A Connection ~ Half Way Around the Globe

In my first post, I mention an 'Aussie Stranger' who prompted and inspired me to give this approach a chance.  I am happy to say, a stranger no more.  I went back to the original YouTube video to watch again and make sure I purchased the same books as she had shown.  I saw this link, that I had not noticed before, that said 'to email the author', or something to that extent.  So.... I did.  Not knowing if it would actually work, I emailed her to thank her and tell her that her message had indeed reached 1 person, ME. 

Tonight I received a reply to my message and am thrilled.  Missy has offered me her support and help through my adventure and am so relieved to have her guidance.   As she said, this is not always easy, in fact at times difficult, and I know that her support will be just the ticket.  In her video, she mentions that she is not a big fan of veggies and neither am I.  In fact, there is a family joke about if a food is green, Kelley won't eat it.  Just hoping I can find a combination that I like or even tolerate so that I will not stray off the path. 

Can't wait to receive the books I ordered and begin the educational process.  As a former teacher, I love to learn, but this read could be one of the most important of my life.  The most importance in the manner of impacting my life and health. 

In future posts, I will provide a better picture of what I hope to accomplish, the issues and illness I have and the impact they have had on my life.  The impact and changes that have occurred since developing these illness, both personally and professionally. 

This is going to be a long journey....with veggies in tow!  Now I have this image of boarding a plane with veggies as my carry on luggage!

The Beginning of a Journey

Each journey begins with it's first steps.... I feel like my journey is long overdue.  Each of us is prompted to a beginning for many reasons.  Whether it be a life changing event, a crisis, advice from a loved one, and each have it's own merits.  Mine has been prompted, finally, by the viewing of a YouTube video.  Yes, a YouTube video, of a complete stranger.  Yet, this stranger and I have something in common, Interstitial Cystitis.  We are not alone in the fight and struggle of this disease nor are we alone in the attempts to find relief and a redefining of our lives with Interstitial Cystitis (I.C.). 

After watching this video of a the 'Aussie Stranger', I have had a wide range of emotional responses from hope to guilt and back to a bit of hope.  This 'Aussie Stranger' has taken this journey that I am about to begin and one that is long overdue.  I have no idea if mine will have the same success as hers, but I will never know until I try.  I am starting this blog as a way of documenting the process, it's ups and downs and as a way of hopefully being accountable to give it the best chance of success.  Perhaps even 1 person may read it and be prompted to begin a journey of their own. 

This is just step 1 ......... with many to go.  I will share more background information and purpose in future posts.  This will be a 1 year trial to heal, whether it be success or failure.  Wish me luck  and pray that I continue to put 1 foot in front of the other as I travel this long and uncertain journey !