A letter from Apr 19, 2025

Dear Future Me, Congratulations, A. Congratulations on a job well done. You began the year with a goal to improve your gut health. In ways, it's hard to rate the effectiveness of that; even doctors advise against a lab test to evaluate one's gut health. Objectively, I don't know; some symptoms have gotten worse or changed. But for real, I commend you for staying the path. Multiple, gut-healthy changes have been made this year between January and April: * You use less Splenda in your coffee * You are intentional about eating a variety of plants each week and do well with your goal of 25 or more each week * Mindfulness is present with your use of NSAIDs and Omeprazole. You use both less than you did last year. * You meditate. Meditation?! But great job. I'm glad that you found Insight Timer and that it goes well with your spirit <3. * You are a yogi. I love that you have brought yoga practice back into your life twice per week. I hope that when you receive this letter, you are still active with, passionate about, and growing from your experience with Himalayan Kriya Yoga. * You are taking L-Glutamine on a regular basis and continuing with your journey of trying to incorporate Zen Pep appropriately into your meals. * You've even taken to Mind-Body medicine, a practice said to even benefit one's GI's system! * You have intentionally increased your fiber intake, a change that was admittedly hard on the body. Yay you for your efforts to increase your water intake to counteract the fiber and medications that make it challenging for you to complete some GI activities. * You're giving conscious attention to your sugar intake and are currently in your first phase of scaling back sugar. * And, you've found a rhythm to include a reasonable, though not daily, probiotic intake into your diet. * You even tried probiotic sodas. Expensive boogers but some are tasty so what a great escape and adventure for the taste buds compared to the harmful ingredients of diet soda. Look at you, A. All of this in 3.5 months! I love you. I commend you. I value you. Thank you for making conscientious, consistent efforts to develop the life you've always wanted beginning with your gut. <3<3<3