeful and happy in my life. I will not ever pretend that everything in my life is perfect because there is no such thing as perfection. I also will never be actively negative on my blog or any other source of an outlet for myself and others.

I believe in being honest and real but there is nothing good that can come from focusing solely on the painful and sad things in your life. It’s normal and okay to share those things with people you love and trust but always bear in mind that negative energy can easily be contagious and projected and is not usually ever useful for neither yourself or anyone else.

My goal in my life is to find ways to cope with the hardships I have been given for whatever reason they may be. I plan to take whatever possible good I can from every painful thing I experience, both physical, emotional and mental. From pain comes knowledge and strength. I choose to keep pushing on through the setbacks so that I can find the light at the end of the tunnel. No matter how bad things get there is always something to be thankful for.

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♥ Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health ♥

I am lucky enough to live very close by to Kripalu which is one of the most calming, beautiful and meditative spots around. I love to go here and take photos, explore the grounds, visit the cafe and shop and just sit and look out at the magnificent view.

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♥ St. Francis of Assisi ♥

Many of the stories that surround the life of St. Francis deal with his love for animals. Perhaps the most famous incident that illustrates the Saint’s humility towards nature is recounted in the “Fioretti” (“Little Flowers”), a collection of legends and folklore that sprang up after the Saint’s death. It is said that, one day, while Francis was traveling with some companions, they happened upon a place in the road where birds filled the trees on either side. Francis told his companions to “wait for me while I go to preach to my sisters the birds.”The birds surrounded him, intrigued by the power of his voice, and not one of them flew away. He is often portrayed with a bird, typically in his hand.

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♥ Organic Wild Rosehip Seed Oil  & 100% Pure Unrefined Shea Butter ♥

I have been wanting to try pure Rosehip seed oil for awhile now and when I found this one for just $15.95 I had to get it. It’s an added bonus that it’s Organic. I also picked up some more Shea Butter because I go through it so quickly and this one in particular is so soft, it’s almost whipped! It goes on like a dream. Both of these are super hydrating (and affordable!).

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I went to the ER yesterday afternoon after having severe spasms in my stomach for the past few days. It got worse yesterday and I decided it probably best to go get it checked out. I deal with chronic digestive issues on a daily basis but these spasms were consistent and different than usual. I spent four hours in the ER, had x-ray’s and blood work and thankfully they didn’t find anything serious. I am scheduled for exploratory surgery on Friday to rule out any possibility of an Ulcer, Diverticulitis, etc. If everything comes back normal than it’s most likely my Spastic Colon that’s causing the pain. I will feel better once I have everything ruled out though.

I will go back to what I said earlier in this post and that is that I am focusing on the good that came from this situation. I ended up meeting someone at the hospital who recommended a specific medication for my chronic nausea and so far it’s been life changing.

There is a reason for everything we experience (good or bad). It may not always be our destiny in this lifetime to know the reason why, but it is up to us to decide what to do with the information we are given and whether or not we wish to turn it into something positive.

xoxo,

Britanie

Find Me On…

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE | PHOTOGRAPHY | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM

*All of my reviews are based on my own personal experiences with the brand/products. I am never paid to give my honest opinions and will only recommend products that I love and use myself! All Photographs are (C) Britanie Faith unless stated otherwise.*

life update | a certain darkness is needed to see the stars.

Posted in Life by

I had my third Iron Transfusion yesterday which left me feeling pretty ill and achy to say the least. Matthew was here with me which helped immensely, he held my hand and rubbed my back. He is such a comfort to me in every way. Unfortunately he had to leave this morning to go back to Long Island. I hate saying goodbye. It is not easy seeing the person you love the most in the world only once a week. It’s hard. It hurts. The only thing that keeps me going is the strength of our love and the hope that we will be able to afford our own place very soon. I believe that slowly but surely things are looking up from here.

