I'm back, back again!

Howdy Folks,

Yup, Im back! Its been 2 years and 13 days since my last post!

Gosh the consistency has been lacking on this blog hey, to be honest that is the case for quite a few aspects in my life, but let's not get into that now or else I'll ramble on for ages and pages!

Whilst I didn't officially blog I did do instagram posts, even though admittedly they also dwindled a bit, but if you have time on your hands and want to check it out you can find me at instagram.com/tashhurst

As is the case when I've been MIA on here for so long, I like to give you a recap before I dive into the nitty gritty, so here goes...

2023

August 

- Louis' 20th

September 

- Jazz went to pub for the 1st time, we went to an over 28s night and missed the kids.

October
- Jazz finished Year 12
- 9 year friendaversary
- Markys 51st Birthday

November
- Jazz's Soccer presentation
- Jazz car accident 21st

- Car written off
- Jazz got a Horticulture award
- Ace blew a tyre on FWY day he got P2 licence
- Jazz's Valedictory

December
- CT and nerve block in back
- Louis got Cert II in Hospitality and started Cert III
- I turned 49th
- Took Mum to Miss Saigon
- James turn 18
- Ace away for work
- Jazz on first date with first GF
- Family xmas including Marks sister and Fam.

2024

January
- Ace turned 20
- Jazz got a car
- Torquay family day

February
- Waitangi family day
- Jazz's first heart break
- Pneumonia
- Stitches in toe

March
- Ace got car - Skyla
- Mum and Dad visited from Tassie

April
- Louis first pub job
- 6th wedding anniversary
- Dad been gone 33 years (Handled it better).
- James got Ps
- Sarah went on Euro trip and G moved in :)

May
- Sam's 24th Bday at Taco Bills and  BBQ at her Mums dancing like crazy people.
- 1 year since Donna's passing.
- Louis got his Cert 3

June
- Jazz turned 19
- Sarah came home and G went home.

July
- Uni but I dont know what else!
- Mental health changed dramatically!

August
- Louis turned 21
- Had Surgery on lapband port again!

September
- Recovery - discovered I loved horror movies (who the hell am I?).
- Got my hair coloured.

October
- Jazz got his Ps
- Road trip to Packers (absolutely terrified on the way there).
- 10 year friendaversary
- Marks 52nd B'day
- Shit news!

November
- Mum turned 70th
- Sam moved out
- John williamson Concert
- Keanas Dance Concert
- Completed EFT diploma
- Juliette entered our life (Louis' GF).

December
- I turned 50!
- James turned 19
- I started driving again (using EFT to help).
- 3 Christmas celebrations

2025

January
- Ace turned 21 and saw the Hurst-Smith family reunited.
- Torquay weekend
- Catch up with Pa
- I cut my hair short
- Deep clean mode
- Ace hurt his hand at work and needed it glued
- Jazz joined the gym

February
- Went to GPAC Billy Elliot production
- Ace was made redundant

March
- I got Baptised
- Ace found new job, started 4th year of apprenticeship

April
- Notice to vacate due to selling (again)!
- 7th wedding anniversary
- Moved into new house on Anzac Day
- Dad gone 34 years

May
- Said Goodbye to No9k
- Louis got his Ps
- Found lump in foob

June
- Jazz turned 20
- I got covid and couldn't celebrate with him

July
- Got No23H all unpacked
- Biopsy

August
- Driving again (but not on FWY).
- Louis 22nd
- Another Biopsy
- Ace started going to trade school

September
- Got clear results!!!
- Made decision not to have next breast surgery, yet!

October
- Finished all theory subjects for uni!
- Started uni clinic blocks

And there you have it, the past 2 years and 13 days of my life!

Well, there was more. For example., family catchups, games nights, pub nights (for the kids), friends celebrations, medical appointments,  uni campus days, uni assessments, uni, uni, uni, haha.

