In a recent conversation about life, a young friend said “we make our own drama”. I was impacted by the truth and simplicity of this single statement. Just as we make our own drama, we also find our own peace. Last year, when visiting my family doctor for an annual exam, she was concerned about my elevated blood pressure and heart rate. Being extremely in touch with my own body, I was pretty convinced these were symptoms of White Coat Syndrome and/or perimenopause. Not quite as convinced, the doctor had me see a cardiologist. This did not trouble me, as the particular cardiologist I was going to see, was the same one who helped my husband out a few years ago and we are both extremely fond of him and impressed by him. My family doc did suggest I give up caffeine as I do enjoy too many cups of coffee each day. I knew this could only help and within 3 days of weaning, I was drinking pure decaf. My cardiology visits included some testing and at the end the doctor agreed with my self-diagnosis and assured me I was in fantastic physical shape.
The cardiologist’s assurance, the switch to decaf, the loss of 8 pounds, the addition of yoga to my fitness routine and perhaps the cycling out of perimenopause into menopause have all contributed to lowering my heart rate to normal, eliminating any palpitations, restoring my blood pressure to it’s usual low to normal range and bringing a general sense of peace and calm back into my life. In my heart I know many of the symptoms I was suffering from were related to the natural hormonal swings and adjustments going on in my body as well as the overindulgence in caffeine. Simple adjustments in my daily routine were all I needed to restore my well being.
Finding peace is within our own reach and available to everyone. Taking a moment or two to just breathe and clear the noise in our minds, watching children play, turning OFF the nightly news, rubbing our furry friends bellies and actually stopping to smell the roses, all are cost free and proven methods of stress reduction.
Just as we make our own drama, we find our own peace! Let me know what you do to help keep peace in your body, mind and soul. Namaste