There’s something to be said about a day with no set plans. A day where you wake up with the sun instead of an alarm. A day where your morning run has no limits and you run based on feel and not time. A day where your morning walk goes a little bit longer than planned because you’re too busy soaking up the scenery.
These mornings are my favorite. They allow me to slow down and savor not only my coffee, but my excitement for adventure. Nothing is off the table.
I found $1 on one of my runs recently, which left me feeling all kinds of philosophical. I posted the photo below on my Instagram with these words:
“I find something valuable on every single run I go on. Whether it be a penny, peace of mind, a half eaten candy bar that a kind stranger left behind to share, or a mental snapshot of a new location. What I hadn’t found before was dollar bills, until now. This is either a pat on the back for a successful run, or a sign it’s really time to purchase new shoes. The universe is giving me money for some reason or another.”
I take great pride in knowing that something as simple as finding a dollar on my run brought such great joy to my day. I’ve had some waves of emotions here and there the last few months where I’ve had to really focus on quieting my mind.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, if anything it’s comforting knowing I’m craving new adventures. Life is great, but I want more, and sometimes my impatience rears its ugly head. The ebb and flow of my life has a mind of its own at times.
Running calms my entire soul.
I’ve also concluded that a lot of my thoughts/feelings/and emotions are tied to the foods I consume. I don’t talk about it much on the blog, but I’ve really been focusing on what I eat the last few months. I started to talk about my tic toc foods here, and have delved even deeper. Thankfully now I know a lot of my trigger foods.
I’ve been mostly successful in finding alternatives to the foods I adore, and the key to my success is making my meals at home. Certain breads are one of my triggers so I pick my battles when I consume them. The same company that makes the legit cupcakes I can’t get enough of also makes bread, and it has been a godsend.
No gluten, no soy, no rice, no corn, no egg.
Plus they’re local…my favorite.
I briefly mentioned a few posts ago that I started seeing a naturopath, and while my initial intentions with him were related to something different, we’ve also discussed my reactions with certain foods. After playing scientist with my own body for months I’ve decided to get a food allergy test to have some confirmations.
Initially I thought cacao was a trigger, but I eat these bars with the ease of a coffee induced BM.
Despite some of the discouragement I feel when I find certain foods give me trouble, the overall mindset that comes with eating foods my body thrives on outweighs any discouraging thoughts. Eat good, feel good. Spirit, mind, AND body.
So thankful for these.
Plus, trigger foods make me all kinds of moody and it’s not pretty. Nor is the inflammation or eczema. It also totally affects my running.
I’ll post more about my naturopath experiences as they come, and also go into more detail about my food testing for those that are interested.
Me if I succumb to the triggers.
What I know for sure is that I’ve been finding simple joys in my everyday life thanks to a positive mind, a properly fueled body…. and Theo chocolate.
Q: Is anyone interested in hearing more about my experience with a naturopath/a food allergy test?
Blissfulbritt 
63 thoughts on “The Simple Joys of Everyday Life”
literaturemistress
Haha – I love the idea that the universe might be hinting at the fact that you need new shoes! =D
Brittany
I realllllyyy do, and still haven’t purchased any. I should to that today…TODAY!
Jimmy
In answer to the question at the end – YES! I’ve been considering doing the same thing.
Tania // Run to Radiance
I definitely have food triggers too—that bread looks amazing! I feel my best when I am dairy, corn, gluten, grain, egg and nightshade free. Quite a list! 😛
Brittany
Nightshade free, wow..there’s a unique one.
shellybartz
I love this post! As usual highly entertaining, but I love that each run or hike you take you find a treasure of some sort! I try to do the same thing… Whether it is a view, a shadow, a pretty stone or even just happy thoughts… It requires a bit of focus to just open our minds to the present and not the distractions of life! Can’t wait to hear your results!
Annabelle
I’m down with hearing more about your neuro and allergy bizniss. I would also like more info on that cupcake pictured. What is it, where did you find it and what is it free of? Love your posts 🙂
Annabelle
I meant naturo…not neuro…derp.
Brittany
HA, I was like neuro huh? The cupcakes and bread are made by a local company called Olivia Super Free. I linked to their website (the red text) but I’ll post it here too…
http://www.oliviasuperfree.com/
They’re only sold in select locations, though I’m sure with a bit of research you could find something similar in your area!
Amy @ A Desert Girl
I’m interested!
Simple pleasures and figuring out what works for YOU – not what works for everyone else, but specific to you…those are two awesome journeys to be on. 🙂
A Carter
Our bodies want certain things, and they definitely let us know when they are not getting what they want – as well as when they ARE getting what they DON’T want! I would love to hear more about your experiences with the naturopath! The food allergy tests as well. Good luck with everything!
B
I’d be interested in hearing more about the food allergy tests. You don’t see too many people talk about it honestly.