To be completely real and raw, there were some pretty dark and heavy days during that time. Probably the darkest that I've had in quite some time.

For ages I couldn't accept that my usual positive polly self was replaced by this glum and gloomy masked person!

I mean, I had (still have) an amazing husband, kids, family, was (still am) working towards my dream career, and yet..., I thought the world would be a better place if I wasn't in it! 

Whilst I'm not lost in that darkness anymore with those thoughts, I still have grey days where I dont want to get out of bed and face the world.  The difference is, that I still want to be in it!

I may talk more about that in future blogs, but Ill just leave things here for now!

If you are here reading this, thank you xo

Read more "I'm back, back again!"

Tashs Treatment Plan

Goal 1: To improve my resistance to stress

Time frame to achieve: 3 to 6 months

Healthy diet

1. Tea/Coffee Reduction

Confession time: Hi, I'm Tash and I am a 'bordom' tea/coffee drinker. I have at least 6-8 cups (well mugs actually) of tea/coffee per day. My first and last cup of tea are made with lite milk and each have a heaped teaspoon of raw sugar, In the others the sugar is reduced to 1/2 a teaspoon. My coffees, of which is usually only ever two per day, are both made with lite milk, and a heaped teaspoon of raw sugar. My morning coffee acts more like a very effective laxative, and the second is to give me a little more 'ooph', or because I'm sick of tea LOL. I will say, that even though I have 6-8 cups, I tend not to drink them all; I get side tracked and forget its there, and then it goes cold ewww! What I have noticed with my cuppas is that sometimes the 'milk' feels 'thick' in my mouth.  This I think is my bodies way of saying it doesn't want the milk.  So, based on lets go with 8 cups per day, that means whilst I may not be eating much, I am having at around 6, lets say 8 teaspoons of raw sugar per day, which equals 128 'wasted' calories, but thats not my focus right now. Oh, I also have a hot chocolate just before bed.  

Did you know that on average?

• A cup of coffee contains 60-200mg caffeine.
• A cup of black tea contains 40-80mg caffeine.
• A cup of cocoa contains 5-40mg of caffeine.

So whats that, 400mg - 920mg of caffine per day.  

With the recommended daily intake being 400mg/d, its all starting to make sense.  Especially considering that caffine can:

• Increase cholesterol 
• Increase risk of peptic ulcers by 72%
• Increase urinary excretion of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and calcium
• Reduce iron absorption by up to 39% 
• Increase anxiety/insomnia at higher doses
• Impair glucose tolerance when consumed on an empty stomach

Natuopathic Plan:

• Swap two cups of caffinated tea for herbal tea e.g., cinnamon, chamomile, ginger, lemon balm.
• Swap late night cup of tea for sleepy herbal tea blend.
• Aim to drink last coffee of the day before midday.
• Swap one caffinated coffee for a decafe option e.g., 'Before you Speak Adrenal'.

My additions:

• Swap back to almond milk
• Reduce and then eliminate sugar in my teas, or try to embrace stevia
• Swap every second cup of tea for a herbal tea

2.  Try not to skip meals

A healthy diet can support immune function and repair the damage to cells by overproduction of hormones; adrenaline which suppresses the appetite, and cortisol responsible for the cravings.  This makes so much sense considering (1) I regularly skip meals eating only at dinner (family time), and/or once I am in bed and relaxed (which means going to sleep on a full tummy), and/or (2) I comfort eat; which admittedly is no way near the extreme it once was (aka I am no longer bulimic).  

Naturopathic Plan: 

• Choose foods for the mood
• Eat the rainbow
• Add a morning protein smoothie

Something that in the past helped me to reset and start feeling good was having my morning 'green' smoothies, so I am quite excited about restarting those again. I think my kids will be too actually, even Ace who is quite fussy when it comes to foods.

The naturopathic suggestion was to add some ground flaxseed, banana, leafy greens, berries, peanut/any nut butter with the Wellness road brand hemp or pea protein from Coles which is around $10. I love the fact that it is easily obtainable and affordable.

