So here I am talking with a colleague who is telling me how bad she hurts every day. Every day she has pain. And she tells me how bad it really is. And I ‘know’ this pain, because I’ve had it myself many times before. But I don’t have it now, so I am listening to her story and I am trying to be as empathetic as I can.

But it’s a little difficult for me…because I’ve kicked the pain.

And I know what she needs to do to make the pain STOP.

And I have even shared with her how to make her own pain stop. But she chooses not to follow my suggestion. And I feel sorry for her.

Fast forward to this morning where I am in the MOST intense pain I have been in in a very long while. Like 11 months to be exact.

Daaaaaaaaamit! I cannot walk. I can hardly straighten my back. I feel hobbled. Each foot shuffles in front of the other and each step is EXCRUCIATING! I’m not kidding. I hurt. And I don’t like it. And it’s ALL MY FAULT!

Now for the confession…My name is Nadine, and I am addicted to sugar. It is my heroin. Keto sisters and brothers, I have sinned. I ate 3! Seriously 3! 1” x 1” squares of cake, soaked in tequila, battered in tempura, fried, dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with chocolate syrup. That’s it! That’s all I had. Three stinking bites!!!

And now I feel like a 100 year old woman! Oh my goodness the arthritis pain in my neck, shoulders, back and bilateral knees, the left being worse than the right is ridiculous.

All I am left to say is, we had our fun. I am paying the price. And NOW! it’s time to get back to the Real World of Keto Lifestyle. Adios Sugar. Hasta la Never!

Arthritically yours,

Nadine Bodine

Your VERY Best friend in the whole wide world 🌎☮️♥️🚋

Ya’ll are not going to like this.

I am certain of it. And many others will find and take offense.

But the term ‘awakened’ historically comes from a biblical source.

It literally means to become alive again from a stupor or slumber.

In old times many cultures, including the Irish, would have a ‘wake’ following the death of a loved one. For 3 days the family would gather and celebrate in hopes that the dead would wake from their slumber and rejoin the living. After 3 days, if not awake, the reality check got cashed, and then preparations for burial would commence.

Recently while reading a book titled ‘Waverly’s’ I came across this passage…”It is more tragic to live a default life of worldly security and safety from pain and heartbreak than it is to experience loss and be ‘AWAKENED’ to the value of time and love.”

Just struck me like a lightening bolt to the chest.

That constant seeking of being safe and secure REALLY is not living at all.

It is the equivalent of being physically, mentally and spiritually dead.

Safety and security are not what they are cracked up to be. Longing for that flatline of security and safety only gets you more dead than you already are.

Life is more about the hiccups and the bumps in the road than the calm and steady waters.

If Double R taught me anything, it is this…Taking risks, betting on the underdog, NOT following the crowd is where life is at.

While some would sit with their hands in their lap and say “Why?” I stand boldly and say “Why not?”

Make this year the year you do something different. Find a new challenge. Hone a new skill. Do something you never thought you would or could do. I am not suggesting you climb Mount Everest or run a marathon…unless you are up to that challenge.

Start small. Eat at a new restaurant. Read a genre of book that you never have before. Learn to fly fish. Take dance lessons. Hell! Run a marathon if you will.

Start with a baby step in that direction. Anything.

I dare you to be ‘Different’ with me!

Awakenedly yours,

Nadine Bodine

Your VERY Best friend in the whole wide world 🌎☮️♥️🚋💃