I remember sitting on my couch and getting a random notification that @shanny_DO had just started a live video. (This was back when my notifications were on).
Shannon and I went to college together. I met her through Gina, my BFF since the first few weeks at UCLA. Shannon and Gina went to the same high school. One day, in passing, Gina introduced me to Shannon while we were roaming around the dorms or in one of the many dining halls. Probably an interaction of less than 15 minutes.
But, it was normal in college to “friend” someone on Facebook almost immediately after you met. Even if the only interaction you had with them was taking a shot of tequila.
So, I’ve been “friends” with Shanny for some time. But nothing more than a “like” on her photos when she got married or a “like” on a status about graduating from medical school.
I’m not even sure when I started to follow her on Instagram. It was probably just that one-click, “Sure, I’ll be friends with EVERYONE I’m friends with on Facebook” follow.
So it was crazy to me that Instagram should notify me that @shanny_DO was about to start a live video. How strange. How do they even determine which people to notify you about?
But, here I was. Absorbed in my cell phone. Wanting to escape from anything to do with this Appalachian area.
So, I jumped on this “live video” to hear what Shannon had to say.
Let me preface this by saying Shannon is an internal medicine resident who is very interested in preventive medicine (e.g. all things nutrition, sleep, moving more, etc). (You can find her blog here and her Instagram page here). She had hopped on an Instagram live video that night to answer questions about nutrition, GI-related topics, and overall health.
I stayed tuned in for the entire video.
I was at a really low point health-wise. Even though I had been doing the Shakeology thing for a while. My energy was great, but I wasn’t seeing a ton of results physically. And I was starving all the time. It’s been harder to lose weight at a sedentary office job. And it’s definitely not helpful when the only options to socialize around here are 1) drink a bottle of wine at someone’s house or 2) go out to eat at a place that specializes in deep-fried BBQ.
During Shannon’s video, I found myself wanting to pull out a pencil and paper and write down everything she said.
One theme she kept coming back to was, “Nutrition isn’t a one-size fits all.”
Her words kept buzzing through my head long after the video was over.
Shakeology has worked for so many people. Why not me?
Weight Watchers has worked for so many people. Why not me?
Calorie counting has worked for so many people. Why not me?
Whole30 has worked for so many people. Why not me?
“Nutrition isn’t a one-size fits all. You have to find what works for you.”
Shannon – if you’re reading this, I want to thank you for putting that little bug in my ear. For helping me step back and realize that I’m not insane. For explaining that maybe there was a better way to nourish my body. And that it may not look the same as Person X or Person Y.
I’m a spiritual person that believes in the power of the universe. And I believe that the universe – combined with Instagram’s magical algorithm – had Shannon’s video pop up on my phone that day.
And I am so grateful.
Because, since that day, so much has changed.
I love my workouts in the early morning. I found a way of eating that suits my body and doesn’t leave me feeling starving in between meals. (Robin is another gift from the universe. But, more on her in another post!). I love how I feel. Energized, but not frantic. At a moderate, steady level all day long.
But, most importantly, I’ve seen a lot of personal growth.
Less looking around and comparing myself to others.
And more tuning into my self and my heart and my gut and realizing what works and doesn’t work for me.
I love this new way of life.
It’s taken me a long time to get here.
But, somehow, the universe (and social media) heard these cries for help and placed the best of the best people into my life.
When I needed them the most.
Questions of the Day:
- Have you ever stumbled upon someone (or something) at the exact time that they were needed?
Divya. I am blown away by this and I can’t thank you enough for sharing. This is exactly what I had hoped for when joining social media in a way that’s not only for connection with friends but also an outlet to talk about medicine/prevention in a way that may be useful for anyone. You’re that person. If no one else benefits, I’m incredibly thankful it has helped YOU. And for all the right reasons- the mindset change. No longer believing something is wrong with you because a quick change didn’t work, but taking a step back and seeing how nutrition/lifestyle medicine fit into the big picture of your own life.
I’m also so thankful for Gina introducing us many years ago, now it’s clear we’ll be friends for so long and I hope not just online but in person again one day. You have been such a bright light for me and I’m forever grateful. Thank you again and I love you! 💙
I love this, Divya! Isn’t it awesome how something so unexpected can have such a grand impact!? I need to go back and look at your post on how you are eating now. I cannot remember if I have read it but I am curious!
Kristin recently posted…Who Is Jesus? A Deeper Look at His Character
It is amazing how one little sentence can change a person life. Sounds like you found your one sentence.
candy recently posted…Vinegar for Gardening #3
I love that your friend was able to say the exact thing you needed to hear at the exact right time and that it worked for you. She is completely right, Health is not one size fits all!
Love that you found something that works for you! Always do what you enjoy – workout wise and food wise 🙂
Shelby @Fitasamamabear recently posted…Peach & Berry Green Smoothie Bowl
I am so happy that you found that video and that her words were helpful for you! She is absolutely right, it isn’t a one size fits all and we can all figure out what is best for us! I’m glad you know what is best for you! 🙂
Beth recently posted…Humpday Confessions 10.18.17
My husband is in the Army so we move around quite a bit. I am always amazed by the people I manage to meet at every duty station. It is like they are placed there at exactly the right time in my life.
I love this story – that’s amazing the video found you right when you needed it. I definitely agree that nutrition is not a one-size fits all. It takes a lot of trial and error for people!
-Lauren
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…Halloween Ready Reads: Strange Lies + The Devils You Know
Divya I am so glad that you were able find that video when you needed it. You are an amazing person, and deserve to feel great about yourself. Nutrition is def. not a one size fits all, I hope you are able to find exactly what you need!
Danielle @ A Sprinkle of Joy recently posted…This Season of Life
I love that her video popped up when you were on Instagram. You were obviously meant to see it. That’s so awesome!
Oh Divya. I love this post so much and that the stars aligned that day so that this old friend could come into your life when you needed it most. How very true that is. There is no magical answer that works for all (though imagine the millions someone could make with that, eh?). I’m proud of you for forgiving yourself, for following your own course, and for plotting a new journey that allows you to decide your best path towards wellness. You are awesome and you’re doing an incredible job!
Sometimes social media isn’t so bad, I guess 🙂 xoxo
Charlotte recently posted…Spinning away
Yes – I’m a large believer in things happen for a reason.
Erin Haugerud recently posted…Halloween Decorations Home Tour | EH Design
There is a dialogue in a Hindi movie…… which I will not write here and you or your blog followers may not understand but the translation of that dialogue in English is as below:
In life if you desire something with a passion, then the entire universe helps you reach that thing/person/goal.
Your coming across Shannon’s video was absolutely Perfect Timing.
I can see what a change it has made in your life and sure enough…. Nutrition is Not a One Size Fits All.
Keep up the good work.
Proud of you!!
God Bless!!
Thank you for the sharing with us the bits and pieces of your life, looking forward to seeing more 🙂