I wasn’t able to do my “What I’m Loving Lately” blog post on Saturday because I just haven’t been feeling good and I just didn’t even have the energy to type out a blog post. I will be doing one this weekend and it will be full of a lot of new and lovely things so keep an eye out for that. I am also doing a blog post on my favorite books for Fall over at my dear friend Cristina’s blog and I was asked to write for The Vogue Vegan on every Wednesday of the month about my favorite Vegan beauty products. I have some great projects happening right now and it feels wonderful… now all I need is for my body to feel wonderful and all is good in my world!

It was about 50 degrees out the other day and the sun was hiding behind the trees. There was that beautiful autumn glow outside that I love so much. I decided to get bundled up and go on a little stroll with my camera and added lenses in hand. I ended up getting some shots that I am really proud of and that really symbolize fall for me.

Matthew brought me back these beautiful earrings from Paris. I love them.

“It is always what I have already said: always the wish that you may find patience enough in yourself to endure, and simplicity enough to believe; that you may acquire more and more confidence in that which is difficult, and in your solitude among others. and for the rest, let life happen to you. believe me: life is right, in any case.”

— Rainer Maria Rilke

life update | I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.

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October is my favorite month in the world. I love the yellow and rich red leaves on the ground. The cool, crisp air. Layering clothes and wearing boots everyday. It’s been absolutely freezing out the past few days and I feel Winter nearing sooner than I would like it to. If only Fall could last forever. I still want to go apple picking, paint some pumpkins and take some beautiful fall photos. Matthew is coming here tomorrow (finally) he has been away in Europe for almost two weeks. It’s been really hard not seeing each other for so long and especially during my transfusions. I had my second iron transfusion on Wednesday and it was pretty rough. I had a dizzy spell from all the medications they gave me and I ended up staying in the hospital longer than expected. You know that you are on too many medications when they serve you hospital food and you think it’s the best thing you’ve ever eaten!

Today is the first day I actually feel like I have a little bit of energy. I think this is the first time I have worn makeup in a few weeks or have had any ounce of energy to put myself together nicely. I hope this is a sign of more good days to come. I’m staying positive as always!

“Sometimes you climb out of bed in the morning and you think
“I’m not going to make it” but you laugh inside
— remembering all the times you’ve felt that way.”

I was featured on one of my favorite blogs The Clean Beauty Blog where I talked in-depth about my current skincare routine. It’s been so fun to collaborate with other blogs and I have a few more things coming up soon that I will be working on that I am really excited about.

[outfit: melika boots from justfab.com, sweater from american eagle, blazer from the gap, hat from h&m, dress is thrifted, calla lily earrings from jewelmint.com]

[face: Jane Iredale Glow Time BB Cream (this is seriously the best foundation I have used in ages!!!!), Vapour Organic Beauty Illusionist Concealer, Pure + simple Blush, TheBalm Shady Lady Palette No. 2, lipstick in the color "Galaxy" by ZuZu Luxe and Ardell Demi Lashes.]

Presents from the lovely May Lindstrom. I will be doing a very in-depth review of every product from her line coming soon! So far I am absolutely madly in love with everything she sent me. Her packaging and products are so luxurious and she is one of the sweetest people in the world. Such an inspiration.

I knew they were secretly in love. I don’t think they meant to get caught but they did. cutest thing ever.

I put together this huge tin of organic loose lavender and chamomile tea and I’ve been drinking it every night before bed. It really helps to relax me. I love these two herbs on their own but I find that they work amazingly well in conjunction. I like to add a little bit of honey too, it’s a nice night time treat for the senses.

I looked after my 10 week old lovely nephew yesterday and it was the highlight of my week. his smile kills me!

and then to add to my happiness my sister in law sent me this photo of carter!! I said YES of course!!!

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xoxo,

Britanie

Staying positive despite setbacks.

Posted in Health, Life by

“I am
a series of
small victories
and large defeats
and I am as
amazed
as any other
that
I have gotten
from there to
here”

– Charles Bukowski

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I had 13 vials of blood taken this week. I am still very anemic but the reason for all of the blood work was to check up on my hormones to make a decision on whether or not I should start on natural Progesterone cream to help keep the Endometriosis at bay.

