*Thank you so much for your comments and entries on yesterday’s post! Don’t forget to enter my blogiversary giveaway. Contest ends 5/24*
For most of my life I considered myself very “by the book.” A few examples…I’ve always been analytical, logical and objective. I followed rules to a T. I did what was expected of me in school and at home. For better or worse, I listened to my head instead my heart.
Today, I don’t know what to say about all of that stuff. For the most part it’s still true, but there’s a big part of me that has tapped into my intuition and mind-body connection.
Within the last six months I’ve lived in contrast to how I “thought” I should live. Less logically, than my normal. (Key word: my). From not going straight to a corporate job after college to, more recently, going through holistic gut healing (instead of the traditional approaches I thought I preferred), my life has not followed the path I envisioned a mere year ago. Not that these things are that significant to everyone, but in my little world they were. Yet in one of those cliché moments, I’m putting the pieces together and realizing that things have happened for a reason.
Side note: Like a lot of deeper posts, I debated whether to share this. Mainly, I don’t want this to be a “look at me and all I’ve learned” type of post. Trust me, I know I’ve got ways to go with life lessons and growth because, duh, I’m only 21.
This week I went to a follow-up appointment with my holistic doctor and it pretty much culminated a long five months of healing and emotions. She went over everything (medical tests, my overall health, thoughts, life, goals, etc.) and things just made sense. Last year, and probably from years prior, I had so much “bad energy” (toxins, yeast, parasites, hormones and stress) in my system that my body was at a breaking point. A breaking point on a literal sense: ulcer, stress fracture, digestive issues, and in a more metaphorical sense: an overflow of emotions and need for rest.
I had already explained my frustration to my doctor (she’s just awesome) about wanting to find a job I’m passionate about and feeling discouraged about my options of late. I know that sounds SUPER selfish and millennial-like but it’s how I feel. She brought up the point that maybe the last few months of healing have been crucial to my success overall. That maybe, just maybe, I needed this time to get the bad stuff out and prime my body and mind to accept the good energy. The good opportunities, the good adventures, the good food, etc. Now that I’m getting the gut in check, which I believe is the root of everything, the rest of me is ready for more.
I freaking cried in her office. That’s not normal for me.
I’ll admit, it is kind of hokey to write this out because, again, it’s so unlike the traditional approaches I was used to. Does all this emotional stuff really matter? Shouldn’t I just buck up and get through? I suppose, but I do know there isn’t one path to success or happiness. I’m learning to accept and appreciate these different methods. Obviously there is still much effort needed to get where I want in life, but you have to start somewhere. This was my somewhere.
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I don’t have an ending to this post because I’m living it out right now. I don’t know what will happen next but I know that these last few months of healing have been necessary for me. Not to say I’m done healing or growing (just the opposite) but unless my core was strong nothing else would have mattered. I’ve learned that accepting help, even with these less invasive medical approaches that could theoretically be done alone, is not a sign of weakness AT ALL.
I’m sure I’ll go through flare-ups again (in life and health), heck I bet I’ll write about these struggles again, but hopefully I’ll never need this intense of a healing regime again. I do have one more “step” in this process, which I’ll write about in a few weeks, but for now, I feel confident that I’m making progress. That’s all that matters.
Here’s to good vibes and good food for life.
*Linking up to Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday*
Um, let’s talk about my post on anxiety the other week! I’m a hugggge proponent of mind-body connection. HUGE. Right now, you are doing yourself the biggest favor possible for your life and for training by getting your brain and emotions and physical being healthy. LOVE to read this, as a coach and as a friend :D
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Of Boy Bands and Daydreams
Your support means so much! I know you are going through a tough time too but I believe there are nothing but good things ahead. Especially because you recognize it and take action. xo
Ah yea! Of course everything is connected! Your “gut” is your second brain (I think it may just be more telling than your actual brain! Haha!) But yea, stress and emotions and everything all gets jumbled up and affects every inch of our beings!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Coconut Matcha Ice Cream
I totally believe the gut is the second brain! It’s so telling and indicative of our overall health.
I love this post Emily, so beautifully written. I am so happy that you are bringing in the good and doing away with the bad in both your mind and body. When you wrote at the end about accepting help is not a sign of weakness, it really spoke to me because it is so honest and true. We are surrounded by people to help build us up and they are there to help us when we need it.
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Thinking Out Loud #7
Thank you, Brie :) I try to remember that I never judge others for accepting help so I shouldn’t do the same of myself.
