New YEAR, Same YOU, An even BETTER Attitude

I was recently at a gluten free event socializing, chatting, tasting and engaging with fellow celiacs. As we sat and shared our stories, I was intrigued by the conversation, attitude and negativity of a fellow celiac.

"Living with this stupid disease is miserable", "I can't eat a damn thing, I can't go anywhere". Those words directly out of her mouth, not mine! I couldn't help but tell her, "I promise, it gets better", "that initial feeling of depression, bitterness and insecurity will pass."

How can we help boost our gluten-free confidence, attitude and outlook on living with celiac disease in the new year?

Whether you are symptomatic (feel and/or experience the over 200 symptoms of living with celiac disease), asymptomatic (do NOT feel and/or experience the over 200 symptoms of living with celiac disease), a newly diagnosed celiac or a gluten free veteran, the world (both gluten free and gluten filled) is ever changing. We need to continue to work to be the best we can be!

My family, friends and colleagues will attest to the fact that I am "the queen of making lists, goal setting and planning", at work, at home, for fun and pleasure. Every year when my shiny new planner arrives, I bust out my colorful marker pens, grab a glass of red, sit with a bowl of grapes and my thoughts. (Yes, my planner is organized by lists and color, I couldn't live without writing everything down)

What are my new years resolutions going to be? What were they last year? How can I challenge myself, better my well being and enhance my lifestyle?

This year I am working towards about 15 new goals, some work related, some personal but all in all they are focused on maintaining and working to further develop my mental and physical health. Without working to develop these things on a daily basis your life with celiac disease and other autoimmune diseases can be challenging.

Its a new year! Start with me now! Write those goals (type them or color code them if it helps), work to push the negativity behind you with your old gluten filled life!

Focus on the now and the future…

The now, yes, you have celiac disease! Embrace it and learn to live with it (may sound easier said then done) but guess what life is challenging, no one gets delt the perfect deck, consider this a bad hand and you have made it this far! It only gets easier! There are more developments, products and support systems! Without them we have nothing!

How about joining a "meet-up" group in the new year? Planning a gluten free gathering for your friends and family? Hosting a gluten free potluck? Running for your cause, for our cause, Celiac Disease?

The future, always right around the corner and quickly approaching. Changing your attitude from negative to positive helps make the world go round. Are we always going to be able to hold a perfect smile? Are we always going to step with the positive foot first? Are we always going to look at the glass half-full? Absolutely not! But, I sure have learned that being a celiac takes resilience. Take a sorry minute and then toss it to the side.

A few of my goals as I step with my positive foot forward into 2015…

1. Maintain STRENGTH and RESILIENCE and Promote the POSITIVE

There is a lot of negativity in this crazy world, don't let the downers bring you down! One of my mentors (J), reminds me regularly stay strong, stay smart and stay beautiful. I try to share it with others as often as I can. It is amazing how 7 words can be so strong and empowering.

2. Focus on FITNESS

During the initial diagnosis period, I took a sabbatical from my routine morning 3.5 mile jog along the West Side Highway. Throughout 2014, I came back stronger and explored new fitness interests (Spinning and Barre). Working toward achieving this goal throughout the year has helped me over come the osteoporosis I developed as a result of Celiac Disease. Continuing to focus on building the strength of my body is absolutely a focus for 2015.

3. Feel Good Foods

I tend to ALWAYS feel better when I am eating Feel Good Foods. In the dictionary of marci., Feel Good Foods would best be defined as Fresh, Farm to table, all natural foods. When I eat better I feel better and that is just usually how it goes!

Can't wait to step into 2015 with my right foot forward and my glass half full! Looking forward to a great gluten free year filled of strength, resilence and positive planning!!