Confidence in knowing you can handle any situation that arises with grace and dignity is Acceptance.

Going to the grocery store is no longer an hours long process. Gluten free meals are planned and grocery lists made with ingredients and brands known to be safe. A quick check of the label on the brand ensures nothing has changed. This confirms the items are still safe.

Going to a restaurant is no longer the chore it once was. It helps to know restaurants in your area that are safe. Additionally, they should know you, so you don’t have to have the same celiac conversation repeatedly. If you are at a new restaurant, you know how to read the menu. You select the gluten free items. You talk to the waitstaff about your needs. You obtain a safe meal. 

Social events run more smoothly because your circle knows about your celiac and they respect it. Your friends know you will bring your own food or have eaten before and it is no big deal. They try to do things that aren’t always food related so you can be free to enjoy time with them.

Fighting with friends and family about your celiac disease is just not done anymore. You are tired of fighting a battle that doesn’t matter. Being gluten free for life is where you are. Nothing will change that. You are going to do what you need to do to stay safe in their presence regardless their snide remarks.

Traveling is less stressful. Gluten free snacks are in your bag at all times, just in case. Staying at a place with a kitchen, dishwasher soap, and aluminum foil are vital for safe celiac travel. Even with limited gluten free food, you know you can make a safe, nutritious meal from whole foods ingredients.

Getting glutened is rare. You know the difference between getting glutened and being sick. When accidental gluten ingestion happens, you know what is required to heal your body.

Acceptance is about living and thriving with celiac. It is about carving out a life you love while honoring your health. It is about doing the things you want in spite of having celiac disease.