I've Been Struggling | Opening Up About My Health 

It's hard for people to realize how difficult a chronic illness can be to manage daily, while continuing to actually have a productive, happy life. I have an autoimmune cluster and recently realized I spend up to 2 hours a day just with maintenance of my body. Stretching, physical therapy exercises, managing medications and supplements, managing diet and weight minute by minute, recovering from surgeries, etc. It's a LOT. When my health is my priority, I do better. But I resent this. I resent having to think of my health first and foremost in every single thing I do. Please keep your chin up! Meditation has helped me enormously. It's trained my brain to be able to find that place of peace. Not just during meditation, but in the moment. Thank you for sharing!

"See people living lives that they loved while still accommodating the bodies that they had," is very powerful. Thank you for saying/writing/being.

Leaving Los Angeles was the BEST decision I have ever made for my own health and autoimmune issues. Moving up to the mountains surrounded by nature and her forests is the greatest gift I could give myself. I love all of your dogs talking!

Thank you for sharing your health update Annie. I have followed you from Day One, so I am aware of your health struggles. I think sharing what you have been dealing with , is really important. There are so many people struggling with a variety of health issues, whether it be physical or mental or a combination of both. Seeing a "picture perfect" life presented all the time, is not realistic and can do more harm than good. I have always admired and respected you for being open and honest when you are faced with difficult situations. It's refreshing to see honesty and openness on the internet instead of "perfection". I just wanted to thank you Annie, you are an amazing Soul, talented, inspirational and incredibly passionate about the Life you were given. Your curiosity, your thirst for knowledge and your ability to share it through your Platform is truly a gift. Sending best wishes your way. Keep being YOU Annie, you're a bright light !! 🌿🌺🌻🍃

We live in a society that shames us for being human. We need rest and maintenance and we are unpredictable. I have a lot of shame around my own disorder. I do not like to talk about it too. I am so sorry you are going through this. TY for sharing. BTW your tattoo is beautiful!

I can't help but think all the stressors in the world are making chronic illnesses worse right now, because I'm a lupus & fibromyalgia patient, and I've been having a really rough year, too. More pain. More exhaustion. More mental fog. I'm so sorry you're struggling, too. :(

As a fellow spoonie, I understand how exhausting it can be to manage your health while trying to also be a productive person. Sending healing your way.

Thank you for opening up about this. I have a feeding tube and am a wheelchair user and, despite living in the gorgeous green mountains of Vermont, often feel disconnected from nature because of my health. I miss when my body allowed me to wander the woods at my whims. Thank you for talking about how hard it is to feel so far from the earth because of your body.

As someone with a different chronic illness, I totally understand there are good and bad days - and yes things can turn on a dime. I am thankful for being able to do even small things and have lived alone for 35 years now. I have also learned to listen to my emotions (they affect my physically) and also my body. Not always fun when challenges present themselves, but there is much gratitude and joy for what I can do. Take care of you first and foremost always.

I am someone who suffers from multiple auto-immune issues and chronic illnesses, and just want you to please focus on taking care of yourself and doing what's best for you! So many of us have "invisible" illnesses. It's tiring and hard at times, but if you ever just need to talk or vent, I'm here for you and anyone else who just needs a shoulder! Lots of love! You are not alone!

We often have the bad habit to think that some people have it easier than us. We all have our burden in life and it often goes unnoticed.Thank you for your transparency and your vulnerability. I am so sorry you are going through this. I am sending you good vibes and wishing you the best on your healing journey. ❤

It's so wild that I decided to watch your video and my literal job is to manage patients' feeding tube supplies. I really hope you don't have to get one placed again. I'm always thrilled when my patient gets that damn thing removed and they can carry on with their lives. I do hope you achieve a full recovery. ❤

Fellow EDS gastreoparesis witchy woman here - I felt this in my soul. February started a flare up that caused me to lose 60lbs. Talk about it. Please. It helps us all not feel so alone - and that even a life that looks full of whimsy and wonder is still full of struggle. You’re not being dark or sad, you’re just being human ❤

When I learned that you also have gastroparesis, you have inspired me over the last couple years to continue to go after the things in life that mean so much to me. The flare ups do come out of nowhere, and I'm then forced to wait until it decides to pass. I feel for you, I know that pain. We push forward when we can, but have to know our limitations when to rest. Take care of yourself, sweetheart 💜 thank you for making aware of this disease.

