I have a love for running- and yet, too often in life we are running away rather than leaning in.
Running has taught me perseverance. It has shown me my strength. It has brought me community and given me a place for self-reflection.
But running has also been a scapegoat at times. At one point in my life I ran so I wouldn’t have to face people or deal with my own heart. Rather than feel, I ran to see if I could escape.
Sometimes it feels easier to run and hide in our fears rather than face the hard stuff of life.
My husband and I have been married for over 17 years. While we were dating we ran a lot together and I LOVED it.
In 2006 my darling husband was diagnosed with an autoimmune thyroid condition. We have had to make the choice to lean into the healthy lifestyle practices that will help him (and ultimately our family) rather than run from the daunting changes we need to make.
Since then, I have learned that there are times to run, and then there are times to sit, be still, and work IN rather than workout.
Having an autoimmune condition, or caring for someone who does is confusing, unpredictable, and life-changing. It’s taken us years to work through living with an autoimmune issue, and while we haven’t solved the entire puzzle for him yet, we have learned quite a few things.
You can’t run from your body. Your health will chase you down and force you to deal with it…or at least if you don’t you will pay the price sooner than later.
You are your greatest advocate. The explosion of autoimmune issues is not well researched yet, and western medicine does a pretty poor job of helping people find optimal solutions. Find the resources and practitioners who will be your partners for seeking answers for you to recover health in ways you can manage. Thankfully there are now more resources than ever to help someone struggling with an autoimmune condition, such as: Amy Myers, MD, Isabella Wentz PharmD, Datis Kharrazian PhD, Chris Kresser MS, L.Ac. and Dr. Mark Hyman and many others.
Diet, sleep, and stress management are the keys to feeling better. And one of the best ways to deal with stress is to breathe through calming movement. Here’s a great example for you: Breathing Squats
Communication is crucial for helping your loved ones help you. It can be easy for those around you to think you’ve hit the lazy-easy button. In reality, if you need an extra nap, or have got to get time alone to catch up on recovery, then say so and ask for what you need.
When it comes to your health, it’s no good to run when you are having a flare-up (both literally and figuratively).
Even more importantly, it’s no good to run from your diagnosis. You must face your issues and take action. Your life matters far too much, especially to your family, kids, or the children you’ll have one day to ignore your body.
It’s my mission to help wannabe moms or moms in action who have an auto-immune issue to restore their energy and take back their health so they can parent with all of their soul strength.
If you know a woman who is struggling with an autoimmune issue like hashimotos, graves, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac, multiple sclerosis, etc. please forward this message to her as I would love to be a support and light of hope for those who are suffering.
Blessings and Health to you,
Nicole