Understanding the Why

I'm so excited to be a Mom someday.

I know that's a funny thing to say at the start of a wellness blog, but I'll explain. 

You see, the "why" of someone's health journey is more important than the "who, what, where, when and how." In my experience, it is the root of everything we are searching for in our quest for the happiest, healthiest life. 

For me, personally, my journey started very young. I was diagnosed with a few autoimmune conditions (PCOS first in my early teens, then Chronic Fatigue and Hashimoto's in my late teens/early 20's). It utterly destroyed me both internally and externally for a long time. Mostly because I didn't fully understand the reason it was happening and also because I felt like I had no control over what my own body was trying to tell me. One of the traditional doctors I worked with at the time told me straight to my face that "You will most likely have issues trying to have a child one day." I hadn't menstruated in well over a year, my hormones were completely out of whack, I was gaining weight, exhausted and in an utter state of inflammation. I was defeated. With all that being said, the words literally cut me to the bone. I felt like I was sucker punched in the stomach and was left there with absolutely no answers and a head full of questions.   

At first, I was devastated. Devastated. How can someone say that to me when I have grown dreaming of carrying children one day? How is that fair? The truth is, it wasn't at all. The emotions went from so sad, to angry, to now: determined and inspired. It wasn't until I took my own health into my hands that I was able to take the power back from what was said to me that day. Looking back, that moment and beyond is one of the biggest blessings in my life.  

The ironic thing is, I'm not a Mom yet (those beautiful girls pictured are my nieces), but I will be one day. I wake up each day and make choices based on that driving force. I have worked my tail off in my own personal journey to reduce inflammation, eat right, exercise, sleep and manage my stress appropriately- all to make sure I am nourishing my body in the way that it needs to work properly. It has taken a while and patience is definitely the virtue I have learned in the process. But, my root is grounded in my mission and it's something that continues to motivate me each and every single day. I have normalized and regulated my menstrual cycle, thyroid and energy on my own and it's been that way for a few years now. No medications, no treatments, just a holistic and natural lifestyle supported through nutrition. My last annual proved that we do have the ability to take our own health in our hands, as my current OB/GYN came into the exam room, gave me a big hug and said "Every single test has come back completely normal, Alicia. I'm so happy for you! I see no reason you will have any issues when you are ready to start a family of your own." She's seen the blood work, internal ultra sound images, food sensitivity testing, and has had countless conversations with me partnered in my mission and completely on board with what I have done. She now understands the value and feels inspired to send other patients my way who can benefit. What better gratification than that? Healing myself with the opportunity to help others in the process- that is my mission. That is my "why" and I will continue to fight not only for mine, but yours as well. 

Today, I challenge you to take a minute and ask yourself what is the real reason you want to live a life of wellness? What is the strongest root in your tree of health? Understanding this concept and creating a plan to execute it will transform a wish into your new reality. 

With your reason to succeed, right team and plan of action- I truly believe anything is possible! 

*To Living the Life of Your Dreams*  
  Alicia