Those of us suffering from PTSD, compassion fatigue, anxiety, and depression understand the struggle that is our daily life. And add the stresses of everyday living, it’s not a mystery as to why physical symptoms (body pain, irritable bowel syndrome, autoimmune diseases, high blood pressure, weight gain, cancer) manifest in our bodies. We routinely go to traditional doctors for every test imaginable to find the root cause of our physical symptoms with no diagnosis, but instead, a prescription for powerful drugs with a list of side effects that usually leave us feeling worse.

After my body told me that I was traveling down the wrong path for my health and mental well-being, I listened. I wasn’t seriously taking care of my needs in the de-stressing department and I didn’t believe that stress could cause so much physical havoc on my body. I’d also make excuses; “I can’t afford to take care of myself” or “I’m too busy to take care of myself” but I was determined to regain the control of healing my body, mind and spirit.

First, I took notice of where my money was going. I created a budget and found that I was spending a lot of money on my favorite thing…YUMMY FOOD.  I love to go to restaurants to try my favorite dishes and drinks. But, these outings were not only rough on my cash flow, but contributing to my poor digestion, which unbeknownst to me, was making my anxiety and stress symptoms worse.

Then, I took note of how I was spending my time. I let go of any activity or object that didn’t serve the purpose of being part of MY self-care program. I took the time that I was wasting on the “dreadmill” and the money I was wasting on the weight loss meal replacement shakes and a gym membership and put it towards myself and how I wanted to take care of myself. Not doing what works for other people or what the “experts” say I should do.