I’ve spent the better part of my life with less than pleasant health woes, many of which were immediately apparent to the outside eye, but nonetheless left all too many doctors scratching their heads and throwing up their hands in “I have no idea what’s wrong with her or why she’s not responding to treatment” frustration. Over the years, the problems (debilitating migraines, digestive troubles, and a laundry list of aches, pains and other annoying and hard-to-label symptoms) shape-shifted into even bigger and more perplexing (and life-altering) problems that sent me into a downward spiral of “no one can fix me, so why bother?” despair.

Thankfully, I’m one of those types who doesn’t let herself stay down for too long. Every time I struggle, I pick myself up, dust off the “woe is me” dirt, and dig deeper for answers. And, I’m happy to report, I’ve found some terrific answers (especially over these past four years) that have helped me start putting together my health puzzle. It’s taken time, perseverance and never-ending support from my family (and an incredibly knowledgeable and tuned-in doctor who cared enough to roll up her sleeves and steer me in some surprising directions) to connect those pieces, and there are still some missing ones I’m working to find and put into place. But the puzzle picture I’m seeing is a vibrant one, held together by smarter lifestyle choices, some unconventional health approaches, and an understanding that wellness isn’t a one-size-fits-all strategy, but rather a lifelong journey with high peaks, head-scratching plateaus, low valleys, and a few frustrating detours to keep things, um, interesting.

I started this website (and blog) to help others (you know, the ol’ “may as well turn lemons into lemonade” thing), and to offer some of my tried-and-true tips, recipes, lifestyle insights, and many more tools to help you live well – and tastefully! Admittedly, though, there’s a self-serving angle to this website, too: it’s cathartic to revisit my aggravating health history and remind myself just how far I’ve come). Although my health challenges may differ from yours, I have a hunch we may find some common ground – and I also have a nagging suspicion that some of my own ups, downs and “a-ha!” moments can help you find some key pieces to your own health puzzle and (finally!) put them into place. If I can help just one person, it’ll all be worth it. And I really believe I can (so let’s start with YOU!).

Read on, my friend. Better health is just around the corner…you just need to know where to look!