We’re catching up and having a nice chat at that Facebook Post if you’d like to join us!

These are my usual favorites I stock up on during Perfect Keto sales What do you get from Perfect Keto? I’ve had great results with their Unflavored Collagen (for hair loss) in the past, so that’s what I need to stock up on this time!

TIP: if you only need 1 or 2 items, use discount code LYNN2O instead for 20% off

They just started a big sale this week, so I wanted to make sure you saw it – in case you need to stock up on your favorites too. Here are the details:

Perfect Keto Sale: Get up to 35% off sitewide this week.

TIP: if you only need 1 or 2 items, use discount code LYNN2O instead for 20% off

Buy More, Save More:
2 items for 15% off
3 items for 20% off
4 items for 25% off
5+ items for 35%off

SHOP THE SALE HERE

* Discount automatically applied.

The new thing I love MOST from Perfect Keto is their Blueberry Super Reds Antioxidant Blend. It’s full of micronutrients, and SO tasty. I love that stuff in my electrolyte drink!!

There won’t be another big sale like this until Black Friday in November, so for my friends that love to stock up when the prices drop… I wanted to make sure you saw this before it ends. 😉

Stay tuned, next up I’ll share those memories I mentioned in my last post, and how my Low Carb Lifestyle and twisted weight loss journey… played such a big part in my getting through a horrific debilitating illness for the last 3+ years. I think it’ll make for a great chat and thought provoking discussion.

Until then, wishing you a fabulous day, with LOTS of little things to smile about! xo

Best,
Lynn Terry
aka @LowCarbTraveler

Shop Low Carb / Keto at Netrition
Discount Code: LOWCARBTRAVELER

I also secured us a Keto Krate Giveaway, so be sure to drop in with a comment to enter yourself to win a box full of keto friendly snacks & treats!

They have a great BOGO deal this month, so I’ll put the details on that below for you too, because you can swap the code and get the BOGO (by one get a 2nd box free) PLUS get $10 off the 2-for-1 deal. 😉

They threw a topic at us to discuss, so I thought that would be fun to tie in to the Giveaway (or not, that’s up to you! keep reading)… but here’s the topic:

“What staying on track means to me and how Keto Krate helps.”

For me, “staying on track” just means “this is how I eat”.

That’s not how I started out in the beginning, of course. I started eating low carb in 2011, and it was a HUGE transition for me, so I used all kinds of crutches while I was in the process of breaking my food habits and changing the way I eat – and the way I looked at food.

I was an emotional eater, so I saw food as comfort, I was in the habit of eating in front of the tv, having something sweet after meals, etc. So I just made changes to WHAT I ate in the beginning, eating sugar free sweets at night etc, then gradually changed my eating habits over time.

I wasn’t a cold turkey convert. 😉 But over time, it simply became how I ate: low carb, sugar free, gluten free. It became easy, because it eventually became habit. It’s how I shopped, how I cooked, how I ordered food when I was out, etc.

Being consistent, and taking the time to change your habits, screw-ups and all!, that’s what makes it EASY to eventually “stay on track” as just the way you eat and live.

Keto Krate played a big part in that because I found them early on. I was still hiking and traveling and on-the-go A LOT so it was nice to have a good variety of “grab and go” foods to toss in my bag for long road trips, long days with multiple flights, or all day hiking or camping.

I also loved the variety to mix things up at home, and discovered so many great products I never would have found otherwise! Like that Primal Foods Chipotle Mayo that I use to make a spicy cream sauce all the time now. It’s also how I discovered ChocZero.

Easy Keto Meals Spicy Shrimp Stir Fry

In the most perfect timing, I ran across some Facebook Memories of posts I did years ago about that transition for me, and what a BIG transition it was – and how it totally changed my life.

I sat with those memories for a good while, because I realized all that positive change I made and work I did on myself, is exactly what has gotten me through the last 3+ years of being so incredibly unwell (cognitively and physically handicapped).

I thought maybe we’d talk about that next, because it’s a deep topic, but a good one! 🙂 But for now, here’s the details on the Keto Krate Giveaway, and on their August BOGO deal (and the trick to get $10 off TOO so you get more AND save more!) …

Enter the Keto Krate Giveaway:

I’m going to make this super easy. 😉 To be entered to win a FREE Keto Krate Box, all you have to do is leave a comment on this blog post. It can be anything, or the topic they suggested: “what staying on track means to me” – or if you’ve ever tried Keto Krate, your thoughts or experience with that, like if you loved the variety, or how you used it to stay on track. Or you can comment on one of the topics in the video, or just say hi and share an update on how you’re doing!

