New Theme – New Me
First of all, I would like to extend a HUGE thank YOU to all of you. And to those of you who were so kind to send me a personal message of well being, I love you guys. I was choked with emotion to find so many of my online buddies and friends taking the time to stop by and express your concerns and share your helpful tips with me.
So THANK YOU ALL from the bottom of my heart!
It has been a long journey – dark at times – and to say it is over would be an exaggeration of facts. However, I couldn’t hide from the world much longer and really, I do feel a lot better than I have been weeks ago.
Basically I’ve spent the last few weeks sleeping, relaxing, recuperating and contemplating which led to a short stint with depression. I suppose I’m not a good candidate for being sick at all, I get short tempered and very upset because of the mountain of work that needs doing.
But in the interim of this process I learned a couple of things once again.
- Health comes before anything else.
- Work can wait.
- Clients are awesome [I knew that anyway
]
The cause
For those of you who wonder what was or is wrong with me, join the crowd. I still don’t know myself. I’ve been tested for various mosquito related diseases and they have all come back negative. Since I really hate to visit doctors surgeries I didn’t bother to go back again.
Fact is that two years ago I was in hospital in Sydney for 3.5 days instead of on a plane to Las Vegas. After various tests including a spine tap (that is when they suck bone marrow from your spine with a needle), a doppler (to test for deep vein thrombosis, dozens of blood tests, an MRI scan and various doctors who prodded and assessed me, I was eventually diagnosed with Gillian Barre Syndrome (GBS).
Since there is no cure for this diseases, they sent me back home. I was lucky enough to NOT end up in a wheel chair and to this day I believe it was thanks to some supplemental nutrition I ended up taking in double the measurements. It took about 5 months for my body to loose all the tingling sensation and pain for good.
So you probably wonder what this has got to do with my condition now?
Well, from where I stand I either suffer from:
- A repeat occurrence of GBS
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
Either three of these have very similar symptoms and all of them are very hard to diagnose. Since I did have nasty bouts of glandular fever in the past and it is still in my system, I am prone for either of these three illnesses because they get triggered by a virus and infiltrate the body, therefore I believe that is what is wrong with me. The known symptoms match mine to a T and all I can do at this stage is look after myself with good nutrition and plenty of rest.
The contemplation
During my long, lonely days at home while John was at work I did a lot of contemplating about “what next”. I seriously considered throwing it all away – my freelance writing career, my clients and all. But I have worked too hard to get to this position (which led me to my illness in the first place), plus I’m too stubborn to give up (ring a bell Griz?). So on and upwards I go. Kind of like Buzz Lightyear (Hey Brett).
Here is my issue: I have been going at my business flat out for nearly 18 months now of which I have been fully booked for the last 10 months. I am a sucker for not saying no enough and therefore ended up taking all the work offered to me. But as it happens, I can’t go on like this and need to find a balance between my writing work, my niche sites and me. Not to mention my husband and my darling birds.
The days are just not long enough to get it all done. You probably know that anyway.
The now
Right now I do what I can and slowly work my way back into my schedule. Most of my clients have been on hold during that whole time and they have been nothing than amazing about it.
I am dead set on building my niche sites now to the extent that they pay me a full time residual income where I don’t have to spend hours in front of a computer writing all day long. Right now, my freelance writing business is my vehicle to make that happen. I’m fortunate enough to have earned a full time online income with it since the beginning of this year and every month it grew a little more.
Now I want to see the same happening with my niche sites. Since I believe in several income streams to protect my business I’m going to work on exactly that.
One thing I had to realize is that it will probably take longer than I anticipated because of my health. I will not justify my health anymore for any money in the world. But I’m cool with that. One cool thing is that the US dollar currently pays me 30% more when i convert it into Australian dollars. This is a cool bonus indeed.
Since Monday I’m also adapting a new lifestyle. I have cut out coffee, wheat, cows milk, sugar, preservatives, trans-fats, pasta and white rice from my diet and intend to keep it that way. Coupled with daily walks, this will no doubt be the fuel I need to boost my health even more.
I have felt great in the last two days considering my daily pain and energy fluctuations, so right now I’m very confident and happy that this is a great new start to a new me.
BTW, what do you make of my new theme? I know it was a long time in the making, but good things are worthwhile aren’t they?
