Monday, September 22, 2008

Our Friends are like angels...

Being gluten-free is one of the most challenging things I have experienced in my life.  There are many pros and cons about it:

Pros- 

*I can control how I am physically feeling on a day to day basis. No terrible upsets in my tummy, at least until I accidentally eat something that does bother me

*I'm much more educated about my food, body, and the psychology behind both.

*I'm able to share my experience with others and hopefully help a friend out

Cons-

*my stomach could feel like I just ate glass if I'm exposed 

*I have to ALWAYS plan around food no matter what I do, where I go, or who I'm with

*I happen to be dealing with it at a time in our society, only a few people are hip to the idea of food allergies

In June, one of my best friends Leanna gave me a gift of a deck of cards called Angel Oracle Healing Cards.  By drawing a card, you receive an affirmation for the day and know that your angels are always giving you messages within. I love to draw a card in the mornings when I wake up, but sometimes on Sundays when Eric, my boyfriend, and I have been gone all wk end, we'll both draw a card before bed. Last night I drew "self-acceptance," "you are much too hard on yourself the angels say.. self improvement comes through a positive mind set.. your angels love you unconditionally and they ask for you to love yourself in the same way."  When I drew this card I didn't really understand how I was being hard on myself until I thought about it for most of the day today and I completely understand what this card means now.  
Over the wk, Eric and I attended our 4th out of 6 weddings we will attend this Summer/Fall.  Let's just say it's been an insanely busy summer.  It also has presented a VERY interesting issue with me having to deal with either asking for gluten free meals or not eating at all at a large social event.  Well, not wanting to be a burden on the wedding party at some weddings I have decided not to say anything, hoping they will serve something I can have, and have found myself upset, hungry, and irritated with myself for not going the extra length it takes to request for a special meal which really just consists of a plain piece of meat and whatever veggies they are offering. Other weddings I have contacted the person running the wedding and have been able to eat, drink, and be merry with no problem :)
What I have noticed about myself, is how goofy it is that I have NOT said anything regarding my issue, but for some reason I felt like the bridal parties have so much to deal with already I don't want to add another thing for them to worry about.  I'm beginning to realize that a BIG part of me feels like I may be a burden to not only a wedding party but to the people I am around day to day, my friends, and in some ways my family. This self acceptance card is about me seeing ME in a different light. I need to stop feeling like I am an inconvenience for others when in a way it is a small handy-cap and if people love me, then they'll accept me just the way I should accept myself.  There are so many lessons to learn through this experience and I am happy I am able to learn them!