The Time Is NOW

In this captivating chapter, I delve into my childhood diet filled with all the classic unhealthy favorites. From microwavable chicken nuggets to Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, my stomach churns as I reflect on the choices I made. As I grew older, my love for high carb and sugary foods persisted, leading to a sedentary lifestyle during my college years.

I lived in blissful ignorance of my unhealthy habits, often bragging about my reckless lifestyle and promising myself I would deal with the consequences later. Little did I know, "later" arrived sooner than expected.

I vividly recount the first time my body betrayed me. It was an unsettling experience, unlike any cold or flu I had encountered before. Suddenly, while eating pasta at the kitchen table, I felt an overwhelming dizziness. Confusion washed over me as I wondered how I could feel dizzy in the middle of a meal. Frozen with fear, I sought solace in sharing my experience with my mother, who urged me to visit a doctor.

Describing my symptoms to the doctor was always the hardest part. I felt compelled to physically manifest my sickness for them to take me seriously, even when I felt relatively fine at the moment. Blood work became the go-to solution, although the results often yielded normal readings, except for low white blood cell count, low Vitamin D, low thyroid TSH, and high testosterone.

The medical journey took me from one specialist to another, as doctors pointed fingers and provided vague diagnoses. I was initially believed to be hypoglycemic, then suspected of having parasites or candida. One doctor even suggested psychiatric medication, claiming my ailments were merely psychological. Meanwhile, I experienced complications such as shortness of breath, heart palpitations, gallbladder pain, loss of appetite, extreme hunger, low sex drive, intestinal pain accompanied by diarrhea, and a myriad of other discomforts.

I vividly recall conversing with a cardiologist about my shortness of breath and chest heaviness. Rather than addressing my concerns, he redirected me to a lung specialist, implying that my symptoms were beyond his expertise. Though doubtful, I visited the lung specialist, who prescribed an inhaler, further deepening my skepticism.

This fragmented approach to healthcare highlights the flaws within our system. Doctors operate within their specific domains without effective communication, leaving patients to suffer without a definitive solution while accumulating hefty medical bills. Western medicine seems to have forgotten that the body is an interconnected system, where the heart affects the lungs, which affect oxygen levels, circulation, blood, lymph nodes, liver, digestion, and so on. This interconnectedness ultimately affects how one feels. It pains me to witness others in waiting rooms, likely sharing similar frustrating experiences, yet this has become the norm.

This life-altering experience forced me to confront my mortality and acknowledge the impermanence of my body. It's a difficult reality to face, especially at a young age. Embracing the aging process remains an ongoing challenge for me. In youth, we eagerly anticipate growing older to pursue our dreams, yet as we age, we yearn for the vitality of our youth, regretting missed opportunities and wishing for more time.

The lesson embedded within this chapter is applicable to all stages of life: seize every moment and make the most of your time. Approach that person you've been hesitant to talk to, embark on entrepreneurial endeavors, write that book you've always dreamed of, travel across Europe with just a backpack, think beyond conventional boundaries, and chase your passions relentlessly. Don't fear taking risks, for it is better to experience rejection, learn, and grow than to live with the weight of regret.

Stay tuned for more chapters in this gripping series. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for future updates.