New Balance

By: Gabriela Yareliz

Let’s call this the year of finding balance. Let’s. Or maybe, the year I learned that every year is a year of finding balance.

I am realizing (as naive as it may sound), that each year brings its own unique set of scales. Balance looks different as life continues to pass us by. Some years are more calm, uneventful and routine-filled than others; while other years are action-packed, filled with travel and an emotional roller coaster thrown in. Maybe, there is no “normal” year.

Also, take this from the woman who burst into tears this week because she couldn’t help it and had to sit in a chair getting her blood drawn for five minutes– our bodies are constantly changing. As we are aging, our bodies are adjusting and blossoming. They react differently to different things. My skin is different than it was five months ago; both hair and skin look better (praise God); my body is fuller and even the way I do my makeup is changing.

My doctor probably thinks I am insane. I was telling her today:

Me: “Is it normal to feel fuller, you know, like my bra feels too tight and–” (this was my second round in this discourse)

Doctor G: “It’s normal, my dear. That happens, so relax.” (In a sweet Russian accent)

Me: “But I have never felt that way…”

Doctor G: “It’s still normal.” *puts her hands on my shoulders* “My dear, your body is always changing, and that is okay. Now, if it’s something dramatic and abnormal in the skin or you feel significantly bad, then we need to talk. You are healthy and normal. I will give you my cell phone number in case you freak out later and need reassurance.”

I am not going to abuse my darling doctor’s number, but she is so sweet. Sometimes, people do sweet things that make all the difference. I am normal and healthy. And not only that, but I am changing. *gasp*

I guess there are periods of normalcy, but then, there are new normals we need to get used to.

In efforts to recalibrate my balance and scales, I am going to a stricter screening of what I am eating during the day between my homemade breakfasts and lunches (which are plant-based). Still, you’d be surprised how much refined stuff I sneak in (which later affects my hormones, my moods, my skin, and my digestive track).

I am going to be eating even more cleaner foods (especially watching my sugar and dairy intake); I am going to exercise more than the muscle toning I have been doing; and I am going to add some probiotics to my diet.

I think more than anything, I want to feel good. I am proud of the strides I have taken to gain weight and be faithful in my vitamin and supplement intake. Baby steps.

Why am I talking about something so personal, you may ask? Because, as I wrote about before, there is so much stuff people feel alone in because others don’t talk about it. Health and body topics, especially, seem to be taboos–

Have you noticed any changes in your body? Celebrate the good changes; let the bad changes guide your future choices. Take a minute and look at what is on your “scales.” What needs to be balanced? What is your new normal?

We are always changing. Medical and health stuff has always instilled a bit of fear into me. Life is sacred. Maybe, we are all a little bit afraid. And instead of being fearful, I want to take more control over some of the things I am not liking. I am going to control them with my diet and exercise.

[A snap from my most recent escapade to Eataly, Downtown Manhattan]

Because in the end, rather than eating or indulging a bit in things whose consequences drastically outweigh the delight (like cheese); I would rather just skip the torture, and replace it with something that makes me feel great, radiant, empowered and sexy.

I am finding my new balance.