In all honesty, anything extra I can add to my diet during the day will be beneficial. Especially high nutrient dense foods (including omega 3's, protein, fibre, and good fats) as not only will it provide fuel for my body and therefore help with my low energy levels, it will also help to regulate my both my mood and blood sugar levels.

Top Ten Foods For your Mood.

• Spinach: Anxiety-relieving and mood-boosting. Source of magnesium (aids calmness) and folate (helps body to produce mood regulators; serotonin and dopamine).
• Pumpkin Seeds: Source of zinc (lowers anxiety levels), and essential amino acid tryptophan (converted by the body to serotonin). 
• Berries: Source of antioxidants (protect body against stress) and vitamin C (anxiety-relieving). 
• Avocados: Mood booster due to tryptophan, folate, omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins (stress reducers).
• Tumeric: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anxiety-relieving.
• Chia & Hemp Seeds: Source of Omega-3s fatty acids (healthy fats that are anxiety-relieving).
• Brazil Nuts: Source of selenium (mood regulator, anti-inflammatory, and anxiety-relieving).
• Dark Chocolate: Anxiety-relieving, Anti-depressent due to phenylalamine (mood regulator).
• Chickpeas: Source of tryptophan, folate and magnesium (stress relievers) and low glycemic carbohydrates (<55).

Eat the Rainbow

Eating two or more, half cup serves of brightly coloured fruits and vegetables per day increases our antioxidant intake, which helps to protect the body against stress and supports immunity and healing by reducing inflammation and cell damage.

• Fruit: blueberries, cherries and other dark berries, apples, pears, dark stone fruit, red and black grapes, figs, papaya, kiwi fruit and pineapple.
• Vegetables: tomatoes, capsicum, beetroot, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, radish, artichoke, avocado, broccoli, kale, spinach, cabbage, red and black legumes, onions. 
• Herbs and spices: garlic, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, fennel seeds, mustard seeds, chili, rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley, coriander, oregano, peppermint. 
• Sources of omega 3: small oily fish (sardines, mackerel, anchovies, herrings), walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds.

My additions:

• The items crossed out are things I dont eat because they are gross!

3. Increase Hydration.

Okay, I need to make another confession.  I do not drink anywhere near enough water on a regular basis! Water is essential to life! 50-80% of our bodies are made up of water, so we NEED it for all our chemical processes; digestion, nutrient absorption, movement, excretion, and temperature regulation.

Naturopathic Plan: 

• Increase water intake to 750ml per day before next appointment (12/10/23).
• The aim is to get daily water intake to 2 litres.

My additions:

• I have been adding some flavourings into my water to make it a little more enjoyable e.g., lemon slices, diet cordial, and herbal infusion tea.
• I also take my prescribed supplement N-Acetyl-Cysteine (to support liver, blood sugar regulation and addiction) in a glass full of water every morning.
• In swapping out some of cuppa teas for herbal teas, this will also boost my water intake.
• I also add 7 drops of Australian Bush Flower Essence 'Confid' to my water when I go to uni, to help me with my confidence in social situations throughout the day. With each sip I repeat the following affirmation.

I am confident in myself and my abilities, and am making positive changes in my life.

Lifestyle

1. Incorporate some daily self love practices

Naturopathic Plan: 

• Journal for 10 minutes each day writing down the following points: Today I am proud of myself because? Today I felt good when? Today I am grateful for? I love 'blah blah' about myself.  

I'll be honest, I'm resistant to this one, so I've decided to adapt it a bit until I am ready.

My additions:

• I will post my daily gratitude on social media.
• I will be proud of my accomplishments, and not solely focus on the points lost.
• I will graciously accept compliments by simply saying "Thank you".
• I will include a daily affirmation with my morning and night flower essence.

