Ignorance is bliss.
This post has been a long time coming … it’s just taken until now for me to get the courage to write it. Up until this point, I’ve been like our friend Mr. Ostrich (or Mrs.? Not sure.). Living in a state of ignorance. And, it has been blissful. But, it’s time to cut the crap and get real.
So, let’s get personal, shall we?
It has been almost two years since I embarked on this blogging journey. It has been a fantastic adventure and I am so thankful for the many friendships that have developed with readers and fellow bloggers alike. Without having started this blog, I would have never met some of the nicest people on Earth! Plus, I have learned so much over the last couple years that my brain is just jam-packed with all sorts of tidbits and facts!
Things have been really, really busy for me the last six months or so. I went down a new career path, my blog has been growing, and I have been working more and more and more. Over the last couple months, it has become obvious that I have overextended myself. I have taken on too many projects and now I am feeling overwhelmed and I’m getting run down. I also realized that there are some areas that I could improve on, with the appropriate focus.
So, I have decided it’s time to make some changes.
The first change involves simplifying my life. This is going to be a somewhat slow process, considering I have too many irons in the fire to just yank them all at once. The first, major change is getting rid of a blog that I don’t have time to build.
Last summer, I started a second blog called Bright Blue Elephants. I started this blog to write about my non-food related passions, like yoga, exercise, music, art, etc. However, I quickly realized that it was all I could do to manage my first blog (this one), let alone add another blog into the mix. So, sadly, that blog was neglected, but it was always there. This tiny little burden hanging over my head. This pressure to post new content, grow the readership, etc., when frankly, I was exhausted.
So, after much hemming and hawing, I have decided that I am going to close down Bright Blue Elephants. 
I will be sharing more of my yoga and fitness related posts on here. I realized that yoga and fitness are a huge part of my physical and mental health, just like food nourishes my body and soul. When it comes down to it, everything is all interconnected, at least for me.
Also, looking back over the last two years of posts, I realized that I don’t really share a whole lot of myself on this site. I know I talk a little about my personal life, but for the most part, I kind of keep that all to myself. I have a couple reasons for doing that: (1) I’m shy by nature and don’t really like talking about myself with people I don’t know well, and (2) I want to make sure that I don’t put everything out there for the world to see. At the same time, I realized that by sharing my experiences, I may not only learn more from all of you, but I might be able to help someone who is going through similar issues. So, moving forward, I will be sharing more personal information with you guys — more about who I am and how I’m feeling. Which leads us to the next change …
… I have finally decided to take charge of my health. Not that I haven’t been taking care of myself, but I haven’t been taking care of myself as well as I could (or should). I have not been giving some critical areas of my life some much needed love. I’m always too busy, to tired, too scared, yadi yadi yada. Frankly, those were all excuses that I have used to not face some tough stuff head on.
Some of you know this, but most of you don’t. I am a hypothyroid sufferer. Not uncommon at all, considering that I know very few women who don’t have some sort of thyroid issues, whether they be diagnosed or not. I was officially diagnosed with thyroid issues about 7 years ago, but I’m sure I was having problems before then. It’s a long story as to why I have waited until now to become proactive about it and I’ll have to save that for another post. As some of you know, when your thyroid is messed up, your adrenals are a mess as well. I also suffer from some blood pressure issues, which in my opinion, were brought on my years and years of being a Type A personality, constantly stressing about anything and everything, and not taking good care of my body. Yet, another story in and of itself.
So, long story short, I’m going to start taking some action regarding my thyroid and adrenal health (and I expect that the BP issues will correct itself as I work on the endocrine system). The first thing I am doing is I am switching doctors. I am lucky enough to have found a paleo/primal diet focused MD here in Denver, and I am going to be working with him as my primary care physician moving forward. We’ll start with some much needed blood work to see where I’m at. Once we get those test results, we’ll have a much better idea of what direction we need to go.
All that leads me to the second thing I am doing regarding my health (and the thing I think I am most excited about). In addition to working with my new doctor, I am also going to be working with a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner on these issues. I will be working with my friend, and fellow Nourished Living Network blogger, Lydia, from Divine Health from the Inside Out. I am so very excited about this, because Lydia is very knowledgeable when it comes to adrenal and endocrine issues, and I know that she will be able to guide me towards a path to wellness. She has successfully healed herself from adrenal fatigue, so I feel confident that I am in good hands. I fully know that healing won’t take place overnight, but I am excited that I am finally taking the first steps towards living a healthier and happier life.
