When I was more active on social media ~ doing FB lives and posting frequently, I got a lot of comments and compliments. People pointed out that they appreciated my authenticity. I think it is easier to relate to someone when you see their struggles as well as their successes.
A few months ago I stated that I haven't been feeling well. You can catch it here . I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. That means for some unknown reason, my immune system is attacking my healthy joints thinking it is diseased. PsA (as I will refer to it) is causing me a great deal of joint pain and tremendous inflammation. I get extremely tired and honestly, a little (more than) blue. Everything feels like such an effort right now, until my meds kick in. However, I think the same medicine that is suppose to make me feel better is causing me to gain weight! Nothing reeks havoc on my psyche more than unexplained weight gain.
It is interesting that I became a life coach in an effort to heal something within myself and that need keeps showing up and showing up. Life is fluid, there are ebbs and flows to everything. I am a little lost, but that is just for now. Without struggle we don't have growth. I believe this is part of a grand plan ~ albeit one I don't understand or care for!
You have heard of the saying, "It's not the struggle that defines you but rather how you respond." I am trying to figure this out but it is taking all my energy, so please be patient with my lapses. I have been writing this blog for 8 years, I can hardly believe it! I am not ready to throw in the towel. in fact, I think my path may be angling towards an overall wellness arc. If I have to change the energy around me, in my home and in my heart, I am taking you on that journey with me if you care to walk beside me.
I certainly do not understand any of this, maybe I never will, maybe there is nothing to understand, there is only acceptance. I know my natural inclination is to fight everything. I fight and try to fix. Then, I at least feel like I have control, but I think there is nothing to be done but lean in, accept and find a holistic path to healing. You can't have yin without yang. There's a new balance to be found. Who would I be if I didn't practice what I preach?
There's medicine in the message.
There is a difference between struggling and suffering. I would be lying if I said I wasn't suffering, but it is possible to turn your thoughts around in an effort to ease suffering. That's all it is:thoughts. We subscribe meaning to them that may be entirely untrue. I'll talk more about that at a later date, but that is a large part of my coaching practice. I help clients turn thoughts of struggling into something much more productive. Having said that, there is a time and place to fall apart, just not for too long.
Getting out of your own head is always helpful. If you are dealing with something bigger than yourself try this ~
1. Practice gratitude, jot down 3 things you are grateful for. It could be anything!
2. Be of service to others
3. Keep stress at bay
4. Surround yourself with positivity
5. Be kind to yourself, give yourself what ever you need. Self love is critical right now!
I only want to thrive, to blossom, to have purpose and meaning in my life, to feel good and look good (yea, I said it)! So think of this as an experiment, a fork in the road ~ destination unknown.
Are you struggling but would prefer to blossom? Reach out!
