A Story About Vitamin D, Pt 1

on neglect, deficiency, sunshine and redemption

“Don’t let the sin become a bad habit.”
St. Teresa of Avila

I am a sometimes know-it-all. This comes a neither a shock nor an understatement to those that know me. It is usually a benefit in my vocation because people working with health issues want answers. In personal relationships, it is a mixed bag. My mother wants my advice almost always. My son and husband, who are exposed to my omnicience too regularly to be appreciated, are not very interested in my opinion. Just dinner, please. They do take their vitamins, though, and when I bring a new one home, they often just ask how many and how often rather than what for. Ignorance is peace in this household.

My own health has been a bastion of example for almost 50 years. I follow and present a model of moderation. I love to read, research, and apply this knowledge to my work as an acupuncturist, primary healthcare provider and yoga teacher. For over two decades, I have applied ample amounts of knowledge and helped a lot of people. (Mostly the kind of people that like me to tell them what to do at some level. It is in my nature and if you don’t want my advice, I don’t take it personally. I will show up, place the needles, hold space for healing, and repeat until the end of time. Quietly.) Some of the wisdom I possess is…