A Life Recap and Reintroduction

Hey there!

I just wanted to take a moment to introduce myself to anyone who is recently new to my blog and/or Instagram account. I started the shes.radiant Instagram account almost four years ago, with this blog following shortly after. Since then, I’ve gained so much—support, kindness, knowledge—from this wonderful online community of chronic illness warriors. 

In 2017, while taking a semester off from college, I started shes.radiant to document my health journey as I began a variety of elimination diets, and while trying to find a diagnosis for my chronic mystery illness. I was at my lowest point and could barely stomach anything. I was underweight and tired all the time, getting out of bed was extremely difficult most days, and I couldn't really see a light at the end of the tunnel.

Almost four years later, I can happily say that even though I’ve developed a bunch of food allergies, I can enjoy food much more freely. It’s no longer a source of anxiety but joy. I eat a full, diverse diet about 90 percent of the time—but my weakness for chocolate and baked goods takes the cake the rest of the time. 

Currently, I’m a junior publicist at an artist management and publicity firm in NYC, where I get to work with amazing classical musicians and ensembles. With the hit to the arts and entertainment industry brought on by Covid, I'm no longer a full-time employee and am unfortunately only working on a project basis. While this isn't the most ideal situation, I'm blessed to have more time to focus on my physical and mental health, have a roof over my head and food on my table, and to be surrounded by healthy loved ones. 

My favorite hobbies include reading, writing, and cooking/baking. My heart belongs to chocolate, ginger-flavored things, tea, theatre, grammar, and puns. I'm a sucker for a good romcom or historical drama, but my TV watching usually falls under the category of comedic and witty sitcoms. I just finished the final season of Schitt's Creek (If you haven't seen it yet, it's a must-watch!) and am heartbroken over the thought of it being done. 

I struggle with fibromyalgia, chronic migraines, IBS, endometriosis and adenomyosis, among other things. It's been a long journey to these diagnoses, and I've seen countless specialists, many of whom dismissed my symptoms or misdiagnosed me. However, I've reached the light at the end of the tunnel that I never thought I'd see. My illness does not define me; it's just a part of who I am. 

Most days, I’m in a lot of pain and super fatigued, and I have issues with horrible concentration and memory—but I think I’m really doing OK. 

If you’ve read this far, thank you! I hope you can think of my account as a source of positivity, honesty, support, and tasty recipes.

Love always,

Anastasia