Navigating through the turbulent waters of perimenopause, and now being in the menopausal phase of my life, has indeed been quite the ordeal—a challenge that often felt like a nightmare. To find balance within this new hormonal landscape, I realized I had to learn and adapt. Engaging in hormone replacement therapy marked a significant turning point for me, bringing about substantial changes in my body.
Through this Quest, I deepened my understanding of how intermittent fasting could influence hormonal balance. The teachings of Ronan on this subject weren't new to me; in fact, I had already been practicing intermittent fasting and have continued to do so with great results. I’ve incorporated 72-hour water fasting quarterly and undertake a 24-hour gut reset fast at least twice a month. Once a month I also commit to a 36-hour fast.
My health has improved tremendously. I've transitioned to a diet of whole foods, cutting out sugar, gluten, and dairy completely. Cooking is a passion of mine, and preparing meals from scratch using whole ingredients brings me joy.
Admittedly, maintaining this lifestyle during vacations or nights out can be challenging. I certainly notice the difference—my body does not take kindly to the deviation. Nonetheless, I remain positive and do my utmost to make healthy, moderate choices when dining out. Gone are the days when I would pound the pavement, running 2-3 miles daily. Although I no longer engage in such intensive running, I've found joy in my daily 2-mile walks with my husband and my beloved puppy, Sophie. These walks are not just exercise, they're a source of delight and an essential part of my day.
It's a testament to my progress that I'm aiming to challenge myself further with 20 to 25-pound weights soon.
It wasn't long ago that sciatica nearly brought me to the brink of surgery. Now, the thought is a distant memory. I'm a firm believer in the healing power of consistent exercise; it's become my medicine, my therapy. The satisfaction I feel at the end of each workout is immeasurable—it's a reminder of how far I've come and the strength I’ve gained, both physically and mentally.
My journey to wellness has also brought about a significant improvement in my sleep. I’ve transitioned away from relying on sleep aids, now achieving a consistent 8 hours of natural, restful sleep. I adhere to a routine, going to bed and waking up at the same time daily, which has become a cornerstone of my well-being. Admittedly, during my longer water fasting periods, the surge of energy from increased ketones makes it challenging to maintain this routine, but it's a small ripple in an otherwise tranquil pool.
In parallel with my health, my relationships have flourished. I've rekindled my connection with my husband and deepened my bonds with my friends. As they've witnessed the transformation in me, it's sparked curiosity, and now I find myself sharing my journey, coaching them through the lessons of my own experiences.
Joining Mindvalley and going through this program was a step to further educate myself, to delve deeper into the wellspring of knowledge, and arm myself with evidence-based practices through studies with incredible coaches and engaging with my peers in the Circle, the coaching lab, and beyond. This experience has been overwhelmingly positive, and seeing the changes in myself, I no longer seek proof, I embody the evidence.
Now, it's time to spread this message. To those who hear my voice and listen to my story, I hope to be an inspiration, a living testament to the power of transformation. I am here to encourage and perhaps even ignite a spark in others to make their changes for the better. This isn't just my success, it's a beacon for what's possible.
During my transformative journey, I've embraced an invaluable practice taught by Vishen – the art of meditation. His techniques have taught me to quickly enter a state of deep relaxation and self-healing. I've discovered that meditation is more than just a practice; it's the cornerstone for everything. To cultivate the right mindset and embrace life's full potential, one must learn the art of meditation, to relax and be truly present.
Life is far too fleeting not to savor every moment. Amidst the rollercoaster of existence, it's essential to carve out moments to appreciate ourselves, to love ourselves, to 'smell the roses', so to speak. It’s not just about relentless work, it’s also about finding space for self-care.
I've learned that it's all too easy to find excuses for neglecting our well-being, but we must rise above them. We must take proactive steps towards self-care, understanding that prevention is better, less costly, and far more straightforward than curing disease.
This realization has been revolutionary, guiding me to prioritize my health and embrace every joyous aspect of life.
After taking this Quest, I feel empowered and enlightened. There's a harmony between my mind, body, and lifestyle that I've never experienced before. The sense of inner balance and vitality I now enjoy is something I have been seeking for years.
I recommend this Quest because it provides a comprehensive and accessible roadmap to whole-person health. The community support, expert knowledge, and practical tools offered are unparalleled. This course goes beyond temporary fixes, offering deep, meaningful, and sustainable changes.
The areas of my life where I've noticed the biggest changes include my daily energy levels, mental clarity, and emotional resilience. I’m more productive at work, more present with my family, and more engaged in my hobbies.
The power of mindful movement – exercise can be a form of meditation and self-discovery.
Nutrition is not just about eating right, it's about understanding the signals your body sends and responding to them with compassion.
Health is a journey, not a destination, it's about making better choices one day at a time, not striving for an unattainable ideal.
The biggest positive change I’ve noticed is in my self-awareness and self-care practices. I now approach life with a proactive mindset, prioritizing my health in a way that nourishes all facets of my being – physical, mental, and emotional.