Personal Story Archives — Page 2 of 2

12Dec 2018 by Kayla 4 Comments

Breaking up with Keto – Stopping the Ketogenic Diet

So, I've got a theory about stopping the ketogenic diet. It is a theory that I am ready to test out; my mind is more powerful than my body. You see, my whole life I've worked to try to fix my body, trying to do things to it to make it better, to change it. For as long as I can remember, I have fought with my body. Today I've decided to surrender. Narcolepsy My parents and I searched for something to explain my insurmountable sleepiness and lack of energy. When I was about 13 years old, I was diagnosed with narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that disturbs the sleep-wake cycle. But little did I know, its more than just feeling sleepy. I took that diagnosis and wrapped it…

13Nov 2018 by Kayla No Comments

Cataplexy in a Cathedral

Narcolepsy, Personal Story, Travel

Sharing a plate of fried watercress, a heaping dish of tea leaf salad, and a bowl of eggplant curry, I found myself saying more about my chronic illness than I ever expected to disclose on a first encounter. I heard myself explaining things my body does in words I had never strung together verbally before. Maybe it was the second glass of wine, or maybe it was the humid air, the colorful Myanmar decor, and the attentive listener on the other side of the able. He seemed genuinely interested in how a person with narcolepsy had come to travel as a lifestyle choice. (more…)

31Oct 2018 by Kayla No Comments

Scared of the Dark: The Narcolepsy Symptoms That Nobody Talks About

Narcolepsy, Personal Story

One night around age eight, I was lying in bed thinking of the fun I had had that day with my family. I opened my eyes slowly to see a huge, hairy, manlike monster hovering above me on the ceiling. His appendages stuck to the plaster effortlessly, like a giant spider, and I could see his gigantic teeth waiting to sink into my flesh. I was completely paralyzed. So much that I couldn’t even scream. I lay there on my Care Bear sheets, trapped in my own body, unable to even clench my fists, or turn my head away from the terrifying sight above me. He dropped onto my chest, and I could feel the enormous pressure of his weight. The next thing I knew, it was morning. As a…

12Oct 2018 by Kayla 5 Comments

Digital Nomad or Hobo – Which label fits?

Mindset, Narcolepsy, Personal Story

Am I a digital nomad or hobo? The label of "Digital Nomad" generally calls up images of social media influencers, relaxing on the beach, posting pictures that make everyone jealous. While I do enjoy sharing my travel experiences, I am not quite on that level. But am I a hobo? I am an English teacher who just happens to work online. I use that advantage to travel as much as possible. But how did I get here? Was it a choice? Which phrase fits, digital nomad or hobo? (more…)

26Jun 2018 by Kayla No Comments

Tips for Riding a Sleeper Bus in Vietnam

Personal Story, Travel

Before my sleeper bus experience, I had never imagined being asked to take my shoes off as I entered a public bus. But when you get on an overnight sleeper bus, it makes a lot of sense. An attendant held out a black plastic bag for me to place my shoes in. I continued barefoot down the aisle to my very own reclined sleeper seat. (more…)

22Jun 2018 by Kayla No Comments

Healthcare in Auxiliar Program Spain

Narcolepsy, Personal Story, Travel

In 2014 I applied for the Ministries of Spain Auxiliares program on a whim. I didn't know the healthcare in the auxiliar program in Spain would be so great! I was also considering teaching in Asia for programs like EPIK and HESS. I had promised myself I was going wherever I got an offer first because I had to get out of the USA. The day the email came telling me I had a position in Spain I couldn’t believe it. I was going to be living in Ibiza! Everything happened pretty quickly since I got my carta mid-summer. I had to quit my full-time job, sell all my furniture, get the Spanish student visa in Chicago, and physically move to Spain! But of course, there were some worries. I…

23Apr 2018 by Kayla 2 Comments

Intermittent Fasting for Narcolepsy

Diet, Lifestyle, Personal Story

Intermittent Fasting for Narcolepsy Have you ever tried intermittent fasting for narcolepsy? I would love to hear about your experience! I’ve seen the term a million times in the keto community, but I always tell myself I am doing well enough with what I have. There is no need to make it more complicated. I enjoy my early morning coffees and snacks throughout the day that fit my ketogenic diet. But lately I’ve been lacking mental clarity and I’m ready to try something new. I started looking into fasting, which seems very travel-friendly. I gave myself the weekend to wrap my head around it and decided I would dive in on Monday. Today is my first day. I have decided to start with the 16/8 method that I learned about…

02Apr 2018 by Kayla No Comments

Dong Xuan Night Market, Hanoi

Personal Story, Travel

Dong Xuan Night Market was high on my list since visiting markets is one of my favorite things to do when I travel. Of course I also like to browse grocery stores looking for new and interesting keto friendly foods, but nothing has the same ambiance as a local market. Hanoi didn’t disappoint! The Dong Xuan Night Market opens at 19:00 (7:00 PM) on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and is frequented by both locals and tourists alike. Cultural Experience at the Dong Xuan Night Market The Dong Xuan night market runs all along Hang Dao Street in the Old Quarter of Hanoi and ends near the entrance of the Dong Xuan Market building. Near the front of the building, there was a stage with performances of local music. Both tourists…

14Mar 2018 by Kayla 1 Comment

Inspired by Narcolepsy While in Myanmar

Personal Story

I've been inspired by narcolepsy. It has forced me to change the way I live, move past the trivial, and dive into what is meaningful. I have spent the last five years traveling and I was inspired to start this blog while visiting Yangon, Myanmar. Why Myanmar? I came here to visit a wonderful friend, and to start a journey through Asia. I started to realize how amazing it is that even with all that I have been through with Narcolepsy, I'm able to be here today. Instead of letting my diagnosis drag me down, I've actually become inspired by narcolepsy. I don't want this blog to be about me though. I want it to be about how YOU can also fulfill your dreams. How? I use a myriad of…