I Hate This.

It's taken me years to finally get the courage to address several areas of my own well-being. It all started with a trip to the doctor during the first week of January. I received so much insight into issues I've been experiencing and problems that I had been choosing to ignore. I've been on medications for over a month and I truly feel like a brand new version of me. 

Growing up, medication was something that was frowned upon and feared in our household. Once I became a parent, my entire perspective shifted. I knew that I would do anything in my power to give my children relief from whatever they may be experiencing. From everyday colds, to the flu, ear infections and even a journey into Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, we've overcome a lot....thanks to modern medicine. However, there is one particular person who was left behind in this journey. 

Me. 

How often have we kept ourselves on the back burner as moms? How many times have we made appointments for our kids, taken them to the dentist or went to buy them medicine, yet we neglect to do the same for ourselves? How often have we noticed an underlying problem or dealt with chronic pain while just hoping it would go away tomorrow? How often has the cost of living kept us from seeking treatment? How often have we told ourselves that what we are feeling is just a part of life and to suck it up?

Yeah. Me too. 

I'm not sure exactly what clicked for me in 2023, but I believe it's a combination of several factors. First, my children are getting older and more self-sufficient. With that comes the realization of just how fast time is flying by and I find myself wanting to do everything in my power to be here on this planet with them for as long as possible. Perhaps it's all of the sick time I've had to utilize due to chronic migraines throughout my career. Maybe I'm tired of walking around pretending that everything is okay. Maybe (just maybe) a conversation with you inspired me to take action steps toward overall well-being. 

With these new found discoveries and answers surrounding the majority of my symptoms, I have learned to embrace medication. If taking medication will allow me to live my best life, then it is 100% worth it. It's my new normal. I'm no longer afraid and definitely not ashamed of it. I've been complimented several times by those who have noticed a positive change...a "glow" as some have called it. I appreciate this so much. 

I don't want to lose this momentum on this journey to being the best version of me. I'm scared to death about the next steps in my wellness journey, but I'm facing fears head on.  

Next up? Addressing the dental work that I've been postponing out of crippling anxiety and fear. In addition, I've made my very first therapy appointment. 

Honestly though? I hate this process. 

I'm giving myself no choice. No excuses. With age, comes wisdom. These action steps are in my long-term best interest, as well as those I serve every single day. Here's to my new "glow" up!