There’s definitely a mind-body connection. And a connection with how the gut functions and how the mind responds so it makes sense to me that the elimination of gut issues is leading to clarity. I’m glad you’re starting to feel better!
Pragati // Simple Medicine recently posted…No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars
Everything makes so much sense to me now. I’m thrilled to have found and connected with my doctor! Thank you!
A healthy mind is crucial to a healthy body. I’m glad you’re seeing results. This has been an interesting journey to read about :-)
Ellie recently posted…Training Talk: Things I’ve Learned About Myself by Training For A Marathon
Thank you, Ellie! :)
I’m so happy for you and the steps you’ve taken in this journey :)
Thank you so much, Alyssa <3
I definitely think there’s an important mind-body connection. My body often “knows” when I’m stressed before my mind does. It’s also much easier to convince your mind that you’re not stressed. You can’t trick your body, though. I’m glad you’re taking this time for you to clear out the bad stuff and make room to feel good again – and that it’s working. I totally relate to life looking a little different than I expected and trying to figure out what that looks like. But it sounds like you’re making the most of it, and I know best is yet to come. :)
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Thinking Out Loud #52
SO TRUE. My body is much better at recognizing stress than my mind. Such a good point! Thanks, Ellen :)
It wasn’t until the past few months that I’m learning just how connected the mind and body are. When I’m stressed, I hurt more. And we put a ton of freaking stress on ourselves. I was exhausted while I was home all weekend because it’s the one place I’m truly able to relax. I’m glad you’re noticing those changes and FEELING BETTER and that this time off is helping, even if you are still searching for that right first job.
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…Home Sweet Home.
Part of me was so confused and embarrassed because how could I be stressed during this (theoretically) stress-free time of my life? My home is where I’m typically stress-free. But I let it build up over time. Now I’m learning that I do have the power to change it.
I keep forgetting how young you are, because you seem to have a wise old soul! And I mean that in a good way…It is amazing that you are experiencing this and recognizing it…Grow…learn…love…and live your life to the fullest! XOXO
ACKTIVE LIFE recently posted…The Aftermath of the CLEANSE
Katie, that means so much to me! A huge compliment. Thank you always for your support. I swear some time on ATK would do me good too ;)
oh my gosh I relate to this 100%!!!! I am such a rule follower and yet I’ve finally started to learn that when something just feels right that might be good enough or when it doesn’t feel good anymore it’s ok to stop!
Amanda – RunToTheFinish recently posted…Running Motivation: Netflix and Treadmill, Super Powders and Gimmie All The Medals
It’s such an important lesson! And one I wish I learned sooner. Just because something works for others or used to work for me, doesn’t mean it’s necessary to continue.
I really should focus on the mind-body connection more often than I do. I find it so so interesting and almost powerful too. I am so happy for you that you’re making progress and in months or years to come, I think it will be cool to look back on these posts and this time in your life and realize that this was such an important time for you. Wishing you all the best as always:)
Amanda @ ExploringLifeAndThings recently posted…Upcoming half marathon thoughts + goals
One of the best things about blogging is being able to look back and see how far I’ve come. Thank you for your continued support! And good luck this weekend! Run happy xoxo
Ahhh I love this post so much Emily. As someone who was so similar, followed rules, logical, wanted to plan out my life down to the detail, I so appreciate embracing health in a spiritual sense as well. I’m so happy that you’ve had this chance to slow down and heal so you can open yourself up the incoming awesomeness xoxo
Georgie Morley recently posted…Lemon Ginger Scones
What you are doing with the cleanse sounds like such a good way to slow down and tap into your spiritual sense. I LOVE that you are incorporating yoga too. Can’t wait to hear about your experience :)
what a lovely post ! this is a reminder to me that i can learn from anyone at anytime. young people can offer a lot of wisdom too! don’t think that just cuz you are 21 you dont have wisdom. when you say “strong core” i even think…not strong abs, but strong foundation/core like family, knowing what you do and dont want to do, etc. you are doing yourself such a service. i’m totally type a to but have learned to stretch from that on things. yoga actually helped me a lot when it came to opening my mind to alternative type ideas.
Tara, that means so much! I often hesitate to write these things because I KNOW I have so much more to learn, and that my thoughts can change/develop as I get older. I LOVE what you said about a strong core relating to family. I couldn’t agree more.
I’m a HUGE believer in the mind-body connection. Huge. There were so many times in my life where I was doing everything right on the surface (eating clean, exercising, etc), but I was probably the unhealthiest I’ve ever been just because my mind was in a bad place. It kills me to see so many people shrugging off things like stress, because it plays such a huge role in our overall health, and I’d argue that keeping that under control is even more important than eating a completely healthy diet.
