The trauma of 2017, Part 6 (Where I am today)

It has now been seven years since the trauma of 2017 and, I can say with complete certainty, that I am far better off physically, mentally and spiritually, then I was prior to it. 

Before I got sick, I was fairly physically fit, as I would take spinning and boot camp classes a few times a week. However, two years ago, I got a Peloton bike, and I am now spinning and weightlifting (Nothing crazy of course!) 3 to 4 times a week, in addition to strengthening my core through Peloton Mat Pilates. Also, as you may have read in one of my blogs six months ago, I started playing Pickleball more consistently over a year ago and I love it! Even when I get the “yips” (The yips is a condition that causes athletes to suddenly and inexplicably lose the ability to perform basic skills in their sport.) and forget how to serve or I can’t seem to win a game for the life of me, the love that I have for the game causes me to continue to persist and not give up on improving my game.

Three months ago, I started an elimination diet called the Lion Diet, primarily for the purpose of reducing inflammation and pain in my body. Since then, I’ve continued to eat more of a carnivore diet, but I’ve been slowly adding other protein and vegetables and then assessing how I react to each of them. Although I’ve snuck in some sugar here and there, I feel better knowing that I’m not filling my body with so many toxins through gluten, sugar, and processed foods. I also feel more in control of my food and dietary intake. Having said this, I am so looking forward to the Christmas goodies!

In my last blog (Part 5 of this series), I mentioned that in early 2019, I went back to work, directing the business development efforts for my former engineering company’s Southern California practice. However, 2.5 years ago, a global engineering firm proactively pursued me. As it turned out, there was a lot of growth potential for me at this firm, including the opportunity for me to come in as an associate principal (senior leader). I have now been with this company for close to two years and I have been continuing to grow professionally.

About five years ago, my husband and I started going to a different church; one in which biblical scripture is the foundation of the teaching and practice of the church. I’ve also had an increased desire to pray and read my Bible on a daily basis and to further develop my relationship with the Lord. I have grown by leaps and bounds spiritually over the past few years. I’ve also been fairly involved in our church in the greeting, prayer and most recently, the children’s ministry. For those of you that know my story and our intense desire for kids (twins), you can imagine that my involvement with the latter ministry wasn’t my idea. I just knew that I was supposed to be part of this ministry, and it has blessed me greatly. Today, I am more in love with Jesus than ever!

One thing I’ve learned from this multifaceted traumatic experience, is that although I didn’t know if I’d ever be the same or if I’d ever crawl or claw my way back to a life filled with freedom, joy, and God’s peace, the Lord knew, and He always had my best interest in mind. 

This reminds me of an exceptionally meaningful scripture found in the book of Jeremiah, chapter 29 and verse 11: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”  God had a good plan for me (and He has one for you too!), even when I faced the difficult trauma of 2017 and the aftermath of it. For me, this scripture is a message of comfort, hope and assurance that God is in control and that He has always had good intentions for my life, even amidst adversity. 

Celebrate Life!