Health Comes Before Work

I let my work interfere with listening to my body. That is what I learned in the last two weeks.

For the past year, I have arrived at the farmers market late in the day and trusted there would still be enough food to nourish me for the week. I showed my dedication to my work and I trusted the process.

Then a Thursday came when I had a medical procedure. That evening I told myself, tomorrow go get coconut water in the morning. Your body requires the nourishment.

On Friday morning, I did not go get coconut water. Instead, I worked a full day, and arrived later to the farmers market. The coconut water there was sold out by the time I arrived.

In addition, the days after that were extra demanding. I was writing intensely. The car stopped working and was sitting in a public parking lot. I was walking everywhere. The head was pounding and warm. And I was forcing myself to eat peanut butter and oatmeal, food that is normal for me, just to get the nourishment. I wasn’t listening to my body. 

Finally, a few days later, I walked somewhere and bought a fresh juice with papaya, orange, ginger, lime, and cayenne. I felt the difference in my body after drinking the juice.

That night I fell asleep with chills and woke up soaked in sweat. My body was definitely not okay. The warmth and my pounding head still lasted a few more days after the night sweat.

My body had been asking for extra care. I knew my body required extra nourishment, and I was focusing on work. I may have made myself feel worse, and for longer, because of my choices.

So this past Friday, I stopped my work early and walked to the market when it opened. I got fresh coconut water, soursop juice, coconut milk, and coconut meat.

I am still being productive. But this week, I set myself up for success with my work and with my eating.

You are welcome to make your health a priority.

Stacy 🌺

https://youtube.com/shorts/yqUlSDME6qQ?feature=share

I share my experiences and my perspective. Eating and healing look different for everyone. If you are struggling with food or your relationship with your body, please find support. You don’t have to do this alone.