“Why not go out on a limb, that’s where all the fruit is”
It was a week before I was to tape a segment for a national television show. Yup me! Someone who is terrified to speak in front of people. I’m the person who in high school didn’t show up for an entire week to avoid giving an oral speech. I really tried to confront my fears since then. Twice I joined a group where you practice giving speeches in front of your peers. Both times I quit the group when it was my time to deliver. So back up, what am I doing going on national TV? The opportunity presented itself and we all know in life most opportunities are passing and will never come around again. I was asked to appear on Doug Kaufmann’s show “Know the Cause” and discuss my former health issues and talk about my blog Eat, Pray, Get Well. Easy enough you’d think, nobody knows the topic of ourselves better than we do, but I was still petrified. I had mastered the skill of avoiding situations much less scary than this, but this time there was no running and hiding.
There was no doubt I was thrilled and honored at the idea of being on this show, I not only attribute this show to being a major part of my healing, but my website EPGW was also inspired by this show! Still I felt as if I was being sent to the guillotine. I was overcome with panic and fear. My imagination was running wild with everything that could possibly go wrong. I then decided I would not release the news of the appearance until after it was over (just in case I was a total flop)! Then of course I could forget it ever happened and nobody had to know (except for the millions of strangers who may have caught it on TV). If you have ever read the book “Feel the fear and do it anyway” the author says whenever we are afraid of something, whether it be divorce, illness, death, rejection, or public speaking, what we are really afraid of is not being able to handle these things when and if they do happen. So what do we do to overcome this fear? There is really only two choices for us. We can remain in our safe cocoon and never take any risks, or we can push through the fear and take a step in the direction of making our dreams come true. The funny thing is people who choose to stay in the safety of their cocoon KNOW they are not avoiding pain. There is palpable pain in remaining stagnant. There is pain in not growing and not taking chances. There is pain in missing out on opportunities, and there is pain in not being everything you were put on this earth to be. Is there anything you have been too afraid to do? Switch careers? Ask someone out on a date? Leave a bad relationship? Let me just give you one of my favorite quotes, “Don’t let the fear of what could happen, make nothing happen”. Think about that. NOTHING HAPPENING – now to me, THAT sounds scary!
So how did the show turn out you ask? It surprisingly turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life and I would do it again in a heartbeat! The host of the show Doug Kaufmann was so warm and inviting, he made me feel like I was an old friend. I know what you may be asking yourselves. “But what if it didn’t turn out well and it WAS a disaster”? I could live with that outcome before I could live with cowering to fear and never knowing what I was capable of. You are never the same on the other side of a personal challenge, and with each push your self-esteem and zest for life is increased. Don’t let fear steal your future! When I began to analyze what was at the root of my fear, I realized it was the fear of being judged and caring what people would think of me. I started to reflect on what I have always taught my son. I tell him often that I think one of the most freeing things I ever heard was that 10% of people will not like me. Or you! And it doesn’t matter how nice you are, pretty you are, funny, smart, or giving. It doesn’t matter, they will not like you! Move on to the people that think you are fantastic. There are about 90% of those! This always snaps me back to reality! Something I learned from this experience is that if God puts an opportunity in front of you he will surely enable you to walk through it, he will also give you the peace that surpasses all understanding when we ask for it. This experience also showed me that he’s not only interested in healing us from our physical ailments but our emotional ones as well. I’m hoping some of you step out of your comfort zone today and start creating the life you really want! To listen to my podcast interview on Know the Cause click here. When the show airs with my interview I will provide the link to that as well. Now go enjoy some fajitas!
- ¾ lb Marinated Skirt or Flank Steak (antibiotic/hormone free)
- Wraps (wheat/yeast free)
- 1 Yellow Pepper
- 1 Green Pepper
- 1 Red Pepper
- 1 Sweet Onion
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Fresh Cilantro
- Salsa (optional)
- Sour Cream (optional)
- I bought a flank steak already marinated. We cooked the meat and the vegetables on the grill. Cut vegetables length wise and brush vegetables with olive oil and salt and pepper. Place meat and vegetables separately on the grill and grill meat for about 5-7 minutes, then flip the meat and cook for an additional 2-5 minutes.
