There was a question, “We asked food allergy and celiac influencers such as bloggers, entrepreneurs, authors, professionals, consultants and business owners to answer the following question in one sentence”. Then there were twenty four answers. Each answer was a peek into the challenges of people with very different food allergy and Celiac experiences. I read through the responses slowly as if I was simply a fly on the wall of someone’s life. I tried to image how these people felt upon diagnosis and how far they have moved forward embracing their diseases with gusto and life. I quickly realized there was one common thread and lesson so loud through each response I had to refocus.
Dr. Donna DeCosta, founder of the Food Allergy and Sensitivity Circle (FoodASC), collected these statements from twenty four people who she felt were influencers in the food allergy and Celiac world. I was deeply honored to be included in this group of people who work very hard to make a difference in our world.
Each short sentence or two contained wise advice for all of us to hear. The words spelled out promise of life improving, trusting yourself and finding a new normal. Even though this group has a wide range of educational background, geographically spread out across North America, enjoy small and large families, include men and women, everyone had one commonality in their words of wisdom.
We all started out learning and it never stops.
If we had jumped out of the shoot spot on, there would have been no words to share. All of us struggled upon diagnosis in our own personal ways. Even though we’re out there working hard to make change, the challenges and lessons continue. I was inspired and picked up tips from “24 Influencers: Inspiring Food Allergy and Gluten Free Advice”, posted on Food Allergy and Sensitivity Circle. Living with life-threatening food allergies and Celiac disease (and all food related diseases) is simply a journey. The is no shouting from the mountain top that we made it. We are making it everyday. Some days with great success and other days are pure struggle. The point is that we are marching forward full of life realizing we are perfectly imperfect. Life with these diseases changes rapidly, new treatments, testing and food are being developed while communication and education groups, things are moving and the learning continues.
Knowing that this diverse group represents a small portion of our food allergy and Celiac tribe is truly heartwarming. I was smiling like fool sitting alone while my daughter had a golf lesson. Everyone probably thought my coffee had an extra boost in it. It felt so nice to see that we are all very human and that the power of sharing inspires us into finding or staying on our paths.
I hope you get a chance to read the piece and pause and ask yourself the same question. What will your answer be?
One of the hardest things I find about managing both life threatening food allergies and asthma is talking to others. I hate to be the one that might be perceived as demanding, pushing or for asking too much. What I now know, fourteen years later, is that honest, clear information presented with kindness works!..