Some of us witches are disabled and/or chronically ill, so this representation from a much-loved witchy content creator is really, really important and special. I am very grateful you've opened up and shared some of this! Thank you! I personally would love to see a video about foraging or connecting with the one's craft while being sick, because it looks so much different from a position of good health. Sending love and positivity.

I stopped dead in my tracks and got goosebumps when you said gastroparesis. After 8 years of symptoms, in and out of the ER, feeling crazy but knowing I was sick...I was finally diagnosed with gastroparesis this past February. I know first hand how difficult and exhausting this condition is. My heart goes out to you and you definitely made me feel less alone and it brought tears to my eyes. Best wishes to you and thank you for sharing ❤️

Chronic health issues can really wear you down. I hope things get better for you soon. I have hEDS and know this all too well - the stomach issues are awful. Take care of yourself and do what you need for your health. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you 🖤 Lupus has been kicking my bass lately so, while I'm very sorry to hear you've been struggling, it's good to know neither of us are alone.

I've got Ehler's-Danlos Syndrome and live in the daily avalanche of "Oh what is going on now?" and I have found the skills, and the honesty of your channel are part of my self care. Thank you.

Sweet girl...We who follow your channels are here for you. We've always been here for you. Your channels are something I look forward to viewing. Thank you for sharing your struggles thus far. Remember, you are valued, you are loved. Keep the faith. Blessings from Canada.

So sorry you are having to deal with chronic illness. I don't wish it on anyone. I totally understand your not wanting to devote your channel to it. It's part of your life, but not your life. Or at least that's how I deal with mine. I just put it in the back of my mind every chance I get and try to move forward with living. You have a beautiful life too, and I hope you keep that in mind. All life is hard and beautiful, but yours is grounded in stunning nature all around you. You had that in Virginia, and it follows you! Can't wait to hear more about your life in future videos, and if you want to talk about chronic illness a little, as a component of your life, I am all ears, as I know I'll get a lot out of it. More people are dealing with it these days in our disconnected lives. We must find revolutionary ways to live. Thanks for your work!

Annie please take care of yourself. And if you need to leave youtube to take care of YOU, there needs to be no explanation. Bright blessings!

Hi Annabel, I'm so sorry for what you are struggling with. I struggle with chronic illness, and I'm disabled. I have chronic pain from osteoarthritis. I walk with a cane. I have diabetes, and other health issues. Each day is very hard for me. I'm tired of suffering. I feel weak and tired and have very low energy. I have to rest a lot. I have to take prescription medicines and pain pills. Nobody in my family really knows what I'm going through. Life is so hard with chronic illness. I hope you are feeling ok today. ~ Love & God Bless! 🤗🙏✝

I’ve got my fair share of health issues too due to high stress levels, Lyme disease, and mold toxicity. Being a domestic violence survivor left me with a weekend immune system and opened up a perfect home for infections. I’m working on this now, planning on leaving my job, getting into travel and nature, and calming my nervous system down. It’s a real struggle and never easy for anyone. Thanks for sharing this. ❤

I feel for you, Anna, I will be praying for you.

I have missed you so much. I'm so sorry you are feeling so poorly. I was afraid that was why we weren't hearing from you. Thank you for sharing. May God Bless.

I also have severe gastroparesis and a feeding tube and have followed you for a long time. You have inspired me to continue fighting and to try to enjoy my life as best I can. It is a brutal disease and I thank you for shining some light on it now as Gastroparesis Awareness month is coming in August. I totally understand not wanting to talk about it on your channel and to have seperation from it here. But in reading the comments, it seems you have quite a few chronically ill followers. Let us support and inspire you as you have inspired us! Keep fighting for your best life. Sending prayers for you that you can find your way through this without needing another tube. But if it should happen, just remember that you are a pro at it, and try to look at it as a means of stabilizing and not having to live with the constant fear of the weight loss. Thank you for opening up! Gastroparesis is increasing rapidly in this country and I pray that tbere will be better treatment or even a cure in your lifetime. Blessings!

Thank you for sharing Annabel. We are sending positive, healthful, loving vibes your way. We love your content, both here and on your other channel. We appreciate you. Love from the bottom of the world.❤

It is frustrating when you not have your health. 😢 You must be kind to yourself ❤

Thank you, sincerely for sharing this part of your journey. I had somewhat of a similar experience as a late-diagnosed celiac, with the constant lack of nutrients because my GI tract was ruined for so long. It has gotten better recently, it really changed my life in terms of gut health. But also my mental health, my memory, my mental clarity, my ability to learn, even my confidence in my abilities all improved drastically.

