The Joys of Online Ordering: Something to Look Forward to
โโNow faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.โ โ
It may not be obvious at first glance to see the connection between being disabled & buying things online. As a person living with disabilities, especially considering that my life is so drastically different than it was before the accident where I acquired the disabilities, speaking candidly, it often feels like I donโt have a lot to look forward to.
Because of my disabilities, I donโt get to spend time with my friends like I used to, Iโm unable to attend events the way I used to & I am unable to do many of the hobbies that I could do before.
Donโt get me wrong, I am grateful to be alive & have done my best to make modifications & parcel out my energy & abilities on any given day to still be able to enjoy doing as much as I can. But because of how frequently I often feel like Iโm missing out, (because I am) Iโve learned to find joy in other small ways.
One of the surprising ways that Iโve been able to find joy is in online shopping! Now, this is obviously something that you are not meant to go overboard with as it can become an addiction or even negatively impact you financially. But Iโve found there can be so much joy in something small, like the anticipation of expecting a little treat from Sephora-a new Armani eyeshadow or YSL lipcolor perhaps. (I just ordered the eye tint in Wood and am loving the Candy Glaze in Scenic Brown-seriously, Iโve been wearing it every day.)
I do most of my shopping online right now as itโs been a really great accessibility tool for me as a disabled person. Shopping IRL is very often a struggle that aggravates my symptoms to the point that Iโm unable to function for the rest of the day, or for several days after-even with The Awesome Teenโข๏ธ helping me. I usually order my groceries for delivery since grocery shopping is a really difficult activity for me, as it is for many disabled persons. If Trader Joeโs would start a delivery service, my life would be infinitely more enjoyableโฆespecially given my addiction to their truffle potato chips. Maybe itโs better that they donโt deliverโฆ๐
But back to the fun part. Shopping online gives me something positive to look forward to in the future. Of course I have goals & aspirations that I would like to achieve, but honestly, when Iโm faced with the realities of my disabilities & an unknown future living with them, it can feel discouraging sometimes.
But when I place an order online, I know that generally speaking, getting my special item(s) is going to happen. Regardless of my condition or what Iโm able to do, itโs going to happen. So it gives me something positive to look forward to thatโs not connected to the limitations of my disabilities. And I get a little prize at the end of it. Who doesnโt love that?
Finding joy in small, sometimes unexpected ways can be a great way to stay encouraged when experiencing big life changes like becoming disabled. I think the same is true if youโve lived with disabilities your whole life as well.
Below Iโve listed a few of my favorite places to shop online, including some secondhand spots so you can feel extra good about your shopping choices heehee. ๐๏ธ
Thrift Books-Thrift Books is a secondhand online bookstore. My most recent purchase was โLove Letters of Great Menโ edited by Ursula Doyle, a book that was inspired by the first Sex and the City movie.
Sephora-This is one of my all-time favorite places to shop. I was so happy when we got our first one in Alaska. It can be hard to buy makeup blind without seeing it in person, so I may do a separate post about how I do that, but there are so many amazing products & brands to choose from.
The RealReal-The RealReal is an online secondhand luxury store. Itโs a newer favorite of mine. They have everything from Louis Vuitton to Chanel to The Row, Fendi, Christian Dior and Loewe. Everything is authenticated by a team of experts so you can feel safe purchasing your fabulous pieces.
Amazon-Amazon is my go-to for sooooo many things. Household items, self care items, clothes...I mean you name it and Amazon probably has itโฆand with 2-day Prime delivery! I even recently bought miso paste from Amazon! Iโve provided a link to my Storefront with some of my chic, elegant picks for your fabulous life.โจ As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase.
Ulta-Ulta is another awesome way to purchase your beauty items, especially because they have a really great rewards point program. Theyโre also one of the few retailers that carries Chanel makeup, so thatโs a plus!
AbeBooks-This is another online secondhand book retailer. They have great prices and obscure titles, including a lot of out of print literature.
Saks Off5th-Saks Off5th is Saks 5th Avenueโs discount counterpart. You can score some pretty great deals here on all the types of things youโd find on the regular Sakโs site.
Iโd love to know where you love to shop, leave me a comment and let me know!
ยฉ2024 Cazoshay Marie. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogโs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
D.I.D. with Cazoshay and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on this blog is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.
From Wreckage to Resilience: Celebrating Another Year of Overcoming and Embracing Life's Second Chance
They say that surviving a near-death experience changes you, and it couldn't be truer. Today marks the six-year anniversary since I emerged from the wreckage of a traumatic car accident, being struck by a car at 48mph while crossing the street in downtown Phoenix in 2017, and as I sit here, reflecting on the past year, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and resilience. Join me on this journey as I share my thoughts on this significant milestone and the lessons I've learned along the way.
Gratitude: Surviving a traumatic accident has taught me the true value of life. It's easy to take our existence for granted, but when faced with the fragility of our mortality, gratitude becomes an essential part of our daily lives. Every sunrise, every laugh, and every embrace takes on a newfound significance. I am grateful for the simple joys and the chance to experience them once more.
Resilience: The journey to recovery has been challenging, both physically and emotionally. But through the pain and the obstacles, I've discovered an inner strength that I never knew existed. The human spirit is remarkably resilient, and it's during our darkest moments that we find the courage to persevere. I've learned to face adversity head-on, embracing the challenges and transforming them into opportunities for growth with the help of God, my family and friends.