I’ll do a random drawing from all the comments on this blog post on Tuesday, August 20th then contact the winner to get your Free Keto Krate box sent to you!

Keto Krate Unboxing Video & “Catch Up” Chat:

August Keto Krate BOGO + SWEET Deal!

Here’s how to get a second Krate free PLUS $10 off when you add my code to their BOGO offer.

Note: It’s a backend automation, so the second Krate you’re going to get won’t show on your checkout page, but TWO will be delivered.

Use this link for the BOGO (2 Krates!) Deal -> then switch the code at checkout to get the extra $10 off add this code: LOWCARBTRAVELER

August Keto Krate What’s In The 1st Box:

Bantastic Double Chocolate Brownie Crisps
Mission Meats Turmeric Beef Stick
ChocZero Strawberry Fruit Chews
Better Than Good BBQ Puff
Schoolyard Snacks Cheddar Cheese Puffs
Banana Nut IQ Bar
Munk Pack Peanut Butter Cocoa Chip Keto Granola Bar
BHU Foods Chocolate Mint Cookie Dough Protein Bites
Field Trip Snacks Crispy Cut Island BBQ Pork Rinds

Use this link for the BOGO (2 Krates!) Deal:
https://bit.ly/lowcarbtravelerkk
* then switch the code at checkout to get the extra $10 off
use code: LOWCARBTRAVELER

You’ll get about 20 keto products for $34.99 (free shipping!!)

Remember to leave a comment below to enter to win a free Keto Krate box. I’ll be choosing the winner on Tuesday! You can never have enough treats, snacks and variety to keep you on track on the go – or to satisfy those snack cravings at home. 😉

Best,
Lynn Terry
aka @LowCarbTraveler

Shop Low Carb / Keto at Netrition
Discount Code: LOWCARBTRAVELER

Other than that I’ve been eating simple snack plates, cold sliced meats and good cheeses, blueberries, almond butter, roasted pecans, just simple stuff.

I would really like to be able to get back to work, get back to sharing my food diaries with you here, really just get back to LIFE in general. I am not doing well at all, struggling quite hard actually.

But perhaps there’s a conversation to be had about that too – and what I’m eating through this phase, and why. I’m still eating very low carb, btw – it’s just not very exciting. 😉

For now, because I have zero energy or focus at the moment and need to rest again, I thought I’d share with you what I just posted on my Facebook page – in case you missed that, or aren’t on Facebook. Then we can continue the discussion in the comments there or on my blog, and hopefully I’ll be up more soon, and able to share more “food finds” and simple low carb meals I’m eating.

Here’s that facebook post:

It looks like Perfect Keto is back!

They fell off the radar about the same time I did, and I wasn’t sure either one of us would make a comeback. I’m still really struggling, even more lately. I’ll share more on that soon, but they’re “we’re back!” deal that ends tonight (Friday May 10) lines up with their Mother’s Day gift that started today. Just an fyi if you want to check it out…

The deal is: save 25% on your first 3 subscribe & save items. You already save 20% with subscriptions, so an extra 5% off your first 3 subscriptions. It’s an exclusive deal, so you can get it by using this link:

https://perfectketo.com/PKISBACK/lynn

If you don’t want to subscribe to auto ship… use code LYNN20 at checkout instead (it will give you 20% off too)

I’m holding out for their memorial day sale later this month, and SO glad to see them bringing their great deals back!!
I miss my almond butter brownie bars. Are you still using any PK products??

Also, what are your plans for Mother’s Day this year?

I’m not up for much, so my daughter is going to come hang out with me here – which is nice. My son is long distance so we’ll do a video call. I look forward to seeing both their faces!

I think my site is finally back up now, btw. Geez, it’s been a rough start to the year over here. I look forward to catching up with you all, and staying in better touch… once I get through this rough spell. xo

Best,
Lynn Terry
aka @LowCarbTraveler

p.s. All of my discount codes still work when you’re shopping online at places like Netrition, KissMyKeto, ChocZero etc. Even when my sites are down. I have no idea what took them so long to get this blog back up for me, but … we’re back at least!

