Sometimes Self-Care Isn't Glamorous
Let's be honest...
No one wakes up thinking, "Yay, I can't wait to get a colonoscopy!"
If you've had one before, you probably know the prep is...memorable. If you haven't had one yet, let's just say the prep is intense, and your proximity to the bathroom suddenly becomes the most important part of your day. 😄
The procedure itself? Honestly, that was the easy part.
Definitely not anyone's idea of a relaxing day.
But as I reflected on the experience, I realized something.
Maybe this is what self-care sometimes looks like.
Not the cozy blanket.
Not the massage.
Not the cup of tea.
Sometimes self-care looks like making the appointment you've been putting off.
It looks like drinking the prep you'd rather avoid.
It looks like trusting your healthcare team.
It looks like taking a day to rest and recover.
It isn't glamorous.
But it matters.
What I've Learned
Over the past few months, I've been learning a lot about giving myself grace.
Recovering from surgery, navigating changes in my body, and continuing to live with Multiple Sclerosis has reminded me that caring for ourselves isn't always convenient—or comfortable.
Sometimes we think wellness only counts when we're eating healthy, exercising, drinking enough water, or making all the "right" choices.
Those things absolutely matter.
But so does preventive care.
Mammograms.
Colonoscopies.
Annual physicals.
Blood work.
Vaccinations.
Dental cleanings.
Eye exams.
Skin checks.
These aren't the exciting parts of wellness, but they are some of the most important.
Many serious health conditions can be treated more successfully—or even prevented altogether—when they're found early.
And here's the thing...
We spend so much time taking care of everyone else that it's easy to convince ourselves we'll schedule the appointment "next month."
Life gets busy.
The calendar fills up.
We don't have time.
Or maybe we're nervous about what we might hear.
But our future health is worth making time for.
If you've been putting something off, consider this your gentle encouragement to take that next step.
That's why I believe taking care of ourselves means embracing both natural wellness and traditional medicine.
I love supporting my body every day through nutrition, hydration, movement, essential oils, and healthy habits.
And I also believe in keeping up with recommended screenings, asking questions, and partnering with my healthcare team.
To me, those things aren't in competition.
They work together.
Both are ways of caring for the body I've been given.
Ways to Care for Yourself
If you've been putting off a preventive health appointment, here's your gentle reminder:
- Check when you're due for your recommended screenings.
- If you've been avoiding an appointment because you're nervous, talk with someone you trust about your concerns.
- Give yourself permission to block time for recovery afterward instead of jumping right back into your to-do list.
- Celebrate yourself for taking care of your future, even when it isn't fun.
Preventive care isn't about living in fear.
It's about giving yourself the best opportunity to stay healthy so you can continue showing up for the people you love—and for the life you want to live.
One Small Step This Week
Take five minutes this week to ask yourself:
Is there a health appointment or screening I've been putting off?
If there is, don't worry about doing everything today.
Just take one small step.
Schedule the appointment.
Write it on your calendar.
Or simply look up when you're due.
One small step today can make a big difference tomorrow.
Reflection Question
What's one act of self-care—or preventive care—you've been putting off because life has gotten busy?
I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Remember: Your body isn't working against you—it's communicating with you. Listen with curiosity, respond with grace, and take one small step this week.
Repeat these positive affirmations to yourself...
* I am resilient and can overcome life's challenges.
* I am strong and have the power to make the right choices for me.
* I am grateful for what I can do.
0 Comments