Some signs you can’t ignore. When I recently received the diagnosis of vocal cord paralysis, a part of me wanted to laugh. I hear you, universe. I may not be able to respond, but I hear you!
I totally believe in the power of the mind-body connection and the idea that if we hold on to negative emotions they can have adverse effects on our health. (If you haven’t yet watched the documentary “Heal” on Netflix please do!) So of course this experience has me questioning not only my physical health but all the spiritual and emotional junk that’s built up for me. What gives? What areas can I work on? Where can I focus my healing? Was there an emotional cause of this? In my soul-searching one of the first things that came to mind is my difficulty in asking for help. I’m stubbornly independent and hate feeling like a burden. Having a baby has forced me to ask for help more than usual, but there are times when I’m juggling holding a crying baby and simultaneously (and usually unsuccessfully) trying to multitask and instead of just yelling for help I try to make it work. And when it doesn’t I get frustrated. (It’s actually sort of funny after the fact. Have you ever tried to put on underwear with one hand? Surprisingly challenging!) Self-care is something I preach but don’t do nearly as much as I know I need. As a new mom it’s engrained in me to put baby first. But like we’re always reminded when flying: secure your own mask first, then assist the other person. So I’m working on taking care of me so I can better take care of everyone else. I’ve never been to so many doctors' appointments in such a short time (I don't know how all of you with chronic health issues do it!), and while a CT scan isn’t my favorite way to relax, I’m learning to use the time I have at various doctors as self-care. It can’t all be chocolate donuts and bubble baths. This week included visits to the chiropractor, a CT scan (all-clear!), an OB 6 week follow-up (minor prolapse, cleared for exercise), and acupuncture (lung meridian chi deficiency; more on the insight I gained from this session in another post). Next week is speech therapy, massage, and lots of scheduled Helen time. I’m taking walks every day, getting back into my yoga practice, and working on writing when I have down time on my phone instead of endless social media scrolling. And of course, I’m asking for help by:
My voice is sounding a little better already and I’m slowly getting back to feeling like my (new) self. And while my ENT isn’t convinced there’s improvement without my vocal cord functioning coming back, I know these little things add up to big energetic shifts that definitely do make a difference for me. I am my own best healer and this is my path for now.
1 Comment
Jules
4/1/2019 09:17:29 am
Being a new mum for sure is an absolute shock as well as a joy, mentally, emotionally and physically it's life changing! I have a now 5 year old amazing daughter but the one thing I wish I had done was communicate better with regard to how hard and demanding it was and yes ask for help instead of feeling I "should" do it all myself. But it's not easy when you're not built that way! I am much more likely to be the helper than the helped ! Get well soon, I only found you via your YouTube videos a month ago (I just finished a month of daily FYS yoga practice!) but you have bought much peace and calm to my life in that month, and I'm wishing you that back along with good health ASAP xxx Jules
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Helen's Adventures as a Traveling YogiFollow my adventures on social media! Archives
March 2019
Categories
All
|