Speaking of, I saw some great deals at ChocZero the other day, keto peanut butter cups for $1.50 etc. I have zero appetite lately though, I’m hardly eating, so I didn’t place an order that day… but I may look again this weekend. Their sugar free chocolate is SO good!

This link should add our discount for you automatically:
https://www.choczero.com/discount/travelinglowcarb
or add code TRAVELINGLOWCARB at checkout

Pretty much everywhere else my discount code is LOWCARBTRAVELER if you’re shopping and you need a code. xo

Shop Low Carb / Keto at Netrition
Discount Code: LOWCARBTRAVELER

How to get 60% off another 30% off

I have NEVER seen prices this low on Perfect Keto products. Here’s what you can get cheap today, plus the only code I know of that works WITH these discounted prices only on this page:

https://www.travelinglowcarb.com/pk-secret-discount-link

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Keto Bars ($17.99)
Hibiscus Lemonade Super Reds Antioxidant Blend
Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Snack Bags
Keto Mac & Cheese (both flavors) – $2.79/box
Electrolyte Capsules
Maple Pecan NOLA Bars – only $3.99
Berry Lavender Beauty & Sleep Collagen
Maple Spice Barista Blend Collagen Creamer

Choose what you want from this page:
https://www.travelinglowcarb.com/pk-secret-discount-link
+ add code BACKONTRACK30 at checkout

I got what I wanted super cheap on that deals page, then added my unflavored collagen, so the discount off my whole order made my collagen only $12.21 (instead of $44).

The keto mac & cheese that’s on sale makes GREAT “hamburger helper”

See this post for my hamburger recipe ideas…

I love the Perfect Keto Almond Butter Brownie collagen protein bars. I use those daily. The Chocolate Chip bars would be my 2nd favorite.

They have a happiness guarantee, and they’re great about honoring that, so you’re not out for anything you don’t like or won’t use. I like that about them.

GREAT deals today! xo

Best,
Lynn Terry
aka @LowCarbTraveler

p.s. I think they are going to discontinue A LOT of their products soon, so grab what you want while they’re clearing out the inventory.

That code is not mine, btw – but that’s my referral link, so thank you. I got the great discount code from my Capital One shopping rewards, and wanted to share it with you.

I’m going on another fun “cabin in the woods” retreat to enjoy the fall colors, and cannot wait to make Keto S’Mores Dessert Bowls by the campfire with the new ChocZero sugar free marshmallows! I’m going to use their new butter cookies and their classic sugar free chocolate too of course, so stay tuned for that – plus a photo/video tour of my last getaway. 🙂

ChocZero has so many new keto treats lately!

This link should add our discount for you automatically:
https://www.choczero.com/discount/travelinglowcarb
or add code TRAVELINGLOWCARB at checkout

If you haven’t looked in awhile, you’ll find A LOT to choose from, including their new sugar free marshmallows, keto butter cookies, sea salt caramels and Vanilla Coffee Syrup – plus the new Halloween & Holiday treats.

~

Shop Low Carb / Keto at Netrition
Discount Code: LOWCARBTRAVELER

It inspired me to start sharing my daily keto food diaries with you again, and reviving our low carb challenge group. 🙂 I think that would be great for ME too, because I really miss the community and connection – and honestly: need to find my spark again!

My daughter is back home to stay with me for awhile and she made some GREAT quick & simple low carb dinners this week. We’re also trying out another keto meal delivery service and got low carb take-out over the weekend.

For exercise, I’m walking in the swim lanes and doing water resistance workouts (physical therapy). She’s hitting the gym again, and swimming on the days I go – until the pool closes for the season.

I still have my same morning routine as always: I start my day with a collagen coffee. I don’t have much appetite in the mornings but my daughter does, so she usually starts her day with sausage and eggs and a hot tea with cream. I have a protein bar around mid morning or lunch.

Low Carb Meals This Week

My daughter found this Keto Broccoli Casserole recipe online, and it turned out fabulous!

It was pretty easy too, and she just paired it with some pre-made low carb meatballs:

Here are the meatballs she used, she found these at Wal-Mart:

It made for a quick, easy and super-tasty dinner!

Plus there were leftovers, which is always a plus. 😉

Last night we had fried pork tenderloin, breaded with egg & almond flour, more of the broccoli casserole, plus cabbage sauteed with onion & garlic.