I meet and accept myself where I am and I choose to love myself today.

I meet and accept myself where I am and I am proud of all I achieved today.

2. Increase Movement

Naturopathic Plan: 

• Try incorporating an online yoga class daily such as Yoga with Adriene

This will help to support healthy weight management, insulin resistance and natural endorphin production. 

My additions:

• Instead of doing yoga daily, I will commit to 2 days per week.
• I will do my Lymphodema/Physiotherapy exercises 2 day per week.
• I will go for a walk, do a dance video, or do something else to move 2 days per week. 
• I will have 1 day of rest where anything goes e.g., nothing or something.

I am a little annoyed I waited until the good weather to get back into my walks because., a) theres the sun which I love more when I'm in the shade; b) Its magpie swooping season and the little buggers scare me; and c) my lymphodema is worse for heat, so I yet again self-sabbotaged.  

However, I plan to combat this by doing my Lymphodema/Physiotherapy exercises on the days in between so that way it assists me to remain consistent.

I love dancing; the movement, the freedom, the way it makes me feel.  Sometimes I just dance to whatever of the kids music is playing, or I do a dance workout video.  I especially enjoy the Fitness Marshall, and I do this other Walk Dance one.

I am looking forward to trying 'Boogie Bounce' with Sarah, although after watching the video I wondering if I'll be able to keep up, and are a little iffy on how the bouncing will go with my back.  On the other hand, I have read that boucing is ultra beneficial for lymphodema.  I am also ultra excited that the warmer weather is here which means swimming again, which also helps the lymphodema, and my mental health as I love the water.  Oooh just thought of going to the beach made me feel good.

Photo by Natasha Hurst

My ultimate goal is to get back to the training I was doing pre-surgery e.g., (crossfit, HITT/Tabata, boxing, running). Whilst I may not have always enjoyed doing it, I loved the endorphins it produced and the way I felt for it.  Plus I looked bloody good!

Ooh, I just remembered that I need to buy myself a wirefree sports bra.  I am still wearing the surgical bras I brought three years ago, and lets face it, they are doing nothing for me.  I've put it off for so long because the surgical process isn't finished, but I can't put it off any longer. 

3. Vagal nerve stimulation.

Naturopathic Plan: 

The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It is the major component of the parasympethetic nervous system or "rest and digest'. It is responsible for digestion, immune response, heart rate and controlling mood. Strengthening the Vagus Nerve can be achieved by the exercises below which help you switch from "flight or flight" to "rest and digest".

• Deep breathing (make sure your stomach expands outwards with each breath).
• Singing humming and chanting.
• Cold exposure (cold burst last 30 seconds of shower). 
• Exercise - walking or yoga is beneficial for brain and mental health.

My additions:

• Lymphodema exercises
• Playing guitar and singing
• Shower daily
• Exercise was spoken about above

Deep breathing is also a part of my Lymphodema exercises which is a bonus.

The vagus nerve is connected to your vocal chords at the back of your throat, which explains why when I'm feeling a bit low, I always gravitate to playng my guitar and singing power ballads. I received the most wonderful comment from Sorgi Stories the other day, and part of what was written said "...Maybe it's in one thing you do for someone. Like when your hands can do it, giving your gift of music to someone who needs it, ...the kind of gift that opens the human heart to itself and heals.That's love.There is a power in the recognition of loving yourself, in loving someone else, that fuels your spirit & soul through challenge...". So, I've decided that on the days I do play and sing, or even just do karaoke in my carport haha, I will record it and share here, in the hopes that I make a difference in your (you reading this) life, as well as mine.

In a household of six, it is not uncommon for the hot water to run out on me so I've pretty much already got the cold exposure covered hahaha. I will however, be mindful to which to cold just before jumping out on the days I do get some hot water.

