CBD, ERs, Cholesterol, and Salmon: My Accidental Journey to Becoming a Wellness Warrior

Let me take you on a wild ride that started with a tiny piece of a CBD gummy over a year ago. That innocent little chew was supposed to help me sleep naturally. Instead, it kicked off a saga that would make a Netflix medical drama jealous.

Fast forward through months of heart rate spikes, blood pressure rollercoasters, and enough ER visits to earn a punch card (do they do those?).

June brought a breast scan that made me pause. The radiologist flagged something “suspicious” in my right boob - a calcium something-or-nother that hadn’t been there before. 

I scheduled a re-mammo and ultrasound for June 23rd, and let me tell you, that right boob got smooshed in twelve different directions. I felt like I was in panini press 😳 After the smoosh-fest, the nurse said the radiologist would take about 15 minutes to review the images. 

I sat there, trying not to spiral into WebMD-induced panic. The verdict? Not suspicious, but something to keep an eye on. No ultrasound needed. Just a follow-up in six months to see if the calcium throws another curveball.

Then came September 2nd, my birthday. I celebrated by riding in an ambulance to the hospital because my heart decided to throw a rave. 

September 3rd, I flipped the script. I changed everything: food, movement, mindset. I became the CEO of my own health.

By October 3rd, my labs were back and guess what? All my cholesterol levels were out of the red zone. My PCP was proud. I was proud. Even my blood felt proud.

But the universe wasn’t done with me yet. October 5th, I had another heart rate spike, tingling limbs, and a lightheadedness that made me feel like I was starring in a bad soap opera. Off to St. Joseph’s ER I went, where it took 45 minutes just to complete intake paperwork. I could’ve crocheted a blanket in that time 🙄

They admitted me, ran tests, and the cardiologist said my heart was fine. 

Square one. Again.

Then came October 21st, another ER visit. Same story: blood work, brain scan, heart check. All great. I’m grateful, but also frustrated. October 22nd and 23rd, my heart rate kept spiking like it was training for a marathon I didn’t sign up for... because if I'm running, y'all need to be running too because I'm definitely running from something 👀

October 24th, I met with an amazing cardiologist who prescribed Metoprolol ER 25mg, split between morning and night. He said my heart’s fine, my BP’s fine, and this all screams panic disorder.

Psychiatrist appointment? Booked for October 31st. 

Trick or treat, right?

Meanwhile, Damian had a doctor’s appointment. His cholesterol is all red, and his doctor was impressed by the lifestyle changes I made. I even got Damian eating salmon. SALMON. This is a man who used to think fish sticks were gourmet.

Doc and D both agreed to try for lifestyle change before medication.

Somewhere in the chaos, I posted on Facebook asking if anyone would be interested in a group where we could share tips, recipes, and support. Seven people said yes. That was enough for me. I created a private group that now has 52 members (some active some silent) and it includes:

A holistic farmer 🌱

Fasting experts ⏳

Recipe sharers 🍳

Smartwatch and food logging fanatics 📱

And hopefully soon—a yoga guru 🧘‍♀️ (anyone?)

We are called The Flab-YOU-Less Forks 💪🙌

We hold each other accountable, cheer each other on, and share the wins and the setbacks. No judgment. Just real people doing real things.

Each day in our group has a theme or challenge, because let’s be honest - structure helps, and a little fun never hurt anyone. We’ve got things like “Dance Your Ass Off” challenges, where we shake what our mamas gave us for five minutes (or more if the spirit moves you). It’s not about choreography or rhythm, it’s about moving your body and laughing while you do it. Movement is movement regardless.

Then there’s “Thirsty Thursday”, and no, not the kind of thirsty that involves tequila shots and questionable decisions. We’re talking hydration, smoothies, infused waters, and gut-loving elixirs that make your insides sing. 

Every day is a new opportunity to try something different, push a little further, or just show up and say, “I’m here, and I’m trying.” Because I'm definitely here and definitely trying 💪

I started at 286 pounds. I’m now at 263 pounds. That’s 23 pounds lost in almost 2 months. My app just dropped my daily calorie goal from 1621 to 1587. It’s like, “You got this, Shawna. Let’s level up.” #levelTFup

I also have a daily step goal of 4,000 steps. Most days, I surpass that by anywhere from 100 to 1500 steps, and I’m genuinely proud of that. I’m not quite ready to raise the goal yet; not because I can’t, but because I know myself. I don’t want to feel pressured to overdo it or spiral into guilt if I don’t hit a higher number. 

I’ll raise it when I’m ready, and not a moment before. We’ve got people in our group hitting anywhere from 2,000 to 18,000 steps a day, and you know what:

One, I’m proud of them.

Two, one day those higher numbers WILL be my goal. #Manifesting

My weight goals are what I call “The 10s” - from the 280s to the 270s to the 260s, and so on. My monthly goal is 8–10 pounds, and so far? I’m crushing it.

My final goal is 170 pounds, but this isn’t just about weight. It’s about healing. 

It’s about community. 

It’s about not being afraid to be who I am and encouraging you to be who you are!

We welcome everyone. Whether you’re fluffy, thin, somewhere in between, or just trying to figure it all out. If you want in, you need an invite from me, someone in the group, or just shoot me a message. We’re here for you.

I use MyNetDiary to log everything. Like my dad says, “If you put it in your mouth, you gotta put it down on paper.” Or in this case, an app. I use the premium version because I can create recipes and it opens up more insights and nutrient intake.

I also use the GardPro watch to monitor my steps, heart rate and set alarms when things go wonky. It’s like having a tiny nurse on my wrist.

And finally, a friendly reminder:

Both faith and fear require you to believe in something you cannot see. So I ask you—what would you do if you were not afraid?

#TheShawnaChronicles

#FaithOverFear

#WellnessWarrior

#FlabYouLessForks

#ProgressNotPerfection