Navigating Stress: My Facebook Account Struggle and Finding Compassion for Yourself

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Recently, I’ve been grappling with an incredibly stressful situation: my Facebook account was disabled because a rogue Instagram account, which I don’t own, violated their terms of service. There is a growing number of people who have this problem, and Facebook doesn’t have a way to deal with it.

You see they send you to facebook.com/hacked, but since your account is disabled you can’t report it. So off to Instagram you go which does absolutely no good because the account that violated their terms doesn’t belong to you – a security problem with meta allows these accounts to hook to your facebook.

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Sarcoidosis Awarness Month

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It’s Sarcoidosis Awareness Month, and I want to tell you what that means—especially because I have it.

Imagine your body is like a superhero team, always on guard to fight off germs and keep you healthy. But sometimes, that team gets confused and starts attacking parts of your own body by mistake. That’s what happens with sarcoidosis.

Sarcoidosis causes little clumps of angry cells called granulomas to pop up where they don’t belong—like in your lungs, eyes, skin, or other organs. These clumps can mess with how your body works. It’s kind of like having a bunch of tiny, uninvited guests show up and start causing trouble.

For me, it started with feeling tired. Not just a little tired—exhausted. I thought I was just busy or maybe a little out of shape. I didn’t want to go to the doctor because I felt embarrassed about gaining some weight and wanted to fix it myself first. But the truth is, I was really sick. I had become severely anemic and nearly died. I was in the hospital for seven days, and that’s when I finally got diagnosed with sarcoidosis.

Even after that, it hasn’t been easy. The treatments I tried, like prednisone, made me feel worse in some ways. It made me hungry, cranky, and messed with my blood sugar because I also have diabetes. It was scary and frustrating—especially when I was doing all the right things and still wasn’t getting better.

But once I started talking openly with my doctor, we found a treatment that helped. I still have tough days. Some days I look okay on the outside, but inside, my body feels like it’s been through a battle. And because sarcoidosis isn’t something people can see, they don’t always understand what you’re going through.

That’s why this month matters. It’s about helping people see what’s invisible—and reminding others to be kind, patient, and never judge someone by how they look.

Keep up with me!

Always saying you are fine when you aren’t? Check out my “I’m Fine.” merch here.

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Like my blog?  My first three novels have been released!  It’s set in a small, holiday obsessed town, and if you love Hallmark movies you’ll love this book series!

The first book in the series is called Going Home. Becca, our heroine,  returns home after a 25 year absence to reclaim a sentimental family heirloom.  She hopes to go in and out unnoticed, especially by the man she’s loved since she was eight years old.

Soup-er Easy Meal Prep: Freezing Your Way to Healthier Lunches

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So I’m going to start this one with a disclaimer. I know that people get passionate about their diets. When I say diet I don’t mean the act of counting calories/carbs/vegetables pick on a full moon. I mean just how people choose to eat. I get it. I talk about what works for me in this post. There is still some good stuff for people that do the one meal a day thing, and I’m not here to debate you all. I’m here telling you what works for me and what keeps my blood sugar level. You do you boo.

The Importance of Being Prepared:

Picture this: It’s a busy morning, and you rush out the door without lunch. By noon, you’re so hungry you could eat a mammoth. Your stomach’s growling, and your brain’s thinking of all the delicious, less-than-healthy options nearby. Next thing you know, you’re in the drive-thru at Taco Bell, thinking, “This wasn’t part of the plan!” Skipping lunch isn’t just a missed meal—it’s an invitation to make less healthy choices and end up ravenous by dinner. So, let’s talk about how being prepared with meal-prepped soups can save the day!

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Cauliflower Rice “Risotto”

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First things first: Is this risotto? Absolutely not, but it’s a pretty good substitute! I think the big trick to loving these low carb subs is to take them on in their own right as a new dish. I’m always experimenting with new side dishes, and this one is a winner!

