November 17, 2025
Hi Friends,
Thank you for the incredible wave of messages after my last two updates. Reading how you spark joy—snuggles with pets, time with friends, belly laughs, and being outdoors—made me feel so connected to you.
In my last note I shared the five words my mom always told me when I was sick. So many of you wrote them back to me:
“You’re going to be OK.”
Every time I read those words, by email or text, I felt lighter and more hopeful. My job now is to climb on board and really believe it. 🙏
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so a video must be worth ten thousand. 🤣 I recorded a candid chat with my dear friend Dr. Matt about why I no longer chase dietary perfection and how I’m doing with my diagnosis. It’s real, not sad—and if perfection hasn’t been working for you either, I think you’ll feel seen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGXZ4S4tm7s
👉 Watch the episode & subscribe to the channel (I’m ~100 away from 250,000!)
Just-for-Fun Photos
Shiloh the Goofball—guaranteed giggles.
Pool night with Trish—I was on fire…until I sank the eight ball. 🤣
Even if I can’t reply to every message, please know I’m reading them and feeling your love. Thank you for walking with me.
With gratitude and a big virtual hug,
💜 Chef AJ