KNOW THE HEART. UNDERSTAND THE INTENTIONS.
When we share our story, we build connections: connections with others, connection with ourselves, and if we’re lucky, connection with our own authentic purpose(s).
Sharing posts with you here is my way of inviting you into this virtual abode (the blog) in hopes of making some form of connection. Maybe we’ll make connections as new friends. Maybe something I share will resonate with you and then you’ll connect to greater knowledge and deeper understanding. Heck, maybe something you see on the blog will help you connect the dots in your own journey of living a happier, healthier lifestyle (physically, emotionally, mentally, even spiritually for that matter).
There are SO many things I want to talk about and learn together through this platform. From overcoming birth/postpartum trauma to managing anxiety; to reclaiming identity and sharing favorite gluten-free recipes to supporting the body and mind. I told you it’s a lot! And it may seem discombobulated and spontaneous. But I assure you, it all plays a part. There’s a reason for it, just like there’s a reason you’re here reading this now.
The more posts I write and more topics I share, the more I find myself worrying that people won’t understand where I’m coming from. How do all these things tie together? Why are occasional gluten-free recipes and included in the same blog that’s talking about emotional triggers and whose mission is to fuel a movement of self-reclamation?
All of these things have been a part of a holistic approach to my health and to reclaiming myself. I’ve overcome debilitating anxiety, solved mysterious health concerns, and found ways to heal imbalances of my mind, body, and soul.
It all plays a part because we are all interconnected beings. There’s never one answer to wellness. True, sustainable wellness involves multiple parts and pieces that work together to design a beautiful tapestry.
A LITTLE OF MY STORY…FOR NOW…
For a very long season, I suffered debilitating anxiety and panic attacks that landed me in the ER on multiple occasions, in and out of specialist offices, even having to wear a heart monitor for a short period of time.
During this time, physically, I battled digestive problems, allergies, nutritional deficiencies, and got sick often. I’ll go into specifics another time.
Relationally, there was plenty of relational distress and I didn’t know if my marriage would make it.
Mentally, I was diagnosed with the triple threat of general anxiety, panic disorder, and PTSD.
For the better part of three years, I underwent all kinds of tests, was poked and prodded on numerous occasions, and tried a host of different medications that I feel further contributed to problems and often only provided temporary relief.
Nothing seemed to be working and I became hopeless.
It felt like my body was shutting down on me.
It felt like I was shutting down on me.
I had a very tough time connecting with motherhood, with community, with myself, and with my husband. Real talk– my hubby and I had no sex life for a year and took three more years for sex to not be physically and mentally painful.
So when I say that literally every area of my life was impacted by all that I went through, I mean it. Physical health, mental health, emotional health, spiritual health, relationships, holding jobs, mothering, etc…it was all tested.
Basically…
2015 – 2017 sucked.
2018 I decided my life didn’t have to be like this and made the decision to reclaim myself.
2019- Present has been a whirlwind of continual healing and moving forward with a holistic approach to wellness.
Because I overcame and continue to overcome A LOT (conditions, fears, limiting self-beliefs, perceptions, disorders, diagnoses), I am WILDLY PASSIONATE to share this journey with others. If I can do it, I believe others can too.
I don’t have all the answers, but I hope to save you some of the major WTF-moments I had for so long.
We were not made to suffer in silence.
We were made to love others and to love them well. And this blog is me trying, imperfectly at best, to do just that.
CHOOSING TO RE-WRITE THE NARRATIVE
When you see posts about nutrition or birth trauma or managing anxiety, maybe now you won’t wonder, “WTF- why can’t she figure out her “niche” for this blog?”. And if you don’t, then please ignore my self-inflicted insecurities.
This blog is multi-faceted because I am multifaceted. We all are. There is SO much more to our health, to our wellness, than just diet or just seeing a counselor or just self-care Sunday. It’s all connected. We are all connected.
The last five years have gone a whole lot different than I would have ever expected. Some days are harder than others- that’s no secret. But I’ve gotten to where I am and I’m proud. I’ve done it all with the grace of God, loving myself enough, and taking an effective holistic approach to my wellness and health.
I have reclaimed my life and myself back. And I don’t plan to stop any time soon.
I’m still doing all those things now. My life isn’t any more perfect, nor am I. It just looks different because I’m choosing for it to look different. I chose to re-write my narrative.
I think we all get the chance to do that. We just have to be willing and ready.
Personally, I find it’s easier to communicate when others know my heart. This requires they know at least some of my story. So I’m going to share a part of my story with you in the next blog post to let you know where I’m coming from and why I’m passionate about where I’m going.
The more you know someone’s heart, the better you understand their intentions.
I can’t wait to get to know each other and connect more soon.
It’s time I start sharing pieces of my story so I can best love others well.
Believe me, we’ll get to know each other real quick…
What’s your story?
Until then,
Maddie Adeline
