Do you take the stairs or the escalator?
I choose the stairs, but it might not be why you think.
A few months before I was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis in 2000 and didn’t know what was wrong with me, there was a period of time when I was in debilitating pain. I was taking 11 aspirin every day to help deal with the pain; the side effects included constant ringing in my ears and it destroyed my gut as all nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs do. Hello, leaky gut. Ugh.
I recall one day in particular when the pain was so excruciatingly unbearable, I literally had to crawl from the bed to the bathroom.
I hold on to that memory as a reminder: I take the stairs because I can walk.
My level of pain and inflammation has ebbed and flowed over the years. I am very happy to report that from years of intentional work -- shifting my mindset and thoughts, changing my lifestyle (sleep! listening to my body! setting boundaries! self-compassion!), and changing my diet -- I am feeling vibrant, happy, and pain free.
I take the stairs to show myself how far I’ve come.
Believe me, I am NOT a “no pain no gain” or “push through it” person. Quite the contrary! When I take the stairs, I move as slow or as fast as I want or as I’m able. No rush. I take my time.
(Please note that I’ve learned my body’s limits and if the pain and fatigue is severe and there’s an escalator, I take it! Those with autoimmunity know that pushing yourself is not a good idea).
To love and help support myself, for years I’ve been saying to myself with each step I take on stairs, “I am happy, I am healthy, I am healed, I am whole, I am strong, I am flexible.”
While I don’t have the physical strength or flexibility I once had, I am continuing to heal on many levels. I am strong in my mind and determination. I am flexible in how I view the world and myself, and I am whole because I have learned to trust myself. I have a deep sense of purpose.
And that deep sense of purpose inspired me to become a Nutritional Therapist & Wellness Coach so that I can guide others in achieving their personal health goals.
With that said, this is for you!
Please join me on Facebook Live! My new favorite thing!
I’ve been going Live on Facebook every day this month of January, sharing reflections on affirmations from one of my teachers, motivational author, Louise Hay. THANK YOU for all who’ve joined the Facebook group, viewed live, and watched the replays!
I’m excited to offer a free online live workshop: “How I Overcame Pain, Fatigue, & Negativity and How You Can Too!”
The workshop will provide mindset, nutritional, and lifestyle actions and recommendations that you can implement into your life.
WHEN: Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 12-1pm EST / 9-10am PST
WHERE: Facebook Live! Join the community: Wellness HQ: Health & Healing through Mindset, Real Food, & Lifestyle
If you’re unable to join me live, you can always watch the replay!
Love,
Alyssa
January 14, 2020