About the Author: I'm a passionate freelance writer and problogger. To further build my business I'm also in the process of building my own niche empire which pays me residual income.
Brett Legree | Nov 6, 2008 | Reply
Welcome back Monika!
I am so happy that you’re out here again. Your new theme is awesome, very unique.
Yes, on and upwards we go. Slow and steady progress, and take care of “you”.
If you need anything, just let me know. I’ll be here.
-Brett
Monika | Nov 6, 2008 | Reply
@ Brett: Thank you, you made pole position too.
I appreciate all you have done for me my friend. Enjoy your day with C.
Brett Legree | Nov 6, 2008 | Reply
@Monika,
Any time. If I were closer I would have brought you chicken soup and flat whites on a daily basis
thank you, I will try to make hay today. It’s a good day to get stuff done!
Writer Dad | Nov 6, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika,
Welcome back! I’m so sorry about your health. It sounds simply awful. It’s great to have you back, and the place looks terrific. I too wish I could have brought you some chicken soup. Be well.
lissie | Nov 7, 2008 | Reply
Hmm, I hope this was a scheduled post – its well after midnight on the east coast! Its a bit scary the number of online workers who seem to be out with bad health issues at the moment! I guess it really is bad sitting all days in front of a keyboard. Writing is bad for it too – I think I didn’t move for 2 hours this morning when I was in full flight!
Being sick seems to make me depressed as well – I think too much thinking is not good for most people. I love the new theme but the automatic email is coming out in latin at the start – which is a bit much from a Queenslander! The start of the email mission statement needs fixing
Simonne | Nov 7, 2008 | Reply
I’m sorry that you have such health issues. Take care of yourself, so you can spend the money for pleasure, not for doctors.
I like the new theme very much. The attention for details managed to create a stylish, elegant, yet friendly and flexible look.
Lillie Ammann | Nov 7, 2008 | Reply
Monika,
It’s good to see you back and feeling better. While freelancing can lead to health problems because it’s so tempting to sit forever without moving and push ourselves too hard, it also offers a better opportunity for those of us with health issues. We don’t have to maintain office hours so if you need to stop and rest, do it.
steph | Nov 7, 2008 | Reply
Hooray! I’m glad you’re back!
I think it’s okay that you don’t know what in particular ails you. It doesn’t really matter, after all, and sometimes when we do know, it seems to give whatever it is more power. What matters is that you do whatever it takes to make you (feel) better. I love your diet choices. I did that for a year: no wheat, dairy, sugar, yeast, preservatives, etc., and I did feel much better. But the issue is how to stay out of a rut; I don’t eat meat either so there’s not much choice left! I fell off the wagon (bread and cheese are my favourite foods!) but really feel I need to get back on. Tell me what you eat!
Anyway, Monika, to your health, and I wish you all the success in figuring things out for your business as well. If you know other freelance writers you can trust, it doesn’t hurt to pass your overflow on. It’s okay to say no and recommend. Clients will understand. I have done it with editing, and it makes me feel great as well as makes the other editor happy! You’re so blessed to have much work, but you’re right. Without your health, nothing else matters.
I’ve already said at another post that I love this theme, and I really do! It looks excellent.
Good to have you back!
Tumblemoose | Nov 7, 2008 | Reply
Monika,
Well, welcome back. You left a big hole in the blogosphere and I’m looking forward to my Monika fix once again.
It’s nice to see you back on your feet and (mostly) in the land of the living. Being knocked to the ground by a health thing can be a real eye-opener. So glad you’ve weathered the storm.
As for the new site? What can I say, it’s exceptional. Clean and simple, and dark always appeals to me and in my opinion gives it a more professional feel.
Again, welcome back!
Cheers
George
Peter | Nov 7, 2008 | Reply
Good to have you back! I like the new theme. I finally got my business site up–my name in the comment tracks back to my personal blog. I hope nobody thinks that it’s too shameless that I put this here: http://www.hiltonbusinesswriting.com; after all, it’s on topic and I’ve mentioned my efforts in previous comments.
Following your blog, Monika, has been a bit of an inspiration. Here’s hoping you continue to get well, and happy writing all around!
