Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Looking Forward to 2013!

2011 and 2012 were years of focusing on bad health. I focused on my "former" life of being a healthy social worker. I focused on what I used to do and what I no longer couldn't. I can say, those two years were the worst of my life. Having to leave my job because of health was one of the most depressing moments of my life. But there's nothing I can do to go back in time and change it. These are the cards I've been dealt and I'm at peace with who I am.

I feel really great about 2013. I am looking forward to acceptance and focusing on the positive things in life. I'm ready to move forward.

Truth is, we're all dealing with something. Whether it's health, financial, mental, etc. we all have some challenge and burden in our life. But, we don't have to be defined by it. Focus on that which we can do something about.

Happy 2013 everyone!

Monday, December 17, 2012

My Latest Affirmation

My latest affirmation: I am not my illness, I am me, I am exactly as I am to be. Yes, I have fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis disease, depression and migraines, but I am much more than that. I remember a time where that's all that I identified with. I focused on the daily yuck of living with chronic illness versus focusing on the positive things in life. For anyone to believe that they don't have anything positive to say, they're wrong. The mere fact that you're breathing is positive, so focus on that, versus the level 8 pain, the constant throbbing and aching, and the other disabling symptoms that we've grown accustomed to. Of course we hurt, we have fibro, arthritis etc., but we don't have to let that be our definition.

I also know that it's easier for me to focus on the positive because I'm a very private person. I really don't like sharing how I feel, especially if it's negative. I honestly don't think people want to know about it and it does me no good to focus on that which I cannot change. I know it's very easy to get in the habit of being negative and focusing on the daily suck that life with chronic illness can bring. I get it, life can be really crappy sometimes, all the time, if you let it. I am also not polly anna and think that just by having a positive attitude will make you better. I hate when people profess that a positive outlook will "cure" you. Being positive  doesn't cure, but it sure as hell is a better way to live than complaining all the time. I am often amazed, and saddened, when I see people complain all the time. I honestly think those people would complain if they won a million dollars; complain that it wasn't two million!

I also realize we all deal with life differently. Maybe some feel relief when they complain? I know some people don't have much of a support system at home so they may feel complaining online is a way to vent and release some tension. I suppose however you feel relief, go with it. But I feel better when I'm positive. I feel like these are the cards I've been dealt and I will manage it the best I can.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Favorite Cookie Recipe



I've been baking several batches of chocolate chip cookies and have decidedly found my most favorite recipe! You can find the recipe by going to Plain Chicken; why a vegan is searching around a website with that name, I'm not sure. Truth is, I was googling away and came across a Bisquick recipe and have since made the cookies and wow, yummy!

Here is the recipe, cut and pasted from the Plain Chicken, which I slightly tweaked:

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 egg (I didn't have an egg replacer/substitute, so I used water and oil)
2 3/4 cups Bisquick baking mix
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (6 oz)
1/2 cup nuts, chopped, if desired (optional)

Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, mix butter, sugar, vanilla and egg. Stir in Bisquick mix, chocolate chips and nuts. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet, drop about 2 inches apart; flatten slightly. Bake 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack.

They're incredibly easy to make and even easier to eat! Warning, these cookies are amazingly addictive. So, for all you ladies looking to gain weight this holiday season, you're welcome!