things i've learned: living well

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 My health journey has been an interesting one. Sometimes I joke around with the ladies at my 9-5 job that sometimes I feel like I'm in a 70-year-old body. And not necessarily because I haven't taken care of myself, but mostly because I was way too rough on my body when I played sports. Now, the past 3-4 years, I've not done the *best* job at putting good things in my body and exercising, which has only added to feeling like I'm much older than I actually am. :) 

 For a long time, I've been discouraged at ever getting back into good health. Every time I've tried, it seems something puts me down or stops me from accomplishing anything. Whether that's been money, time, energy, availability, physical limitations, you name it - it's been an excuse. For the past few months, however, I've been really trying to take a look at how I can better take care of my body. No excuses. 

 This brings me to the past few weeks. A few weeks ago, I found out that I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Many of you may know what this is, but I'll give you a brief overview if you're unfamiliar. PCOS is a disorder of chronically abnormal ovarian function and abnormally elevated androgen levels that effect a woman's ovulation. When the doctor told me this, I was immediately scared. Many of you may also have PCOS (or some other related health condition) and know the fear I'm talking about. I was scared of infertility, of the higher risk for diabetes and heart disease, and for what this meant for my long-term health. My already increased awareness for living well skyrocketed and I knew I had to do something. 

 Now, you may think that being diagnosed with PCOS is a horrible thing. But, for me, it has been the exact opposite. It has been a blessing. A difficult blessing, but a blessing nonetheless. In all of this, I have three HUGE things to be thankful for that I want to share with you:


1. A FRIEND

So, after I found out I had PCOS and got really freaked out, I contacted a dear friend of mine who also has PCOS. She talked me through my fears, insecurities, and questions. She reassured me. She gave me tips and advice. She was an incredible blessing. One that, without, I might have become hysterical.

If you have PCOS, I hope you know that this is part of why I decided to write this post. I want to be that friend if you don't have one. Or at least direct you to some resources that have been helpful to me. I debated for a long time whether or not to post this for many reasons. But, ultimately, I knew that I needed to open up and share this part of my journey because there might be one person who needs a friend that can relate.


2. I REGAINED MY DISCIPLINE FOR HEALTH

Having PCOS means that, because I'm more prone towards diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, if I want to have a full life, I need to take really good care of myself. This means a strict and limited diet, good exercise, and plenty of rest. Exactly what I need. It has been an extreme blessing to have this kind of kick in the butt.

I feel like I can relate to the purpose behind this quote from Kris Carr's book Crazy, Sexy, Diet - "Many patients have told me, 'Being diagnosed with cancer was the best thing that ever happened to me.' A skeptic might reply, 'What are you, crazy?' To which they might hear, 'That's what it took to get my attention to begin changing my life in ways that have made it so much more joyful and meaningful.' Not that we look for illness or suffering, but sometimes, for reasons that may be a mystery, there it is. What we do with it makes all the difference in the world. Even when we can't be cured, we can be healed, becoming more whole."


3. SURRENDER

Every dream I've ever had, I've had to - at some point in my life - surrender over to God. Trusting that He is the one who controls the course of my life. And He is the one who gave me the dream in the first place. The biggest dream I've ever had is to one day be a mom. Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to be a mommy just like my mommy. I loved babies. I wanted to take care of them, nurture them, hold them, comfort them. I knew that part of my main purpose was to raise a family - that it was a deep part of who I was.

With the threat of infertility that comes with PCOS, I've had to surrender that dream completely over to the Lord. This is a wonderful, but very difficult thing. But one I am extremely thankful for. I know that if I don't surrender this dream over to God, that I will be holding back a part of me from Him. I will be demonstrating that I don't trust Him - that I don't think He is able to handle or *fix* this as well as I can. And I will be putting myself as Lord over my life. Instead, this is allowing me to say to Him, "Whatever your will is, Lord, let it be." And I know that, no matter what, His best is always better than mine.



SOME RESOURCES THAT HAVE BEEN HELPFUL:


  • PCOS Diva - This website has been such a helpful resource! Amy has meal planning tips, dinner ideas, and loves to answer questions! She is an expert and is very focused on making sure that you take care of yourself.
  • Crazy, Sexy, Diet by Kris Carr - Savannah gifted me this book and it has been a wonderful help to training my mind to think differently about food and health. Kris' inspirational story and motivational voice are so encouraging!
  • Oh She Glows - I've been trying to find more sugar and carb-free meals and Angela has so many wonderful ones to choose from! It's hard to find something I don't like!

 My hope is that this will encourage you in your journey towards living a more full, healthy life. Hopefully you can find the hidden blessings in your own life and become more whole.

Jennyhealth, living well, things i've learned, wellness4 Comments