
I love this notion, that sometimes all we need is less.
I think it is really relevant for those of us living with and catering for severe food allergies. We can fill our lives with stress and anxiety trying to compensate (or over compensate) for all we think our allergic children are missing out on. But this is a great philosophy, a great twist! Sometimes all you need is less. Maybe in reality they are the blessed ones!
Yes; they miss out on Cadburies, McVities, Kellogs… and shop brought cakes, pastries, chocolates, biscuits and cakes – but they get home-made delicious and more nutritious cakes and biscuits. They know that their mummy has taken time to make something safe and special for them to eat. They may not be consciously aware of it, especially when they are tots. But I am certain that Aars eating fresh pancakes every morning before school (full of coconut flour, coconut m!lk, macca, apples, bananas and oats), is sending an underlying message which is reaffirmed day after day, that I love him and I want him to be healthy. I am demonstrating by my actions that I’m happy to use my time to aid him and benefit his health. I am investing in him and his wellbeing.
His food is made fresh – simple natural ingredients, no additives or preservatives… he is blessed! We chat as we bake together, we play together with ingredients and flavours – it is simple but it enriches our relationship and our lives. Sometimes all we need is less.
In a time when consumerism is high, and we are constantly told we need more – more stuff, more experiences, more money, more things… this concept that sometimes all you need is less, is alien. I find it refreshing in it’s simplicity.
Yes! I can see how my son has missed out on parties, days out, school events, trick or treating… These things may be pared back compared to others experiences, but sometimes that enables our children and ourselves to be more conscious and aware of what we do get to share and participate in. Things are not assumed or taken for granted. We discuss, we consider, we listen to each other and we choose what we think will be safe or worth the risk and then we treasure our experiences, our daring adventures and his growing independence.
My son is heading into his teens this year (!!!) I hope that we will continue to have an open, honest and healthy relationship. I know that less stuff, less packaged food, less parties, less school trips, less restaurants, less junk food has given us more opportunities to share life, baking, eating, adventures… every time he’s gone into anaphylactic shock the paramedics have commented on our relationship and how strong and positive it is. Even his swimming instructor has spoken of our bond and how strong, honest and healthy it seems, “Don’t loose it!” He urges me.
I hope we don’t. I hope that we hold onto all that “less” has enabled us to enjoy. I hope you are able to see that sometimes all you need is less. That what you have with your children as you support them with their allergies and anaphylaxis is important, valuable and lasting.
Peace and smiles to you,
Rai x
I thought I would add a couple of simple cupcake recipes as it’s still national cupcake week after all! ;D ENJOY!
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