I was so inspired by Christina’s post yesterday that I decided to write one of my own. When we first decided to jump into the blog world and create one of our own we knew that it was going to be tough. We both agreed that we would be 100% real with anyone who decides to read what we write. If we screw up a project or fall down the stairs, you guys will eventually read about it.
After we got engaged the conversation immediately turned to how we wanted to spend our lives together. What do we want to do for the wedding, how would we raise our kids, where do we want to retire. Ok we are jumping ahead a bit but these are the things you think about once you decide to spend the rest of your life with someone. We had talked about these things in the past but they were suddenly very important topics.
We decided the first thing we wanted to focus on was our health. We knew that this would be the foundation for how we live out our lives. It would make us feel better about ourselves, make us more comfortable in our own skin, and eventually give us something to teach our future children so they do not have to deal with the same issues we do.
I too, have never really been comfortable in my own skin. I have lived with severe social anxiety disorder for as long as I can remember and still deal with it to this day. Back to that being real thing, that’s about as real as it gets. If you have read our About Us page then you know that I have mentioned it but haven’t really dove into my life with anxiety. Well, that’s all about to change. More about that exciting news in a minute.
We have made quite a few changes in the last few weeks. We have almost completely changed our diets and cut out all the bad stuff. This means no more fast food, no more soda, no more candy, and no more eating out for 5 meals in a row. This also means that Christina and I usually do not eat the same thing for dinner which can sometimes be challenging. We quickly figured out that catering our diets to our individual needs works the best for us. She gets what she needs and I get what I need to make a healthy choice. That being said….
I am now gluten-free. I know what you all are thinking, that’s stupid. Trust me, that’s what I thought too. I had always assumed that gluten allergies were made up. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Gluten sensitivity is 100% real. I made the switch a little over a month ago and it has completely changed my life! I have not had an upset stomach in over 30 days which used to be a daily occurrence. In addition, being gluten-free is the ultimate man diet. Steak and potatoes are completely gluten-free so we’re good. Being gluten-free has also helped my anxiety as well. I am less anxious now that I am not constantly worried about my upset stomach. I finally have the ability to eat out at a restaurant and feel confident that I won’t feel like complete junk after I eat. Insider info: Christina was not on-board when I decided to try being gluten-free. She rolled her eyes once or twice and wouldn’t let me tell anyone for the first few weeks. After seeing how drastically my health has changed she is now a believer!
On to the exciting news…We will be unveiling a new blog in the next few weeks. It will be my outlet to talk about everything from anxiety to mental and physical health. We have found out that talking about my anxiety has helped more than I would’ve ever imagined and decided to just put it all out there in the hope that it could be inspirational for even just one person. I will ramble on about growing up with anxiety, being in anxious situations, how I deal with my anxiety right now, my diet and exercise, and treatments.
We also want to thank all of our friends, family, and readers for supporting us through what we hope will be a life long journey. You guys have been so supportive and understanding and we really couldn’t ask for anything more.
Everyone struggles with something…What is your struggle?
Well I am both of you rolled into one. Anxiety is a huge issue for me. On my blog I talk about random outbursts while running, not being able to catch my breath and crying for no reason. Of course… Food/weight struggles. Both are so hard to overcome but it is possible. You two are so lucky to have found each other! Your problems are different but you can both help each other. I look forward to reading your new blog!
Thanks Ashley!!! I do believe there will be lots of tears on this journey….so glad I have someone who can relate too!!!
Thanks Ashley! We truly are lucky to have found each other. We work really well together and are able to help each other through the rough times. Anxiety is difficult for the sufferer and everyone around them. It’s hard to explain anxiety to someone who hasn’t experienced it. We are hoping the new blog and facebook page will be an open forum for people to help each other.
Ahh, so glad you’ve been able to make the new blog goal a reality. Ifeel like it was just yesterday when y’all told me a few of the heart breaking stories with anxiety.
It’s also amazing how y’all are taking charge of your lives, making positive changes for your future. Can’t wait to continue reading both your journeys. I’m sure it won’t be easy but the age ‘ol saying holds true: when there’s a way.
Yes, I am so so so excited for Tim to launch it and have an outlet!!!
Thank Trisha….miss you 🙂
TIMOTHY!!! You know I’m your biggest fan, right? Well like after your parents, Christina, and the pups. But I’m right up there always cheering for you and Christina! When you said about going GF, I totally did not think “that’s stupid.” I actually thought “awesome! bet you wonder why it took so long for you to try!” So seriously… major high fives, fist bumps, awkward celebratory dances, and hugs for you!
