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My Road to Wellness

October 4th, 2014 | by Pamela Simon | Comments Off on My Road to Wellness


Peace of mind

 

My road to wellness has been winding and bumpy and I’ve hit a few pot holes along the way.

I was fortunate to have been taught various wellness practices at a relatively young age that I continue to incorporate in my daily life. Unfortunately, my realization about putting wellness practices at the forefront of my daily life arose from a diagnosis of severe acid reflux at the young age of twenty-four.

At the time I was the head accountant at Whole Foods Market in the Midwest region, I was studying for my CPA, and had plans to get my masters in finance. Whew! I was quite ambitious!

With my busy schedule I relied on fast food and take-out for most of my meals. I smoked about ½ pack of cigarettes a day and by Friday I was more than a willing participant to meet up for happy hour! I was young and I felt invincible.

Then I began to develop severe migraines, the kind that makes you nauseous and blinded by light. Sleep was the only remedy for me when a migraine hit.

It was during this time that I started experiencing acid reflux. It became severe when I couldn’t even brush my teeth without gagging up bile from my stomach.

According to my doctor at the time, the acid reflux was brought on by stress and lifestyle choices. How many times have you heard your doctor tell you your symptoms are related to stress?Well I had big plans for my career and I wasn’t about to let a little thing like stress get in my way! Still, I didn’t like having to take medication every day, especially at such a young age.

That was my wake up call. Continue to let stress and lifestyle choices get the better of me, eventually get an ulcer, OR be proactive with managing stress and make better lifestyle choices. I chose the latter.

I started to explore my spirituality and began praying every day. I paid more attention to the food choices I made (I was working for a leading retailer in the natural foods industry for goodness sake!), and I started to practice stress-reducing techniques. Eventually I was able to get off the prescription medicine for acid reflux. And the migraines stopped once I quit smoking.

By the time I left Whole Foods to start my family I felt enlightened and capable of handling the trials and tribulations of marriage and motherhood. Little did I know how stressful motherhood could be! But I felt fortunate that I had a list of wellness practices that I could rely on and I did many times. I didn’t need them all at once, typically choosing one or two at a time would help.

Until my husband Larry died.

Then I needed ALL the tools I had learned over the years. I strongly believe I would not be where I am today if I didn’t work at getting well.

That’s right, it does take work to not only heal but also to manage staying well as you live your life. I won’t lie to you: there’s no easy button. Rest assured though, it can be done and that’s why I have created this wellness page. I’ve done the research, I’ve already implemented various wellness practices in my life, and I want to share this all with you.

On the wellness page you’ll find practical and informative blogs/videos regarding:

  •  Stress and how it effects your body
  • Tips on managing stress
  • Journaling
  • Affirmations
  • Meditation
  • Prayer
  • Beneficial physical activities

As I stated on the health page there’s no one-size-fits-all. What works for one person may not for another. I will help you figure out what works best for YOU!

I really want to hear from you. Is there a particular wellness practice you want more information about? What have you already incorporated into your daily life that works well? Please share, there are many others who would love to hear your story.

Be sure to check out the Health page where I will explore what we put in our bodies and how it helps us heal. My biggest hope and prayer for you is that you find your own road to wellness and enjoy the life you have.

Many Blessings,

 Pam




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