There is a saying that goes, “Ignorance is bliss.” I tended to be one that did what I was told. I did not ask questions. I followed the “experts” and professionals. I never had diet issues growing up and could eat a standard American diet with no problems. There certainly was no concern for the quality of food or lifestyle. I was blissfully ignorant. Life has a way of removing ignorance and forcing one’s attention.
Willingness to learn builds knowledge. Knowledge is power. Before I could learn, I needed to face some growing problems that developed in my late teens to early twenties. Since having a root canal and several dental surgeries, my health began to fall apart by way of major digestive issues. Being newly married, I found myself tight on money and trying to follow a bare budget, while caring for a one year old baby.
Ignorance was quickly dissipating as finances and health forced me to begin researching and learning information for myself. Natural health originally became very intriguing for me. I desired to be a good steward of my resources. I wanted to give my family a healthy life and not buy junk just because I was “poor.” Having a one year old helped me realize I wanted God to enable me to give the best to my children. Monthly groceries were $350 a month. Because of our circumstances, the budget for groceries did not change as more children came along. God was good to provide though!
What began as a fascinating journey turned quickly into a desperate search for answers and solutions. My natural health journey started when I switched to raw Jersey milk, changed our diet and household products, and researched information on home care, health care, and creating a chemical free home. I discovered a whole world outside of what I knew. This part of going “natural” and learning how to do so was fun and fascinating. Also at the start of my natural health journey, I knew only one person trying to do similar things. No one else shared my interest. A natural-health lifestyle was unheard of when I began researching and asking lots of questions. While I had a lonely ride for a short time, God was faithful and gave me just what was needed each step of the way to where I am today–whether it was people, products, or new resources to help me.
While changing and finding resources was lonely and difficult, I gave it to the Lord. If this was where he was leading me, he would bring people, businesses, or resources to me in his perfect timing. God faithfully provided in my life. I am so grateful!
My major digestive issues plagued me for about seven years until I eventually discovered I had food allergies to egg, wheat, and dairy. While God did not spare the suffering, he faithfully walked with me, gave me answers, and taught me many things, which this blog will show. I am so thankful for the health issues because they are a part of my natural health journey. I learned so much that has become a part of who I am in my passions and interests. What made a trial in my life actually became the open door to a whole new pathway of life I might not have taken otherwise. Today, there are lots of resources and many individuals making these changes since my “pioneer” days. Now when I see other people I know sharing this journey with me, and learning for themselves too, it is beyond rewarding. Natural health as a lifestyle is a growing trend, and I love that I get to be a part of it.
Yours Truly,
Samantha
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