Life is all about the choices you make. You are not powerless.
May 13, 2024
I make choices every day.
I make choices that are in the best alignment with who I want to be, how I want to show up, and how I want to feel. Because of this, what I consume is different from what it used to be.
I care deeply about what I put into and on my body. It’s all about paying attention to how things make me feel and learning how my body reacts to them.
The choices that I make now are very deliberate.
Here, I’m breaking down what choices I have made in the past 4.5 years to feel my best:
Alcohol was the first to go. Not only did it worsen my anxiety and depression, but it led me to behave in ways that contradicted my values. Cutting it out eliminated the need for the cocktail of pain relievers I used to rely on after a night of overindulgence and the cycle of regret/shame that typically followed. Plus, without alcohol, I no longer craved unhealthy comfort foods.
Next were antidepressants. While I acknowledge their necessity for some, they left me feeling emotionally dulled. I wanted to experience the full spectrum of emotions, not just a muted version of myself. I started using more holistic modalities to help learn from these emotions (especially the hard ones) and to regulate my nervous system.
Then came hormonal birth control. Sold to me as a solution for acne and period symptoms, it took me years to realize the multitude of side effects it carried. Studies now reveal the potential risks associated with long-term use. It’s not healthy and has done damage to my system that I am still working to remedy.
I also stopped taking allergy medication. Despite being allergic to practically everything outdoors, my family physician and allergists only recommended over the counter meds (I was taking 3-4 a day to deal with symptoms). I discovered that addressing the inflammation in my gut significantly reduced (actually almost completely eradicated) my allergy symptoms.
Ditching hair dye followed suit. After experiencing headaches post-dyeing sessions, I decided to embrace my natural greys. Ageing is a part of life, and I refuse to hide it behind chemicals. I earned every one of those greys through lived experiences.
Eggs were another culprit. Despite being a staple in my diet, eliminating them resolved my congestion and ear issues almost immediately. It turns out I had developed a sensitivity to them due to vaccines administered in the 80s.
Even with the changes above, I still battled periodic anxiety and mood swings. Through trial and error, I uncovered sensitivities to MSG and artificial sweeteners, both of which exacerbated my symptoms. Consumption of MSG (monosodium glutamate) is associated with anxiety, depression, and stress. As are artificial sweeteners (like aspartame, sucralose). So no diet coke, Old El Paso Taco seasoning, or dentyne ice gum for this girl.
And then there’s sugar, my longtime weakness, my sweet sweet friend. After quitting alcohol, I found myself indulging in sweets excessively. Little did I know, this craving was fueled by an overgrowth of candida in my gut, perpetuated by a diet high in sugar and refined carbs. Cleaning up my diet helped curb these cravings.
Lastly, there's the regret of getting the Covid vaccines. I received both doses without fully understanding their implications. Looking back, I wish I had taken the time to research and make an informed decision about what was best for my body.
These experiences underscore the importance of personal responsibility and autonomy in our health decisions. It’s crucial to ask questions and advocate for ourselves, even if it means challenging conventional wisdom and popular opinion.
The way I see it, If you’re struggling with health issues, you need to start making choices. I encourage you to examine what you consume and your lifestyle. It may feel daunting at first, but taking ownership of your health is empowering.
Quick fixes may offer temporary relief, but true wellness requires sustained effort and awareness.
As I approach my 40s in exactly one month, I can confidently say that I’m the healthiest I’ve ever been. It’s not because of any magic pill or fad diet, but because I’ve committed to nurturing my body and mind with care and intention one choice at a time. And that's a journey worth embracing.
I want to empower you to make confident and autonomous choices in your life. Together we can challenge societal expectations and stereotypes. Overcome internalized self-doubt and low self-esteem to shape a future where every decision aligns with your authentic desires and priorities.
Breathe it in, be deliberate, and be good to yourself!
Chelsea
aka The Deliberate One
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