I have to admit that I have been on a roller coaster lately. I have let a lot of things cloud my mindset. I have (as I say) lost my mojo. It’s not unusual for this to happen to most people, but I don’t consider myself “most people.” <insert eye roll> I have prided myself for the last few years as being able to really be positive, looking at the good in all things, except for the last few months. I have been able to fake it when I am at work (although it’s really obvious I don’t have the energy I once did), and at gatherings with friends and family (that I force myself to go to). So what’s going on?
Well there’s several things I could blame this on…I turned 50 this year. Big deal, right? Well it was for me. I can’t really explain it except pure vanity and ridiculousness. I don’t want to get old. I want to look and feel young. I have so many things left that I want to do. (Seriously, stop complaining). And for the last almost year I have entered perimenopause. At first it was just the delight of fewer periods…nothing else. Until I started having more symptoms. I began to feel different. My positivity began to wane and I started to feel agitated, irritable, and sad. The ‘ol self doubt and lack of confidence crept back in. And I stopped doing the things that kept my energy, mindset, and confidence where I liked it. I love blaming menopause for this…it let’s me off the hook.
The key is that I stopped doing the things (consistently) that kept my mindset, energy, and confidence where I like it. I stopped. I am not saying I wouldn’t have some symptoms, but I bet I wouldn’t feel as bad as I do. I know what works and according to all the hours of research I have done…what I was doing is the solution. I am not a fan of pharmaceuticals, so I wanted to figure this out without any meds. I know for some, hormone replacement therapy or other medications might be the answer, it’s just not for me. So, as I poured over the research, the common theme to help with the symptoms of (peri)menopause is: meditate, eat healthy (get the proper nutrients), lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, exercise, and get plenty of rest/sleep (recommended 7 hours).
I started a healthy eating plan and fitness routine a couple of years ago and for the most part have kept up with that (well except for the last couple of months). I gave up most of my gluten and sugar and found a plan that gave me back my health. I started regular workouts in the morning to give me energy and start my day off right. Then just this last summer (2017) I began a few new things. I read “The Miracle Morning” by Hal Elrod. (I highly recommend this book). This along with Gabrielle Berstein’s “The Universe Has Your Back” gave me the focus and insight to myself and my purpose. So, what do I do?
- When I wake up, I drink a glass of water (and brush my teeth). I then put on my workout clothes.
- I head downstairs. I sit on my couch and read my daily devotional (Jesus Calling), then I sit in silent prayer for 5 – 10 minutes. I connect with God. I listen to his whispers. I sometimes will say some of the meditation statements (learned from Gabrielle Bernstein)
- I say positive affirmations – these change based on my current struggle or goal.
- I write in my gratitude journal – sometimes it’s just a sentence, but it’s a good way to focus on something good.
- I do a workout (minimum of 20 minutes)
This may seem like a lot, but it works. When you focus on positive things, connect with your higher power, affirm your own self along with the power of exercise, you will see stress subside, more positive things happen around you, and a radiance that comes from within. People want to be around you because you inspire them. You want to be around you because you have inner peace.
I share this with you so if you are struggling, maybe this will also work for you (trust me it will). I also share this to put it publicly that I am going back to this and want the accountability. I will get back on track with my healthy eating. I will get back on track with putting all my effort in my workouts (and doing them daily). I will get back on track and meditate every morning. I will get back on track and say self affirmations. I will get back on track and write in my gratitude journal.
I will find my inner peace again and look at my life through the lens of love once again. I hope that you can too.
fitscholarvickie.com 