Over the next few months (and probably longer), I will be sharing about my journey along the path of healing. I hope that by sharing some of this information with you, that it will be helpful to at least one person. It has taken me weeks to get to a point where I felt comfortable sharing this kind of insight with all of you in a public post. It is not something that comes easy to me, and even as I write this, I feel those nervous flutters in my stomach. You’ll probably be hearing a lot about thyroid issues and adrenal health, as well as Lydia’s name, because I will be working so closely with her. She is an absolutely wealth of knowledge, which is demonstrated by the in-depth content that she publishes on her site.
So, that’s me getting personal. This might seem like small potatoes to some people, but for me, it’s a big deal. I have realized that I am an expert at dishing out the advice. Taking the advice to my own heart is a totally different story, however. Just ask my husband! 
So, I’m finally coming to terms with simplifying my life, facing my potential adrenal fatigue, and finally taking stand for my thyroid. I will learn to balance and learn to love myself.
Knowledge is power.
Thanks for listening.
Delicious Obsessions was founded by Jessica Espinoza in 2010. Jessica is passionate about real food, natural living, and more. She helps people see how to eat nourishing food, without breaking the bank. Her motto is "baby steps" -- making small, lasting changes, one at a time, is the best way to ensure long-term success. This website contains "affiliate links" where appropriate, on which, I may earn a small commission or referral fee on your purchase. This has no effect on your price. The monies earned help maintain and support this website's hosting, maintenance, and the development of free content. The content shared on this site is for informational and educational purposes only. Statements/products discussed have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease or illness. Please consult your own health care practitioner before making changes to your current diet or before beginning any herbal or vitamin supplement regimen or exercise program.
BRAVO
Thanks!
I’m proud of you….good job! I’m looking forward to reading your journey!
Thank you Sherry! That means a lot! This is a huge step for me!
I have been subscribing to your blog for about six months now and am so excited to read about your new course. I too was diagnosed with hypothyroid issues about seven years ago and haven’t really been proactive about dealing with it. I also recently decided to really take charge of my health and focus on my adrenal fatigue and working with a sympathetic doctor! So, we’re on this journey together. I look forward to reading about what you learn!
-Rebecca
Rebecca Manor recently posted..Out of the whirlwind
Hi Rebecca! Thank you so much for stopping by and for your kind words! It sounds like we are on similar paths, so I look forward to learning from you as well. I think finding a sympathetic doctor is key. I have not yet been to the new paleo doctor, but when I called the office and spoke to the receptionist and told her what I was looking to do, she was very supportive and said that the doctor already runs a lot of tests that are not considered “normal” in the medical community, so that right there gave me a lot of hope! I think with the new doctor and Lydia’s help, as well as the support of my family, it won’t be as overwhelming and scary as I have made it out to be all these years!
I look forward to learning more about you!
I look forward to reading about your journey to wellness!
Thank you Jennifer!
I have been diagnosed with adreanl fatigue and leaky gut syndrome neither of which my physician (4 years out of residency) claims he has never heard of. So I, too, have come to the realization that I have to get REALLY serious about my journey. I’ll be following you prayerfully, for both of us and all the other people who will benefit from your new focus. Thank you, Jessica!
Thank you Diana, for your kind words! I hope that we can all help one another. There really are so many women that are in the same place as us. We’re sick of being under-diagnosed and not taken seriously. So, we need to take matters into our own hands! I look forward to hearing from you again on here! Thank you for stopping by!
Hooray!!! I love this post
I’m giving you a big virtual hug! I know just what you mean- it can be hard to share the personal details, but it really helps others and helps to have the support of others as well. I adore Lydia, she’s a doll! Can’t wait to hear about how things progress for you…good luck and lots of love from your fellow real foodie bloggers! 
Amy Love @ Real Food Whole Health recently posted..Fresh Bites Friday July 27, 2012
Thank you Amy! You have always been so kind to me and I really appreciate your support! Virtual hug was wonderful — thank you!
God bless you!
Thank you Susan – you as well!
Good for you! I am excited that you are embarking on this journey!