Cath Lawson | Nov 7, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika – I had to come out of greasemonkey to see your new theme properly. It is awesome. I’m glad you’re a bit better and I hope you get to the bottom of the problem soon then you can get the proper treatment.
I’m glad you’re just as keen to work on your business as always. It would take a heap of pressure off if your niches sites were bringing in a decent amount of cash.
Vered - MomGrind | Nov 7, 2008 | Reply
Welcome back!
I’m so glad you’re feeling better.
I love the new theme.
Jenny | Nov 7, 2008 | Reply
Monika! I’m so glad to see you back here! I’m not alone in saying I missed you! I had to do a double take when I saw my e-mail a few minutes ago! Welcome back and I can’t wait to see where you go from here!
Bruno Auger | Nov 7, 2008 | Reply
I know how you feel. I recentlyback in Ovtober went through a bout of pnemonia and didn’t do nothing for like 8-9 days. So its nice to see you back up and runing at full steam again
Nice new theme Monika
Davina | Nov 7, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika. Yayyy! This is so cool. I just emailed you this morning to say hi and here you are in my Reader. I’m glad you are feeling better. It’s good to see you back here. I like the new theme too.
Amy Derby | Nov 7, 2008 | Reply
So glad to see you again, and VERY happy to hear you are feeling better.
Wendi Kelly-Life's Little Inspirations | Nov 7, 2008 | Reply
I’m so glad you are up and around. And I think you are taking a great aproach.Since the only thing you can really do about any one of those things is to take great care of yourself, best to focus on that rather than worry about it.
I love the new site. It’s SO YOU!
I’m looking forward to hearing more about the new niche sites and your new focus.
Be well.
Jylan Wynne | Nov 7, 2008 | Reply
Great to know what was affecting you now – it must have been scary wondering what the illness was.
Good luck on your niche sites, and the new theme looks great. The only thing I’d comment on is the header, I think that the separate background colour beneath the title looks a bit strange.
Kelly@SHE-POWER | Nov 7, 2008 | Reply
So relieved and happy to see you back. I’m glad you’ve committed to taking care of yourself and prioritizing health and life before work. It’s so important. Whatever is wrong with you, I am sure that with extra care and a positive attitude you will only get better as times goes on.
Love the new theme. Very snazzy and look forward to more marvellous Mundel articles.
Kelly xx
Jeremy Day | Nov 7, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika,
Glad to hear things are looking better for you. I like your determination. I also like the guy on the rss icon. Overall I like the new design alot. Keep up the great work and take rest when you need it.
Cheers,
Jeremy
Kevin Hassett | Nov 7, 2008 | Reply
Monika,
Happy to see you back doing what you love! It’s good that you used the time off to rest, recuperate and to get a perspective of where you are and where you want to go from here. It’s too bad that this time was sort of forced upon you with your health the way it’s been, but it sounds like you made the best of it, and that’s what champions do when things get tough.
I know you are coming through all the better from this experience, and that you are going to be back to full strength soon. It sounds like you have a solid plan, and I know you will reach all your personal, health and business goals.
I do like the new theme very much, it’s very sharp!! And I too like the little RSS figure at the top!
Good to have you back, stay well!
Kevin
Monika | Nov 7, 2008 | Reply
@ Brett: Chicken soup for the soul, yum, now you are talking. I must admit I do like soup a lot. It would have come handy. Thanks for the offer anyway.
@ WD: Sean, thank you for the warm welcome back. It sure feels great to have the energy to do this again. Glad you like the new theme too. Still trying to sort out some smaller issues and I only just got my Gravatar working.
@ Lissie: Hell, that email notification looked shockers. Thanks for pointing it out to me. Not that I speak Latin anyway. LOL, it should be fixed now, but please let me know if it is still looking strange. (It did look ok on my end).
Yes I know what you mean with many online workers being sick. I see it all around me, Vic, Justin has issues, Don struggles with his health, we certainly do have to look after ourselves a lot more in order to cope long term. I will anyway.
@ Simonne: Thank you. I appreciate your well wishes and agree in regards to using the money for lifestyle, rather than doctors.
@ Lillie Ammann: You are so right! I bless my work and my situation every day because many of my readers have to go to a job and if they are sick they often have to endure those long hours working for a boss.