Emma @em-poweredwellness
I always like hearing about people’s natural medicine experiences; it’s so interesting to me, as I have a background in both homeopathic treatment and more western medicine
herbieontherun
I’m definitely interested in hearing more about the naturopath and food testing. All that stuff fascinates me. It’s amazing how what we eat affects everything. A friend of mine has a kid that is, to put it nicely, a holy terror. Or I should say WAS a holy terror. They had her tested, removed her food allergens from her diet, BAM. Whole new kid.
Brittany
YES! That is so amazing about your friends kid and a perfect example of how POWERFUL food is..good and bad.
The Vegan 8
What a beautiful post girl. Love hearing about your thoughts. Sounds like you have a wonderful mindset and with that amazing cupcake, I would too!
ginismycomfortfood
Thanks for being willing to share your experiences and the results of your tests! I think understanding what does and doesn’t work for you is so important and quite fascinating. Every BODY is different!
50statecanuck
Yes, would love to hear about your experiences, but I gotta be honest…I can’t stop worrying that you EAT the half eaten candy bar you find on your runs/hikes!! lol!!!
Brittany
Baaahahaha, don’t worry I leave them for the squirrels. 😉
50statecanuck
Phewf!!! lol!!!
Heather @ HeatherRunsFast.com
Answer to your question.. YES! And that cupcake… YES! Glad you are finding things that don’t make you feel like crap 🙂
ingrid
Such a lovely post !!!
Amy
Oh my gosh, it’s as if we’re twins… For more than a year now, nearly anything I eat causes my biggest trigger, aka abdominal bloating to the size of Santa Claus. No joke. I literally look like Santa Claus every single day. I took food sensitivity tests (not quite sure if those are the same as your allergy tests), but even with sticking to my “safe” foods, I still bloat… Now I’m going through tests to see if there’s some sort of bacteria hiding in my gut that’s causing my symptoms. Boo. So all of this is to say that I feel your pain and I really, really hope you figure everything out soon!! Getting triggered is the worst!!!
Brittany
Oh Amy, YES the bloat is the worst. For me it’s also getting inflammatory responses all over and my heart rate goes through the roof. The bloat is like a second side affect to that. I’ve always just assumed bloating came with eating, but boy was I wrong. I truly believe more people have reactions than realize and just assume they are overweight or just bloated, but really a lot of the foods created are so modified it’s no wonder our bodies reject them!! Yours sounds a bit more intense, I hope they figure out your tummy woes soon!
Amy
Inflammatory responses and increased heart rate?? I think you have it worse — that sounds awful! I really hope your testing provides great insights into what’s going on and helps you feel better. All of these issues are no fun at all!
Kelsey
I’d love to hear more! I am hoping (at some point) to get one myself. I had a good friend that worked with a naturopath on finding her food sensitivities. It was interesting to see the results: food to never eat/avoid completely, foods that were sort of okay but could be avoided, and safe foods. I LOVED it.
di @ life of di.
I’m interested in hearing about the naturopath. I’m considering going to one myself.
As you know, I struggle with trigger foods and go back and fourth with buying them and obtaining. I’ve not quite found a balance yet but I’m hoping to get there sooner than later…
Jessica
Every body is different so they react differently, but I love hearing about the journey. Absolutely share your story! The other night, dinner was a nutella bacon waffle so I can clearly use all the insight I can get. LOL
Also, I drank a french roast while catching up on your blog. It is Pavlovian – I see your blog, I need good coffee. 🙂
Brittany
Umm..your waffle dinner sounds legit, I think you’re just fine hahaha. Ohhh how I love that you drink wonderful coffee when you come to my blog.
allisonfiorini
I’m interested!! Love hearing about everyone’s lifestyles and what they do to take care of themselves. Your day of waking up with the sun and doing whatever you want sounds glorious!
P
I always thought it would be interesting to get a food allergy test done. Fortunately I have not had any adverse reactions to foods I’ve consumed (knock on wood!!) over the years, but I do know that chewing excessive amounts of gum gives me an annoying case of bloating/intestinal “activity”, haha.
Ellie
I’d for sure love to read about your experience. I think it’s important to acknowledge how food makes us feel. I know that certain foods may make me feel bad the next day, but the experience consuming them with friends is totally worth the discomfort.
pangie223
I am really interested in hearing about your experience with food allergy testing. I myself have dealt with them for around 3 years. Following the Paleo autoimmune diet for a couple of months helped me out loads — but definitely keep us updated!
Christina Does It All
Yay to every day treasures! They’re the best. My little bro and sis get allergy tested every year….curious to know what you’re allergic to and how that impacts your life?
Leslie @ TriathleteTreats
That cupcake looks amazing!!!
harveylisam
Theo chocolate is amaaaaaazing. My fave is the orange one!
