I haven’t been as active in documenting my detox journey lately… but that’s because I have been LIVING again, y’all! Let me catch you up.
March 6-10: Skiing
In early March, my husband, Kyle, and I took a trip to Vermont to ski with our friend, Tripp, and visit some of his old friends. We accidentally booked our flight to arrive in Boston, Massachussetts hours ahead of Tripp’s, so Kyle and I spent the day exploring the city before heading to Vermont. We wandered around the Boston Harbor, the Quincy Market, and the Harvard campus. This was my first time in the northeast USA which was very exciting, and I loved to witness the hustle and bustle of Boston.
Once Tripp arrived, he picked us up in the rental car and drove to Vermont, where we stayed with friends at Little River State Park in Waterbury. The snow was breathtaking–several feet of it!
For context, I was part of a ski club back in middle school when I lived in Alaska, but hadn’t skiied in thirteen years. I was a bit nervous– “Will I remember how to ski? Can I navigate myself, turn, stop or slow down? What if I ruin the mood for everyone else?” Needless to say, my mind was racing.
I recognized skiing/snowboarding to be one of Kyle’s biggest passions and wanted to prove that I could fit into this significant part of his life, too. I remembered absolutely loving it as a kid (I was pretty good at it then) and hoped so badly to be able to step up to the challenge.
But it wasn’t just the skiing skills I was worried about. I’ve been living with a chronic condition, and was anxious about how my body would handle the physical demands. Could I manage without triggering nerve pain or overexerting myself? For days, if not weeks, I questioned whether I would regret giving it a try, fearing the risk of injury or worsening my health.
I’m proud to say that my determination shone through. By the end of the first day at Bolton Valley Ski Resort, though it took an immense amount of focus and drive, I had conquered a black diamond trail and even did tree runs! The second day at Jay Peak Resort was even better, as I found a new confidence and was grinning from ear to ear down the slopes while Kyle and Tripp cheered me on.
I can’t remember the last time in the past year I’d felt so ALIVE! No injuries or pain, either. I remember thinking to myself, “I proved myself able! If I can ski, I think it’s safe to say I can give speech therapy.”
March 18: Back to Work
After seven months of being unable to work, I decided to return and began providing speech services to pediatric clients again! I agreed to start by working twice a week, from 10am to 3pm, and help cover shifts when my coworkers take time off.
I feel incredibly grateful and blessed to have such a strong support system within my professional life. I was welcomed back with open arms and praised for staying so strong (and not giving up!) throughout the chaos of this past year. I’ve received feedback from staff, parents, and even some of the clients that I appear to be happier, healthier, and more lively again. It feels good to know that others can see the positive changes within me.
Coming back to work has given me a renewed sense of purpose. It’s been rewarding to reunite with clients and their families, and apply my skills and knowledge to help them. In addition, making income has allieviated much of the financial stress that Kyle and I have been carrying. It’s been refreshing to juggle tasks, engage in more social interactions, and feel like my mind is back in action.
March 14-17: St. Patrick’s Day Weekend
St. Patrick’s Day is a notorious holiday in Savannah, and celebrations last all weekend long. My friends Tori and Jess, along with their their fiancés, came to visit from Augusta. We spent time on River Street, at rooftop bars, and indulging in some great seafood. The Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade took place on Monday in which we had a great group of friends and enjoyed celebrating together. It was a successful weekend full of fun, laughter, and joy for all.
I note this event as during last year’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities, which I remember clear as day, I felt miserable the whole time. I had just gotten my first prescription from urgent care to try and treat my nerve pain (muscle relaxers, which of course did not work) and spent the day trying to mask my suffering for the benefit of others. This year, I had no pain and was able to truly celebrate, live in the moment, and have fun with my loved ones.
Final Thoughts
It’s been a whirlwind, full of new challenges, joys, and milestones. Whether I was skiing again after so many years, returning to work, or celebrating with friends, I’m reminded how far I’ve come. Each step, each moment, is proof that I’m capable of living fully, which is something I honestly questioned during some of the darkest, toughest times. There were moments when I didn’t know if I would be able to embrace life again, but these experiences show me that healing is possible. I’m learning to take on both the highs and the lows, knowing that with each challenge, I’m getting closer to the person I know I can be.
What’s Next
My detox journey is set to conclude on April 14. I recently completed my lab work and am anxiously awaiting the results, which will provide objective, quantifiable data on the changes I’ve undergone. These results will help determine whether I’m ready to offically finish the cleanse. Stay tuned for more updates!
Painfully Empowered 
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