I’m getting better at keeping active and moving and will keep the focus on doing that. I’m actually going to incorporate a couple of mobile days in the week if I can. Kind of like reporting from the road (coffee shop [without coffee of course
], from the beach, anywhere where I can sit and work undisturbed for a few hours).
@ Steph: *grins. It is soo mice to be welcomed back with open arms from all of you guys. Thank you for worrying about me, it makes me feel humble.
Your suggestions of passing on work to trusted freelance writers is great. Since many of you are just that, I will be thinking of you when the need comes. I did pass on some niche work or tried to at least to two trusted friends, but they both turned me down. Never mind, it has to be right for them too I guess and I accept that fact.
In regards to my diet, I start my day with a fresh vegetable and fruit juice; usually it is made with 1 apple, 2 oranges, an inch of fresh ginger, 2 carrots and 1 beetroot.
Morning snack is something small, like a small tub of natural yogurt with half a banana and a desert spoon of malt. Or else a handful of rye cracker breads with avocado or tomato, or tuna.
Lunch is a choice between fresh salad with lemon and a desert spoon of olive oil, lots of cracked pepper and minimal salt (I use sea salt). Today it will be accompanied by fresh steamed fish.
Other days it could be a fresh stir fry made with water and lemon juice instead of oil.
Afternoon tea could be a slice of melon or a pear or any fruit really, or else a handful of nuts or dried apricots.
Dinner is usually light again, salad, wheat free flat bread sandwich or something else. I also have a snack around 9 PM.
During the day I drink about 2-4 liters of tea, home made sugar free ice tea or hot herbal tea.
Our town water got contaminated yesterday (beats me) and now I have to boil everything. But luckily I don’t drink much tap water. I’m actually thinking of buying a water filter since the treated water contains so many nasties anyway.
Gee, I better stop. *grins
Monika | Nov 7, 2008 | Reply
@ Tumblemoose: Hey George, I never had a Monika fix, but the way you put it it sounds rather nice.
You humble me with your comment, thank you so much. It sure feels very nice to be appreciated so much.
@ Peter: Congratulations on your new site. It looks great and I know you will carve your own writing niche on the web with it. I wish you much success and indeed happy writing all around. It is always great to see other people’s progress and yours has been in the making for a while.
@ Cath: Thank you. I feel honored to be chosen above Greasemonkey, LOL, just kidding. I agree though, it would be way easier if my niches were raking it in already. Hehehehe…. but, I know that one day they will and am very excited about the building progress.
It is all about the journey anyway.
@ Vered: Thank you my friend! I appreciate all you have done for me while I was struggling and will never forget your kindness. I’m happy you like my new theme.
I’m like a kid in a candy store right now with this theme anyway. I can tell you that the old theme bugged me for months and I ended up buying not one, but three premium themes before I settled on this one. Oh well, I’m sure to put them to good use somewhere else now.
@ Jenny: Wow, thank you. I’m also happy to see you back amongst all of my friends and regular readers. I have this warm fuzzy feeling right now and a huge grin on my face – seriously!
@ Bruno: I’m sorry to hear about your pneumonia issues. That is a serious health threat anyway. Are you back to normal again, or has this affected you more than you let on?
@ Davina: LOL, it was funny to read your email and then come here and see your comment. Kind of like back to the future.
Thank you so much for taking the time to email me though. It was lovely and felt very special.
I ended up clicking your email signature link and found your coaching site. I am SO IMPRESSED on how you put this site together. It looks amazing! http://www.crimsoncompass.ca/home.html
I hope you will do well with it just like you do on your blog.
@ Amy: Thank you. Hey, I like the sheep on your gravatar pic. It’s funny.
Monika | Nov 7, 2008 | Reply
@ Wendi: I’m glad myself. It often felt lonely not being able to work. I was forced to do nothing by my health and for a person that is always on the go mentally it was hell.
Like you I believe in looking forward and not back, while living in the moment. So thank you Wendi for the well wishes and your continuous friendship.
@ Jylan: I appreciate your feedback and see what you mean by the different shades of black. I will have to figure out the color code for the right one and change it in my style sheet, then it should be fine. Glad you like the new look!
@ Kelly: Oh you make me laugh.
