One Year Anniversary

[BRUMI1968]

Well, it's been one year gluten-free. I've certainly learned a lot in that time.

• When you're not uncomfortable all the time, life is really different (brighter, better, saner).
  
• I don't need to seek out comfort anymore, but can do things like go camping and, more importantly, can express myself better in situations where I need to express needs or power - I'm not as weak physically, and therefore not as weak in my expressions either.
  
• Sugar is bad. It makes me bloat up. It tastes really good, though...and makes black tea heavenly.
  
• Finding areas in which one can be flexible is very important - having an inflexible diet as per gluten does not mean having to become rigid in other ways. One must watch to not become too rigid.
  
• Pooping does not have to be a terror.
  
• MOST people get it and empathize enough to help you out; family members might not be most people, though. I've had to learn to stand up for myself a bit here - especially with my step-dad, who thinks I'm "paranoid". What I've not figured out in my year - why is he so pushy about it - how does it benefit him to try to make me eat at a dangerous restaurant or try an unchecked substance?
  

Anyway, there's probably more. But I'm glad I quit the gluten; I have no desire to eat it and don't even miss any of it, except the freedom of eating out without asking all sorts of ridiculous-sounding questions and then not trusting them in the end anyway. Thankfully, I'm a good cook!

[Lisa]

Congratulations on you anniversary! It truely a monumental task.

THREE CHEERS FOR YOU.!!!

[ArtGirl]

Happy anniversary! My one-year is up the end of next month.

It sure has been a journey, hasn't it! I know soooo much more about foods than I did a year ago. I'm like you, I'll never go back to eating gluten again - not even tempted! It just feels too go now.