My Physical Challenges and How I Stay Positive

As we enter the new year, I have been extremely introspective trying to wrap my brain around the physical challenges I have been faced with. 

I believe that it is our choice to be happy and to follow our dreams no matter what happens to us. We get one shot at this life and it is up to us to make the most of our journey. Once we stop fighting what we cannot control, our life becomes beautiful. If you are going through something challenging in your life, allow yourself to cry, be sad, and to sleep the days away if that is what your body needs to recharge. Just don't get stuck there!  

We can take everything that happens to us (good or bad) and use it to learn, grow, and help others. Nothing happens to us by accident. I believe the Universe gives us challenges as guidance and wake-up-calls to change our path in life. We need to detach from our pain and sadness and figure out what we are supposed to learn. Are you happy? Do you love your life? If you said no, and you truly want to be happy, then it's time to do some serious work to change that. Here are some of my favorite books that have helped me more than I ever thought possible.

It is crucial to take care of yourself and eat healthier than you ever have in your life! Your body needs premium fuel to heal weather you are dealing with something physical or emotional. 

If you need to stay in bed, find other ways to be productive like reading and learning. Spend time with people you love and do things to make other people smile. Invite a friend over and have a movie night. You get what you give so reach out and share the love! 

Do things that make you feel good about yourself and make you feel beautiful. Do your hair, paint your nails, put on some lipstick, and a dab of your favorite perfume. This is always a quick way to lift my spirits :-)

I have been focusing on all of the incredible gifts I have been given in my life. I have amazing friends, an amazing family, and my precious little granddaughter Paityn!

I am so grateful that my incredible Daddio has tackled another year living with small cell lung, brain, and adrenal cancer. He inspires me with his strength and determination to enjoy every day to the fullest.

I have an amazing, kind, loving, and incredibly supportive husband Ransom. He is my rock! We live in a beautiful home and my life is everything I have always dreamed of. 

So when life is great why do people still have to suffer? Why does my Dad have to live with cancer? Why was I chosen to live with chronic pain for the rest of my life? Why was I hit by a drunk driver while I was walking? Why do I have to go through another major surgery? WHY CAN'T MY LIFE JUST BE PERFECT???

BECAUSE IT ALREADY IS!!! This is my perfect life and my perfect journey. I embrace it all and I will use everything that I have learned to become a better person.

On February 29, 2016 I am scheduled for another surgery. My body has rejected three pieces of mesh that were used to repair my incisional hernias. These hernias were caused by a two level lumbar prodisc replacement through my abdomen.  The mesh has made it's way through my abdominal wall and is touching my intestines. For months I have been dealing with extreme exhaustion, pain, swelling, and digestive issues that continue to get worse. The surgeon will be removing the mesh and making sure there are no holes in my colon. He will then create a giant hernia and attach a large sheet of mesh between my abdominal muscles so it will not move again. I will be in the hospital for a full week and recovery time is two months of bed rest. Honestly, I am terrified! But I know I have the strength inside of me to get through this. I will be focusing on a perfect outcome and everything positive in my life. 

For now I need to rest and nourish my mind and body as I prepare for my surgery. I am so glad that I have taken tons of photos over the past few months so as my energy allows, I can post new fashion, beauty, and home design updates while I rest. 

Thank you all so much for your support. Sending love and healing to all XOXO!