Guest Series #4 - Elisa

Another wonderful woman was kind enough to share her story with me, one that is more a focus on physical health that can in turn impact on one's mental health and wellbeing, rather than mental illness. As a local Christchurcher, it was amazing being able to meet in person, grab a drink, and chat - even laugh - about our pasts, where we are, and where we hope to be.

She is inspiring on another level, sharing her experience with food, and the crucial role it plays in physical and mental health.

Here is her story, and words of advice:

I've had gut issues my entire life, but in 2014 after a bad gastro virus, things just seemed to go even more downhill. I slowly became more intolerant/allergic to every single food, which greatly impacted my weight and health. Specialists are stumped as to what it is or what causes the reactions. Slowly I am managing to regain my health but it is a very long, slow, tedious process!

I’m currently studying health and nutrition, and absolutely love this as well as cooking, baking, and anything along those lines. I find the whole concept fascinating, something you can never stop learning about. I use all of the things I have learned and implemented into my own lifestyle in a way that can help, inform, and inspire others on how to live healthier and happier lifestyles – no matter your background.

I have severe and chronic IBS, and is something I am still learning to manage – but it has all made me very grateful about all of the information that is out in the world. Technology means that you’re able to have easy access to good and credible information and facts, not to mention the yummy recipes that I get to experiment with!

‘BElieve, BEnourished’ is a small grassroots project I have started with another friend, alongside my other Instagram ‘@elisaarohax’, where we want to create and grow a supportive place on sharing healthy lifestyle tips, blogs, recipes, as well as our personal stories. We want to show the easy, love, and joy that living a nourishing and balanced lifestyle can bring. Whether you are an omnivore, vege, vegan, pescatarian, or have any dietary requirements – we will have something to cater to all! Hopefully, down the line, we will be in a position to sell our own special recipes and baked products to the public!

Reflecting back to my childhood, the advice I would give to myself would be to not be so hard on myself! I would say, ‘Enjoy life, enjoy food, follow your dreams, and don’t let others bring you down’.

I also have two favourite quotes that I would tell to anyone, especially those who are struggling with their health and wellbeing:

1. Everything will be okay; if not right now, it will be

2. Trust the journey and the process, but also make things happen

Lastly, I would just say that if you, or anyone you know, is struggling with any digestive issues, relationship with food or others, feeling down, or wanting support for anything: please reach out and seek support.

Do not suffer in silence.

You deserve a life, full of happiness and freedom. Once again, thank you to Elisa for have the strength and willingness to share her story on such a public space. If you would also like to share your words - your story, a poem, a past experience, anything - please get in contact, either on here through my email, or on my Instagram, I will leave all of the details below.

Until next time!

Your friend,

Rawing Meg, xx