I recently learned I have a rare but treatable form of cancer: epithelioid sarcoma. This was a challenging diagnosis for me to handle emotionally. I have been forced to take a break from kitesurfing, freediving, and the immersive experiences in nature that bring me so much joy. Being held back by surgery and recovering at home feels like a prison sentence. But then I remembered that every healthy moment is a gift, and that I've had more than my share of these to date. No one is immune to illness.

Susan Sontag said it best:

“Illness is the night side of life, a more onerous citizenship. Everyone who is born holds dual citizenship, in the kingdom of the well and in the kingdom of the sick. Although we all prefer to use the good passport, sooner or later each of us is obliged, at least for a spell, to identify ourselves as citizens of that other place.”

After 5 surgeries in just over a year I am now a healing expert. 😬 I thought I would share some of my recovery tips.

  1. Don’t try to muscle your way out of it! I did that last year...and it landed me back in the hospital with sepsis. I should have just relaxed and slept 14 hours a day like my body wanted. My business would be waiting for me when I was ready.

  2. Adopt a whole food, plant-based, low sugar, alcohol-free diet. I know it’s not fun, but neither is surgery! Animal products are inflammatory and can make healing harder.

  3. Pain sucks, but it’s temporary, and if you really need relief I recommend ice packs, CBD, and cannabis. 

  4. Get acupuncture. Seriously. It’s incredible for reducing swelling and improving recovery time.

  5. Play music, read good books, make art...indulge in the creative pursuits you never have time for when you’re too busy working. I don’t know why, but making things is somehow healing.

That’s all folks...and thank you for the love and support along the way!!