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Food Allergies and Groundhog Day, the Movie: Is There a Connection We'll we're officially snowed in today, here in Chicago, and ironically it is also Groundhog Day. For those of you who've seen the classic Bill Murray film "Groundhog Day" from the 1990s, you'll remember that being snowed in following a Pennsylvania storm is what prompted the plot of this film. Bill Murray's character had a bad attitude, was cynical and just generally not very nice. He was definitely a glass half-empty person and all around miserable. He didn't enjoy the little things in life much less the big things and his attitude affected not only his entire life, but the lives of those around him. Ultimately he was stuck living the same day, over and over again. However, when he changed his way of thinking, eventually, he was able to have a positive and bright future. His attitude was the key.

Why am I thinking about this movie with regard to food allergies? Well, it struck me this morning that for a lot of us, (including me, at times, I plead guilty) dealing with food allergies can feel like "Groundhog Day." After all, every day you're living with food, potentially unsafe situations and finding yourself having to constantly explain, over and over again, how to keep your child safe.

Can it get depressing at times? Of course. Sometimes we deal with this stress by getting angry at others or by having a negative attitude towards new people and experiences. Like the Bill Murray character, we think we've seen it all, done it all and may expect the worst from other people because we've been burned before.

Like anything else in life, attitude is key with food allergies. Sometimes, situations or events, like a food allergy death in the news or even an insensitive comment can get you down. But if you view living with food allergies as just part of life and even try to see the positives such as healthier eating for the whole family, you and your kids becoming more compassionate of others, even learning to be more assertive--you will get a better attitude and it will get easier. Also, each time you have a new experience and it turns out well, you'll get more confidence about you and your child's ability to handle life-threatening food allergies. If you are never open to new experiences, your child won't be prepared to life a more full life independently and you definitely don't want that.

Trying new experiences does require caution when you deal with a food allergy that can be life-threatening. You should never take unnecessary risks with food. However, if you are careful and make safe food provisions, you can open up your family's life and experiences. Food allergies just mean that you need to be careful, but you can still live your life.

Happy Groundhog Day, campers!
Posted by Jenny at 11:05 AM Labels: food allergies and positive attitude, groundhog day the movie, jenny kales the nut free mom blog, kids food allergies, peanut allergy kids 
Great post! Happy Groundhog's Day to you too!

February 2, 2011 at 1:21 PM 
I think the whole country is snowed in at this point!! Crazy!!
I liked this blog..related well. Speaking of new experiences, we are so looking forward to going away to Aruba in April. Any good pointers on how to safely handle eating out in a foreign country?? I'm nervous and I don't want to stress out my family the entire week. I wish I could bring my own food for him that week!! I never had to worry about this before. This will, for sure, be a new experience for us!!

February 2, 2011 at 4:20 PM 
Thanks so much for a great post :) This morning I am very nervous because I am having to approach my child's teacher again today over issues with the school's Valentine's festivities; everything is candy, candy, foood, food. I get so upset and nervous when I see the notes brought home from school... and it really does seem like I am living the same nightmarish day over and over again sice he began kindergarten! I am just now recovering from the Christmas party! I practically lose sleep from worry. But your blog has been insipiring! :) Thanks again!

February 3, 2011 at 6:40 AM