Health Appointments

• Exercise physiologist
• General Practitioner (Appointment 4/10/23)
• Gynacology (Appointment 17/10/23)
• Naturopath (Appointment 12/10/23)
• Optometry
• Osteopath
• Chiropractic
• Podiatry
• Lapband
• Counselling (Appointment 25/10/23)
• Dental (Appointments 31/10/23 & 1/11/23)
• Lymphodema Clinic (Booked but forgotten when)
• Breast surgeon
• Lymphatic drainage massage
• Womans health clinic (Waiting on appointment)
• Diabetic Nurse

I look at this list and think 'Holy heck, it's alot'.  But, I am so proud of myself for being proactive in my health journey.  I am worthy of the time to attend these sessions, of ensuring that I am doing all that I can to achieve the best possible health outcomes for myself.

I've got a referral to the exercise physiologist so I will give them a call and make the appointment. Actually, I am in two minds about this one.  Maybe for now it would be more beneficial to use it for the osteopath instead until I am ready to increase my activity? Or maybe going will help to blend my Lymphodema/Physio and general exercise better?  I'll think on it a little more.

Before my next Naturopathic consult I need to get my GP to order a blood panel to check my B12, HBA1C, thyroid, and iron. I'm pretty sure it's been 3 months since my last lot of bloods and Diabetic review so I was due to get them done .  I also have to head back for another hoohar burn too.

Since I'm talking about making appointments, I also need to call and book appointments for my eyes, feet, back, and lapband, and ofcourse juggle the time to fit them in.

I am a huge advocate for seeing a trained professional in the field of mental health. Not only does it allow you to express your thoughts and feelings in a nonjudgmental space, but they can also provide beneficial strategies to help reduce stress. That reminds me, I will check with my GP when my mental health plan needs renewing.

I really dislike going to the dentist, but it is so important, especially considering that after years of vomitting, along with the reflux, I have worn the enamel off my teeth.  Since the back to back ops in 2020 I have had so much trouble with my teeth.  One of my major embarrassments is the gap in my smile due to needing to have a tooth removed during covid as I couldn't afford a root canal.  Sadly, I was booked for a root canal for the tooth on the opposite side but now they are saying it can't be saved and they want to remove it.  I am personally not will for that to happen just yet.  I will definiely be asking for a partial dentures or something like that.  They refused the falseys as the rest of my teeth are okay, which on one hand is a bonus, but on the other not so much.

And..., I just realised that I did not add my next lymphodema appointment into our Family Wall App, so I need to call and find out when that is as I dont want to miss it as theres over a six month wait each time.

I also need to make an appointment to see my breast surgeon, but as much as I want the operation to happen, I don't think I'm ready for another one just yet.  Feb/March next year would work, or even July because that's mid-semested break.  If I could find out in time to know whether to enrol in online/blended subjects that would be handy.

Ooh I also need to find somewhere locally that does lymphatic drainage massage. 

I am also waiting on an appointment with a womans health clinic to look at the menopause stuff.  I am hoping that by the time it finally gets booked, I will be managing it alot better with the changes I am implementing.

As usual this post became ultra epic.  If you have made it through reading all this, you are AWESOME and I am so APPRECIATIVE!

Until next time, 

LLP xo Tash

Read more "Tashs Treatment Plan"

Setting Goals...

Writing a wish list is an awesome step.  I am so proud of myself for acknowledging what needs to change in order for me to feel more vitalised and connected with myself (as an already perfect creation, in the image of God).  However, it is only one part of the process, one piece of the puzzle.  Turning those wishes into a reality is the next step.  I am ready, I am willing, and I believe I am worthy of the next step.  Which means, I need to set some goals! 

When I start the goal setting process I ask myself a few questions first.

• Why? 
• What? 
• How? 

The first and second I've already answered, now its times to look at how can I achieve them.  More specifically, to ask myself, what do I need to do to make my wish a reality?

To do this, I use the saying and acronym that Goals should be S.M.A.R.T!! 