I have been in a lot of pain and have been vomiting a lot lately because my food just won’t digest. It’s been extremely frustrating and uncomfortable to eat and feel miserable immediately afterwards. I recently started seeing a new Acupuncturist. I have seen her twice already and really, really like her. She has given me some Chinese Herbs to take and she has worked with both Endometriosis and Gastoparesis so I feel very hopeful about it. I am not expecting to see instant results as I know sometimes Acupuncture and Herbs can take up to six months to really feel the full effect but I am hopeful that I will be able to see some results fairly soon.

I am still hoping that at some point I will be able to get my Esthetics license as I would really love to do that professionally. I have been considering it for years now but unfortunately my health has made it impossible to really commit to anything full time right now. I am praying every day that within the next year of doing acupuncture on a regular basis and eating a Paleo diet (no grains or sugar) and incorporating Qi-Gong, Yoga and Walking into my daily life that I will feel better enough to be able to work on my career as an esthetician.

I don’t expect I will ever be completely healed of all of my health issues but I do expect to be able to function more normally and to not be suffering on a daily basis. I am staying positive and although I allow myself times to cry and be frustrated and discouraged, I always force myself to focus on the amazing things in my life and the little things that make me happy and it helps me get through the day.

I encourage anyone who also suffers from chronic pain whether it be physical, mental or emotional to try your best to put any energy you can muster up into thinking about the things you are thankful for and the things that make you smile. It can be anything. Just focus on it and remind yourself of the good things in your life instead of dwelling on the bad.

and of course always remember that this too shall pass.

Sometimes I feel like my Camera is my therapist. Whenever I walk around with it in my hand and see things to photograph it feels so cathartic.

xoxo,

Britanie

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Keep Going (Dealing with Chronic Health Issues)

Posted in Life by

“Let everything happen to you,
Beauty and terror.
Just keep going,
No feeling is final.”

– Rainer Maria Rilke

I’ve been in a lot of pain this week and sometimes it gets hard to get out of bed, let alone put my makeup on and make a blog post with a smile on my face. If there is anything I have learned about living with chronic physical pain it is that every thing you do, every thing you say that is positive will help you so much in the long run.

Sometimes I am over eager to do more than my body is capable of doing and I don’t listen to my body and I push too much and I pay for it after. Sometimes it is worth it and other times it’s a big set back. I am learning to accept when my body can not do something and to not feel guilt about it.

I think a lot of people who deal with chronic health issues live with a severe amount of guilt. I know I do. Guilt that we aren’t doing as much as we should be. Guilt that we are disappointing friends and loved ones by having to cancel plans on short notice or just simply knowing that you cannot go somewhere with them because of how you are feeling physically. It can be really stressful and being stressed out only makes matters worse.

I am learning every day to not put pressure on myself and to not feel guilty if I cannot push myself as far as I or someone wishes that I could. I can only do the best that I can do for myself. My advice to anyone out there who suffers from chronic pain, physical or mental, don’t beat yourself up about it. Push yourself just enough to where you are comfortable. Don’t surround yourself with people who are not understanding of your situation.

If someone really loves you for you and wants to be around you they will see you for so much more than just your health issues and they won’t make you feel guilty about not being able to go places all of the time or for canceling plans. If anything they will be proud of you for even wanting to do so much regardless of how bad you are feeling. Just having the drive to do more is enough. If you feel that people in your life are not understanding of that then you need to re-evaluate who is in your core group of friends. A real friend would never make you feel bad for feeling sick.

Just because we live with chronic health issues does not mean that we are our health issues. We are so much more than that.

Keep on keeping on.

“Suffering has been stronger than all other teaching, and has taught me to understand what your heart used to be. I have been bent and broken, but – I hope – into a better shape.”

xo,

Britanie