As 2024 comes to an end, I wanted to share an update on the ongoing health issues I’ve been dealing with this year, since I’ve heard from some of you recently who were not aware of what has been going on with me.
For almost 6 months now I’ve been dealing with complications from a bacterial infection that I got this past summer. It has been overwhelming, exhausting, frustrating and stressful, to say the least. I’ve had lots of disruptions to my work schedule because I wasn’t feeling well, have been taking more prescription medications than I’m comfortable with, and have had more doctor’s appointments and ER visits in the past 6 months than I think I’ve had throughout the whole rest of my life (and the bills to prove it). I will spare you ALL the details–there are SO many–but I will let you in on a few learnings I’ve drawn from this ordeal:
Healing is not linear.
There have been several occasions during the past 6 months where I thought I was getting better, only to get sick again. But I know I am *literally* doing everything I can to help my body heal. The setbacks are disheartening, but practicing patience, being grateful for ‘small victories,’ and putting things in perspective helps.
The sooner you can get to acceptance, the better.
We’re all familiar with the Eastern wisdom that suffering is caused by wishing things were different than they are. I lived in that headspace for a while, but when I finally got to accepting that this is my life right now, a sense of peace came along with it. I still don’t like what’s happening, but I’m not wasting my precious energy being upset about it anymore.
Continuing to do things you love–to the best of your ability–is important.
I love learning and, during this 6 month–and counting–ordeal, I’ve managed to take a Physiology of Yoga CE course (picture above), and am now enrolled in a Lifestyle Medicine + Wellness Coaching program through Harvard Medical School. These give me a semblance of normalcy–as well as a sense of accomplishment–that I am so in need of right now.
Even (seemingly) healthy people get sick.
No one is immune from flukey things happening. And from what I’ve learned recently, those of us who are neurodivergent/Highly Sensitive face even more health challenges than most due to the overactivation of our sympathetic nervous systems. If you are neurodivergent/HSP, this is something you need to know. Ask me about it.
Tools like yoga, meditation and breathwork can make a positive difference.
For me, the benefits of a regular yoga and meditation practice are a given, and have helped me stay as strong and equanimous as possible during this time. But I’ve also been experimenting more with breathwork the past 6 months to help with stress and anxiety. I’ve found it to be surprisingly helpful in shifting my nervous system from sympathetic into parasympathetic mode. (There is lots of research to prove this.) You can find out what my favorite breathing technique for anxiety is here.
If you made it this far, I appreciate you taking the time to read this. If you have any words of wisdom from your own experiences, send me a note and let me know. And even if you don’t, I appreciate all good thoughts, prayers and healing energy being sent my way!
If you’re looking for other ways to be supportive and have considered purchasing one of my Self-Paced Wellness Courses but never got around to it, now is the time. Thank you for supporting a small business owner!
Winter Buddha Bowl