My dear friends,
First of all, allow me to share some very exciting news from last week with you all: I was finally able to give away my wheelchair (!!!!!!). Yup, that’s me on the left at that very moment (vs back in June during my first outing with Dedal!)!
(For those just tuning in, you can read ‘my story’ over here)
But how’ve you all been?! I sincerely hope well and the year has been off to a good start. But if not, that’s also ok; and perhaps I should even say ‘join the club’?
Because in case you guys noticed (the internet is a big place so I’m sure many of you didn’t), but I went pretty MIA sometime around November… or was it October?!
It’s been a bit of a haze to be honest. But let’s just say I’ve also gotten to experience the true meanings of mental health and ‘self care’.
But let’s rewind a bit, because I don’t want to scare you guys! As I mentioned in the beginning, I’ve been well and thriving.
I mean… I’m actually walking now (!!). It’s been a rocky ride over the past year and a half, but I can actually walk Dedal (you know, my pup!) for about 20 minutes now.
Side note: who walks who is another story!
Overall, moving my body again after a year of being pretty much completely immobilized has been a tough one. Because, as many of you will relate, atrophied muscles are no joke; and I’ve had to work on my entire body and mind.
So, over the past few months, ‘my recovery’ has perhaps taken more of a tall mentally than physically. And, to be honest, this blind sighted me a bit.
I’ve literally had to get used to being outside again and all the stimuli that comes with it. So I’m easily tired and have had to rest so much still.
(Let’s just say that the Hollywood tales of people waking up from comas and walking around a week after are The Biggest Lie Ever. Like lmao guys.)
But at the same time let’s not negate the obvious, and it is that (on the grand scale) it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience. And, as crazy as it may sound, I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
It simply put my entire life into perspective and allowed me to get to know myself pretty well. Because trust me, we are all way more resilient than we know; and sometimes it takes unthinkable circumstances to know what we’re truly made of.
But anyways! Moving my body again without nerve pain has been pretty neat too lol. So I start every morning, with indescribable pleasure, dancing to either Mexican cumbia (shoutout to Los Angeles Azules!) or some chill techno (lol, I know).
Needless to say, the gratitude is immense.
But equally, and to be completely frank, I’ve felt a deep disconnect to pretty much everything in my life.
I’ve felt adrift.
Because, while I’m ‘still me’, I’m also a radically different person. And, of course, this is to be expected. My life changed twice over the past two years and, in a way, I’m still finding my footing.
So these past few months have been equally marvelous and tough. Because, as I discussed with my therapist this past week, I understand now that I have been mourning the person I was.
The life I had. So I’ve been a little bit sad, melancholic and have spent a lot of time in solitude just ‘processing’ it all.
Which is also why I’ve decided to stay in LA you guys.
This city has been good to me. I’ve met wonderful humans, who have shown me incredible kindness (like so many of you, my dear peeps!).
So what’s next here?! I actually have a big (enormous, gigantic!) surprise coming at you in the next couple weeks.
And I’m not going to tell you more now, other than its The Single Most Important Recipe I’ve Ever Developed… and we managed to turn it into a product for you guys! I can’t wait to tell you more suuuper soon!!
But, other than that, my life has been pretty quiet; I suppose we can say that my ‘full-time’ job has been getting back on my feet! So I’ve just been getting back in the groove of things these past couple weeks: doing some easy cooking, baking and just enjoying the flow of things.
Because, since we’re being completely honest here, all I’ve wanted to do over these past few months with my free time is be outside and enjoy the fresh air and, most importantly, feel like I am ‘living my life’ once again.
So in a way I’m sorry that I haven’t been sharing that many new recipes… but I’m also fairly certain that you can probably understand why I’ve had to take some time away from it all to heal.
Because you guys, I can’t say it enough…! I’m forever grateful, crazy excited and incredibly humbled that I have the opportunity to live once again in a completely healthy body.
Because the fact that I am able to care for myself (and Dedal!) once again, is such a privilege.
So thank you my friends for always taking the time to write, comment, send love and simply be the ace humans that you are! Because, just in case it isn’t crystal clear, this community plays a big role in my gratitude.
Sending you all hugs, kisses, all the best vibes and speak soon!
Paola
Very cool! So glad to hear you are doing so well!!! congrats
Dear Paola,
I am so happy for you!
My 15 year old son is having mobility issues (sprained ankle, followed by bullying at school, now has leg tremors and nerve pain) and we are pretty much housebound at the moment but when I can and do get out, it feels like a sensory overload, so I can relate a little with your excitement of the freedom of movement and being pain free.
You do not need to apologise for putting your health in all its aspects ahead of your blog…it’s been fine!
I must thank you for developing the granola recipe….It’s a favourite ❤️❤️
Hope you continue to thrive and get stronger every day. ❤️
That is wonderful news to hear. I too have had issues with my legs. Total right hip replacement last May 2019 and ongoing weakness in both legs. Going Keto has definitely helped and having your recipes has helped with the change. I miss my carby foods. But especially your burger bun recipe has made a huge difference. I can have a sandwich now when I want. And blueberry pie ( thanks to you pie crust) and ice cream. My legs get a bit better I think each day. Still can’t run any marathons but I can play with my grandkids with little to no pain. So thanks and congratulations on your journey
Yours truly
Barb Walsh a loyal subscriber
So happy for you! Our biggest trials can turn onto our biggest spiritual rewards!