• Specific
• Measureable
• Achievable/Attainable
• Realistic/Relevant
• Time Based

You can read more about each of the steps in details HERE, although the goals in that post no longer apply.

There are 31 items on my Vitality Wish List. Hmm, where to start? Lets go with the first item on the list, which is to 'Reduce and deal with stress better', more specifically 'To improve my resistance to stress', remembering that some things are legitimately outside of my control.

Lets talk about stress!

What is stress?  If everyone experiences stress for different reasons, how then does the one word cover it all?  I guess to sum in up, stress is the feeling of discomfort which surfaces when we are faced with something that theatens our optimal wellbeing.

Did you know there are three main types of stress that occurs in our daily lives, that can be experienced in combination with each other?

• Acute e.g., a random event such getting stuck in traffic.
• Acute episodic e.g., recurring uni/work deadlines.
• Chronic e.g., persistent events like health issues, financial struggles. 

Also, although I listed stress under the mind category, did you know that it actualy affects your body, and spirit too?  For example., anxiousness can feel like a knot in my stomach, and/or my mind racing at a hundred miles per hour. Afterwards, I am left with a headache, and perhaps even guilt because I lashed out at those I love, or because I comfort ate a crap tonne of things that I know that isn't good for my body. 

This is an automatic 'Fight or Flight' reponse as a way of self protection; whereby, when faced with 'stress' the body automatically kicks it up a gear or two and floods with stress hormones (e.g., adrenaline and cortisol) to essentially prepare you for battle. Not to say this is a bad thing, in fact it is ultra beneficial in many sitations.  However, if this response is relentless, the body becomes over exposed to the hormones, which can cause disruption of the bodies processes causing inflammation and damage to our cells, aka dis-ease and/or disease.  

With this in mind..., you know how I said I wouldn't go all hell for leather and do them all at once, and slow and steady is the best course of action? This is where things get a bit tricky because of the interconnction.  Given this, there are realistically some things that can be grouped together, which means doing more than one thing at once in a relevant and beneficially healthful way to achieve/attain my goal.  It may make more sense if you can see it on paper.  

Below, in bold is a general stress control tip, and underneath it is a point from my vitality wish list:

Goal 1: To improve my resistance to stress

Mental health counseling or other social support.

- Catch up with friends

- Counselling appointments

- Meet and accept myself where I am 

Healthy diet.

- Improve nutrition

- Hydrate

- Feel healthy and comfortable in my own skin again. 

Regular exercise.

- Move

- Physiotherapy Exercises

- Feel healthy and comfortable in my own skin again. 

Work-life balance.

- Take Medication/Supplements as prescribed. 

- Book in and attend medical appointments. 

- Attend regular naturopathic consultations 

- Keep budgeting/paperwork in check.

- Keep house clean and organised (including outside areas) 

- Routine, Balance, and Consistency 

- Quality family time 

- Intimate connection with my sweet man

Good sleep hygiene. 

- Improve quantity and quality of sleep

- Read or Listen to audio books

Meditation or deep breathing techniques.

- Focus on gratitude

- Daily Affirmations

- Daily Meditation

- Daily Scripture and Prayer

Schedule 'me time' at least once a week.

- Genuinely and graciously savour the time off from work

- Gardening

- Self care

- Feel connected with my local community again

 

Which leaves:

- Reconnect with my purpose

- Look at starting back at work 

- Quit smoking

- Get op ready 

If you look at whats left, even those can be grouped and fit in one of the categories above.  For instance., reconnecting with my purpose blends in with looking at starting back at work, which can be achieved by getting my mental health in check, working on a my work/life balance, and spending time in meditation.  Quitting smoking will enable my body to be more optimally ready for my next op, which can also be achieved with mental preparation and losing some weight, which also falls under the categories of following a healthy diet and exercise.

See what I mean about tricky!

Stay tuned, and in the next post I will go through my plan; this will include both that prescribed by my Naturopath and some things that I have/plan to implement to enhance it.