Starlene @ GAPS Diet Journey recently posted..Garden Art
Thanks Starlene! I’m sure I’ll be picking your brain often!!
Thanks for sharing! I look forward to following your healing journey.
I think adrenal fatigue is much more common than we think – sharing your experience will be so helpful to many of us.
Lisa recently posted..Summer Reading for “Real” Foodies
Hi Lisa – Thank you for stopping by! I also think it’s much more common than we think. As a society, we really are a mess! I hope that my experiences can be helpful to at least one person!
Keep on taking care of yourself, and I am going to pass on some wise words a friend left for me the other day: we’ll all still be here. Don’t feel bad if you have to slow done some on the posts either.
Sending hugs your way, and if you ever need some extra support come fine me.
Very smart words! I am currently working on some plans for getting things accomplished. I have overextended myself for the next couple months with some things that I can’t back out of now, but by the end of Sept., I will have things much less hectic and will be able to slow down a lot. I just need to get through the next two months and it will be smooth sailing!
Thank you for your continuous kindness! I have enjoyed getting to know you over the last couple years!
Jessica, the joy and enthusiasm you have about taking steps forward for you health is exciting to watch! I really am looking forward to walking beside you on your journey!
lydia recently posted..Everything in Moderation?
Thanks Lydia! I know I am in good hands! I feel really positive about it and I know that it’s just a matter of taking baby steps and not letting myself get overwhelmed!
You know I’m in this with you! And I am SO glad you will be blogging about this – it so very many women I know suffer from some thyroid/adrenal/leaky gut/endocrine issues. Yeah for bringing more light to this issue!
Oh Lori! We certainly are in this together! I’m so glad you’re local too! We will have to have many girl time sessions. That bit you said yesterday about women’s health as it relates to the number of girl friends they have really struck home! I have very few girl friends anymore, so I am very appreciative of our friendship! Hugs!
Your post could not be more timely, and I hope it encourages you to know that this is a journey I am just barely embarking on myself, in regards to finally finding out where I stand with thyroid, adrenal and female hormone levels. My testing kit goes in the mail today.
) There are not as many progressive MD’s in this area, so part of it will be a struggle for me and i will not have access to such wonderful assets as your friend Lydia. Count your blessings in that regard! I look forward to hearing more about your experiences, and will try not to abuse the privilege of hearing a more personal side of a “public” figure. God bless.
Hi Shannon – Thank you for your kind words! We will get through this together. The doctor that I am going to see is the ONLY paleo/primal diet focused doctor that I have found in Denver. There are tons of Naturopathic Doctors in Denver, but NDs are not covered by insurance in this state, and I cannot afford to pay for their services out of pocket at this time. I believe in some states, NDs are covered by insurance. I feel so lucky that I happened to stumble across this doctor on a Google search. I just hope that he lives up to my expectations!
Also, Lydia provides these services for anyone. She lives in PA, and I live in CO. All of our communication is via phone and email. It would be awesome if she was local, but she’s not. I just wanted to let you know that there are options to work with her, or others like her, in a remote environment. I encourage you to shoot her an email if you’re interested in finding out how she could help you as well (http://divinehealthfromtheinsideout.com/nutrition-wellness-coaching/). I love that she specializes in the very areas that I need help in!
Best wishes to you and I look forward to seeing you around here!
Just keep in mind that a paleo/primal diet may not be the answer. It doesn’t work for everyone. Ann-Marie at Cheeselave didn’t have any success with it, and it made her condition a lot worse. She finally was able to correct her metabolism and thyroid issues with 180degree Health. Just something to consider.
I agree that the paleo/primal diets aren’t for everyone. I know from lots of past experience that they work well for me when I actually stick with them. I know what large amounts of carbs do to my body and it’s not pretty. I’m happy that the high-carb diets work for AnnMarie, but I know they don’t work for me. They leave me sluggish, moody, and gaining way too much weight. I think the key is to find your own allergens and then eliminate those from your diet. I am just thrilled to have found an actual MD, who is covered by my insurance, who is nutrition-focused, here in Denver. I have been searching for quite some time for a doctor like this!
I have been following your website for a few months and I just wanted to say thank you for sharing. I have so appreciated all the info on coconut oil. I love it and we use it for everything almost. Thank you for posting so much great information.I know you will find success for your health. Have you heard of ProArgi9 Plus?