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Prologue

Before we Begin...

First of all, welcome to my blog! In case we're not friends in real life--- my name is Clarissa, I live in a small town in east-central Kansas and I'm 27 years old. I'm a lover of dogs, art, wine and the outdoors. INFP. True Blue personality. I'm the youngest of four kids and the proud aunt of eight nieces and one nephew. My parents live about two and a half hours away near McPherson where I grew up. I've been dating a stellar fisherman, carpenter, back popper and hugger named Matt for three years. Last but not least, I'm blessed to be employed as a Family & Consumer Sciences agent with K-State Research & Extension here in Coffey County. 

Now to set the scene, I've always been a pretty healthy gal until nearly two years ago now when I had my first of five seizures (and boy was THAT a fun night! But more on that next time). So, if I started having seizures nearly two years ago, why am I just now starting to write about it? A few reasons...
  1. Denial.
  2. People often ask me how I'm doing, with genuine concern
  3. More denial. I thought the first seizure was really just a perfect storm/fluke
  4. A few other recent developments that I'll describe below...
I'm a fairly private person (see introvert reference above). I only really speak out in safe spaces or in <very> small groups. Hence, I like to go to counseling. It's a way for me to speak my mind and get professional suggestions on how to handle stressors, etc. There's nothing wrong with it. Also, this blog is a nice way for me to share my story with people who are concerned.

Recent Development #1
Once upon a counseling session, Kim (knowing that I'm a private person) told me that it might be interesting for the youth that I work with to hear a little bit more about my struggles with epilepsy. In other words, opening up to these youth and showing them a little humility instead of appearing like I have it all together would be a good opportunity for some Positive Youth Development (You like how I threw in that professional term there? ;) ). Well, I guess *literally* falling on my face at the Spring Show was a good start but hopefully this blog will accomplish some of that too. 

Recent Development #2
I like listening to audiobooks while I do dishes, go on walks, fall asleep, etc. I once listened to one called "29 Gifts" by Camille Walker. The author had been struggling with MS for some time and had a friend/healer/person suggest an alternative method- gift giving! Give one simple gift a day for 29 days. Throughout the process she actually, physically, started to feel a lot better.  Though I haven't done this yet myself, I really like the concept and find the frame of mind to be helpful. 

Recent Development #3

Did I mention I like audiobooks? I listened to one recently by superhero Brene Brown called "Rising Strong as a Spiritual Practice". I know, it sounds really corny... Anyway, in this live recording she said something that really spoke to me and was the tipping point to get me to write this blog.

"If you own the story, you can write the ending. If you deny the story, the story owns you."

boom. Guess it's time I own my story!

So here goes, welcome to...



Comments

  1. UnknownAugust 2, 2018 at 5:49 AM

    You're such a good writer! Thanks for giving those of us far away an inside look at your life!

    ReplyDelete
  2. L and BOctober 4, 2018 at 10:06 AM

    Hello Clarissa. Going to follow your story. Thinking of you and your journey. ❤️ Barbara

    ReplyDelete

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