@monieelyse: Sorry I’m talking so slow and quiet in this tonight, I’m a bit tired🫩 Something we’re really intentional about in my treatment plan is recognizing that improving my quality of life matters just as much as addressing my nutritional health. Because while nutritional rehabilitation is an important part of treatment, I don’t want my entire existence to become a series of numbers, appointments, symptoms, and conversations about my disorder. I’ve spent so much of my life with my world becoming smaller and smaller, with so many experiences filtered through the lens of my illness. And I think sometimes we can become so consumed with surviving our circumstances that we forget there’s still a whole world waiting for us outside of them. So I planned a little trip to the Smoky Mountains. A chance to disconnect from the noise, slow down, immerse myself in the fall foliage, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and remind myself that there’s so much more to experience than the confines of this illness. I’m learning that improving quality of life doesn’t always have to mean making enormous strides or reaching some milestone. Sometimes it’s allowing yourself to have something to look forward to. It’s making plans, experiencing something beautiful, and giving yourself permission to exist outside of the identity your illness has taken up so much space in. I don’t know what every chapter ahead of me will look like, and I’m trying to be gentle with myself about that. But I do know I don’t want to spend every chapter looking inward at my disorder and everything it’s taken from me. I want to look outward, too. I want to see the mountains. I want to watch the leaves change. I want to make memories that have absolutely nothing to do with food, calories, weight, or recovery. Because even when healing is complicated, life is still happening. And I want to be present for some of it. 🍂🤎 #HealingJourney #griefjourney #palliativecare #qualityoflife #qualityoflifematters

🦄💜 monie 🌸🌝 :

Something we’re really intentional about in my treatment plan is recognizing that improving my quality of life matters just as much as addressing my nutritional health. Because while nutritional rehabilitation is an important part of treatment, I don’t want my entire existence to become a series of numbers, appointments, symptoms, and conversations about my disorder. I’ve spent so much of my life with my world becoming smaller and smaller, with so many experiences filtered through the lens of my eating disorder. And I think sometimes we can become so consumed with surviving our circumstances that we forget there’s still a whole world waiting for us outside of them. So I planned a little trip to the Smoky Mountains. A chance to disconnect from the noise, slow down, immerse myself in the fall foliage, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and remind myself that there’s so much more to experience than the confines of this illness. I’m learning that improving quality of life doesn’t always have to mean making enormous strides or reaching some milestone. Sometimes it’s allowing yourself to have something to look forward to. It’s making plans, experiencing something beautiful, and giving yourself permission to exist outside of the identity your illness has taken up so much space in. I don’t know what every chapter ahead of me will look like, and I’m trying to be gentle with myself about that. But I do know I don’t want to spend every chapter looking inward at my disorder and everything it’s taken from me. I want to look outward, too. I want to see the mountains. I want to watch the leaves change. I want to make memories that have absolutely nothing to do with food, calories, weight, or recovery. Because even when healing is complicated, life is still happening. And I want to be present for some of it. 🍂🤎

vintagefaun :

Maybe check out electric jackets for when you’re cold :)

glxygirl1979 :

Have so much fun, Monie! Mountains are my favorite place to be ❤️We love camping and enjoying the amazing views.

Sammi Hudgins :

I’ll be in the mountains next week!! ❤️

kellygoodwin215 :

So excited for you to get away and enjoy nature!! Sending so much love and can't wait to see your adventures!! 💕💕💕

Sandy Robertson :

You are so right. Go relax, breathe and enjoy your milestones. Have fun! ❤️

rachelreed3sheepdog :

I’m excited for you! I’m praying you have wonderful time! 🩷

kimberly abell :

prayers for you , enjoy your trip,

Lidrachelle :

What did you use on your lips just now?

Patricia.B :

i hope you enjoy every moment of your trip. this will definitely be beneficial for you. just getting out and enjoing Gods world and sucking it all in. my mom went to Colorado and one of the last times she went, a fox came up to the porch of the cabbin where she was sitting at, and ate food right out of her hands twice. so beautiful. i hope you can bring back some beautiful memories. have fun and safe travels.

🦐 :

I fully agree with everything you said! I truly believe that disconnecting from society could help you reach a level of self realization and connection that you wouldn't otherwise be able to recah, you know? its hard to explain. almost a level of spirituality... "third eye" if you will

Elin :

Sounds like so much fun. I hope you have a great time!

Faye Jacobs :

going to the smokies right now would be absolutely beautiful! husband and I went 3 or 4 years ago (Gatlinburg)

pensbypenny :

This sounds like such a fun adventure. I'm so proud of you. I know you're going to enjoy it.💜💜💜

marlenemcclellan :

I really want to make lasagna soup if it turns out you should share the recipe. I hope the pups do well traveling. I have 3 pups myself and only one has traveled before. I keep envisioning taking them on a trip. My only advice is be careful/safe and have so much fun. 🥰

Pen :

LaurenGram :

I have missed you!!! you look amazing and I want your pj's. keep shining queen. ✨️💛

Its_Me_Kristi :

my family will be in a cabin in Gatlinburg for Christmas!

lesleyhaynes89 :

Absolutely girl! You deserve to treat yourself and to actually LIVE. ❤️

SLG Fashions 🇨🇦 :

I was in the Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, Tennessee and I got to play hillbilly golf down the Smoky Mountains that was extremely fun and I also did indoor skydiving as well.

JaDaLu24 :

I am so happy for you and excited to see how it goes. Vacations/getaways are so important for mental health! I hope you have a great time. 🫶🏼🩵

akpostee :

I think this will be so good for you, sounds like it will be an amazing trip! Enjoy it💜

ladyface :

Like I’ve said - Recovery is so many steps. It’s not JUST food. Sometimes it’s that, sure but finding joy in life and having improvement in life quality can help those other things. Especially when traditional treatment only focuses on what you eat and don’t. It’s so much more. I love that you talk about it. 💕💕 a little trip sounds so fun! Lasagna soup is amazing! Haha.

JessicaMichael69 :

Lasagna soup is my favorite favorite thing!!!! It's so good and you don't have to follow a specific recipe IMO, I like extra fresh garlic, lots of baby crimini mushrooms, and a particular new york brand Italian sausage that has carmilized onion and bell pepper. I chop parsely and blend it into the ricotta to and add extra into my bowl before putting the soup into it lol. It's so dang good!!!!

kimberlymoserayer :

Great time to see the leaves! It’s beautiful here now