Taking time off away from it all

Time away from it all — what I need right now.  So, I’m taking a break from volunteer work, work work, house work, website work and all work. I have a ton that I’ve been working on and a ton to do, but my babies and family need me.  I need me.  I’m going to regroup, recharge and rest.  Rest is hard for me, but I have to do it.  Or, I’m going to try.  I will be posting off and on even while on vacation, as long as it does not interfere with my time with my family.  It is so much is going on, and it’s so exciting.  However, my biggest challenge is pacing myself, but .. I’m trying to work on it.  And one way I am working on it, is by taking time off and not working while on vacation like I usually do.  

Below are a few things that I am working on to share very soon, and also a brief update on a few events from the 2-3 weeks.

Coming soon:

1. New posts on chronic pelvic pain, Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, mast cell activation disorder, the EDNF conference & much more.  Some posts with giveaways!
2. Our Stories of Strength – new contests ! And finally, the 1st contest winners will receive their prizes!
3. Our Stories of Strength – exciting announcements!
4. Wellapalooza 2015 & 2016 update with exciting details, website and registration for the 2015 conference.
5. Details on EDS Patient Solutions projects & additional announcements.

The past few weeks: 

1. I will be walking in the 3-day breast cancer walk, Locomotion, at the end of September.  The entire event is put together by my friend Laura Morgan.  I will be walking to support Ange (a close family friend, who recently passed away from breast cancer), my mom (who fought breast cancer and amyloidosis) and all others who wish that they could be on the other living side of this devastating illness.  And even though it was for a very sad reason, I was able to see my mom’s sister, my aunt Honey, while on her trip up to Connecticut for Ange’s wedding.

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   Attended the Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation Learning Conference – Because I am a volunteer, I was able to attend the learning conference and see many people who have been so important in my life – personally and professionally.  Our Stories of Strength donated two Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome anthologies to the silent auctions for both the EDNF conference and the TMS conference.  Our Stories of Strength – Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome did great at the EDNF conference and we even had a mini reunion of those who submitted and worked on the book.  EDS Awareness also gave away five copies of Our Stories of Strength – Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, through a contest they held during the conference.
   

   

   
   
   
   3.  Participated in #chasingadream on August 16th – Chasing a Dream was a virtual event to help support Allysa Seely’s, a paratriathlete with Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, towards her journey to the 2016 Rio Paralympics.  Funds raised went towards Allysa’s efforts to qualify for the 2016 Paralympics in Rio representing the U.S.A.
   

   

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   4.  Time away from it all with my little family – We haven’t taken a real vacation in a year and it seemed like we almost were not going to be able to this summer either.  However, a few things worked out and we are enjoying our time together before school starts.  I’m trying to learn the art of relaxation and pacing myself.  While there is so much good that is going on, there has also been some not-so-good going on.  I needed a mental and emotional break from the constant drama.  One extra bonus was that my husband made sure to order drinks from Gouter before we left, so the fridge was stocked by the time I arrived after the EDNF conference. Talk about love .. 😉
   

   

 
Last, as I was leaving for the EDNF conference, I noticed a note that my oldest son had left me with a gift.  His note and gift were taped to the back of the front door, so I would see it as I was leaving the house.  The message that my son wrote to me, is the exact reason why taking time away from it all is so important, yet it is also the reason why I am so motivated to work hard.

Oh and if you are wondering how I’ve kept up with my workouts while traveling?  I have kept them up, even if it means working out in a 3×3 space with no equipment, no music and no workout to follow.  In my world, there are no excuses.  My primary job is my health.  There is so much I cannot control, so I focus on what I can control – nutrition, exercise, mindset, and stress.
– Kendra