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…chocolate, coffee, puppies, & books (ToL#183)
Stress is literally the silent killer. Even though I didn’t *think* I was stressed at the time, months and months of it building up left me at a breaking point. It “leaked” into other parts of my body and I just needed so good, thorough healing.
I went through this stuff last year! I was at a terrible stressful job I hated, was having tons of physical and emotional reactions to things. I very much believe everything is connected! Hope you continue to be on the upswing!
Heather @ Polyglot Jot recently posted…TOL: You Know You’re a Blogger When…
I’m sorry you went through a similar experience, Heather. I hope everything is on the upswing for you too :)
So thankful for healing in your life Em. It’s amazing how God made us so complex with body, mind, soul, and spirit, and the best doctors, I think, don’t ignore that fact!
Emily recently posted…WIAW: Why I Love the WIAW Link-up
I’m really grateful to have found a doctor who looks at me as a whole person.
It’s so cliche but I am a big believer in “everything happens for a reason.” I think this post kind of shows that! I love the approach you’ve taken toward your health these past few months. Health is so much more than eating and exercising, I think people forget to take care of their WHOLE self and that’s why they stay feeling “unhealthy.”
sarah recently posted…Currently: May 2016
Thank you so much, Sarah! I’m a believer in things happening for a reason too :)
Ugh this transition into adulthood stuff is hard work. Wouldn’t it be nice if someone just supplied us a road map so we weren’t flailing around feeling like we are drowning. Thanks so much for sharing these feelings because I personally can relate so much to what you said. I can’t wait to see where life takes you in the future Emily <3
Megan recently posted…The most outrageous ‘what I ate in a day’ ever.
Um YES PLEASE! Thanks for your continued support <3
I have definitely learnt that your mind, your body and life in general are all connected and sometimes you really do just need a break to reset and recharge!
I am sure that you now have so much awesomeness coming your way as you’ve made plenty of room for it!
Kristy @ Southern In Law recently posted…Recent Things: Peanut Butter, Baby Goats and Chocoloving
I sure hope so! Thanks for your sweet comment :)
I SO connected with this post. So. Freaking. Much. I’ve struggled with various mental and physical health problems in the past two years and I’m on the verge of making an appointment with a holistic doctor because conventional medicine doesn’t seem to be helping me. This post has given me a gentle nudge towards just picking up the phone and calling the doctor. Thank you!
As for finding a job and figuring out your future–well, I think it’s awesome that you took time to figure out your health first so that you can explore careers without that added stress. You’ll find something that you love, even if it takes a couple of tries to get it right! Much love and encouragement to you, girlfriend. <3
Claire @ My Pink & Green Life recently posted…Travel: Konza Prairie & Cedar Creek
I’m so sorry you’re going through health struggles, Claire. I can’t say enough good things about my experience with my holistic doctor. Please reach out to me if you need moral support :)
Spot on, girl. I totally believe in good vs bad energy too. In fact, I had to do a whole project this semester on how positive thinking can affect one’s health…it’s proven that your attitude really does influence health outcomes! So this makes 100% sense and I am so happy you’ve been able to move towards healing! :)
[email protected] recently posted…Link Love 5/20/16
What an interesting class project! I’m so confident that everything is intertwined. For me, getting my health in check has been so crucial…clearing brain fog and just more positivity all around.
Yes. All of this. This past year has been the hardest one ever for me and I’ve figured a lot of stuff out- physically, mentally, emotionally. There have been so many challenges (most recently breaking up with my boyfriend a month ago) yet I currently feel happier and more content than ever because everything feels balanced and right. My stomach problems are under control, I’m doing things I love, and I feel more myself than ever. All about that good energy!!!
We seem to have such similar experiences…I wish we lived closer! But I’m SO happy to hear you are in a great place right now. That makes me happy :)
Sounds like you reached a real turning point for moving forward in a positive way! That’s a great reminder for us all to be thinking about putting the good stuff back into our lives.
I really hope that is the case! Thank you so much, Elissa.
Accepting help is SO hard but honestly one of the best things we can do! Not only do others feel good to help us but I truly believe we aren’t meant to do it all and getting help is ok! Your dr. freakin rocks. I want her! lol I am eager to see you go forward!
heather @Fitncookies recently posted…Annabelle: 7 Months
Thank you so much, Heather <3 I'm mad I didn't find my doctor sooner. She has helped me so much!