My daughter and I share your diagnosis, so I understand your struggles. I love watching your content as it is always so beautiful and well done. Thank you for sharing what you do. Much love and best wishes from Australia 🇦🇺 ❤

I’m new to your channel and I wanted to say thank you for your honesty. Negotiating life and fluctuating chronic illness is so bloody hard. I would love to hear more about the things you have done that helped you. I know we are all unique, and that my chronic illnesses are very different to yours, but I’m always willing to try new things to see if it helps. Thank you again for sharing, take care.

From what we can see, you have been very brave and more alive than most people, despite your chronic health problems. You don't seem to define yourself by your illness, and that's key to a happier life. The videography in this video is stunningly beautiful. Thank you for sharing your bravery, your love of life, and these images of you in beautiful places.

Oh sweet Annie, my heart reaches out to yours. I also have a long list of body parts that don't work. Please be good to yourself.we will always be here and understand if you aren't well enough to made videos. Be well. Warm hugs!

Thank you. Your openness and courage in sharing the ups and downs of your life is inspiring. I’m whooshing you an abundance of healing energy. 💕 ☀️ 🪴

The human body is astonishing in its ability to continue functioning in spite of major damage and also its ability to utterly fail when the smallest of things goes wrong. We are, physically, a collection of equilibria trying desperately to remain in equilibrium with each other. Your health is your business, to be shared -- or not! -- to the degree you feel appropriate. I truly appreciate your openness, and as far as I'm concerned you have nothing to apologize for. I'll also go out on a limb a bit and posit that all the stress related to house-hunting did your body no real good and likely played a role in your flare-up. Wishing you peace, good health... and many years away from G-tubes and similar devices. :-)

❤ I’ve been struggling too. Nice to open RU-vid and see the title and know I’m not alone.

Thank you for your honesty and openness it’s incredibly inspiring as another nature lover with a chronic illness, it can be hard time when systems that once worked no longer work sending you love and light on your journey 🍃

Thanks for being open with us. I love your book and we need you to take care of your self!

Hi Annabel, I totally get you about how you felt unprepared for being that sick again. I have Lupus, and I have similar ups and downs. Thank you for sharing this part of yourself. I do believe it helps others when we share our vulnerabilities. We don't feel so alone. Sending you love.❤🌿

I remember watching some of your first videos when your channel was very new and you talking about having elhers-danlos syndrome and at that time I have never heard of it. Now I am diagnosed with dysautonomia and am on my way to my own EDS diagnosis after struggling with my own health on and off for over 12 years. As a fellow witch and herbalist with chronic illness, you are an inspiration to me!

Thank you for sharing your health challenges. It makes me feel more friendship with you-to the extent of me tuning in. I love your content and that you welcome all of us into your world! You have so much to share and thank you for opening up. You are strong and brave, but remember, we all admire you, my friend!❤

Oh, honey! My heart goes out to you. My son has a similar condition and even though I’ve been there by his side through some very trying times, I can’t imagine what he goes through. Just keep going with your beautiful video posts and know that we all are sending love and healing thoughts your way. Take the time you need to care for yourself. Nothing is more important than that.

Yarrow is supposed to ward off mosquitoes! I made a concoction with it, which skeeters typically do not bother me, so gave it to someone else who said it worked well well!

It was nice that you did this video and gave an updare in your condition. Did wonder if the facilities in Seattle could meet your needs the way that Johns Hopkins did.

I'm so sorry you've been having health challenges. This, on top of the moving srruggles, is a lot to face. Take care of yourself, enjoy the oudoors and your beautiful pups.

I've had Gastroparesis all my life, didn't find out unil my 30's. I have never had to have a feeding tube but constantly feel full, nausiated and suffer on a daily basis with extreme digestive issues. Now in my late 50's and post menopausal my symptoms have gotten worse due to lowered estrogen levels which regulate infammation in the body. I feel you and hope for each day to give me and others with autoimmune diseases moments of joy to hang onto and find solace in whatever works for each person.

I’m so sorry that you have to deal with this health issue, I’ve enjoyed your work over the years, thoughts and prayers that you begin to recover from this difficult time with your health.

Thank you for sharing your journey and being vulnerable. You are amazing and I hope you find healing💓 sending my love

Thank you for sharing. I have my own struggles that make daily life difficult and i appreciate how brave you are to share your story and continue to try each day.

