Women to Women Program - Hormonal Health part VI

Thirty days have past since I first began the Women to Women program and all seems well enough. It’s probably not the best 30 days to evaluate this program as I’ve had an unexpected factor to add to the equation - some personal difficulties that brought excessive stress. Although some might say that would prove an excellent test. Any thoughts I had of a ‘super supplement’ delivering me from the pain of emotional turmoil was dashed. I know, how silly.

The truth is, prior to my upheaval two weeks ago I was doing pretty well. The recommended dose is two packets of the vitamins and two Herbal Equilibrium per day. One dose with breakfast, the second with lunch. Starting on January 5th, I only took one packet per day because I wanted to ease into the new routine and test the waters slowly. When I discovered my body was agreeable to the supplements, I gradually increased to two packets per day beginning around January 19th. I’m in a good habit now. Leaving the vitamins on the kitchen counter where I see them first thing in the morning has helped.

So far I’ve noticed that I laugh more and am not so overly sensitive to the niggling little things that usually bother me. Brain fog/lack of focus comes and goes. Being snowed in doesn’t help and we had a significant number of snow days in January. Most often I feel like hibernating through the winter and so, lack of motivation almost seems normal. On the upswing, I can say with confidence that my times of sadness/feeling overwhelmed have been helped. This may sound odd, but my thought patterns are different. Instead of descending into a negative vortex of unfounded thoughts, my outlook is brighter. Instead of feeling overwhelmed with the intensity of circumstance, I can know that even though stress is present, it’s manageable and it won’t last forever -- this too shall pass.

"If I can endure for this minute

Whatever is happening to me,

No matter how heavy my heart is

Or how dark the moment may be

If I can remain calm and quiet

With all the world crashing about me,

Secure in the knowledge God loves me

When everyone else seems to doubt me

If I can but keep on believing

What I know in my heart to be true,

That darkness will fade with the morning

And that this will pass away, too

Then nothing in life can defeat me

For as long as this knowledge remains

I can suffer whatever is happening

For I know God will break all of the chains

That are binding me tight in the darkness

And trying to fill me with fear

For there is no night without dawning

And I know that my morning is near."

This Too Shall Pass, by Helen Steiner Rice

After being snowed in for a time, I got off my schedule of regular walks and hikes and I can feel the difference. Eating well, taking my supplements and exercise have been very helpful tools in working toward hormonal balance. Prayer, meditation and spending quality time with friends are equally important. In fact, I cannot overstate the positive impact friends have on emotional health. I am blessed by my friends. From the encouraging notes that come my way, to their prayers, to phone calls and personal visits --true friends are medicine for the soul.

For those who may continue to be interested in this series on women’s health, please let me know. I am committed to doing the Women to Women wellness program for 90 days and would be happy to post an update at the end of the 3 months.

Blessings to you on your own journey toward health and healing, in mind, body and spirit. †