You are amazing. Thank you for sharing pieces of your journey with us. It is insightful and it also sparks the need for me to find gratitude in my life.
This update warmed my heart and made me so happy. You have always been so strong and positive–it’s inspiring and encouraging and shows true resilience. Blessings to you and best wishes for a wonderful, healthy and happy life in LA.
And I can’t wait for the big surprise!!
Congratulations Paola!!! God bless you with continued healing and growing stronger each day.
Well done 💕💕💕so pleased to hear you are mobile again .
Congratulations on you marvellous recovery😊 you are a true inspiration. Thank you for being you in all the various forms you have been. You are remarkable.
Congratulations on your recovery! Slow and steady is all I can say. I had low back surgery when I was in my early 30’s and it was also one slow return with months of pt. I managed until about 6 years ago and after a slip and fall, found myself back in a state of immobility. Again, a slow recovery but had help from physical medicine and seated yoga. I’m now in my late 60’s and keep as active as I can and found seated yoga one of the best things for me. I enjoy your recipes and your news, too! Take care!!!
May God bless you❤️
So glad you’re doing so much better, Paola! Take all the time you need. We’ll all be here waiting for you.
Thank you Carol!
I am so happy to read your update! I smiled the whole time I was reading this! ♡
God bless you 😇. So happy to hear your good news. I’m new to your site and appreciate the recipes. Enjoy living every day. Thank you for the inspiration.
Paola, what happened to you?
It was a sciatic nerve injury Wendy (you can read about it in detail here https://www.gnom-gnom.com/personal-update/) xo!
congrats to you my dear! Just take it one step at a time. One foot in front of the other, one day at a time.
You pretty much just summed up one of the biggest lessons of it all: patience! xo K!
Hey, Paola;) I’m so happy to hear of your beautiful progress from where you were!!!! I have enjoyed your recipes soooo much!! I feel like I can find absolutely anything keto in your site!!! Love ya, girl😘 Carol Thompson
Thank you so much Carol!
Dearest Paola, This is the most wonderful news and I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to see you standing tall. You deserve this reward because during your time of ill health you have been there for us through your recipes to help us all feel better. I will now imagine you and Dedal running through sun kissed meadows together. I know that all of us who come to your blog, try your recipes, eaten your food and know what you have been through, have thought of you every day and hoped for your full recovery. Blessings and kisses, Pea. x x x x x x
My dear Pea! Thank you so much for all the messages and blessings you’ve sent my way through it all- I just want to say that you are such a beautiful human and, even though we’ve never met, you mean a lot to me! 🙂 Big kiss friend!
I’m so glad that you’re doing so well! As it is, you have a TON of great recipes already, and if I’m looking for something specific, I always search your site first:) Keep taking care of yourself, and thanks for your website!
I’m so glad to hear and thank you Michelle!
Congratulations Paola on your recovery. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I have been struggling myself with recovering from a mobility issue as well. My progress is slow, but there is progress and for that I am grateful. Reading about your journey has help me with mine. So thank you again for sharing. Be well Paola and continue to celebrate your life as you are doing. Thank you for your exceptional recipes too!
Bravoooooo aNd what a beautiful happy girl smile on your face 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😘🤸♀️🤸♀️I’m so so very happy for you. Thanks for continually sharing Enjoy No wheelchair now. Yeahhh
Wonderful news, Paola. I’m glad to hear you are back on your feet, literally. I saw a T-shirt the other day imprinted with this: You don’t know how strong you are until being strong is your only option.
Your recipes are always so tasty and I’m glad you are now able and willing to create more of them. I hope Los Angeles will be good for you.
How absolutely wonderful Paula! Congratulations on your amazing story and recovery. Very inspiring!
I have become to know your site and recipes in the last few months and I am truly addicted to your everything keto dough. I have been keto for 22 months and your recipes are one of the best! Can’t wait to see what the future holds. Enjoy the air and your cute dog!
Awesome news and all the best on the continued journey!
Excited to read about more recipes 😎
You have been my go to source for so many already and really helped me on my keto transition and I’ve shared with many others.
Happy days 😀
Aw so glad you’re doing better!! And yay for Los Angeles Azules! I always wash the dishes to them lol.
I’m so glad you are doing so much better! I’ve told you before that I’m not much of a dessert person but your photos and recipes always look so yummy! I am a fairly good cook but I don’t really back but if I ever do make a chocolate cake or cinnamon roll, it will be your recipe.
Keep getting stronger and much success with your new product!!
I’m so happy for you! God bless you! I love your recipes and you have made going Keto super easy and delicious for me.
So glad to hear that everything is looking up – wishing you all the best and looking forward to more of your wonderful recipes!
Ohhhhh my heavenly stars! So incredibly happy for you! Praise God for His Divine Mercy and blessings!!! 💓 🤗
Good to hear you are on your way to a complete recovery Paola. One great step at a time 🙂
I’m so sorry you had to go through all that Paola, and I am thankful that you are doing so much better! Thank you for sharing your recipes with us, and your beautiful photos!
I’m so glad you’re doing well. I had noticed that things were quiet from the Gnom end of things, even checked my junk folder to see if things went there instead. But I’m glad to hear that the absence has been a time of growth and new discovery for you. I love your recipes and hope they keep coming, but will understand if it turns out you want a new and different direction in your life. Good luck and many blessings as you forge ahead!
So awesome to see you up and going. I have been telling people about your recipes. They are amazing. Spot on!