The cabbage was GREAT. She chopped up about 1/3 of a large head of fresh cabbage, then I added onion & garlic and salt and just cooked it down and browned it in a little butter. It was perfectly tender & tasty!

My dinner tonight was leftover meatballs, broccoli casserole and cooked cabbage – all mixed up together. It’s so nice having my daughter home, and enjoying some home cooked meals and variety again!

The company has been nice too. We went to a show together last week and had a GREAT time. My children are adults now, but they’re still my favorite people to hang out with!

Also, my daughter is great about helping me to and through outings. I still can’t get out on my own.

I mentioned we’re testing a new keto meal delivery company. This time I’m trying Factor. So far the meals are SO GOOD, and they’re super easy to make (just heat & eat). That really helps on the nights she isn’t home, or has to work late.

Here are a couple of examples of meals I’ve had lately:

They have a refer-a friend program if you want to try them out. It gives you up to $150 off your Factor order when you get referred by another customer.

The first one ^ is their Pesto Salmon which is one of my favorites.

This one was pulled chicken with spinach & mushrooms and some kind of fancy (and really yummy) sauce:

The meals are really well done, and they’re very filling. My daughter tried a few and she loves them too. I’m torn on whether to keep getting them. I *love* the convenience and variety, but I’m not really sure about the cost…

With my daughter home and cooking more, that will help A LOT since I’m still not able to shop or cook, except maybe fry a few eggs on a good day. And she’s working a lot so she doesn’t always feel like cooking, and loves the convenience too.

We did get take-out from a favorite local restaurant this week as well. You probably remember seeing this one before: Philadelphia Chicken with roasted broccoli and cauliflower.

It’s two chicken breasts smothered in mozzarella, mushrooms & onions – like a Philly cheese steak, but with chicken. 🙂

It’s SO good, and something you can easily recreate at home if you love to cook!

Take-out isn’t cheap either. That meal makes two dinners for me, but I have less appetite than most people (right now). But it’s still over $30 for 2, and closer to $40 I think after tax & tip.

The quality of food with both the take-out and the Factor meals is GREAT, and of course there’s the convenience. Shopping, prepping, cooking and kitchen clean-up all takes a lot of extra time – so I’m still trying to weigh out if it’s worth it. Especially considering there’s often waste or leftovers with groceries and fresh produce…

For now we’re trying to shop smart, prep in batches, cook things that pair well together as leftovers, etc. And I did get another order from Factor this week with easy dinners for nights nobody feels like cooking. Nobody being her (lol) – she has a full work week, and we’re both sick right now.

I really liked the meatballs. Those were easy and convenient! But it’s not hard to make your own meatballs at home, with beef or with beef & sausage combined. See my Low Carb Spinach Parmesan Meatballs Recipe from a few years ago if you want to whip up your own. 😉

I’d love to hear how you’re making it all work!

I found it so much easier to “cook on a budget” when I had a family at home. Cooking for one seems a lot more challenging for some reason unless you don’t mind doing A LOT of meal prep and/or eating a lot of the same things over and over…

This week I got some deli chicken slices and low carb wraps to make easy quick meals myself, and spring greens – because I love those on the side with ranch, or stuffed in my wrap. I have eggs of course, I’m happy to eat those pretty much any way and any time of day. Tuna salad and chicken salad are great options for a quick meal… just some ideas, while I’m adding to our next grocery list.

It’s really nice to have my daughter home for awhile again. 🙂 She actually ENJOYS cooking, so I look forward to sharing more recipes she tries and more easy meals she throws together, and getting back to sharing my low carb food diaries with you!

I hope things are going good on your end…

I’d love to hear from you and catch up!

Are you still eating low carb, planning to start back, or what’s new in your life?

Best,
Lynn Terry
aka @LowCarbTraveler

Shop Low Carb / Keto at Netrition
Discount Code: LOWCARBTRAVELER

I had pesto salmon with creamed spinach & green beans on Friday (picture below).

Saturday I had pork tenderloin with broccoli, sautéed mushrooms & steamed spinach. Sunday was chicken, mushrooms & zucchini.

I’m happy to have my appetite back!

I’m still only eating a full meal about once every 24 hours, so I try to make it count.

Otherwise I’m having my collagen coffee in the morning and my antioxidant & electrolyte drink in the afternoon and a protein bar around mid day with my supplements.