Marvelous Mundell articles. Now if that is not a compliment, then I don;’t know what is, so thank you and let me bow to you while I say that.
@ Jeremy: Isn’t that guy admirable! I so love that RSS icon myself and had it custom made for me. Perhaps there will be some bloggers who end up stealing it, but I did pay a healthy sum for it. So hopefully it will stay unique.
@ Kevin: Thanks for your well wishes. I noticed you haven’t updated your own blog since September. Are you taking a break, or did you move to another site?
Kathy @ Virtual Impax | Nov 7, 2008 | Reply
WELCOME BACK!!!
Sounds like your health crisis has lead you to the same diet/exercise regime I’ve adopted because of my recent health ills!!!
If you want, drop me a line and whine about how life isn’t worth living without coffee, sugar, wheat (gluten in my house), etc. I’m here for you!!!
Yeah, I FEEL better – but man do I MISS my morning coffee!!!
Jylan Wynne | Nov 7, 2008 | Reply
@Monika, If you find the #header element in style.php and change the background-color to #191919, then remove the background image, it should work fine.
Kevin Hassett | Nov 7, 2008 | Reply
@Monika: Just taking a break, I’m looking to get back at it soon as things are getting back to normal again for me too. I must admit, while I did need a bit of a break, I’ve also felt stalled with that site a bit – not sure what direction I’m going to take it from here. I just need to do a better job of sticking with an identity. I’ll get it back on course soon though! Thanks for checking!
Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome | Nov 7, 2008 | Reply
Welcome back Monika!
I had been misdiagnosed with Fibromyalgia for almost ten years before I switched my diet for a year to the one you describe. It cleared everything right up – no pain, lots of energy. It was amazing.
Hopefully it’ll help you as well!
Cheers,
Alex
Deborah | Nov 8, 2008 | Reply
Monika!
I’m thrilled to my toes to see you’re feeling better. My day would not be complete without a trip to your blog.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you keep things going while you’re healing and making life changes!
Deborah
steph | Nov 8, 2008 | Reply
@ Monika: 2-4 litres!! Holy cow! I can barely drink a litre of anything a day! I only drink water and herbal teas (sometimes a black or chai tea), but it takes a lot out of me to try and drink lots. I know I ought to.
Your diet sounds lovely, especially the fresh juice breakfast. We have a juicer and I think the only reason we don’t use it more is that it’s kind of a bitch to clean, with all its 2000 parts!! In fact, we used to eat much more like you and I think it’s laziness (and my adoration of cheese and fresh bread) that’s made us stop. All the prep work…
At any rate, you’re an inspiration. I’m going to try and emulate you, minus the fish…
We’ve also fasted before and tried a raw diet, though the fast was only five days (a juice fast and boy did I feel AWESOME!) and the raw diet probably less! In the winter I find it hard not to eat cooked, hot food. Anyway. I do want to eat more salads and homemade soups and such at least.
(I wonder if your water was contaminated earlier too and perhaps that’s why you fell ill? Maybe they didn’t know it was contaminated?)
Brett Legree | Nov 8, 2008 | Reply
@Monika,
Well – the offer will still stand forever, or at least as long as I’m still moving
And at some point, I’ll be a “short” three-hour plane ride away – a good Thermos should keep the soup hot!
John | Nov 8, 2008 | Reply
This goes out to all of YOU readers of Monika’s blog.
I was up early this morning and set up the laptop for Monika and logged on.
I saw how the new design looks and WOW, then I focused on a few posts.
This led me to read some in more detail, especially all your good wishes and upbeat comments.
I can say that I was very moved to see and read such words. I now understand why Monika is so happy talking about her readers with such enthusiasm.
Monika has definitely great friends in all of you, I personally can’t thank you enough.
Hubby John
Monika | Nov 8, 2008 | Reply
@ Kathy: Thank you. I might just do that, although I try to abstain from whingeing too much. I have found even though I miss my coffee, I can very well pull this off. I’ve done it before and I AM very headstrong if I want to. LOL
I think today is my first big withdrawal day as I have this huge migraine. But this was inevitable anyway.
@ Jylan: I’ll take a look more closely this weekend. Thank you for helping.
@ Kevin: I understand. It is important to know where you are headed, otherwise you end up wasting valuable energy resources. Take you time and when you are ready again, keep me posted please.
