If pain has taught me anything, it's taught me the ability to reflect. I realized I tried to turn my personal written journey toward a pain-free life - one I had hoped would reach some readers and help them see that they're not alone - into a let's-see-how-many-followers-I-can-find journey.
I started sharing my thoughts on sites like Wellsphere. When a friend warned me (thanks Jeanne) that they were placing advertisements next to MY words for THEIR profit, I deleted my account. I understand if your website/blog is your business, of course it helps to establish revenue in order to keep your site up and running. I no longer want to be affiliated with or promote websites that say they're all for a healthy lifestyle and then turn around and advertise perfume or a fast food company.
I started answering migraineur's questions on certain forums only to find my replies being censored or removed by moderators. I guess because the powers that be that sponsor such websites wouldn't dare like an outside company or doctor mentioned, even if it may help someone in pain. So I turned toward private messages to share support.
I started entering different blog carnivals, to share my journey with others, and gain some readers. But some posts, however truthful and on topic, weren't accepted. I guess it goes back to needing to fit a certain mold, and that's definitely not me. I love that I'm not attached to any particular business or sponsor. The freedom to share exactly who I am is true freedom of speech.
I'm taking a positive step back, and making this blog once again about my journey, and not about increasing "followers." Now, let's take some positive steps forward together.
I continue to follow my doctor-recommended Ayurvedic diet, which has reduced the amount of food-triggered migraines I experience. But because I'm not seeing much weight loss yet, I borrowed a new book from the library called "The Perfect 10 Diet." If any of you have tried it or are starting, please leave a comment. Read the Introduction.
7 comments:
I always enjoy reading your posts. I love diversity of opinion, even when people just agree to disagree!!
We live in a commercial world: I have seen the web evolve into an advertising hit machine. Looking forward to more information.
Jasmine,
I think it's easy to fall into the 'let's-see-how-many-followers-I-can-find' pit when blogging. I think every blogger grapples with this at some point or another.
I would imagine that was probably the nicest thing I said about Wellsphere.
When I first put ads on my blog, I used Google's AdSense ones. That didn't last long because I was constantly manually blocking inappropriate ads until I finally decided that AdSense was not going to work for me!
I can only imagine what went through your mind when you discovered your comments were being censored on the sites you talked about. That must have ticked you off!
You're right, Jasmine... trying to fit into someone else's mold is not the right place for you. That's a definite compliment... you are a free thinker! :) Good for you for figuring out that free speech is more important to you than traffic volume or following others' "rules".
I am happy to hear that your food-triggered migraines have lessened. I saw you talking about that book on Facebook the other day. I hope you like it.
It's nice to see you on Facebook but it's really nice to see you back at "home". I missed you here.
:) :)
Jeanne
Thank you, Ladies :)
And a big congrats Jeanne for reaching 600 signatures!
About your journey, not increasing followers---a healthy way to move back.
Thank you, Diane.
Hugs,
Jasmine
I have been treating my Fibromyalgia with diet - so glad to hear you are taking those steps to help your pain. Hang in there! I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia four years ago, and I have been struggling daily just to get out of bed and go about my day. The treatments in the book "Beat Sugar Addiction Now!" by Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum (http://endfatigue.com/) have made a huge difference in my life. I am not cured, but my symptoms are much less and I have a lot less aching and less pain..........I feel that the SHINE protocol which is described in detail here has made such a huge improvement in my quality of life. I was surprised to see that the author had suffered with this same condition and had used the treatments he describes here to treat himself and to get himself well enough to complete medical school and live a good life. Knowing that he has been where I have been makes all the difference as far as I am concerned. Dr. T is one of the foremost experts on Fibromyalgia and CFS in the country - be sure to follow him on Twitter: http://twitter.com/DrJTeitelbaum
Even though your name led me to Dr T's site instead of your own, I decided to publish this comment. I've read his book, and liked his approach to diet. But when I found myself buying the supplements he recommended I was just wasting my money. D-Ribose did nothing to help my sugar addiction or give me energy.
The only approach that is helping me is Ayurveda, physical therapy and exercise. I prefer using seasonal, whole foods to get the nutrients I need. Not spending hundreds on 'suggested' brand names of vitamins.
Both Dr T and Dr Aziz aren't afraid to blame our diets for the pain and diseases so many Americans are facing, including obesity. I hope more follow in their footsteps. I've lost 11 pounds since reading "The Perfect 10 Diet" because I've learned the dangers of non-fat and low-fat foods, as well as sugar. I'm following a modified version of Dr A's diet because his recipes contain migraine triggers - the Pitta balance diet I'm following does not. Both Ayurveda and Dr Aziz recommend minimizing/eliminating red meat from the diet. That has helped me also. No more caffeine, in any form (chocolate, medicine, coffee, etc.)
Besides weight loss, my skin is clearer, I've noticed a reduction in PMS symptoms, my mood/outlook is much improved, I'm sleeping better. And thanks to sleep study and CPAP, I have more energy during the day. Less hair is falling out, I'm not as gassy or bloated, etc.
Thank you for sharing your success with Dr T's books and your diet change. I wish the same for others.
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