I’ve also been getting a little exercise this summer while the pool is open. I’m able to walk the swim lanes and do some easy water resistance exercises for a solid half hour now, and almost daily lately!

I had a good swim/walk already today. That made me happy.

How are things going with you?

Best,
Lynn Terry
aka @LowCarbTraveler

p.s. I found the Cherry Jam from ChocZero! The ONLY place you can get it anymore is on Netrition here: ChocZero Cherry Jam. Our discount code is LOWCARBTRAVELER at Netrition. They have a GREAT selection of sugar free and low carb products. You can get still get all the other flavors on the ChocZero website. Our discount code there is TRAVELINGLOWCARB if you need one.

Shop Low Carb / Keto at Netrition
Discount Code: LOWCARBTRAVELER

What matters most to you when it comes to snacks, bars or grab & go foods: the cost, carb count, flavor, texture, ingredients… ?

I love the Almond Butter Brownie collagen protein bars from Perfect Keto. That’s my favorite for flavor & texture, plus they have simple ingredients – and actually hold me over as a true meal replacement. * You can use discount code LYNN20 for 20% off

Lately I’m having a collagen coffee in the morning a PK bar at work, then a healthy low carb dinner – usually just meat & greens.

I look forward to hearing your favorites!

Sometimes I’ll have raw pecans and a thick slice of colby jack cheese as a “quick grab”, or I love almond butter and cream cheese with a few blueberries.

I’ve tried LOTS of bars eating low carb on the go for the last 12+ years, but ever since I found Perfect Keto… I’ve been hooked!

I love their NOLA Bars too, but more as an indulgent treat (snack). Those are my keto versions of almond joy, pecan clusters & payday bar – they’re sweet and sticky and YUM.

Your turn Drop a comment here on the blog (below) or: on Facebook and join the discussion!

Use code LYNN20 for 20% off at Perfect Keto:
https://perfectketo.com/rr/lynn -aff

Ooh! And I just saw they have the NOLA Bars and the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Keto Bars discounted on this page: https://www.travelinglowcarb.com/pk-secret-discount-link

Best,
Lynn Terry
aka @LowCarbTraveler

p.s. I love the Keto Krisp bars too, but my FAVORITE is their new Salted Peanut Butter bar. I scored us 20% off too! Just add discount code LOWCARBTRAVELER at checkout on their website (aff):

Shop Low Carb / Keto at Netrition
Discount Code: LOWCARBTRAVELER

I had company a few weeks ago, and this was the perfect quick & easy meal for a fun social visit. I love it for a fast low carb dinner too, as “easy keto for one” on nights I want something indulgent to enjoy with a good movie. 🙂

Low Carb Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

I made mine with grilled chicken strips, sautéed onions & cheese. I’m eating super simple right now, but you can get creative and toss in anything you please, like create a low carb “mexican pizza” or do it pizza calzone style with mozzarella & pepperoni!

You could make “buffalo chicken” quesadillas, a breakfast quesadilla, or even add cinnamon & cream cheese with berries and make a dessert quesadilla (or crepes). The ideas are endless!

I have a detailed photo tour below, but watch this short video for the “quick & easy” version:

I used the Mission Carb Balance Tortillas (4 net carbs each).

They’re super soft and great for quick low carb wraps, but if you toss them in a skillet with a little butter and brown them on both sides… they come out perfectly flaky and crisp.

I like to brown both sides in a little butter to make the wrap crispy & flaky.

This quesadilla with two wraps plus the meat & cheese filling makes for a full plate of food, so if you have less appetite or you’re having avocado etc on the side, I often just use one wrap myself – brown, flip, fill then fold it in half. 😉

I browned these tortillas in the same skillet where I had just sautéed the onions, which just made them even better!

I brown one side, flip it and add the chicken etc, then top it with the browned side of the second tortilla (facing the inside), then flip it to brown the other side of that second tortilla while the cheese melts on the inside…

I made these with just grilled chicken, sautéed onions & cheese:

Once you flip it (carefully lol, or with a BIG spatula) and brown the other side of the second tortilla, slide it onto a plate and serve it hot!

I slice them into quarters with a pizza cutter for easy hand-held portions:

Optional Add-Ins:
* red & green pepper blend
* chopped bacon and/or steak

Like I said, you can get creative with this idea and add in anything you like.

