When you hear someone say, “I’m taking a step back,” what comes to mind?
For many, those words carry a negative tone—a retreat from responsibility, a resignation, or an admission of defeat. I used to think the same way. We live in a culture that applauds pushing harder, persevering, and never slowing down, so stepping back often feels like failure. But sometimes stepping back is necessary and can actually help you move forward—in health, work, and life.
Today I’m stepping back from recipes, food, and photography to share what’s been happening behind the scenes at Fed and Fulfilled and how intentional retreat is allowing me to regroup and progress.
STEPPING BACK TO MOVE FORWARD: FOR MY HEALTH
I’ve mentioned my health in earlier posts, but recent setbacks make it important to share more. My health journey began about six years ago when I experienced extended mood swings, fatigue, anxiety, and depression tied to my monthly cycle—lasting up to two weeks at a time. It affected relationships and daily life.
A holistic doctor identified hypothyroidism, anemia, and several vitamin deficiencies. I started thyroid medication and supplements, but symptoms persisted. Further testing revealed celiac disease, which came as a shock. Switching to gluten-free eating improved energy and helped some symptoms, but did not fully resolve the issue.
To learn more, I completed health coaching and began experimenting with cleaner eating, eventually following a Paleo approach. After a year, my vitamin levels normalized and my symptoms improved. We attempted to start a family, and I became pregnant last summer. Sadly, we lost the baby at 11 weeks, which was devastating. Through that recovery I learned about MTHFR, a genetic variation that affects folate processing and can contribute to pregnancy complications.
MTHFR (methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase) changes how the body handles folate and B vitamins. Folic acid, a synthetic form of folate found in fortified foods and many multivitamins, can be harmful for people with certain MTHFR variants. I discovered I carry multiple mutations, significantly reducing my ability to process folate.
After testing, my doctor prescribed methylfolate and methylated B vitamins. Treating MTHFR is complex and often requires deeper genetic analysis, so I completed broader testing and began working to interpret the results with medical guidance.
Right now I’m recovering from a recent week of severe fatigue, muscle weakness, anxiety, heart palpitations, decreased appetite, chest and neck pain, and swelling. These episodes have recurred monthly, typically after my cycle. I initially suspected thyroid medication, then overmethylation from supplements. I adjusted medications and supplements, but symptoms returned.
A leading possibility is adrenal fatigue, exacerbated by the cumulative stress of the past year: miscarriage, ongoing health struggles, and launching a full-time blog. MTHFR can worsen stress responses, so I’m awaiting adrenal testing. Not knowing the exact cause is frightening for a control-oriented person, but there are things I can do to support healing.
Here are 4 ways I’m stepping back to move forward for my health:
- Workout Smarter, Not Harder – I’m reducing high-intensity cardio and heavy lifting and focusing on restorative movement like yoga, pilates, barre, and gentle walks to lower physiological stress.
- Relax, Don’t Rush – My mornings used to be rushed. Now I’m carving out time for slow routines: reading, music, baths, and gratitude practices to calm the nervous system.
- Simplify, Detoxify – I’m returning to basic nourishment—bone broth, fruits, vegetables, simple proteins, and water with lemon—while removing potential chemical toxins from cleaning products and fragrances.
- Let Go, Let God – Instead of immediately self-diagnosing online, I’m following through with medical appointments, then stepping back in faith, trusting God with the outcome and allowing space for healing.
STEPPING BACK TO MOVE FORWARD: WITH MY WORK
This recent health episode has forced me to reassess how I run the blog and balance work and life.
Before Fed and Fulfilled, I worked part-time in administration. I started the blog as a hobby but poured myself into it after leaving that role. I love blogging, yet I turned it into an all-consuming job—aiming for multiple posts per week, testing and photographing recipes repeatedly, and spending hours on cleanup and editing. I let the blog control my schedule and became a workaholic, sacrificing self-care and family time.
Why did I push so hard? Partly to replace a paid job quickly, partly out of perfectionism, and partly because of fear of failure. I set unrealistic expectations and worked to exhaustion until my health forced me to stop and reflect.
Now I’m intentionally stepping back so the blog fits my life rather than ruling it. I still want to create great recipes and posts, but I need sustainable practices that support long-term goals.
Three changes I’m making at work to move forward:
- Quality Over Quantity – Focusing on one well-crafted post per week rather than rushing multiple pieces improves content and reduces stress.
- Know When to Quit – I’m setting clear work hours and boundaries so I can stop working and rest, even when my office is at home.
- Imperfect is Okay – Letting go of perfectionism and embracing imperfections in food photos and posts makes the work more enjoyable and authentic.
STEPPING BACK TO MOVE FORWARD: IN MY LIFE
A friend shared a quote that resonated: “Don’t doubt in the darkness what God has proven to be true in the light.” This past year has been dark—loss, health struggles, and the disappointment of unmet plans. I struggled with identity and purpose, tying who I am to what I do. When pregnancy didn’t work out and health took a hit, I felt adrift.
Remembering that identity is found in Christ, not in accomplishments or roles, helps reframe things. Life is fleeting, and these struggles have reminded me to choose gratitude and presence over self-pity. I can step back from anxiety and allow God to guide the next steps.
Three ways I’m stepping back to move forward in life:
- Practice Patience – Instead of forcing outcomes, I’m learning to wait and trust God’s timing, which brings peace and perspective.
- Be Aware, Don’t Compare – I’m reducing social media time and prioritizing real connection—calls, visits, and letters—to avoid the comparison trap and cultivate meaningful relationships.
- Remember Who You Are – Reaffirming my identity as a child of God frees me from measuring worth by productivity and lets me live with purpose regardless of my role.
Stepping back doesn’t mean giving up. It can be a strategic, restorative move that creates space for healing, clarity, and renewed purpose. Although this season has been challenging physically and emotionally, stepping back is helping me move forward toward better health, sustainable work, and a more centered life.
Here’s to stepping back and moving forward. Thank you for reading, for your support, and for your prayers.