Author: elsims

This past weekend I attended a family reunion. It was my mother’s great grandmother’s side of the family. I knew no one there. Never even heard of them until I was recruited to work on the committee for the reunion, from the only relative that I did know. Lol. These are my observations from the event.

Family reunions are a lot like being on a cruise. You see the same people every day, whether it’s at breakfast, lunch or dinner. You begin to recognize people’s faces but may not know their names. You say “Hi” and are really friendly, you talk a little about self and they share information about where they are from. You laugh and develop some sort of camaraderie. The cruise ends and you don’t see any of those people again. In the case of family reunions, you may see those people again at the next one.

I guess what I am trying to say is that family reunions are kinda impersonal. We as people tend to gravitate towards the family we already know and are friendly to the family that we do not know. We discuss how we are related and introduce our families to each. But we don’t really take the opportunity to get to know each other or exchange information to stay in contact after the event. We don’t remember each other’s name from one day to the next. I am not criticizing anyone. I know I am guilty of this the most. What are we to do to deepen these connections and really get to know each other? I can’t say that I know but I will definitely put serious thought to my observations.

One reason I feel family reunions are necessary, from my perspective, is because you have the opportunity to meet your distance male relatives. I am so worried now. This side of my family happens to be very large. There was a fair amount of people in attendance but a good portion of the family did not attend. Which means that I have male cousins out here that I do not know. And for anyone who has ever dated their cousin, you would know what I mean right now. I can say, at this point in my life, that I have not dated one of my cousins that I know of. And if I did, yuck! Lol. Now I am saying some of this jokingly but seriously though, this is a real possibility.

It may seem that I am negative about family reunions but I am not. They make it possible to learn more about yourself and how we are all connected. I happen to experience syncope occasionally and so does my mom. I found out that it is actually common in my family. Reunions allow you the opportunity to know your family history, possible health issues and individual relatives. Even though I may not remember the majority of people’s names, I will remember their faces. I will see them out and know that they are mine. For all those who attended the reunion, it was great to meet you. To those who pulled me out of my shell and included me, I thank you. For those who were unable to make it for whatever reason, I look forward to meeting you and getting to know you at the next reunion.

So I went to the doctor yesterday. I am not a fan of doctors because I feel like their solution to everything is giving you a pill. Now I’m not a big pill taker. Not much that I hate but pills are one of the things I hate. Especially if they are not capsules or coated. Those white chalky ones end up coming right back up. Lol. I do believe that pills can help on a short term basis. I don’t believe in taking pills long term. There are just too many side effects that can cause something else to go wrong. Then they are giving you another pill for that issue. Never ending cycle.

I had some labs done at my last visit and we went over them yesterday. Things are definitely out of order in my body. TSH for my thyroid about 10 times the normal range. Hemoglobin level at 8.71, normal range 12-16, indicative of anemia due to low iron. Vitamin D deficiency as well. So now the girl who hates pills has no choice but to take them. I am constantly tired, no matter how much sleep I get. And I don’t want to feel this way anymore. Though I am in agreement with taking these pills, I will not allow it to be a long term solution.

For some conditions, I believe changing your eating habits can be just as effective as pills. With that being said, I have changed my diet to plant based foods. Which pretty much means no foods that come from an animal or any part of an animal, including seafood. The last, no seafood, I don’t know if I am going to make it. Lol. Not for the rest of my life. As I have mention before, I have multiple sclerosis, MS for short. Reading about this condition and also speaking with others, I have learned a plant based diet may be beneficial for my health and to help fight the progression of MS. I don’t know but versus taking a pill everyday for the rest of my life with no guarantees and numerous side effects, I can definitely give this diet a try. So far its different but not as challenging as I thought it would be. I think my biggest struggle is my sweet tooth. Cookies, Reese’s peanut butter cups, an occasional donut or brownie. Smh. My neighbor did suggest Oreos, the one thing I can eat that I don’t really like. I’ll wait until I’m desperate. Lol.

For me at this time in my life, I find myself doing things I don’t want to do. Doctors, pills, no seafood. I also find myself realizing that I cannot go on practicing unhealthy habits and expect a good quality of life. What habits have you realized is affecting your quality of life? What do you plan on doing about it? If nothing, just curious why? I realize we all have to get to a point where enough is enough. This may not be your time. Hell it has taken me getting ready to turn 40 to finally get there.

Also, for anyone already living on a plant based diet, what are some of your favorite foods or recipes? I need help.

Comments or emails always welcomed. Email is elsims27@yahoo.com.

Not too long ago, I prayed to God that I want to hear his voice more. That I wanted him to direct me. At this point I had realized that nothing in my life was going the way that I wanted. That I am almost 40 years old and I am no better off than I was when I was in my twenties. I am obviously doing something wrong. God has the answers I just need to listen. Yes I do hear his voice but not at the level where I feel that he guides all my steps.

After praying this prayer, a few days later, God whispered to me. At the time I was so thankful. It made sense. I called my friend and told her what I prayed and how he had answered me. I was so happy. But…yes, I have a stubborn nature. I didn’t agree with God in the back of my mind. I put more of a no, not now but maybe later perspective on what he whispered to me. When God meant no, not at all! And so I preceded to alter God’s directive to suit my purpose. Let’s be honest, this wasn’t my first time so you would think I knew better right. Smh

You cannot asks God a direct question and reject his answer. It doesn’t work that way. So he yelled at me. Do I blame him, not at all. The whispers is sweet. It doesn’t hurt. It allows you to step back before there is pain or disappointment. It is a forewarning. The yell is like a slap in the face. The worst whipping that you got from your parents. It can change you and not for the better. It hurts dammit!

I don’t know where life is going to take me. The experiences that I will have, good or bad. I do know that I can minimize the bad experiences. I can pray for direction and guidance. I can open my mind and my heart to God’s whispers. And when he does, all I have to do is listen. Truly and obediently. Because I don’t like getting yelled at.

Is there a time that God whispered to you and you didn’t listen? If you would like to share, feel free to make a comment. If you want to talk about it privately, email me at elsims27@yahoo.com.