Hello Friends.
Today’s post is a little on the philosophical side but it something I think we all think about from time to time. What’s our legacy? What’s our life’s purpose? For me the honest answer has always been very simple: I hope I can make life a little easier for someone else. Truth be told…life can be a struggle, right? Peaks and valleys. And some people simply have a harder time at it than others.
I knew I would work in a ‘helping’ field from an early age. Since I loved science, healthcare career options became my interest and educational path. I received my degree in nutrition, worked in outpatient nutrition counseling at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston treating a variety of conditions…until my life was stopped in its tracks when I was pregnant with my second child and required emergency surgery. Six feet of my small intestine removed due to scar tissue from a previous ovarian cyst removal… and my journey into digestive health began.
The low FODMAP diet came along and my career suddenly took off. Everyone in the field was passionate about helping patients with IBS with a nutritional approach…and my job became incredibly fulfilling, more meaningful, and rewarding. I was making life easier for others with my nutritional and digestive health counseling–and living my life’s purpose became an everyday experience.
I recently finished Brene Brown’s Braving the Wilderness. I have read Brene’s work before…but wow…this book got me to the core. I actually broke down in tears reading a few passages…it was like someone was writing what was soul was feeling…when I was unable to find the words myself.
I thought today, I would share a couple passages that spoke to me. Perhaps, they may speak to you too. I keep these passages on my phone and read them regularly. They keep me a bit grounded when I feel I need a little reminder that I am on the right track.
“…the reward is your work getting out to the world in an honest way–a way that’s true to the people who shared their lives and stories with you.” Yes. My patients are amazing and have rewarded me…they have shown me the true meaning of tenacity, strength and courage when life has thrown them a curveball.
“You will always belong anywhere you show up as yourself and talk about yourself in a real way.” Double yes!! Own the person you are–embrace her or him. Life becomes so much easier when you don’t feel you need to puff up your character to be liked or respected. Surround yourself with people that love you –for simply being you!
On a much lighter note 🙂 … I am working on a low FODMAP ‘oreo’ cookie recipe that I will share later this week. A delicious treat when you have the hankering for dark chocolate and buttercream goodness. Stay tuned !
Esther
YOU have made my life better and helped me more than you will ever know !
YOU are a gift Kate Scarlata !
You listen .. you care and it shows .. I don’t feel alone and that’s huge when you have complicated digestive issues..
If helping was your goal you have by far exceeded it !
Esther
katescarlata
Thank you so much Esther–for your very kind words. xx
d
Beautiful post. Thank you!
katescarlata
Thank you!
Randy
Thank you for inspiring me and reminding me I’m not alone! On good days I’m grateful for them and for you who have helped so much conquer the not so good days.
katescarlata
Thanks for your sweet comment. Yes, you are far from alone. We are all in this together. xx
Whitney
Wonderful message! I feel the same way about my patients and I am a dental hygientist. Thank you so much for what you do. Your blog and books have really improved my standard of living. Barely any tummy issues thanks tp you! And when I do, it is because I consciously choose to eat the onion, garlic dish 😉
katescarlata
Thanks for your sweet and uplifting comment 🙂
Christine
I can’t tell how much better you made my life! Your blog enabled me a few years ago to find delicious recipes and information about the food I can eat without pain. Thank you so much!