An awakening, and true revelation

[rawererin]

I can't believe how changing my views on food has affected different areas of my life, like illnesses. I used to run to the doctor and take every OTC pill imaginable everytime I got sick, which was often, now I realize that the viruses the conventional medicines can't touch, I can avoid (and get rid of if I get them) and instead of making my symptoms more comfortable I'm actually healing my body.

And thinking about kids- I'd already made up my mind about demanding an epidural as soon as I wheeled myself through the hospital doors, but "The Business of Being Born" really opened my eyes, and helped me realize that when we feel the need to assume a certain position (like squat during a contraction) its our bodies natural response and should be allowed instead of sped up, intensified, and imobilized with Pitosin and an epidural. I give great credit to every woman on this board who has given birth, naturally or in a hospital, I can only imagine what strength that must have taken and I hope I'm strong enough to do that one day.

I came across an article that said breastfeeding doesn't make your breasts sag anymore than the natural aging process (I am naturally big busted), and I said "whew" because that was what held me back on deciding to breastfeed once I have a child. But through my classes (psych major, child development etc.) I found there are so many more incredible benefits to breastfeeding that I could ever have imagined. Just the bond between a woman and her child, and knowing that you are nourishing, feeding your teeny baby the best thing in the world while deeping your relationship through the physical contact of breastfeeding is amazing. And awe inspiring.

To everyone who is choosing the raw food lifestyle, has been consistent with it, or struggles at times, I give you all a huge round of applause for recognizing the need to heal, nourish, and protect your body... a recognization that most of the world isn't willing to accept. If you slip, it's OK, just get back on that horse, I have a quote taped to my fridge that really helped me when I found myself backsliding...
"Progress, not perfection."

Thank you all for helping me by answering God knows how many redundant questions, supplying delicious recipes, and giving me the knowledge I needed about raw foods to permanently change my lifestyle.

:o

Super Sincerely,
Erin

[GlimR]

(((Erin)))
We learn so much as we go along. Birth is a natural process and the body knows what to do if "we" don't interfere. Yes, sometimes there are problems but most times not if we work with it and let it do what it was designed to do. I have three children and was induced the first time, I was very young and wanted a midwife but I had gestational diabetis and Dr's said it was not a good idea...I listened...even then I practiced what I had learned and the labor was just over 5 hours. The next two were natural births, no pain meds, no intervention, active labor less than two hours each time. I breastfed each of them for just over a year. You are so right that eating raw opens up your life and spirit to so many other things. Glad you are here~*hug*
GlimR~

[Veganforlife]

Isn't RAW the best? All the way around. For us (number one), for the environment, for our loved ones and friends, and for the Universe!

Love these revellations that happen to us! :D

[jacsam]

I really enjoyed reading your post.....thanks!

[Revvell]

Revvellations are good. :D

[oceanluv]

Breast milk, babies first and best raw food.

[klomasius]

So darn true!

It's a evolution in progress isn't it? And it reaches out beyond what we eat to the very way we lead our lives. Now if everyone can just go through the wonderful realisation you've gone through then I wouldn't have to sadly bite my tongue when I hear what I call 'how sick are you?' discussions where everyone talks about their various illnesses and what medication makes it better (not better, just masking symptoms mostly). I want to beg, to plead with them to try a different way, but time has shown me it falls on deaf ears, UNTIL someone is actually ready to hear it.

But sometimes it's the little positive changes in our lives that open the crack for the major changes that make us go 'Woah!!!'. I'm always hopeful.

Good on you!

[Eva]

Oh my goodness! Thank you -- for sharing your thoughts and lovely recipes. In fact, your idea on the Rawified Nestle Crunch bars was practically the thrill sweeping through Budapest for the last 6 months. I took the idea and ran with it, making it for lots of friends and family, raw and non-raw alike. That was the start of many people asking me about raw foods and adding at least MORE raw food into their lives. Good stuff, in my book.

Thank you for the reminder. My life has truly changed because of raw, and many new doors and awarenesses have been opened to me! It's the big picture of ALL the details (not just food) that is finally coming together for me, and it sounds like for you too.

Dang, if I'm not still a work in progress though. I'm happy with that. And, well, happy!

:) - Eva

[spicyfull]

Thanks for Sharing.........RAW will RAWk your World.

[rawererin]

I'm so glad you all replied to my post with such positive words, it's nice to be able to share thoughts, ideas and recipes (that aren't SAD) without being chased with pitchforks or labeled as "oh you're one of those...."

[nadia07621]

wonderful post erin. revelations like these make me question if med school is right for me