Hey, y’all! Welcome back to Sweet Sorghum Living–a place to sit a spell with a good cup of coffee and chat about everything from easy DIY projects to handmade goodness. I like to keep it random around here because sometimes I misplace my to-do lists, reading glasses, and blog calendar…and my phone….

Today on the blog, we are going to take a look at my transformation since Summer 2013 + my struggle with taking selfies. This is not an easy thing for me to share with y’all because it was a very unhealthy and unhappy time of my life. Looking back over the photos from that period reminds me that my Celiac diagnosis was a blessing in disguise and that God had plans for me and my struggles.

It was the summer of 2013, and I was trying my best to eat healthy and exercise. I was frustrated and felt doomed because the harder I tried to eat my whole grains and salads, the worse I felt. My doctors were not listening to me, and I felt trapped….

I admit that I have had my ups and downs with my weight–who hasn’t! Elementary school–no problems. Middle School–I really don’t want to talk about this period of my life because there is not enough wine in my house to get me through if I do. High School–well, it’s complicated. From an eating disorder to dressing inappropriately to showcase my tiny self. It was a nightmare. But not like the teasing of Middle School. Some kids are mean, and their parents are meaner. *Deep breath + glass of wine*

Fall 2013–I was at my wits end. I was exercising and eating my whole grains and salads–but the weight was still creeping on and the health was still going down. Ugh. I didn’t want to get dressed or look in a mirror. I forced myself to look presentable for Abby’s events, and I did my best to hide in corners during them. This was not me because I love dressing up, people, and parties. Where do y’all think Abby gets her love of fashion *wink*

It was a bad time in my life. I know that I was making the hubby miserable with my unhappiness, and he was truly concerned about my health. He was doing everything he knew to do to help me, but no matter how much either of us tried–no improvement. It was discouraging. And I even stopped praying for God to help me. I wasn’t angry with Him–I just felt like it was my lot in life. Then…something happened.

My endocrinologist moved, and I had to get another one. God knew I was in a bad place. He knew that I had things to do. Time for answers and a healing. Not a cure, but a healing.

In October 2013, my new doctor asked me if I had ever been tested for Celiac. What? Celiac? No. Why? Long story short. The doctor was spot on–and I have Celiac Disease. And I am totally cool with it because the diagnosis explained everything. I wasn’t crazy or dying or destined to be miserable. Everything I was doing to be healthy–like eating my whole grains–was actually making me sick.

After leaving the doctor’s office, I immediately researched Celiac and went on the gluten-free survival plan. To me and thousands like me–it is not a fad diet–it is the rest of our lives!

Whew! I am an emotional wreck right now. *deep breath* Enough of that! It is time to laugh, so let’s take a look at something a little lighter in topic–my learning to take selfies because all the cool bloggers are doing it *wink*

Taking selfies is just not my thing (wearing oversized sweaters and leggings is *wink*) It is hard + I really don’t know where to look. The struggle is real, so I have decided to leave selfies to babies and the Kardashians.

Thanks for sitting a spell with me today as I took an emotional journey. I could not have gotten to where I am today without all the love, support, and prayers of my family and friends. A very special shout out to the hubby for always being here for me–for all the sleepless nights, for the pep talks, and for all the label reading. I love the hubby bunches *smile*