I’ve made breakfast quesadillas with bacon, egg & cheese. Those are amazing too.

I wasn’t planning on cooking, so I just pulled a few things out of the freezer and used what I had on hand. I sautéed a bag of frozen chopped onions first – and had those ready.

Whether I chop fresh onion or use one of these bags, I sauté it all up at once in a little butter. Then after I use what I want, I keep the rest in a sealed container in the refrigerator to add in to recipes or omelets throughout the week.

I also had some frozen grilled chicken strips.

These are great to keep on hand for quick meals.

You can toss them in a skillet straight from the freezer and brown them in a little butter. They thaw super fast, so you have grilled chicken in minutes!

These low carb chicken quesadillas came out DELICIOUS.

My company was impressed. 🙂

Serve with:
Queso cheese dip
Sour Cream
Guacamole or sliced avocado
Ranch or Blue Cheese for dipping

I don’t eat wraps or bread-style products very often, but every now and then it’s SUCH a nice treat – and I’ve been very impressed with the Mission brand “Carb Balance” tortillas. They’re super soft if you eat them as-is, and so flaky if you crisp them up in a little butter.

Enjoy!

Best,
Lynn Terry
aka @LowCarbTraveler

Shop Low Carb / Keto at Netrition
Discount Code: LOWCARBTRAVELER

Have you tried this recipe yet?

How To Make Avocado Chips:

We’re discussing this recipe idea on Facebook here

I love fried or roasted avocado – salted & browned (hot & fast) in butter, or roasted on a sheet pan with garlic & olive oil.

I’m thinking these avocado chips would be PERFECT for dipping in salsa, or that white queso cheese sauce… Yum!

Here’s the full recipe & instructions on Delish:
Keto Recipe: How To Make Avocado Chips

If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Did they turn out GREAT?

Any tips you’d share to make them even better? 😉

Best,
Lynn Terry
aka @LowCarbTraveler

Shop Low Carb / Keto at Netrition
Discount Code: LOWCARBTRAVELER

I recovered this note that never got published, and it was just one of three things that crossed my screen over the last few days that gave me pause. Have you ever noticed that – that messages often come in threes? I always take that as a sign that I should stop and pay attention.

“An Unfinished Story” is the perfect title for this piece. The original title is below. But yes, it was never finished. And also… my story continued. Obviously I got back to fun hiking adventures and found my JOY again. Life went on. Life goes on. It has a way of doing that.

This moment in time stuck with me though, and came up again recently in conversation with a friend, so it was uncanny timing for it to resurface and cross my screen while doing some technical updates on my blog.

Anyway, stay tuned – I’ll share the other two things with you in my next note: a photo I couldn’t stop staring at, and a video that totally sucked me in. Both hit me pretty deep. But I wanted to share this with you first, for context…

~ How very strange it feels to revisit myself, and these thoughts, 6 years later, from this place in my life now where I’ve been navigating a life-altering chronic illness for more than two years… yet, I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my life. Or more content maybe, more aware and more grateful definitely, yet with so much less…

I do miss the woman I used to be. But I really love the woman I’m becoming.

————–
* written in November 2017

Losing Your Way. (Losing Your WHY…)

This started out as a story about why I stopped hiking, but then… I never really did (stop hiking). I just stopped enjoying it.

I’ve shared my hiking adventures here with you as my story unfolded, as I worked through all the struggles with my weight loss journey along the way – deep in the woods. And not just my weight loss, but my LIFE STORY: my mission and journey to become the happiest healthiest version of myself.

That story got put on hold. I never stopped eating low carb, but I did stop exercising – and stopped feeling excited about life. I lost my zest. I lost sight of my goals.

Mostly, I lost my story. It’s like putting a book down and picking it back up months later, and forgetting where you were.

THIS is where & when it happened.

Denny Falls, July 7th 2017.

This is the moment when everything changed:

On a big flat cool rock, watching the water roll over Denny Falls, sitting by a curiously small tree that grew out of that rock, I let the deafening noise of the waterfall wash over me like the water over the rocks.

This was the saddest moment of my year.

I felt confused, discouraged, conflicted, angry, sad – so many things at once I couldn’t even make sense of them all. So I just sat there and let the thoughts swirl.

It was a moment of “letting go,” a turning point where I knew everything would change. There was no going back from this point. Only figuring out how to move forward, and what that would mean – or even look like.