I am so, so very excited to read this new blog, get to know you better, and pump you up so you can further spoil Christina! 🙂 You’ll both keep doing this one though, right?? I know rocking two blogs is a lot but I’m assuming it’ll be like YHL and Young House Life where project posts go one way and personal go the other? Or what? (Ugh when will I ever learn to not fall into your tease trap?!? haha)
Also, Tim, was your nightly oatmeal GF?? You’re a strange one but we love you 🙂
Heck yes…..the other blog will be more of Tim’s diary…with a few posts from me. When I first met Tim and started doing research the only websites I could find were trying to sell you something. We are going to change all that up fo sho!
Tim better comment back on this 🙂
Janelle, I do know you are my biggest fan and I really appreciate it! Gluten-free has made a huge difference and I can’t believe it took me this long to figure that out.
Don’t fret, HomemadeOcean is not going anywhere. We will still do our every day posts on this blog and that blog will be all about mental and physical health. My nightly oatmeal and the Amy’s kitchen items were the gluten-free hint. They make a complete line of awesome gluten-free meals.
Phew. Thanks for clearing that up. You guys rock! Lots of love to both of you 🙂
Hi Tim, I loved your post! It was great to read about your experience with diet and physical and mental/emotional well-being; I’m on the same journey, slowly realizing the importance of ‘real’ food in our diets. It’s amazing what a difference our diets have on our health and it’s great to hear other people’s experiences. I highly recommend Michael Pollan’s books (especially Food Rules) and the website “Nourished Kitchen” (search for the article on food and mental health). These believes are gaining momentum and it’s great to talk to like-minded people. So happy and excited for you and Christina, keep up the good work and I’ve enjoyed getting to know you both through the blog. “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” (Hippocrates) says it all. Melissa
Thanks Aunt Melissa! Eating “clean” has made all the difference in the world. Now you know part of the reason I distanced myself from all of my loved ones for so long. At one point I barely even left the house which I’m sure you knew but it’s still hard to understand. I hope that now I am on the right track to resolve my anxiety issues and be able to see the people that were such a big part of my life when I was a kid. I really do miss you guys!
This just makes me soooo happy. That’s all 🙂
I’m excited for you two! I can’t wait to check out the new blog when it launches.
Thanks Brad! I am excited to get all of these thoughts on the interwebs.
I cannot even put into words how excited I am about this new blog. Tim, if you can stand being around the Latessa’s for a meal you have to be on the right track, LOL. We aren’t exactly tame and quite. I look forward to reading your story and learning even more about you.
I thought the Latessa’s were known for their quietness. I enjoy all of the meals at the Latessa home and am happy I have been a part of so many of them so far. Get ready to learn a lot because I will be putting it all out there.
Hahahah he has come a long way from that first Easter at your house….now you all are just like family to T 🙂
Hey! I think it is great you keep this blog real and it’s also a great way to keep you accountable. Both Matt and I struggled with our weight and still continue to work hard to stay healthy. I am also gluten free as well as dairy free. I do not have a legit doctor’s diagnosis but after cutting both from my diet I know I feel so much better when I don’t eat gluten or dairy. I am a huge baker so if you are ever in need of a yummy fix for that sweet tooth check out my blog. I’m not the best at keeping it updated but hopefully you can get some tips from there and maybe a recipe or two 🙂 Also if you want to know any good gluten free brands i have pretty much tried them all so shoot me an e-mail!
http://sarahlovestobake.blogspot.com/
I will definitely be asking you a few questions. I am self diagnosed as well and just thought I would give it a try and see if it helps. I am still learning that some gluten-free foods are as good if not better than regular stuff but there are some things that are just plain terrible. I will be heading over to your blog to get some pointers. I am hoping you have some good sweet snack ideas because those seem to be the hardest to find.
Ohhhhh can’t WAIT to check out some recipes!!! I love to bake also, and now that gluten is out I was a little worried 🙂
I am looking forward to the new blog! I have anxiety problems and 9 times out of 10 I’m aware the anxiety is unnecessary and unhealthy but I have no idea how to stop it from happening. I can’t wait to see what you share and maybe try some of your tips for myself!
It is so incredible how many people have opened up about their struggle with anxiety. Tim always thought he was the ONLY person going through it all, just opening up about it has been one of the best therapies so far. Thanks for commenting Ashley 🙂
Pingback: All the things making our new active life better...