I have had 5 amazing years of great health! Prior to this, I had been chronically ill for over 20 years and on medical disability for over 10 years. I no longer suffer from Lyme Disease, Babesia, Bartonella, parasites, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, fibromyalgia, bipolar disorder, migraines, PTSD, hypoglycemia or adrenal fatigue. It’s quite a list! What I fully understand now is all of these were the result of a body that was nutrient-depleted, extremely toxic and unable to digest or absorb any food. I had to do many things to turn my health around. You can read more about everything that I did here.
Highlights from the past year
Health Coaching
I still maintain a fairly robust caseload. I am blessed to be able to work as a digital nomad. This allows me to move around and travel. Most of my clients have complex issues like Lyme Disease, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Adrenal Fatigue, Obesity, migraines, etc. I take a bio-individual, ancestral approach to healing that’s rooted in the power of real food. Many of my clients have improved dramatically and some great testimonials can be found here. Nothing makes me happier than to know that I have helped someone regain their health. Especially those that have been sick for a very long time. So far I have been able to keep advertising off of my website as I feel these are too distracting for the person that is sick.
Codependency
Last fall I began feeling flat and low on inspiration. A dear friend in recovery suggested that this might be unhealed codependency. After reading the materials a light went off and I had a big aha moment. I have spent the last 12 months reading, writing, listening to podcasts and attending meetings for codependency. I feel I have taken my emotional and spiritual healing to the next level. I can honestly say that I have never felt so empowered and serene in my entire life. This really is a journey of healing spirit, mind and body.
Embracing Minimalism and Simplicity
I still don’t own my own home or car. My bike got stolen and I have yet to replace it. One less thing to worry about I guess. I feel rich in health and blessed in other ways. Energetically I just feel better living in an uncluttered space. I find it is easier to keep clean, find things and just feels more serene. Nothing gets me more agitated than a space that is full of stuff. I just become overwhelmed. Every year I go through my apartment and declutter. I ask myself 2 questions with each item. 1) Do I use this? 2) Do I love this? If the answer is no then I either sell it or give it away. My laundry lady and other local ladies love to receive my stuff.
Hiked the 4 Day Inca Trail in Peru
This bucket list 4-day trek was life-changing. It was difficult but really amazing. Hiking is still my most favorite thing to do. I spent a month backpacking around Peru. I really loved Peru, the people and the food. Maybe I am trying to make up for so many lost years. I was the oldest woman in our group. I really think older people are capable of so much more in their 50’s and 60’s if they can just eat healthily and stay away from toxic drugs and other toxins.
Moved to Merida, Mexico
I knew it was time to leave Playa del Carmen. The overdevelopment, violent crime and sargassum problem have destroyed this once idyllic paradise forever. I spent a month in Puerto Vallarta but didn’t feel like that was the right place to live. Two of my close girlfriends moved to Merida and after a short trip decided to make the move. Here I have access to good quality food, culture, history, art, and safety. It is the second safest city in North America. You can walk here at night with no problems at all. I have a lovely house that is very quiet and my neighbors are just wonderful. It is very affordable and I have access to everything I need.
MY Maintenance Protocol
1/ Paleo Diet with an average of 8 cups of vegetables per day. Plenty of eggs, beef, chicken, fish and a little pork. My diet includes plenty of butter, olive oil, avocado oil and coconut oil. I have adopted intermittent fasting for the last 6 years. My mealtimes are typically 11 am and 5 pm each day.
2/ Water- 60 filtered ounces with a Berkey. Here are 6 Reasons to Drink More Water for Better health.
3/ Sleep – 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night- I do not wake up or use the bathroom.
4/ Exercise – 30-45 minutes of resistance training 4 times per week for strong bones. Daily average of 2 -3 miles of walking. Here are 10 Benefits of Exercise for Chronic Illness.
5/ Supplements – Magnesium glycinate, whole food multi, kelp, cod liver oil, desiccated liver pills, probiotics, evening primrose oil, 2 betaine HCl and 2 digestive enzymes with meals.
6/ Hair analysis – Each August I analyze my own hair with Trace Elements Lab. This helps me to know if there are any minerals that need topping up or toxins I need to be aware of. Currently, I have a higher need for copper and manganese. If you are interested in a hair analysis you can find more information about it here.
7/ Parasite cleanse – Twice yearly, 30 day cleanse using my recipe which can be found here.
7/ Socializing – I get together with friends at least 3 times per week. It might just be for a recovery meeting or a walk in the evening. It just helps me to stay connected with others as I live alone.
8/ Prayer and meditation – 30 minutes per day- I continue to have a strong faith and continue to turn my will and my life over to the care of God.
9/ Attitude – I really try and maintain an attitude of gratitude as my life flows so much better when I can be grateful for what I have. It makes what I have enough.
10/ Stress reduction – I have eliminated all of the stressful relationships and organizations that have been a source of stress. Stress is extremely detrimental to health. My friendships are about quality and not quantity. I have surrounded myself with lots of love and support.
Healthy Aging!
My focus now is simply to age well. I just turned 57 and have great energy and zero pain in my body. This allows me to enjoy my life and be of service to others.
If you are sick don’t lose hope! Your body is an amazing machine that can heal itself if you just give it the right fuel and care. Take a holistic approach to your disease if you want to fully heal and have vibrant health. If you are not recovering check out this article. 10 Reasons You Can’t get Rid of Lyme Disease, Parasites, Candida and other Co-infections
Blessings and Besos,
Brenda ♥
Everything that I have done is available for free on my blog. If you are interested in some extra coaching, please go to this page for nutritional therapy and hair analysis.
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