Perspective: Surviving a traumatic car accident has gifted me with a fresh perspective on life. The trivial worries that once consumed my thoughts have faded away, replaced by a profound appreciation for what truly matters. Relationships, love, personal growth, and making a positive impact in the world have taken center stage. I've learned to let go of the insignificant and embrace the beauty of the present moment.
Healing: Physical and emotional healing takes time, and it's a journey unique to each individual. As I reflect on my healing journey, I'm proud of the progress I've made, both physically and emotionally. Healing is not linear, and there have been many setbacks along the way. But with determination and the support of loved ones, I've learned to navigate through the ups and downs, celebrating each milestone as a victory.
Empathy and Connection: Having experienced the trauma of a traumatic pedestrian-car accident, I've developed a deeper sense of empathy and compassion for others. I now understand the importance of reaching out and supporting those who may be facing their own struggles. Connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences has been invaluable, reminding me that I am not alone and that together, we can find strength in our shared stories. I am blessed to now be a speaker, content creator and disability advocate, sharing my experience and advocating for the disability community.
Surviving a traumatic car accident has forever changed me. Today, as I commemorate the six-year anniversary of that life-altering event, I am filled with a mix of emotions. Gratitude, resilience, perspective, healing, and empathy have become my guiding forces. The journey has been challenging, but it has also been transformative, reminding me of the incredible power of the human spirit. I look forward to the future with renewed determination and a deep appreciation for the precious gift of life.
ยฉCazoshay Marie, 2023. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogโs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
D.I.D. with Cazoshay and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on this blog is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.
Early September Update
I never really know how much personal stuff I should share here on the blog. Do people just want the recipes and DIYs and donโt really want to hear about my journey with the accident and living with chronic pain and invisible disability? I feel like Iโm doing everyone, including myself, a disservice if I donโt share about those things, especially since they still affect my daily life so much. One of the most frustrating things about my situation is that I have so many ideas! There are so many things that I have in the queue for you guys as far as recipes and projects go, but as you can see, Iโm not able to actually get things posted on here as frequently as Iโd like to, and that is because of my current physical state.
It is frustrating to say the least. I recently had a medical procedure that did not go as planned that left me literally bedridden in excruciating pain for over two weeks. I was unable to drive, cook, clean or really do much of anything to care for myself due to the overwhelming pain, and Iโm still not really back to where I was before the procedure.
If Iโm being totally honest, it can really be hard to keep the faith at times. I have doctors who I do believe are trying their best to help me. But I have been dealing with these issues since 2017, when I was struck by a car at 48mph while crossing the street after an event I attended with a friend at the Phoenix Science Center. As difficult as it can be, hope and faith are my only options, because giving up just isnโt something Iโm prepared to do. I have a sixteen year old son who has been by my side throughout this entire ordeal, as well as friends, family members and even strangers who I want to know that even though you get knocked down, there is still light at the end of the tunnel.
Iโd be lying if I said I donโt feel useless sometimes, a shell of my former self. Before the accident I was a wellness professional teaching yoga and meditation classes, cooking classes, training for the San Francisco Giants Half Marathon, the list goes on. Now, some days I struggle to even get out of bed due to chronic pain, migraines, vestibular issues and complications from the traumatic brain injury and concussion as a result of the accident.
As a part of my healing journey, I became involved with the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona and other organizations. I began doing speaking engagements and events sharing my experience of living with a traumatic brain injury and invisible disabilities. My son has also had an opportunity to share his parallel experience of healing right along side me as he was affected by what I was going through as well. Iโve spoken to occupational therapy students, at conferences and have been interviewed for podcasts and magazines. While I would not wish this experience on my worst enemy, (I actually donโt have any enemies so that phrase isnโt really relevant lol) I am so glad that God has allowed me to use this experience to help and inspire others.
Photo by Paul Markow
If I could leave you with one thing today, itโs that not only is there light at the end of the tunnel, but you donโt have to wait to be out of the tunnel to find joy and peace right where youโre at now. It might not be easy, but it is possible. Iโm living proof of that and I hope and pray that youโre able to find the hope in your own situation, whatever you may be going though.
Keep growing and glowing, friends!
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ยฉCazoshay Marie, 2022. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogโs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
D.I.D. with Cazoshay and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on this blog is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.
Secrets of The Advent Wreath
Are you familiar with the tradition of the ๐๐ญ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ท๐ฝ ๐ฆ๐ป๐ฎ๐ช๐ฝ๐ฑ? Each piece of the wreath has a special meaning:
โขThe ๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐ง๐ฌ symbolize everlasting life in the midst of winter and death. No matter what the season, evergreens stays the same. Just like no matter what season you are in in your life; Jesus stays the same.
โข๐๐๐ ๐ก๐จ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฌ symbolize Jesusโ sacrifice and death, they remind us of Jesusโ blood that was shed for us. There is no greater love.
โข๐๐ข๐ง๐๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฌ symbolize the new life that Jesus brings through His resurrection. Pinecones contain the seeds of the evergreen tree. They represent bringing forth the new life that Jesus has given us due to the Resurrection.
โขAnd finally, the ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ represent Hope, Faith, Joy, and Peace. Sometimes a fifth one is added in the center to represent Jฬณeฬณsฬณuฬณsฬณ.
Which of these themes (Peace, Hope, Faith, Joy) are you focusing on during this season of Advent?
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ยฉCazoshay Marie, 2021. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogโs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
D.I.D. with Cazoshay and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on this blog is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.