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In early August of 2021, I was diagnosed with GuillainBarré Syndrome (GBS) – a rare autoimmune disorder. My own immune system damaged my nerves, which left me paralyzed in my legs, arms, and face. Luckily, my lungs have been only slightly affected.

I’m finally well enough to start sharing some of what has happened and what’s to come. I want to honor this moment as an opportunity to be transparent and vulnerable. 

This is my journey of healing and growth as I navigate life after being diagnosed with GuillainBarré Syndrome.

December 20

… And Then I Got A Reminder

A few months ago, you may remember, I went for a run. I really wanted to feel that exertion and sweat. It worked, I felt both. I ran a mile, then walked a bit and ran another mile. I thought, wow maybe I was ready for this sooner and I didn’t realize. I was walking a lot more. For me it did not feel like a hard run.
October 4

A Good Day to Run Hard 🏃…

About 2 weeks ago, I suddenly felt like going for a run or jog. I really wanted to sweat and get my heart rate up. I felt ready and knew if my body wouldn't be able to take that yet, then I would just revert back to walking.
September 26

Playing my Flutes

One of the things I missed the most after being paralyzed was playing my flutes. Even after I gained movement back into my arms, hands and fingers, I still lacked the control of my lips to make a good enough seal on the flute to get enough air in through it.
August 15

It’s Been a Year

It's been a year since Guillain-Barré Syndrome came into my life. What a journey it has been. I have had more personal growth in one year than ever. I would say at least 10-years worth of growth in one year.
August 9

Flute in the Desert

I often talk about being in nature. I do this because for too many years of my life I hustled so hard. I missed the many beautiful things around me. Now, I love taking time to admire it, be with it, and notice how it makes me feel. At peace.
July 25

Walk with my Parents

I learned what I liked and didn’t like about my parents' choices. This has given me insight into my choices. I also found myself making unconscious choices replicating things I did not want. I’m grateful to all the coaches, practitioners and healers that have helped/continue to help me overcome these. Each generation has a choice about what no longer serves their family and can let go of it for the good of future generations. This takes outside help most of the time.
July 4

Thank you Turtles

Turtles have been a big symbol in my life for the last 5-6 years. After moving away from being a workaholic, turtles have reminded me to slow down.
June 27

Shakespeare in the Park

Attending Shakespeare in the park with my family overlaps a lot of things for me. Time to relax in a park, time to view folks performing their interpretation of Shakespeare’s script, time with my family, getting some son , talking with others about the story content and reflecting on my own life.
June 14

Movement and Trails

Before Guillain-Barré Syndrome, I was running trails. Mostly hills and gaining elevation too. Really getting a workout. Now, my focus is on walking a good distance on flat land. I’m still getting out on trails and being with nature as much as I can. I’ve said this for years, but it is even more relevant for me now. I like to call it movement, instead of working out.