I was in no shape to do that right then, not in that state, not yet. I couldn’t think past how I felt, so I just felt – focusing on the cool rock beneath me, the warm sun on me, the cool spray of the falls and the breeze, to keep myself grounded.

I didn’t realize then though, just how deeply that day would end up affecting me.

Normally things roll right off my back and I just power through. Not this – for some reason it stuck with me, hard.

To be fair though, it all started on the hike a month before (on June 7th). I blew that off and let it go. Not this time though. This time it sunk in – deep.

Turning Points Can Be Brutal – But Also Beautiful

I already know I will look back on that moment as the turning point that changed my life for the better. That became clear to me recently. As painful as it was then, and in the months that followed, it also presented a new fork in the road. One I couldn’t see then of course, but that finally became clear – and got me excited about life again.

Change is hard. Letting go of something you wanted, or loved, or had – is hard. Self reflection can be tough and disappointments suck.

Certain life events or major changes can make you second guess yourself, or make you want to crawl back in your hole – your safety zone.

It can feel like life STOPS, or at least gets put on PAUSE.

And that’s okay, to take that pause. It’s a time to reflect, and to feel, a time to realize what really matters to you, a time to decide what to change and how to change it, and to let those thoughts take root… into actions.

Even if it’s just little things, with not much to root them in – yet.

But what happened exactly??

That’s what I’m trying to sort out, recover from, move past, let go of, learn some big life lesson from – and what I’m trying to share with you.

That’s why I’m struggling to share it. Because while I understand what happened that day, I haven’t quite figured out why it hit me so hard, or why I allowed it to affect me this deeply – or for this long.

I walked into those woods feeling confident, happy and excited about my hike. This hike especially! One I’d been looking forward to for months.

I walked out of those woods feeling totally defeated, in every possible way.

Everything that defines my life right now, in my mind, goes back to that one moment in front of Denny Falls. I want so badly to UNassociate it. I’d give anything to UNdo it. But what’s done is done. We have to accept that and move on. “Now what?” – that’s always the best thing to ask yourself, and exactly what I’ve been asking MYself… ever since. I guess that’s where I got STUCK.

Part of the reason I’m struggling to tell you this story is because what happened that day is personal. It wasn’t anything horrible, I just had my pride dented and my feelings hurt. I had everything I am and everything that makes me HAPPY called into question. And it caused ME to start questioning myself… too. 🙁

The whirlwind of emotions that ensued took me from feeling beautiful and happy and confident and adventurous… to afraid, sad and unpretty.

You’ve probably discovered by now that your feelings and thoughts become self-fulfilling prophecies, and invite or attract things to you. They’re like magnets: positive invites more positive (smiles make people smile back, confidence breeds more confidence, action brings results) and negatives attract more negative – or affect your actions, in turn affecting your results.

I ended up shutting down, shelving things, putting everything on hold, biting my tongue. I started questioning everything.

This was a HUGE REWIND in my journey.

You’ve watched me face fears, gain both inner strength and physical strength, and go from overweight and unsure… to the leanest, strongest, happiest, healthiest version of myself I’d ever been.

I miss that feeling.

Just recently I’ve started to shake it off and get a handle on my goals again, a handle on myself even, and started moving forward – in a BIG way.

That was 134 days ago. What took me so damn long?!

I dunno lol, call me slow. I spent the rest of July in a mental fog, just going through the motions. Then every time I got my head back on straight, something else would knock me off my feet again. 🙄

Ironically on July 3rd, just four days prior to that Denny Falls Hike, I was writing you a piece titled “Facing Your Fears & Building Inner Strength.”

Then four days later… well, I suppose Life decided to make me learn a little more about that before I went writing about it. 😛

We’ll call it a lesson in strength building. I like that. Looking at it as a life lesson from The Universe that will make me stronger and forced change in my life that will ultimately make all my dreams come true – yes, that’s easier to swallow. 🙂

~unfinished~

————–

You have two options when it comes to the world around you:

You can blaze a path and take control.

People tend to move the heck out of your way when you do that (lol).

Or you can be afraid and live cautiously – and every possible thing to be afraid of… can sniff out your vulnerability a mile away.

…

How are things going with you?

Leave a comment & let’s chat.;)

Best,
Lynn Terry,
aka @LowCarbTraveler

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