Ingredients:

  • 5 cups frozen cauliflower rice
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 tsp garlic paste
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 4 ounce cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs like parsley for garnish
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Unlocking the Power of Quality Sleep: My Journey and Tips for You

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Sleep is one of the most important tools in your healthy you toolbox.

For years, I thought running on three or four hours of sleep was a badge of honor. “Look at me, conquering the world on minimal sleep!” Let me tell you, there’s nothing heroic about walking around like a zombie. It wasn’t until I got sick that I realized sleep isn’t something to skimp on—it’s essential for our health and well-being.

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Oh Oh Oh Ozempic…Yes, We all Know

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When I first heard about Ozempic, it was through that unforgettable “O-O-O-Ozempic” commercial. If you’re anything like me and remember the song “Magic” by Pilot, you’ll understand why that jingle lodged itself in my brain. It aired around the same time I found out I had diabetes, and I remember thinking, “Hmm, that might be something to try in the future.” It’s funny looking back because, at the time, it felt like a niche product with a catchy jingle. Little did I know that Ozempic would soon become a household name. It’s amazing how a couple of years can turn a little-known medication into something that’s practically everywhere.

Fast forward to about a year ago when I actually started taking Ozempic. It was primarily to manage my diabetes, but I soon discovered it had some surprising perks. I didn’t experience the weight loss that many others did; instead, I gained a bit. With my blood sugar under better control, I found I could enjoy foods that were previously off-limits without worrying about sugar spikes. It felt liberating after years of strict dietary restrictions.

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We Need to Talk about Karen

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The term Karen has become a cultural shorthand for an entitled, often middle-aged white woman who demands to “speak to the manager.” It conjures images of someone who makes unreasonable complaints, exhibits privilege, or acts condescendingly toward service workers. But over time, what started as an internet joke has transformed into something much bigger—sometimes even silencing women who are simply advocating for themselves.

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From Toughing It Out to Reaching Out: The Power of Compassion and Support

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Growing up, many of us were taught to “tough it out.” I remember carrying firewood with my siblings and falling, only to be told to shake it off when I told my parents my hand hurt really bad. It had been a long day and it happened at bedtime, so everyone just wanted to go to sleep.

The next morning, I found myself in the emergency room with a hand full of fat sausages, my fingers so swollen they were touching. My mom felt terrible, but that “tough it out” mentality stuck with me, and I’m sure a lot of you suffer the same problem.

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Finding Joy Beyond the Plate: How I Learned to Savor Life in a New Way

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For a long time, a lot of my joy was tied to food. Special occasions meant special meals. Family traditions revolved around baking and sharing treats. And then, life threw me a curveball—I found out I was diabetic.

Suddenly, the very things that brought me comfort and connection—the cookies, the Christmas treats, the homemade dishes I tied to memories—were off-limits, or at least had to be drastically changed. My first holiday season after getting sick was rough. Every year, I had made my mother’s favorite Christmas desserts as a way to feel close to her and my dad. But now? That tradition, that little piece of joy, felt like it had been ripped away.

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“I’m Fine” (But Not Really): The Shirt, The Truth, and Why We Need to Stop Pretending

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If you’ve ever said “I’m fine” while holding back tears, this is for you.

We all know the drill. Someone asks how we’re doing, and without a second thought, we slap on a smile and say, “I’m fine.” Doesn’t matter if we just stubbed our toe, spilled coffee on ourselves, or are actively suppressing an emotional breakdown—“I’m fine” is the default response.

A friend of mine pointed this out to me one day. He told me, “You always say you’re fine, even when you’re obviously not. That’s just you.” And honestly? He was right. Even when I was exhausted, overwhelmed, or barely keeping it together, I still said I was fine. Because that’s what we do, right? Especially women. We keep moving. We take care of everyone else. We don’t want to be a burden.

Then my friend jokingly said, “You should make a shirt so that when you’re not fine, you can just wear it, and I’ll know.” And thus, my “I’m Fine” shirt was born.

It’s funny. It’s sarcastic. But it’s also way too real.

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