Thanks for reading, LLP xo Tash 

Read more "Setting Goals..."

Vitality Wish List

So, here comes the self-analysis stuff.  I mean I have been learning the skills, so applying them on myself to get my own s#^+ together seems like the logical step right!?! 

I will say though that I do not believe that in order to help others I need to have it all figured out first; does anyone ever have it all figured out?  I mean just when we think we do something comes up, or we personally change our goal post.  Is life not a constantly evolving process? Anyway, I have experienced firsthand that you can be a work in progress and help others at the same time. Actually, it was the fact I was actively working on myself that helped me inspire and empower others when I was working as a Personal Trainer. Afterall, I am a big believer in leading by example.  

So, I guess in using myself as a ''case study' it is more about reclaiming the me who believed in herself.  To actively take the steps towards feeling worthy of the title I am studying to achieve!  Although, I can proudly say that since I first started writing this post (they take me a while, sometimes days, sometimes weeks), there have already been shifts in that area! 

But I digressed, I do that a lot, imagine being in my head where there a million thoughts all at once and each thought has its own branch, with twigs, and..., get back on track Tash! 

Anyway, since becoming aware of how I felt, or more to the point, since I have actively acknowledged my feelings rather than hiding behind the mask and trying to ignore them (you'd think I would have learnt by now that suppression is not the answer huh!), I've been spending some time taking an aerial view of my life, to gain a broader perspective on what I feel I need to change, or implement in my life to reset, refocus, readjust, and restart again reignited!  I have shared my list below, but before we get there let me tell you a bit more about the process. 

From a naturopathic philosophy view this is known as 'Establishing the conditions of health'; the first step of the naturopathic order whereby you highlight and remove the disturbing factors which when left unaddressed can become obstacles to cure, and as such something that may be acute, ends up becoming chronic or degenerative; in other words, worse than it really needed to be. For example., you have a pebble in your shoe that is making your foot uncomfortable. Instead of removing the pebble you just try to ignore it, and push through the discomfort it is causing. Then, you start to experience pain in your foot, so take off your shoe and notice there is an open wound.  You take the pebble out now right? Nope, you apply some antiseptic and a band aid to the foot, put your shoe back on and keep going. What do you think is going to happen?  Will the wound get better, or will it continue to get worse because what caused the wound in the first place is still in the shoe? You get it right? From a naturopathic point of view, the logical step is to remove the pebble before it becomes a boulder that crushes your being!  In other words, you address the cause (Tolle Totem). 

The pebble, the obstacles, are unique to the individual, although quite commonly include poor diet and lifestyle, excessive stress due numerous reasons such as socio-economic barriers, disruptive coping mechanisms, trauma, toxic exposure, and so on and so forth. Be they in place for an excuse or a reason, or a combination of both,  by acknowledging and removing them  it allows the bodies innate healing ability to be optimally engaged, and the implementation of more healthful regimens and therapeutic interventions to be effective. 

Acknowledgement: This is the first, and dare I say the most important step, as you cannot move from where you are if you do not first acknowledge that change is needed! 

Removing Obstacles: It is one thing to acknowledge that change needs to happen, but another completely to actually 'be ready', 'be willing', or 'believe you are worthy' of doing what needs to be done to change! 

It is worth noting here that acknowledgement and the action of removing obstacles, may not follow one after the other in quick procession.  In fact, acknowledgement alone may be a back and forth process, whereby one 'knows' that is something is not quite right, but does not progress past that point, for days, weeks, even years.  This is similarly the case with being ready to implement change.  Oh, and of course there is the one I actually think is the clincher; believing that you are worthy!  That you are worthy of dedicating the time to work on yourself.  That you are worthy of showing yourself the love you so freely give to others.  That you are worthy of not just settling with your lot in life, that you deserve to walk in pebble free shoes! 

