I feel Better All the Time now.

If you think that title is even remotely true, than you are giving me far more credit than I'll ever deserve! Because the fact of the matter is, I am still transitioning and learning how to apply everything I've learned as of recently. And while it's getting easier to make all of those applications than it was the first week (which was daunting as hell), I still have a way to go before I can totally relate, understand, and master the teachings of both the authors I've read about and my doctor's advice. But actually, as I type that now, I realize that health isn't linear and it isn't about mastering anything. It's about doing the best you can, one day at at time. So clearly, I have some inner messages to work on. But it's hard stuff. I overthink everything. Combining different exercise, diet, stress regulation, the daily tasks, and rest is a balancing act. And occasionally one is going to fall off the tight rope, but luckily we have our safety gear on and a net to catch us; our inner reminders and support system. But even with this in mind, the three topics below are what's leaving my overthinking brain in a tizzy.

Obstacle #1, different sources are saying different things. Keynote here, different things, not wrong things. The human body is a complex system requiring the need for different tactics. But I remem

ber reading in, "Fast like a Girl," to not go over 75 grams of protein. Weird considering my doctor and both books by Alisa Vitti recommend I get at least 100 grams.

Obstacle #2, not applying knowledge right as I learn it. When I get excited about something, I become impatient until I can finally do it. So when I read, "Fast like a Girl," I wanted to apply her teachings right away, along with happy cycle foods. The issue is, I am taking about 7 supplements and know that if I take them on an empty stomach, I will feel discomfort. So I must play the waiting game (which has never been my strong suit). In this space I realized waiting was a good idea, since I'm still trying to figure out how to get the proper nutrients everyday. I will be more keen with success if I figure that out first. I also remembered that I won't be taking all these supplements forever, in which, I can talk to my doctor about starting this fasting regime.

Obstacle #3, meal prepping can be hard. It can feel like another thing to add to the to do list. Some weeks its a breeze! But other weeks, where I just want to veg out on my days off, it feels like a drag; but if I don't get it done than I'll have a harder week. Also, the deciding of what I am going to make is always a doozy for me because I have to do a lot of cross research to see what cycle I'm in, remember what foods are good for that phase, then make a meal of it. It's a lot for my brain to conjure up, but we get it done! Luckily, if I am really racking my brain, then I can go to any of these books for recipes! I am also starting to get better at saving recipes that are tried and true.

Obstacle #4, I still have my moments of not feeling good. Particularly during my follicular phase, I often feel queasy or cramping sensations. In the most intimate moments of insecurity, I worry I am not succeeding. "Health isn't linear, health isn't linear, health isn't linear." Maybe if I say it enough times my brain will bloody remember. Keeping this in mind, it's something to discuss and explore with my doctor about.

Tie these all together and it often feels like my efforts are null and void which really feeds into my insecurity of not feeling good enough no matter how hard I try. But then I remind myself that health is not a linear journey (yes I am repeating that again), and it takes time and patience. This was an expectation even my doctor office laid out! I am showing up for myself and balancing all the systems of my hormones. More so, I am allowing my feelings to show up for me with these reminders in mind. Like I wrote in previous blog posts, I know there will continue to be challenges because I still have a lot of life to live.

Bravely yours,

Emma