“Obstacles are not only to be expected but embraced. These obstacles are actually opportunities to test ourselves, to try new things, and, ultimately, to triumph,” —-Ryan Holiday

notes on healing

Happy Sunday everyone! I’m thrilled to share March was a month of continued improvements on the Lyme front. To be honest, I was starting to feel a little stagnant in my Lyme treatment protocol, which is why it’s a relief I’m finally seeing improvements. I felt like I was running out of options, which meant I was considering whether a more intense treatment protocol in Europe would be the next course of action. This could still be a possibility, but to be determined depending on how I feel in the next few weeks.

Unfortunately, I had a seizure on Saturday (the first since October), and it’s taking me a little longer than usual to recover. Fortunately, I wrote most of the post prior to Saturday, but this was a good reminder procrastination is not in my best interest. Since I truly never know how I’m going to feel, I always have to take advantage of the good days, and within reason, accomplish what I can.

a visit to Austin, TX + the good fest

Given that I’d been feeling better, I opted for a change of scenery and visited my friends Ali and David in Austin, Texas. It was my first visit to Austin, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover it’s a cool, bohemian city with a small-town feel. I was blown away by the array of restaurants and food trucks that cater to specialty diets. Highlights included a white gluten-free diary-free pizza from Lil Nonna’s, stir-fry bowls from Koriente, mac and cheese and Caesar salad from an all-vegan menu at Counter Culture, a house chai tea latte and French toast from an entirely gluten-free menu at Picnik, and smoothies from Juice Society.

My visit to Austin happened to coincide with The Good Fest, a day-long wellness festival with thought-leaders focused on inspiring change and creating an inclusive community around wellness. The Austin festival focused on meditation practices, sustainable living, listening to your intuition, welcoming internal transformations, and learning how to overcome anxiety. You can read about my takeaways from the festival here.

ditching my phone at night

A week ago, I started leaving my phone in the kitchen at night to reestablish my bedroom as a sanctuary from social media and technology. Studies have shown people who don’t charge their phones in their bedrooms are significantly happier than those who do, and I’m here to tell you it’s true. I’ve always read before I go to sleep, but now I waste less time mindlessly scrolling through my phone, sleep better and get out of bed earlier. I even bought an old-school alarm clock! Now, I wake up in the morning, take a few moments to think about what I'd like my day to look like, then I get up and do my best to manifest those intentions.

Still not convinced you could part ways with your phone in the bedroom? Check out what this guy had to say: My bedroom is a phone-free zone and I feel so much better for it.

what i’m reading

The obstacle is the way by Ryan Holiday

I am obsessed with this book. No really, I’ve underlined or highlighted almost every page. When we’re faced with an obstacle, too often we waste energy on negative emotions and over-analyzing which only compound our problems. Based in stoic philosophy, Holiday reminds us while there's much we can't control in the external world, we can always control our reactions to challenges and our choices in how to overcome these external obstacles. In sum, “obstacles are not only to be expected but embraced. These obstacles are actually opportunities to test ourselves, to try new things, and, ultimately, to triumph." Enough said.

How to break up with your phone by Catherine Price

Let’s be honest, we all spend more time on our phones than we’d like to admit, but how do we break the habit? Instead of preaching we “shouldn’t spend so much time on our phones,” how to break up with your phone gives us the tools necessary to make a decision about how and when we use our phones. In other words, “the goal isn’t to get rid of your phone, it’s to create a long-term relationship that feels good.”

Following Price’s plan on how to break up and then make up with your phone, NYT reporter Kevin Roose, writes about his 30-day commitment to eliminating bad phone habits in do not disturb: how I ditched my phone and unbroke my brain. Within the first week of the “program” Roose noted, “I became aware of how profoundly uncomfortable I am with stillness. For years, I’ve used my phone every time I’ve had a spare moment in an elevator or a boring meeting. I listen to podcasts and write emails on the subway. I watch YouTube videos while folding laundry….”

Use code: KELSEY15 to receive 15% off your order from Saving Grace CBD oil!

My new favorite - cold brew coffee, oat milk, + vanilla protein!

monthly lovin’

Saving Grace CBD Oil

This right here is a game changer and helps me function on the days when I can’t move, think clearly or sleep soundly. A natural constituent of hemp oil, CBD has been shown to have positive health and therapeutic benefits without causing psychoactive affects. Primary uses and benefits include reducing inflammation, muscle aches and pains, nausea and anxiety, as well as improving digestive issues and sleep function. My go-to is the 30 ML Recovery Oil.

Actually recommended by my doctor, Saving Grace CBD oil is known for its strict quality control through third party testing of each batch to check for potency, pesticides, heavy metals, and microbial levels.

PRO TIP: When shopping for hemp oil products, always look at the total milligram content and the cost per mg. I admit, Saving Grace CBD Oil is on the expensive side, but when you look at it in terms of cost per milligram of phytocannabinoids, it’s the most affordable and high-quality products on the market. Use code: KELSEY15 to receive 15% off your order!

Thrive Market

I recently subscribed to this online membership-based marketplace that offers natural and organic food products for 25-50% off retail prices. Basically, the nonperishable items that I used to buy at Whole Foods (baking mixes, grains, pasta, nut butters, etc.), I now buy from Thrive Market at a discounted price. Shipping is free on orders over $49 and the $60 annual membership sponsors a free membership for a low-income family.

I mention this because 1) saving money and having groceries delivered is fricken awesome, and 2) my friend Ali introduced me to Califa Farm’s concentrated cold brew coffee and the following delicious blend of of iced coffee, oat milk and vanilla protein powder – seriously, it tastes like a vanilla iced latte but doubles as a source of protein!

Blend up the following:

1/2 cup concentrated cold brew coffee
1/2 cup cold water OR milk of choice (I love this oat milk)
1 teaspoon Bulletproof MCT oil
1 scoop plant-based vanilla protein powder
A dash of cinnamon

Pour over ice!

P.S. If the vanilla is too sweet for your liking, you could also substitute with unflavored marine collagen from Vital Proteins (I put this in my matcha and turmeric lattes, smoothies, etc.)

xo,

kelsey marie