@ Alex: Wow, that is amazing. For some reason I always had the feeling that it would help for sure. It will be interesting to see and I’m determined to give this lifestyle change a good spin (even over Christmas).
@ Deborah: How lovely of you to say that. Thank you I certainly feel honored now.
I might open up my blog to some guest posters, that would certainly help me too and give new and old bloggers a chance of getting a contextual link back to their blog.
@ Steph: Hahahaha…. I know it is a lot of liquid bu please remember that I do live in sunny Queensland and now we are in late spring now and it is already getting hot and muggy.
Like you I struggle to drink enough in winter too and have to force myself to do so. But with herbal teas I usually get the recommended intake. I also crave soups and hot foods in winter and chocolate. There is no way I can eat salads or even drink regular fruit and vegetable juices like I do now.
However, I do believe that we are conditioned this way as the body needs more fuel to survive the cold winter weather. Even so, there are many ways we can eat healthy in winter as well and I for one will find them.
@ Brett: Your are such a sweety. LOL, don’ cringe, it is meant as a compliment. I might take you up on that termos offer but you better hurry and make it over here by winter. Hehehehe…
Monika | Nov 8, 2008 | Reply
@ John: Wow! Thank you so much my darling husband. Without you I could never do what I do now and I would be lost in this world. A big sloppy kiss from me to you (* note to self; have to keep this moderated as young kids are probably lurking close by – end of note)
Brett Legree | Nov 8, 2008 | Reply
@Monika,
No worries, I’m not cringing here, that was really nice
the plan is (if at all possible) to only do one more winter here, meaning we’d be in your neck of the woods by your next winter. Come on, Immigration NZ!
Leanne Magraith | Forever Change | Nov 10, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika
Nice to see you back. I have been unwell too (ongoing from when I last left a comment on your site) but minor stuff compared to what you have been through. Good to hear you are looking after yourself, making healthy changes and finding balance in your life. I think your idea of taking the laptop out of the house to a café beach etc is a good idea. Beach blogging sounds very appealing – keeping the sand out of the keyboard could be challenging though!
I like your new theme too- very crisp and professional looking., & BTW I have almost identical juice to yours in the morning – celery, carrot, apple, beetroot, ginger – yummo.
Friar | Nov 11, 2008 | Reply
YAYYYYY!!!!
Monika’s back!
Diane@Home School Observations | Nov 12, 2008 | Reply
Monika, great to see you posting and what a great new theme to your blog. Wishing you all the best on the new diet. I am allergic to wheat and it is a pain in the arse to avoid it when eating out. Therefore I rarely eat out. Wishing you all the best in regaining and keeping your health and your balance.
Peter | Nov 13, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for the comment! It’s great to see your site up and refreshed, too. I do like the new layout; tough call as to which version I liked better (purely from a design point of view) but this one definitely passes muster.
Hope you manage to stay on top of things. It’s good to hear that you’re taking steps in a healthy direction; it’s tough, when you are flying solo, to get hit even with just a cold, much less anything more severe. Keep on bouncing back!
ebele | Nov 16, 2008 | Reply
It’s great to see you back, hun. Really.
Much love …and a hug or two…
ebele.
Terry Didcott | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
Hey Monika,
I’m so sorry I didn’t even realise you were under the weather – I’ve been so busy with all my own stuff I just haven’t had much of a chance to go round and keep up with people.
Well, I’m glad you’re getting better from whatever it is that was knocking you for six. Its all about staying positive and you have the right attitude – never give up!
You’re right to focus on building up your niche sites. It takes time and is a constant battle with Google for a decent place in the SERPs but once you’re there the income is pretty passive and doesn’t take so much work to keep on top of.
Writing is ok to get you to that place, but it is very demanding and time consuming.
Anyway, I wish you the best for your health, wealth and happiness – and I’ll try to stop by here more often to admire the new snazzy decor!
Terry
Davina | Nov 20, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika. Thanks for the positive feedback regarding my website. Pretty high praise I’d say
Much appreciated.
Tom Lindstrom | Nov 21, 2008 | Reply
Good that you are back again! I like the new design of your blog.
Erwin Tan | Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
Nice.. I was interested in this theme as well.. Very happy that you got it.