In the past I called the list I'm going to share, My 'Happiness' to do list but the word didn't really fit - you can ready more about why I thought that HERE. The word 'vitality' on the other hand, which in its simplest form refers to universal "life force", fits perfectly!  Why did it take me so long to figure that out, seriously slapping my forehead right now! 

Stimulating vitality, more formally known as the Vis Medicatrix Naturae is the second step of the Naturopathic order. It is about implementing healthful regimens to stimulate and boost the "oomph" that gives us our spark, zest, energy, to not only endure, but to survive and thrive in the process. 

Something I feel needs to be mentioned here, is that although my list is extensive, as my vitality is currently 'low', taking a 'gentle' approach is the best course of action not to overwhelm and cause further dis-ease.  This again reinforces what I spoke of in my previous blog.  Here is a very brief recap for those who have not read it. The "all or nothing" mindset I held to achieve perfection, of which was measured against where I was when not dealing with the myriad of factors present today, was not serving to heal my body, but further dis-stress it. Thus, in order to achieve the 'consistency' I desire, in a way that aids the healing process, I needed to shift my mindset to that of 'something is better than nothing' and embrace a 'slow and steady' approach. 

In embracing the naturopathic philosophy of 'First do no harm (Primum non nocere)' this means utilising the least amount of force in order to promote gentle, safe and long-lasting health and well-being.  Over time, as my vitality increases, adjustments can be made.  In other words, unlike the me who would have written this list and then done a complete overhaul to address them all at once, I will be breaking it down piece by piece and doing what I can, when I can..., with the mindset that small steps each day will be more beneficial overall! 

What you will notice about my list is that it is separated into the categories of mind, body, and spirit to encompass all dimensions of wellness.  Each are intimately and very intentionally intertwined, and as such one can affect the other.  For example.  If you do not put fuel (food) into the car (body), it will not run.  If you do not check the engine (mind), it can lead to problems that make its performance not quite right.  I could go on producing more analogies, but I think you have got it! For me personally (and I know that this is not everyone cuppa of tea), in taking a holistic view we are looking at all the parts of ourselves as one, as “created in the image of God”; of which I have no doubts that great care and dedication were taken to get each part exactly right.  I mean, how fascinating is the human body! 

Something else I should share is that I do not think ‘good health’ is simply an absence of illness. It is the culmination of the physical, mental and spiritual centres of an individual working in harmony together to provide balance.  It is an individual process and as such an individualised integrative approach is needed to provide the diversity of treatment.  In other words, a one size fits all mechanistic approach is not the answer, although I do believe that the scientific knowing of the mechanics does have its place.

Anyway, I have once again written an epic novel, and really all I was trying to do is share my list.  So, with no further ado, here it is (Hallelujah I hear your say hehehe)!

Tash's VITALITY Wish List 

MIND

- Reduce and deal with stress better

- Reconnect with my purpose

- Read or Listen to audio books

- Focus on gratitude

- Genuinely and graciously savour the time off from work

- Keep budgeting/paperwork in check. 

- Look at starting back at work 

- Gardening

- Catch up with friends

- Daily Affirmations 

- Counselling appointments 

- Meet and accept myself where I am 

BODY

- Improve quantity and quality of sleep

- Take Medication/Supplements as prescribed. 

- Book in and attend medical appointments. 

- Attend regular naturopathic consultations 

- Improve nutrition

- Hydrate

- Move

- Physiotherapy Exercises

- Feel healthy and comfortable in my own skin again. 

- Quit smoking

- Get op ready 

SPIRIT

- Daily Meditation

- Daily Scripture and Prayer

- Keep house clean and organised (including outside areas) 

- Routine, Balance, and Consistency 

- Quality family time 

- Intimate connection with my sweet man

- Self care

- Feel connected with my local community again

This is it ‘for now’, because as I said earlier, is life not constantly evolving?

“A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the Lord directs his steps and establishes them” (Proverbs 16:9).

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