Au Revoir 2016

 

What do you say to a year that has been a rollercoaster ride.  A year that has given you stress and anxiety of the likes you've never experienced before, but has also given you some amazing, beautiful, soul nuturing moments.

2016 was a year of too many hospital visits.  Of learning that Hashimoto's has exacerbated my stress and anxiety levels.  Of learning that just a smidgen of gluten can stop my metabolism in its tracks, and of learning that I try way too often to do everything and please everyone.

It's also been a year of learning more about me and my autoimmune disease.  Of learning about tools to help me deal with my exacerbated stress and anxiety levels.  Of learning more about the foods I eat and how they affect my body - something I'm becoming more and more passionate about which is leading to new and exciting pathways in my life.  Of learning to slowly unclutter my life of material things and people that no longer bring positivity into my life.  

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The first soul nurturing moment was waking up on the very first day of 2016 in Brooklyn, New York.  Nothing beats (for this Winter loving gal) cold noses, wooly beanies and lots of hot coffees to keep you warm.

The first stress of the year came in the form of missing our flight home (by 9 hours....doh!).  Goodbye an extra $3,000!!!!!

 

 

 

I ventured back to yoga after a decades absence, finding a piece of myself again.

 

 

Dinner parties (or rather lunch parties) with people I love

 

 

The beginning of my Petite Treats business - Gluten, dairy, grain and refined sugar free treats

 

 

Returning to one of my favourite places in the whole world, spending time exploring, eating and just being...

 

 

 

Of course, in France, the inevitable happened.....I ate gluten.

At the time, I didn't think much of it as I'm not gluten intolerant as such.  However my blood tests and my thyroid on return to Australia certainly told me it wasn't a smart move.   My body is only just now getting back to how it was before the holiday.

 

 

Days out with friends

 

 

Celebrating the wedding of my gorgeous niece and her partner in the Yarra Valley.

 

 

A Christmas to remember, spent at an incredible house in Hepburn Springs - much needed days spent napping, cooking, eating and reading books.  Utter bliss.

 

 

And time spent reflecting and welcoming in the new year with oysters, chilled wine and the most wonderful friend in the world. 

~

My intention for 2017 = inspiration and tranquility

What's yours?

 

Leigh