Our power comes from knowing ourselves, listening to ourselves, and doubling down on that when challenges arise.
Earlier this summer, I was reminded of the temptation to take quick fixes rather than addressing the root cause.
I’ve been struggling with hormone imbalance since I started taking birth control when I was a teenager. Yet when I raised concerns, the advice I received throughout much of that time was to increase the dosage (take more hormones) or try another type… it was presented as my only option.
I first tried to get off birth control three years ago and after eight months off, found myself in the gynecology office being “diagnosed” with PCOS, having several ovarian cysts, and being told I needed to get back on birth control. I have a history of ovarian cysts, so I listened. I didn’t know any better.
Soon after, Ayurveda found me. I began reading everything I could and the more I learned, the more deeply it spoke to me. Ayurveda focuses on treating the root cause holistically. Simple yet powerful practices to return your body, mind, and soul back to their natural rhythms. I began working with Martha and Nibodhi - two Ayurvedic doctors who have transformed my life. After implementing “non-traditional” things - a set yoga flow every morning, dry brushing, self-massage, eating for my body - I began feeling INCREDIBLE. Better than I had my entire life.
Last October, I decided once again to get off birth control. I knew this unnatural thing was not supportive for me, and I was committed to staying off. I was doing pretty well… until June. My system went crazy. I got chills and a fever the night before my period. My lymphatic system was swelling, I had an insane headache, I couldn’t think, work or do pretty much anything. It was awful… and it had me concerned…
After swearing I wouldn’t go back… I found myself in the gynecology office being told once again that birth control was my only option. The quick fix…
It felt like a joke… I was so angry.
Thank god I was clear that was not an option for me anymore and that I had an alternative in Ayurveda. And guess what… since then I’ve been feeling even more INCREDIBLE. No pain, no suffering… healthy and whole at all levels of my being.
Our journey through anything in life is not usually a straight line. When we hit bumps in the road it may be tempting to slap on the quick fix, but it can be quite costly in the long run.
While it may be tempting to take the quick fix, it can be quite costly in the long run.
It’s easy to gravitate towards the quick fix… alcohol/drugs, fad diets, wellness hacks, get rich quick schemes, the soul sucking job, miracle pills… whatever it may be. Yet there are no short cuts in life. While it may solve your problem in the short run, the costs are often far greater. Even if those costs feel small at first, they compound over time. Sooner or later you’ll find yourself back further than where you were when you initially started.
While taking the longer term approach and treating the root cause may often be more challenging at the onset, the dividends it pays down the line are far greater.
Next time you’re tempted to take the quick fix, ask yourself what are the costs?
And remember, our power comes from knowing ourselves, listening to ourselves, and doubling down on that when challenges arise.
Invitations for Reflection
Where in my life am I currently leaning on quick fixes vs addressing the root cause?
What are the disadvantages of leaning on this quick fix? What are the potential long-term implications?
What's one step I could take towards addressing the root cause?
Who can lean on for support (or reach out to) to help me address the root cause?
Reflections in the comments are oh so welcome xx
with love,
Comments