Did anyone else notice that as soon as Thanksgiving was over, everyone had their Christmas decorations up the next day?!
Anyways… I digress.
2018 is coming to a close, and I can’t even…
My head still thinks we are in the year 2008. Anyone else?
My intention for the month of December has a theme – let loose and be present. I want to thoroughly enjoy my last month of 2018. I don’t want to worry about achieving my goals. I don’t want to fixate on healing my gut. We can save all the drama for January, right? I just want to make the most out of this holiday season with my friends and family.
On November 20th, I had my first appointment with my naturopathic doctor. I cried after the appointment because it went so well. My doctor was so knowledgeable on SIBO and better yet, she knew every which way on how to heal it… for good. The appointment gave me hope in recovering my gut and faith in my doctor.
However, she gave me the choice to heal it now or wait till the new year (after the holidays). The healing process consists of a 14-21 day elemental diet, which is an all liquid-formula diet, and then we would do a prevention diet. I didn’t even think twice when I told her I wanted to do it now. Something in me wanted to prove to her that I was serious. If I could drink an all liquid-formula diet for 21 days during the holiday season and say no to all of the food and alcoholic beverages, than I had the will-power to do anything.
Then a couple of days went by. I had some time to think. I realized that I was going to have to go to a bunch of holiday parties, family gatherings and work events bringing the liquid-formula. This was going to bring me back to how I used to feel when I had an eating disorder… the only one sitting at the table not eating the home cooked meal or I either brought my own food because it was “healthier.”
I became aware that I was resorting back to the “all or nothing” mindset rather than one that is balanced by choosing to heal now during the holidays. That “all or nothing” mindset is stressful. The holidays are supposed to be fun, a time for giving, and creating memories. I don’t want to remember this holiday season being miserable and subconsciously wanting to avoid all events so I don’t have to explain why I can’t eat or drink.
I want to heal my gut in an environment that isn’t stressful.
After giving it more thought, I decided to put my SIBO treatment to the side and really enjoy the rest of 2018. I want to put my mental health first.
Besides, January will be the perfect time to start my SIBO treatment. It’s the month for resolutions, health kicks and sober January. There’s less family gatherings, holiday parties and events in general. I feel like everyone will be a lot more supportive in January than during the holidays!
Tell me your December intentions! You can tell me in the comments below, DM me on Instagram or email me!
- Chat with me xx