When Life Throws Lemons (and Takes Away Bread): Crafting a Gluten-Free Recipe for ‘Happiness’
Hey there, Readers! !!Long post alert!! ** ⚠️**
Consider yourself warned, but you know how it goes! When someone passionate about writing finally gets the chance to put pen to paper after a long hiatus, there’s no stopping the flood of words that follows, especially when the topic is so close to heart. So, buckle up, grab a cup of tea, and settle in, because we’re diving deep into the heart of this topic! I’ve already gone through many cups of my detox tea while drafting this over the last 2 hours.”
Today, I want to dive into a topic that hits close to home for me and for many of us I can assure ‘Happiness’. You see, I’ve had my fair share of curveballs thrown my way, and one of the biggest ones came last year when I was diagnosed with celiac disease.
As a foodie, recipe creator, and food blogger, you can imagine the blow this diagnosis brought to my passion for all things culinary. Suddenly, my favorite foods were off-limits, and I felt like my world had turned upside down. But you know what? Through this experience, I learned a valuable lesson about happiness and resilience.
This morning, a close friend dropped a message in my WhatsApp inbox. To me, it felt as if she dropped a gem of wisdom that hit me right in the feels. You know, those moments when words just hit you deep? Well, this was one of those. This one truly and instantly struck a chord.
Curious to know what it said? Well, here it is: “Do not expect people or things to bring you happiness, or you could be disappointed! Take responsibility for your own happiness.”
Powerful!! Isn’t it? This message resonated with me on a personal level, and I felt compelled to write this blog to reflect on my journey and share the strategies I adopted after multiple hits and trials of discovering happiness and motivating myself back again to start enjoying life the way I used to.
But before that, I want you to envision a moment with me. Close your eyes and imagine this to yourself: you’re in your kitchen, surrounded by the intoxicating aromas of freshly baked garlic naan bread and simmering sauces. Cooking isn’t just a hobby for you – it’s your passion, creative outlet, happy place, a sanctuary where experimenting with flavors and cuisines brings you immense joy. Now, imagine being told that you can no longer enjoy the foods you love due to a diagnosis of an auto-immune rare disease and are faced with the daunting task of navigating a strict gluten-free diet not for a few weeks or a few months, but…., for the rest of your life.
To make matters heart-wrenching, this revelation came during your milestone birthday month, yes, you are turning 40! Tell me how did it feel? Did it feel like a punch from nowhere? It feels like a punch to the gut, doesn’t it? Trust me, I’ve been there.
Now again close your eyes and imagine this: you’re facing your own adversity, whether it’s a health diagnosis, a career setback, or a financial or a personal loss. It could be anything that has shaken your world and left you feeling lost and uncertain. Just like me with my celiac disease diagnosis, your situation may be different, but the feelings of upheaval and disorientation are all too familiar or maybe worse than this. As I said, I have been there. And I want you to know that you’re not alone.
You might think, “How can someone find happiness in such a situation?” Well, let me tell you. Despite the initial shock and disappointment, I realized that my happiness wasn’t solely dependent on food. Sure, it was a big part of my life, but there were other sources of joy and fulfillment waiting to be discovered. It’s all about shifting our perspective. Our outlook on life determines whether we find joy or disappointment in various situations. The good news is, we have the power to shape and alter our perspective.
Sure, I had to bid farewell to some of my beloved indulgences, but in return, I gained a greater sense of gratitude for the foods that truly nourish me. It’s all about perspective, isn’t it? Shifting our focus from what we’ve lost to what we’ve gained can transform our outlook on even the most challenging situations.
As I began to shift my perspective, I realized that my diagnosis was not the end of the world. In fact, it is an opportunity for me to embrace healthier eating habits and prioritize my well-being. It’s not a sprint but a marathon to only make me more resilient and stronger. It’s a personalized calling from the universe for me to ‘Rise From Within’ as I like to name it.
So, my dear readers, when life throws you a curveball, take a moment to pause and reframe your perspective. Look for the silver lining, the hidden blessings, and the opportunities for growth.
Without further ado, let’s begin by exploring the strategies that have made a difference in my journey and how I’ve applied them. Remember, each of us has a unique path, but these strategies can be adapted to suit various journeys.
- Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness has been instrumental in my journey towards reclaiming happiness. I’ve found solace in daily gratitude practices, taking moments to appreciate the simple joys in life even amidst challenges. Additionally, I’ve embraced manifestation techniques, visualizing a healthier future and setting intentions for positive outcomes.
- Find Meaning in Adversity: Through adversity, I’ve discovered profound meaning and purpose in my struggles. My experiences with celiac disease have not only shaped my personal growth but have also deepened my empathy towards others facing similar challenges. I’ve found fulfillment in sharing my journey and offering support to those navigating similar paths.
- Focus on Solutions: Focusing on solutions has reignited my passion for creativity and experimentation. With my spouse’s encouragement, I’ve embarked on a journey of culinary exploration, experimenting with gluten-free ingredients and creating delicious recipes from scratch. These culinary adventures have not only nourished my body but have also provided a sense of fulfillment and joy by reigniting the passion for cooking
- Cultivate a Positive Support System: Surrounding myself with a positive support system has been crucial in maintaining my resilience. My loved ones, including my spouse, family, and close friends, have provided unwavering encouragement and support. Their presence has been a source of strength, reminding me that I’m not alone in my journey.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Practicing self-compassion has been a transformative aspect of my healing journey. In moments of self-doubt and frustration, I’ve learned to treat myself with kindness and understanding. My spouse has been particularly instrumental in this aspect, encouraging me to be gentle with myself and offering unwavering support and reassurance.
- Embrace Resilience: Embracing resilience has been a cornerstone of my journey towards reclaiming happiness. I’ve learned to view setbacks as opportunities for growth and adaptation. Through resilience, I’ve discovered newfound strength and perseverance, empowering me to overcome obstacles with grace and determination.
By integrating these personal experiences into each strategy, I hope to offer relatable insights and inspiration to help you navigate adversity and rediscover happiness. Keep in mind that your journey is one-of-a-kind, and every stride you take showcases your inner strength and resilience.
Drop a comment if you’ve felt the same vibes! And hey, why not share this with someone who could use a little pick-me-up? Remember, sharing is caring! Just the way, my friend brightened my day with their wisdom, you can do the same for someone else. Be that awesome caring friend and hit that share button to spread positivity and make someone’s day a little brighter and show you care!
