I’m tired of people romanticizing overexertion. Exhausted is not the new chic. Coffee (though {sometimes} a delicious necessity) is not a food group, and running on fumes is not admirable. Why do we hold pedestals for sleepless nights, break downs and inner turmoil? Are those things really to aspire to? Self care, balance, the ability to know when your body, mind, and spirit need to take a step back. Those are things we should admire. We have to stop blurring the line between ‘commitment’ and self endangerment, because too many people are burning out before they have a chance to truly shine.
…because love wins.
Category Archives: PCOS
The 25th year!
I think I’ve evaluated that life is often a walk to find the line between remaining optimistic and leading, and being jaded and hiding away. When I was 18, I was like most 18-year-olds and thought I knew just about everything that there was to know. And I did know enough to live through college, collect some awesome friends, do some jobs I love and decide on a wonderful boyfriend. But I certainly didn’t know everything.
It’s amazing to watch little kids look up to me and other people my age. I remember the first time that I realized they expected me to know everything for them. It’s amazing – and somewhat terrifying. But it’s a wonderful thing how loving someone and leading someone teaches you to make up your mind and be what you know you should be. That was one of the most memorable catalysts for growth in these 7 years.
So now I’m 25. I learned a lot since age 18. Here are 25 of those things.
- Eating healthy isn’t a fad. It decides an awful lot about how you succeed in life.
- You don’t know everything. Neither to do I.
- Apologies are real, and if they work, that’s awesome. But sometimes they don’t, and that’s likely not your fault.
- You never, ever, need to apologize for who you are. What you have done, yes, but who you are – no. Don’t. Ever.
- Mental illnesses suck, and are real, but also don’t decide a person’s character.
- I love Justin Bieber.
- God can take it when you’re angry at Him.
- You really aren’t likely going to know what God is always doing, but eventually you’ll make it through.
- Dating people is fun. Don’t be afraid to do that. Heatbreak heals. You’ll grow a lot.
- You don’t have to be friends with people that you don’t like.
- It’s okay for you to say no and have boundaries.
- LOVE YOURSELF. Do things that make you happy.
- Never stop dancing. Especially when you’re sad.
- Your mom and dad are people. They are different than you, and make mistakes. Not everything is their fault.
- Changing poopy diapers is a life skill everyone should have.
- Roommates found on Craigslist can be character building.
- Listen first. And sometimes just listen, if you have no idea what to say. You don’t always need to know what to say.
- Don’t walk away in the middle of an argument.
- Arguments and conflict are okay – learn how to fight fair and express emotions.
- People who look awesome sometimes make big mistakes. And things are redeemable.
- Driving with the windows down doesn’t get old.
- Smile wide, and often.
- Say what you mean. Try to figure out what you mean.
- God holds me so so so close. And I am so important.
- I am valuable, and should be treated as such. So are you.
So there you go. I have lots of cool things planned for the 25th year of my life. And Justin Bieber released a song for my birthday. What a guy. Have a wonderful day, lovelies!
…because love wins.
PCOS: Spearmint Tea
My brain is coming out of the fog that it sometimes likes to have, so I thought I would talk about how it does that.
I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) when I was 18 or 19. I had a lot of acne, a little extra dark hair, and didn’t get my periods every month. (Sorry for the info boys!) Until a doctor said that actually was an issue, I didn’t really think much of it. Even after the diagnosis, I didn’t think much of it.
The basic treatment protocol for PCOS is oral contraceptives. And that was pretty terrible for me. It works well for some (let’s not argue about the risks and moral issues here – but be sure to do your research and make your own individual decision), but it basically made me a zombie. I didn’t know it at the time, but college really doesn’t make a person THAT tired. Especially when you actually sleep at night. So I did that for 3 years. I was on lots of different kinds. I didn’t have acne – but I also didn’t really get to live a life.
I tried Spironolactone. That made me cry within a half an hour of taking it. It made me think the world was ending. My doctor hadn’t ever heard of that happening before, but alas, it did. So that was enough of that.
Finally I got off all of it and did the natural route. That was in January of 2013. It’s taken a while, but I would say I am almost there. There have been many changes in my diet and I can talk about that in another post, but what seems to best take me out of my fog is drinking Spearmint tea.
I was always okay with drinking tea, but I wasn’t really sure it did much for a person. I’m sure it doesn’t work for everyone, and it wouldn’t work if I didn’t exercise and eat the right things, but my brain is often foggy until I have 2-3 cups for the day. I just had my second cup. And I finally feel like I can think clearly all the time without looking through the clouds whenever they would decide to show up.
I know lots of ladies want to know – I order a large box from Traditional Medicinals (pictured) on Amazon, and that lasts me quite a while. Oh – and my acne is gone too! If you haven’t tried it, go for it! It’s been life changing for me and I hope it is for you too.
…because love wins
Because Love Wins 