Ten years ago, I found myself in a large waiting room at a chiropractic office as I filled out my intake paperwork. I could see and hear people being adjusted by the practitioners right over the pony wall. My thoughts raced, “Really? I’m expected to get an adjustment in front of all these people when I am probably going to start crying from all the pain?” My anxiety and anger bubbled up, stemming from my inability to assert my needs – the very issue that caused my pain in the first place. This moment marked the start of my decade-long exploration into unconventional pain management, which I fondly refer to as FEM: Food, Emotions, and Mindfulness.
Throughout this period, I sought advice from traditional and naturopathic doctors. Yet, I learned that my intuition was the most valuable guide. Regrettably, many health professionals overlook the significance of what we ingest, our self-talk, and emotional management. They seldom asked the right questions or acknowledged our innate ability to heal ourselves.
Listen to Your Body
Looking back now, I can tell you that the stress of starting a new business while enduring
micromanagement at a part-time job brought me to that chiropractor’s office. Overwhelmed with resentment and desperation, I injured my back in a seemingly simple act – tying my shoes.
This incident wasn’t merely physical; it was the physical manifestation of my emotional turmoil. Ignoring my body’s warning, I proceeded to a job interview, which only reinforced my initial reservations. I had felt a condescending tone on an earlier phone call with the employer, yet I dismissed my instincts.
This experience taught me that we often ignore our body’s signals, even when they are glaringly apparent. Society conditions us to push through without questioning the norms. However, such neglect comes at a cost.
As I delved deeper, I noticed a pattern: my pain resurfaced whenever I engaged in activities misaligned with my values. Addressing my pain required tough choices and self-advocacy. I adopted a reflective approach, questioning my actions, thoughts, and feelings surrounding painful incidents and the life decisions I was avoiding. This introspection led to a profound realization – I needed to fully embrace entrepreneurship and acknowledge my worth instead of accepting what I am given.
Food, Emotions, Mindfulness
Years later, after being diagnosed with hypothyroidism and studying chakra energies, I understood the connection between my intake (food, emotions, thoughts) and my health.
Put simply, hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is when the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones to meet your body’s needs. This can disrupt such things as heart rate, body temperature, and all aspects of metabolism, as well as fatigue, cold sensitivity, dry skin, and unexplained weight gain.
The pandemic served as a catalyst for change. Blood tests prompted dietary adjustments, and I learned that certain foods, behaviors, and thoughts were the true culprits behind my recurring pain and injuries.
To sustain my well-being, I began to inquire:
- How do I determine the quality of my food?
- What does my food routine look like, and how has it evolved?
- What emotions and thoughts arise when I eat certain foods?
- What is the atmosphere like during my meals?
Confronting the reasons behind the toxicity in my life was challenging. The most difficult realization was that fear – fear of being my authentic self – was a significant obstacle. This fear seemed rational, rooted in the concern that others might leave if I realized my full potential. However, by limiting ourselves, we foster codependency and disempowerment. Embracing our truth is an act of authentic love and freedom.
Healing is complex, and achieving clarity is seldom straightforward. Yet, persistent self-
inquiry, attentive listening, and mindful actions gradually reveal the complete picture.
If you’re interested in integrating FEM into your life to reclaim your power and vitality,
I invite you to explore my Free Digital Training at raylifecoaching.com/free-resources. You’ll find resources like “Don’t Shut Up, Just Stand Up: Confidence Toolkit for People Pleasers” and “Get Out of My Way, I Got My MOJO Back, Baby! Become a MOJO Magnet.”
For those committed to personal growth, I offer workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions tailored to cultivating alternative skills for healing and empowerment.
Ray Beyor, owner of RAY Life Coaching, provides her clients with resources and practices that clarify their values, set steps toward their purpose, and master confidence while facing fears with patience, compassion, and accountability. Ray’s training in attachment theory, codependency, yoga, meditation, polyamory, consent work, dance, and astrology guides her clients into their authentic and abundant selves.
To learn more, please visit: www.reneebeyor.com,
call 860.966.5677, or email: [email protected].