Please take good care of yourself. I do understand. I have fibromyalgia and know what it’s like living with a chronic condition. Sending peace and love

I have connective tissue (MCTD) and (Sjogrens). And I have also been feeling really bad these last 6 months. I've also been pretty stressed. I think I might have gastroparesis but haven't seen a doc about it yet. Thank you for this video. I loved it. ❤

You are such a beautiful soul - absolutely mesmerising. Thank you for updating us on your health issue - you are in my heart. Your video footage out in nature is so great. Your tattoo is amazing. ❤️Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

I can only imagine how challenging it is to talk about it, but the little bits you can share will no doubt help so many other lovelies to be more open about their own health journey as well ♥️😊 Sending you lots of love and healing vibes ♥️✨

My friend had terminal EDS with paralysis of her stomach. She made it to about 26. I watched her life from thriving to learning she was sick. She did die. She explained to me how there are many colors of zebras... I have another friend with EDS and a gal on line I watch in Japan... I seem to be understanding in this area. Do what you need to do to sustain your life; feeding tube if you have to.... No one is judging you and if so that's on them. We love you and want the best for your life ❤

Psychedelics are just an exceptional mental health breakthrough. It's quite fascinating how effective they are against depression and anxiety. Saved my life.

Hi Annie! I hope you get better ❤

Thanks for the update. I'm very sorry to hear your health hasn't been stable, but know that we wish you well and hope the best for you.

Been watching for 4 years now Annie!!! THANKS FOR EVERYTHING ❤❤❤

Sending you so much love. Thank you for all you do and under challenging circumstances. You’re amazing, beautiful, and very, very generous. 🪷

Life is light and dark, and all shades in between. Which means we are as well. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing some of your lesser seen shades.

Thank you for showing this vulnerable piece of yourself to us 💜 I hope you start to feel better soon And for what it's worth given the nature of this video: I loved the gorgeous shots in the opening

Thank you Annie hugs and thank you for updating been with you for a while ❤❤❤

You're amazing, Annabel! And those foxgloves are STUNNING.

Glad you are feeling in a good place to be able to share your life with us. I always enjoy the calmness of your videos. Thank you.

Thank You for sharing! I’m sorry you are going through this.

Thank you for sharing. I have been very concerned about your health. Especially with all the stress lately with trying to find a place to live. I have noticed a difference in you and your practice. So I am happy you decided to clue us all in. We all care very deeply for you and we are all concerned. I pray it gets better and stays that way. Having health problems myself I know how you feel about keeping it quiet. But when you are feeling poorly let us know. We will understand. And those who don’t are not worthy about their opinion. Take time if you need to. Just let us know. I am sure most of us will be very understanding. I wish the best for you. Your health is more important than anything.

Annie thank you so much for keeping us in the loop as to how your struggles are going, I'm so sorry this year has been tough on you. Happy they have ebbed again for you. Sending you all the love and healing energy I can, and hug the pups.❤

Beautiful ink! Sending you lots of healing thoughts. Thank you for sharing and being transparent and vulnerable.❤🙏🏻

Thank you for sharing, love your videos. Always get this calm / peaceful feeling watching them. 🙏

Ive been watching you since the beginning I think lol. I love you and am sending you so many hugs and good thoughts and healing energy. You got this! As a fellow artist, I am very grateful for your openness and honesty and bravery! Dealing with health issues is scary and so so difficult. Self care is of utmost importance, even though we don’t always want to talk about it or even admit that we are having problems. I’m with you!

My health too for the last 6 months has been very hard. I just saw a nice naturopathic Dr and turning the corner.

So much love Annie 💛 I have EDS too and while I don’t have gastroparesis, I do have a lot of digestive issues. We’re all rooting for you and I’m proud of you for prioritizing caring for yourself and I’m so glad that things are improving 💛 Ps: I remember you talked about your ring splints in a q and a years ago. You were the first content creator I found who talked about EDS and it was so powerful to hear you talk about it

So sorry for all your struggles. And I love your tats!! They're beautiful!! ❤

i have eds, and i very much impacts my ability to walk, and thus my ability to get out into nature. but it has made every visit to the mountains and streams close to where i live such a treasure and a special treat.

Thank you so much for sharing

Annabel Margaret! Sending you lots of prayers and blessings. I too suffer from time to time with digestive issues. Not serious but uncomfortable at times. I tend to be a worrier and feel that is my trigger. You are so loved by your followers and so genuine. Hugs again from Dublin Ireland. 🍀🍀💚💚🐱🐱🍀🍀💚💚

Thank you for sharing. Sending you love and light 🙏🍀🕉

I think of you all the time and send loving & healing vibes because you are an beautiful inspiration to us your fellow spoonies!❤ Glad you are feeling better!

