Prioritizing Me
I was sick for most of my life.
In and out of doctor’s offices, on and off different prescription meds, doses constantly being changed, undergoing all the invasive testing. This is how I spent my first 21 years of life. I felt like I could barely get by.
Three weeks after choosing to work with a Naturopathic Doctor I felt like my life had changed forever (in a good way). But it didn’t stop at my Naturopathic treatment plan. I credit my current state of health to all the little things I do for myself. The things I do that go beyond that initial treatment plan I received from my Naturopath.
Saying NO:
This is one of the most life changing adjustments I’ve made for my health. Saying no to excessive demands on my energy, to toxic behaviour, to all nighters, to unreasonable societal expectations, to anything that doesn’t support my growth and healing. If it’s not a HELL YES then it’s a NO.
Listening to and trusting my body:
My body knows when something is wrong. She tells me, subtly at first, then louder if I ignore her. Tuning in to the messages I receive, rather than sweeping them under the rug, has been key for maintaining my health.
Being open, curious and honest with myself:
I love reading, podcasts, bloodwork, all of it, because it stokes my curiosity. Why am I feeling the way I do? What’s going on on the inside? What are the possibilities here? What haven’t I explored yet? How can I expand what I already know? I believe this sense of curiosity has unearthed many essential truths about myself and my health.
Riding the waves:
Life and health are in a constant state of ebb and flow. We are different from one day to the next and honouring that truth is medicine. What works today might not work tomorrow. What you need today may be more than what you needed yesterday. And that’s okay.
Fun and play:
Life is serious, but it doesn’t have to be all the time. Making room for fun, pleasure, joy, laughter, excitement is all NECESSARY! It is not frivolous or childish. It is radically important for your overall well-being. Making a concerted effort to build more (guilt-free) fun into my life has been transformative.
How do you like to support your mental health a wellbeing? I’d love to hear from you.
With warmth,
