2022: A Year for Health & Healing
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An unexpected challenge for me in 2022? My health.
This is a vulnerable share for me, but I think it's important we talk more about health and well-being because it has HUGE implications on our life, our relationships, and the way we work.
I want to be VERY clear that this wasn’t a weight-loss journey… My transformation was about what I discovered on the inside. That said, losing 35 lbs - of fat, muscle, & inflammation - is too noticeable to ignore. I’m also not ashamed of myself in picture on the left, I was pretty happy with my body image, even being my heaviest weight ever. (I healed my body dysmorphia in fall of 2020 and have felt good about it since.)
Additionally, I didn't realize how much my mental clarity and general cognitive capacity was/had been affected. Health & well-being play a HUGE role in critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and productivity. (again, more on that later.)
The discovery & the journey of healing…
In May, I started to have some pretty annoying & uncomfortable symptoms that were disrupting my life and making it impossible to do anything - personal or work.
Through much investigation, testing, and working with different doctors, I discovered I had leaky gut and major imbalances in my GI tract - which impacts the entire body on many levels. I also had very low levels of good bacteria in my gut, inflammation throughout my body, and a compromised immune system.
I started my healing journey in June, making changes in my diet and cutting back on workouts.
In August, I became even more strict with my diet and the die-off effects were intense. My body was healing and it was extremely taxing. I believe that due to the die-off of bacteria and fungus in my gut, combined with my grief over the loss of my beloved Aunt, I slipped into a mild depression for a few months. To be honest, it REALLY sucked. Even with all the tools I have, there was only so much I could do other than put one foot in front of the other each day, doing the best I could to take care of myself. (Also I’m incredibly grateful to my boyfriend, Andy, for being an amazing supporter during this time. )
I had to take big steps back in the amount of hours I could work, primary because I was so tired. The funny thing is, when I reviewed my Q3 accomplishments, I actually got A LOT done - when I had been thinking I hadn't been doing enough. For those of us who default into "overachiever mode," we need to remember to give ourselves some grace... and that rest is productive. I worked when I felt clear - tasks, projects, etc. became so much easier.
In October, I began to feel the dark cloud lift and it was a huge relief. Things continued to improve and I began to expand my diet a bit. (To give you an idea of what "expand" means, having 5 blueberries was one of my first treats 😂)
I’m still working on resolving some of my issues and symptoms - it is a process - but overall I’m feeling much better. As I mentioned earlier, I didn’t realize that the issues in my gut were also leading to brain fog, sleep issues, and cognitive capacity, in addition to my physical symptoms. Even during the depression, there were times were I could think and focus so clearly. And I feel even more increased energy and focus now!
My biggest lessons: I only have one body, it’s my job to listen to it and be an advocate for my health. Health impacts *every other aspect* of life!
If you enjoyed this post, follow me where I primarily post —> on Instagram @itslomyrick, Twitter @lomyrick, YouTube @lomyrick, or LinkedIn! I’ll be sharing more about what I’ve learned, some new healing modalities I’ve uncovered, and why Health & Well-being is so important in the workplace in 2023!
Be well, my friends, and take good care of yourself!
xo,
Lo