Been with you since before you moved cross country. Self care is often something that gets pushed aside as all the other priorities move to the forefront. I'm glad that you're starting to feel a bit better. As someone who has a chronic health issue I've had to realize it's a marathon, not a race. Take care, btw love the tattoo!

You are a very good advocate for a lot of people, having a tube and doing what you do is amazing & I hope you don’t have to have one back again. You are looking amazing Annie, well done. Sending love ❤️ God bless ❤🙏❤️

You are an inspiration. Thank you.

I had no idea you were dealing with your health.. I am late coming into your vlog, Instagram etc. Thank you for sharing.. I love everything thing you provide! ❤

Thank you for sharing. I wish you well!

Also this intro was absolutely stunning. Sending love and solidarity your way

This video is so well made❤ it is beautiful

Love Yarrow, it's so plentiful here in Sunshine Valley....almost as much as pineapple weed (wild chamomile) another beautiful plant. I'm on long-term disability due to autoimmune disease and do what I can when I can. Namaste 🙏✨💖🎉

Aloha that was a powerful video on struggling on your health

Keep being true Annabel Got your book a few weeks ago Thank you really enjoyed it and will be one I will return to for tips and information I have been following you for a few years now You are doing an amazing job well done Norfolk Uk

Thanks very much for opening up. I've been watching you for a few years and thought you were/are a very brave young lady. I call my body a "circus" as I never know from day to day how it is going to be. So I have to be very grateful for a semi-normal day as those with normal bodies have no idea what some of us suffer in silence. I love your walks in nature as I am unable to do so. Getting out and about in public is hard, but I am very thankful when I can. Thanks for all your hard work videoing, editing, etc. of your RU-vid channel. I visited WA always on the motorcycle, but those days came to a sudden stop for me years ago. I miss the trips across the US, but am grateful for the air I breathe, the casa I live in, etc. Keep on keeping on as we are all Perfectly Imperfect!!!

Thanks for sharing! ♥

Feel well Annie 🙏🙏I struggle with physical and emotional disorders as well and i resent it all the time. It is hard to put on a brave face and get through each day and sometimes it makes me bitter and i don't want to be like that. You are Amazing and i think the world of you ❤You do so well to do as much as you do with your health issues. Wishing you all the best and praying you will be healthy and be able to enjoy your life. 🙏🙏🥰🥰🌞🌞

I've been following you for a couple years. I have always loved what you create as we have a mutual reverence for nature. I just wanted to say something. It took a lot of courage for you to open up and talk about the health issues you are battling. By opening yourself up to your audience like this, you are allowing them to connect with you on a deeper level. We are all humans and so deal with different things, but I hope that you found it healing in some way to discuss what you are going through. Sometimes you just need to talk about it. I'm glad you felt comfortable doing that. It goes without saying that we wish you well and hope that this impacts you in the most minimal way possible going forward. Love your videos. Wish you well.

Stay strong and don't let anybody bring you down! If anybody does try they're dang to bring you down then they are not worth your time or effort.

thank you for sharing your art and your heart. i also live with connective tissue issues, and i appreciate your sharing your experience.

I am hoping that easier days are ahead for you! Have watched your channel for years and have always loved your videography! you are so talented! My husband has a saying that he has repeated for years, Everyone has something. We all have our own challenges. Our family has a rare kind of cancer that we have to have monitored annually. It has taken many lives over the years before it was actually "found" it was named after the two doctors that found what it was. anyway, long story short! everyone has challenges, whether they are health related or whatever we all struggle in our own way, and it is helpful when we can find like-minded people!

I hope your undulating health can stabilize for as long as possible. I couldn't imagine fighting my own body every single day. I found your channel back in early-mid 2020. At that time, I was at the lowest state of my life, I was stuck in Africa (military) and my best friend had just taken his own life. I had zero support from the assholes I was out there with, and I was trapped there for months. Anyways, I apologize if my comments then seemed to be a drain. You had your own struggles, serious struggles, and I shouldn't have tried to levy my suffering onto your comments. I have been much better since then, and I hope they improve for you soon. Permanently.

I’m praying for you . I wish there was something I could do 🩵🪷🌸you help us all with your videos and we are all grateful for you thank you

Get healthy soon. Have a awesome day!😊