Today, as I walked into the sauna of my gym for my daily contrast therapy, I stood in front of the stove and saw my uterus on the wall. For the first time in several years of doing this very often, it became clear. My ovaries are carved in stone on that wall.
Feeling happy, especially during a tough time, is so difficult. It takes relentless energy to keep myself on track and moving forward. I have to attack it with the vigour of my full time job. I share this for anyone who is struggling and feeling the same way. You aren't alone and yes, it takes so much effort to drag yourself out of dark places. But, my friend, you can. Trust me, you can. I have made a career out of it.
Here are some tips:
Find a body of cold water to jump into even if it is a bucket of ice. I am serious. Just get in. It doesn't have to be for long, but enough time to jar/shock your busy mind into your body. I made my teenager do it a few days ago when she was in a very bad mood. I said, just get in that water.
She reluctantly stepped in. I said it doesn't have to be for long. Trust me, you will feel better.
Afterwards: I did a physical comedy reenactment of what I heard: splashing around like a cat dumped into water, huge gulps of air, and real effort , hard effort, to extend the exhale per my instructions. I think half the water in the ice bath was now out of the ice bath upon her exit. It was a high volume exit. Then, she tip toed to me in the other room with red skin and a giant smile. We both sat there and laughed, each exchanging reenactments of each other's reenactment.
Meditate as much as possible. As. Much. As. Possible. If that means dropping down wherever you are for two minutes and doing 6 rounds of two inhales and one exhale in/out your mouth, do it.
Tag the good things: note them out loud. Thank them even. Thank you light for turning green when I biked up. Thank you bee for not stinging me. Thank you sea gull for making me laugh when you I saw you eat a full croissant. And so on...
Move your body. Better yet, move your body in nature. Better yet, dance. Go on.
Track your cycle or ask your daughter to track hers, becuase likely you are synced. And, there is triumph realising that last week it was really just PMS and this week you can benchpress a car. Yes, the beauty of the female cycle. Herculean strength follows the tough week.
When you can: laugh hysterically. Find the most ridiculous thing and let your laughter erupt from your belly. That was me today, when I noticed my ovaries on the wall. I spent the rest of the session, paying homage at the temple of my uterus.
Oh, and sweat out the negativity if you can in a sauna. The Finns do it and they seem happy.