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I’d love to hear more about your experience! I’ve had weird food sensitivities for pretty much as long as I can remember and trying to figure them out has been a frustrating process to say the least… especially because it feels like they’re constantly changing. Like… make up my mind already 😡
jennifer prod
those kind of mornings are my favorite, yes, but they are also my favorite lunches/afternoons/evenings/nights. days when you slow down and worry about enjoying the moment/friends/family instead of the clock 🙂 also, side note: love love love the title of his post. would probably buy the book 🙂
Laur
I always get mental snapshots in my head when I go on runs. When the sun peaks perfectly through the tree limbs or you turn a corner to a bright, green field. I love it.
Rach @ This Italian Family
Yes! I definitely want to hear more! I hope the allergy test clears up a lot of the uncertainties!
Also, I love that you found a dollar bill on your run! Definitely a sign of something (though I’m not sure what, haha!). 🙂
Jade
I’m definitely interested. And that cupcake looks amazing! Food always impacts how I feel. It’s really interesting, but it makes perfect sense.
kadeecramer
I’d be sooo interested in hearing more about it! I’ve been wanting to take a food allergy test myself to see if maybe certain foods are the cause of my random bouts of drowsiness, bloating, and hurting. I always think of you when I find money while running! haha 🙂
Brittany
I would put money on the foods you eat causing those symptoms, no doubt!! It’s just finding WHICH ones are the culprits that can be the struggle.
Nikki@will run for pizza
I definitely want to hear about your experience with the naturopath doc! I have the name and number to one here in Columbus that I’ve been wanting to go to, just haven’t wanted to shell out the dough just yet…lol. Before, I wanted to go just for fertility issues, but now that I don’t care about that anymore, it hasn’t been a priority? But yet, I DO want to go just to see if there are things I’m missing as I’m trying to be the healthiest version of myself I can be…
Nicole Marie Story
Finding money makes me happy, too. 🙂 I’d love to know more about your neuropath experience. And, might I please say that it’s lovely to read between the lines… despite your triggers with food, you’re very calm. A lovely girl! We heart you. 🙂
Change of Pace
Yes and yes to the info on your naturopath visits and allergy Testing!
I hear ya about the impatience. I’m trying to work on it, but it may take me a lifetime to learn!
jessielovestorun
My daring – you are such an inspirational person & a wise woman! I truly do love your positive outlook on life. I imagine it’s contagious to all the special people in your life.
yes yes & yes to hearing all about your allergy testing. I’m very intrigued… or nosey. Either one 🙂
Brittany
Thank you for this lovely comment my friend! ❤
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
I would love to hear more about food allergy tests. I recently had mine done, so it’s interesting to hear how other people got on with it too.
I also love those days where you don’t have anything planned and I wish I could wake up with the sun more often.
An Unrefined Vegan
Yes, please! I would love to hear more about your naturopath experience!
runawayeducationalist
This is a fantastic post. I feel like running is my soul food, it makes me feel like I can cope with just about anything that life throws at me. As a vegan for the last two years I have realised my relationship with food is unhealthy and I spent 12 weeks or so sugar free, which is nigh on impossible being vegan and sugar free, fruit smoothies gave me my morning ‘hit’!! I am starting to think about what my trigger foods are, I think bread might be one of them, but not in a gluten way, more the preservatives they shove in it! Keep writing 😀
Brittany
YESS about the bread, same for me. More so the junk IN the bread that is upsetting to my tummy. I need to go to Italy where the bread is REAL!
Jess @hellotofit
Can we have a cupcake date, please? Well two, if they fit in our hands.
Brittany
YES PLEASE, and coffee. Always coffee.
GiGi Eats Celebrities
GET THAT DAMN FOOD ALLERGY TEST…. Or don’t – because it might tell you not to eat that pornographic cupcake!
Brittany
NO ONE TELLS ME HOW TO LIVE MY LIFE!
Brittany Lesser
Yes, please share your food testing experience! I’ve been looking into seeing a specialist and getting testing done as well, and I’d really like to know if it’s worth it. My gut issues have me FED UP lol
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
My biggest trigger has nothing to do with food. It’s stress and it can make me moodier than a mofo in heat. I juggle that one constantly and I actively work on ways to minimize it.
Thankfully my stomach is a well oiled machine so I never have issues there. If you feel badly through from food, I say investigate and get tested for sure because there are so many outside factors beyond the simple meal. What was it cooked in? Sprayed with? Processed with? What was in the environment when the meal was prepared? What was your emotional state at the time? The variables are huge here.
I want to hear all about the naturopath.
Brittany
You nailed it right on the head, all about outside factors. AKA I need to know the triggers to avoid the factors, ya dig? My body is a ticking time bomb, but I sure do love it!
Melanie
I love your optimism and the positive vibe in this post so much! I love what you said about finding something valuable on every single run. I love that AND THAT CUPCAKE! auuughh!
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jejansonius
yes can’t wait to hear more on this topic it amazes me how many of us live in our bodies and know nothing about them individually!