Never leave home without your almonds.

Ready – I have a confession to share with you about myself. I’m a bit neurotic. Alright, more like way neurotic with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) tendencies to help me feel prepared for the unexpected. I literally won’t leave home without water, and almonds or other snacks with me because sometimes I’m out longer than planned.

Also, it’s quite possible that you may find yourself stranded when your car breaks down and you need to wait for AAA to finally show up hours later. This has happened to me before – on several occasions. It’s very frustrating and outside your control. See, the water and almonds make perfect sense now – right? And my friends definitely appreciate it when I have some extra snacks in my pocketbook for sharing. It’s all good!

Just the other day, I was talking to a guy friend, Andy, and letting him know that in preparation for my trip to SE Asia with G Adventures, I’m packing some low dose aspirin (so I can take on my long 19 hour flight to prevent a blood clot/stroke), airborne, allergy pills, Imodium A-D (hopefully won’t need this!), probiotics, my supplements from my wellness chiropractor, GI Microb-X (additional supplement to help prevent parasites from messing up digestive system), along with some peanut butter and snacks. Andy responded, “Wait a minute, say that again. What did you just say – you are going to pack peanut butter for the trip?” I said, “Yes, I’m considering taking peanut butter, and maybe even some whole grain/high fiber bread with me on the trip, because when I went to Europe, sometimes whole-grain bread and peanut butter was hard to come by. I need to start my morning with fiber, grains, and protein.” Then we laughed at how silly this seems. I then explained to Andy that in all seriousness I do need to manage my digestion issues and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), by eating a high fiber diet (25 grams/day) and sufficiently hydrating each day with water and tea.

Believe it or not, I’m really comfortable discussing this topic and IBS issue with anyone. Typically this is then followed by a conversation of what a high fiber diet consists of, and the importance along with the health benefits of eating a high fiber diet is for everyone. I’ve actually positively influenced my coworkers, friends, and family into eating a high fiber diet and being more health conscious.

Do you want to know something? I absolutely respect and honor my high fiber diet obsessive self and I’m not changing that for anyone. So if it takes me longer to prepare for vacation because I need to pack my supplements and fiber snacks, then that’s what I’m going to do. My health is important and I don’t think I need to compromise here. As ridiculous and annoying this may seem to some people, I’m confident that I will find my true love who absolutely adores how I can be so neurotic about certain things. I’ve dated guys who have found my neurotic tendencies to be adorable and intriguing. It’s great when someone actually gets how you really are as a person and you can laugh together when you are having a moment. Sense of humor is so huge in relationships and in life.

It’s when these OCD tendencies get out of hand and maybe even interferes with your life, that’s when it’s an issue. When it’s to this extent, then you may need to seek some support or therapy for coping strategies. However, everyone is allowed to have not-so-perfect moments, and it’s just about learning how to better manage these moments when it gets out of hand.

Embrace and accept what is unique or quirky about you!