- Remove from grill and slice against the grain about ¼ inch thick. Place wraps on grill for approximately 5 seconds, then remove from grill and add meat, vegetables and cheese to your wrap. Top with cilantro, salsa, and sour cream if desired.
Erin blew us away with her calm and focused interview! As one who interviews physicians regularly, I must say, you’d have thought Erin was a spokesperson for the American Medical Association…..until you carefully heard of her past experiences within the halls of science! She has turned those very tough years, tears, drugs and surgeries into a story that is rarely told, but needs to be! About a dozen crew was on hand the day we interviewed Erin and each one patted me on the back as I was leaving the studio. “Fascinating,” they all told me…It was not me who was fascinating! It was Erin. I speak for all of us at the studio, Erin…..we are a big part of your 10%! Thanks for inspiring so many others! Doug Kaufmann
Thank you Doug! It was an honor to be interviewed by the guy who was a major “game changer” in my life. I know I speak for many when I say I don’t know where I would be today if not for Doug Kaufmann and Know the Cause! I’m forever greatful. Erin
Erin, loved your priceless piece on “facing your fears”. You could be my twin…I also remember that gut wrenching feeling (not right before but days before) when I had to speak before my class. I,m older now and I can look back at lost opportunities BUT I taught my 2 children to be spunky and take chances and push themselves. They have no problem speaking their mind at home or in front of their class. Barbara W. Dallas, Tx.
Barbara you sound like a great mother. We may be missed out on some opportunities but we will make sure our children don’t! Take care. Erin
Dear Erin , I watch “know the cause” at least three times a week just for the sheer amount of information coming from one place. I too suffer from a chronic illness and know what it is to feel powerless, especially during a doctor,s visit. I also have been on one round after another of antibiotics and other meds. Some of my prescriptions were so nasty that I welcomed by own illness as the lesser of the two evils. Doug,s show as made me an independent thinker and seeker. I,m on the phase one diet and felt something I haven’t felt in years…HOPEFUL…..Sincerely, Casey from Troy, NY
Systemic fungal conditions do not disappear overnight…..the deeper the fungus, the longer it tends to take for your health to improve. Unfortunately, this is not taught in med school, so our healers are currently unaware….enter Know The Cause. I truly thought the show had a 3 year run when I began doing it in 1999….here I am at year 17 and loving the feedback that I am getting! Doctors and their patients watch the show and all learn! Does it get any more humbling or better? Casey, be tough and consistent! Remember, the tortoise eventually won the race! Doug
You should have hope Casey sounds like you are on the right track! Know the Cause saved me – keep watching!! I know exactly what you are talking about with awful side effects I have been there! Best wishes! Erin
Erin- I have had two sinus surgeries and am now finally seeing the light. I wonder if fungus could be the cause of my problem as well? I love your site and love your recipes and am slowly trying to get myself and my family eating healthier. Your information on sinuses was an eye opener to me. I’m going to talk to my doctor about the possibility of fungus playing a role.
Hi Kaitlyn, The odds of your sinus infection being fungal are 90% (says the Mayo Clinic study from 1999) BUT don’t be surprised if your doctor disagrees with you. Start Doug’s phase 1 diet, and ask your doctor about anti-fungals. You also may want to test your home and make sure you are not dealing with any mold problems. Two surgeries wow – I had 4 and I can tell you they are NOT the answer to all sinus problems! Erin
I love Doug – (I’m a long time viewer)! And now I love Eat, Pray, Get well. I overcame my struggles with severe Eczema and now I scour the internet for recipes I can eat. Tried your sweet potato hash and the lentil chorizo soup and both were fantastic! Keep the recipes and info coming!
That’s great to hear Gene thank you!..and CONGRATS on getting well!! Erin
Hi Erin,
Listen to podcasts pretty frequently on my way to work and you and Doug Kaufmann blew me away.
First let me say that you look the picture of health so I get why you weren’t taken seriously by the medical profession.
Second. You spoke with such clarity regarding each and every illness you succumbed to through the years.
Third. i was so impressed by your own detective work. When the word”fungus ” was finally mentioned by a doctor, you devoured everything in relationship to fungus, which led you to Doug.
Fourth. Loved your answer when Doug asked if you were angry with the doctors. Your reply: “You do better when you know better”. Tom
“You do better when you know better”. Tom