Living a Tranformed Life
How do we free ourselves from the lie that us mama’s are not deserving of healthy foods, habits, or that change is too hard for us to overcome? I may not have all the answers or a magic formula, but I’ll share my personal journey on how I found the Source of worthiness and how that transformed me and my family’s life. I don’t come to you from a place where I lived on a farm and raised on the Paleo diet to where all things crunchy are easy like Sunday morning (heck, not even that’s easy for me!). In fact, the whole reason I am able to share with you so many things that contribute to whole body wellness, is because I forgot what that looked like for a while.
For me, it started when I was 18 years old and signed up for a direct sales business. At the time I was actually in a fitness competition, and might I say, I was killing it (does it count if I was a fresh out of high school with no other major responsibilities?). At the time, I was dedicated to changing the physical aspect of me, and yeah I am sure I thought I was being healthy, but ultimately my goal was a sick transformation picture at the end of this competition - and health is so much more than that!
Although the business was fun for a while, several years of long nights, lots of traveling, and endless mandatory events got to me. I was pushing my body to its limits with the lack of sleep, pressure, stress, and now in the habit of eating lots of fast food and caffeine to get me through.
I also worked at Panera Bread, (note to self: do not work at a place known for bread, especially when that’s your kryptonite). One night while working, I hurt my back and I was in some serious pain. At this time I was in college full-time and working 40+ hours a week in one area and living over an hour away. I went to the urgent care for my back and after waiting forever and a day, a doctor shuffled in and said “where does it hurt?” And the next thing I know he’s giving me 3 prescriptions for steroids and different narcotics and advice to “not take these while driving” and walks out. I had tears in my eyes because I felt so unimportant, disregarded, and I knew I did not have a choice but to drive – so the prescriptions were useless to me, even if I wanted them. But I did not want the medication… I wanted to find out what the root problem was and address it.
Thankfully, my dear friend referred me to an amazing chiropractor. I may or may not have walked into her office with McDonald’s french fries and 6 inch ‘business’ stilettos without even a second thought. She told me the importance of avoiding that kind of food and I think I left and bought a salad… from McDonalds… but hey, it’s a start!
Fast forward a few years at another chiropractic appointment and I had a muscle-test. My thyroid was showing up as weak and I was referred to my primary doctor to get lab work done to check. Soon enough I got a phone call explaining that I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism in my early 20’s. I asked my primary doctor if there was anything I could do to get rid of it and the answer was a resolute “nothing”. No diet changes, no alternative medicine, nothing... “just a little pill” and a follow up appointment in 3 months to make sure the dose was enough.
I started taking the medication but thank God I had another chiropractic appointment shortly after. I told her the news I received without even thinking she could help. I just wanted to thank her for telling me to go get it checked out. Then, she shared that she had homeopathic remedies, oils, and diet suggestions to help support the Endocrine system & hopefully get rid of Hypothyroidism! What?! I was told that was impossible ... I figured I did not have much to lose by ditching the medication and trying to do it naturally. If it did not work, I would know in a few months and could pivot.
“My primary doctor was speechless. She had nothing to say. I wish I would have pressed more, but I was just happy that I took the chance, it worked, and I could see her face with the proof...”
Little by little I was taking her advice. Making better choices. (Lesson of the day: it does not always happen overnight!) I started upping my healthy fats, eating clean, sniffing my oils obsessively, and anything else she suggested… The three month checkup came and it was time to get my lab work done… Y’ALL!
My labs came back NORMAL!!!! *clap* *clap* *clap* *UGLY CRY*.
My primary doctor was speechless. She had nothing to say. I wish I would have pressed more, but I was just happy that I took the chance, it worked, and I could see her face with the proof. And that’s where my passion ignited. I wanted to yell it from the rooftops for others to benefit, too.
Do I think doctors and Western medicine are important and have a place? ABSOLUTELY! But do I believe they are the end all, say all? NOPE. At the end of the day you will have to do your own research and it will not always be easy, but you’ll learn as you go and you’ll build some confidence and some grit to go with it.
I by no means have it all figured out and I do not always make the best choices. I still struggle with remembering I don’t have to finish everything on my plate. I sometimes forget I can say ‘no’ to unhealthy food without hurting or offending someone who means well (recovering people pleaser, here). I can choose my health in the midst of the whirlwind that is beautiful motherhood, serving my family, keeping up with obligations, and all the days in between.
But, and this is a big BUT- your worth is not in how you look, the food you eat, the mistakes you have made, or even the successes you like to show off on the Socials. None of this health stuff matters if you’re empty in the most important places. Maybe you’re living to “follow your heart” because that’s all the rage these days. And despite that, you’re still feeling empty or lost. If so, what do you do to find what you may not even know you’re looking for? We already know that a weight loss journey, or a person, or even just going to church to make us feel better is not going to save you. It will only last for so long because we were never meant to be fulfilled by the world or anything in it.
“I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.” Psalms 57:2
He is the One we are all really searching for. When we always feel like we’re longing for the next thing, it’s because we’re not aware of the only thing that matters. The One who gives us a purpose - the Source. The only Source big enough for you and me and all of our struggles and hurts… Jesus Christ.
So mama, let’s do THIS together. That’s part of the mission here at The Coop. Whatever “this” is to you, you’re worthy enough to make the effort and change to better yourself, your health, and your family.
With Love,
