I would have given up anything to enjoy a hot, sunny day again.

No, I wasn’t doing hard time. But I was a prisoner of my poor health.

That was me in 2015, when I was 29 years old. My eczema flared to the point where a little bit of sweat would turn me into a scratching Tasmanian Devil.

This time, the usual treatments of topical and even oral steroids weren’t working anymore. Uh-oh. 

After hitting deadends with countless dermatologists and doctors – I found out that part of the issue may have been related to topical steroid withdrawal, or TSW, but it was in its infancy stages of discovery at the time and many sufferers go undiagnosed.

But this isn’t going to be a sad story. I’ll promise you that.

Over the next year, with a wonderfully patient partner by my side, I clawed myself out of the gutter. 

I wish I could reveal some sort of ‘Magic Bullet’, or a ‘Top 5 Listicle’ that did the trick. But what it came down to was simplifying and surrendering any notion of a perfect cure. It started with small things. I watched what I ate, and slowly changed the way I cleaned and exercised.

Then once the ball got rolling, I got back to work, moved to a healthier apartment, got rid of a ton of things and simplified my surroundings, then changed jobs again. All the while, I was observant of what worked, and forgave myself for trying things that didn’t work.

Fast forward a few years later, I’m back on my feet, feeling great, comfortable in my own living space and my own skin, not relying on ANY steroid creams, eating well, lifting weights, playing tennis with a great group of friends, and have a partner that I love dearly.

So here’s what I learned. 

Health is number one. 

Sounds like a cliché? Well, here’s what really surprised me after going through all that.

The important things started getting much, much simpler.

That’s because when you place your health as the top priority, and a decision needs to be made, the answer becomes crystal clear.

• Dust mites bothering your allergies? – Get rid of the carpet.
• Eat out or cook? Learn how to cook better and faster.
• Tidy up or procrastinate? – Clean, or the mold will kill you.
• Low energy and low confidence? – Hit the weights.
• You’re in a job that is unbearable? – Voice out or change jobs, now.
• What’s the best way to invest? – The way that lets you get a good night’s sleep.
• What to show on your next profile pic? – Put your phone down.
• What mattress should you buy? Try floor sleeping.

Because with good health, you’ll have the confidence to make great choices. Whether it comes to your own finances, your reaction to stress, what to do with your time, or your relationships. You’ll have the confidence to ask the questions, challenge convention, shed the excess to do what’s best for you.

So, I’m writing here to ignite inspiration in you to constantly pursue great health and to get strong. I want you to walk tall, head up high, and to face the dark and roar like a lion.

With great health and confidence, it makes all other aspects of your life better. Your life will naturally simplify, the fog will clear, and the things that matter, the ones that are buried deep, but are always there, tugging at our hearts, will start to come to the forefront of your thoughts and will transform your actions. 

Money, relationships, and inner strength will fall into place. 

And if you went through TSW, you are truly a warrior. You and those supporting you are made of tough, tough stuff. I’ve learned a lot from the TSW sufferers before me, and I hope this blog can contribute back to the community.

Even more so, I’m writing this for myself, as a constant reminder of my humbling experience with eczema and what it took to keep moving forward.

Simplify, create that space, never stop exploring and learning.

What a magnificent life.

Sunny

Hong Kong, March 26, 2022