MY TOOLS

We know very well, no two bodies are the same, even being a twin. My sister developed asthma and I did not. Our bodies are so magnificent and miraculous. Yet they are fragile and unpredictable. What works for one person doesn't work for the other. What we need is to be aware of the infinite solutions that exist and the variety of approaches to health and well-being. Throughout my personal journey, I encountered plenty of error in my healing strategies. Some of them were self-induced, most others were guided by a professional. What I experienced was either a Western way or an Eastern way. Both so full of wisdom and knowledge, both full of hypothesis and truths. What I opted doing was a combination of the two. My first medicine was based on the ancient "Latin healing", full of herbal teas, and soul warming chicken soups. The natural healing remedies and homeopathic medicines prevalent throughout my childhood. However, so were the antibiotics and vaccines. We believed that the truth was somewhere hidden between those chamomile flowers in my tea. As a Mom, I applied that knowledge and started to develop respect for my intuition. I was carrying the weight on my shoulders for the healing of my two children. I read, and researched like crazy. I asked my friends for opinions and formed my own. It was in this strenuous journey that I found truth. The truth for me is that not one single thing works alone to heal. There is a combination of things to pay into consideration. The integrative approach. I love this concept! It makes so much sense. So now, I will share with you my questions so you can do the same. To become, like me, your own advocate and also one for your loved ones.


The bandaids.

During the pandemic, I was under so much stress I wanted to find some sort of numbing agent for my distress and anguish. I found wine, I wasn’t consuming my regular nice glass of wine with dinner or while cooking that I so much enjoy (and don’t condone, but enjoy) and found myself pouring one more glass. It became a very efficient numbing agent. Only to find myself sluggish and a bit sad the following day. I noticed it wasn’t my best remedy. I needed to find a better way to cope with things. For me, creativity has always been a healer. Since I was young drawing my pain was an escape that healed like nothing else. So I went back to my roots, and remember that creating was my biggest tool. I have been creating for the business that I own with my twin sister and it has been both a refuge and my healer in times of need.

I still enjoy wine, with moderation, and when the nights get long with my friends, I remember how much I was longing for company during those COVID days, and I celebrate with them with joy.

We all have different coping mechanisms, and some could be very beneficial but some could be dangerous.
Having control of our lives could become a very obsessive and compulsive way of living. Perfectionism is exhausting. The result may seem productive and organized, with very clear goals and results. But what happens when what you know is taken away from you. Let’s go back to the pandemic era. All you are left with are intangibles. Jobs, come and go, people come and go. What remains is us. If we are still on this planet. We have the option of adjusting our approach to a flexible one because, let’s face it, if it is not flexible, it is going to break. Adaptation is what we do best!!! And those who survive are those who will take things on a lighter note. The simpler note. The complex is rigid, it has many rules, and many limitations. The simpler approach can move to different directions and is willing to change.
Being flexible allows us to be open to learning about things we don’t know or haven’t experienced. Being flexible lets us be open to receive help and advice and support. Because, after all, we are not alone.

I grew up thinking I was capable of everything and anything. Just like the women before me, my mother and grandmother. My ancestral lineage of strong bad-ass women. All of them walking in different shoes. Paving my path today. I grew up challenging myself on a daily basis, becoming my own superhero and ready to save the world. Little did I know that my strength wasn’t physical, or in my words. It was in my heart all along. I had to be humbled a few times, and I am still learning that asking for help doesn’t mean I am weak or dumb or fragile. I am learning to rely on others. I am learning to trust. One of my biggest teachers, my husband, the man that has been supporting my dreams with his 6’4” being, and holding my hand when I fall. I let him help me, I finally let myself. I am leaning on my sister and my brother's shoulder to cry when I need to instead of swallowing my tears. I am learning to say sorry, and I am still struggling to admit when I am wrong. I will probably never admit how old I am because that for me is irrelevant, I am my grandmother’s granddaughter, after all - one of my Queens. I encourage you to let yourself be vulnerable. Let yourself get help. It is a humbling act of self-love. It is not a weakness.

I hope I honor my women's sacrifice, I hope that I honor my biggest warrior of all times, my resilient mother. The one that helps so much and still, after so much pain endured, knows how to love and laugh. I hope I never take for granted what they had to give up for me. I am aware that for both my son and my daughter, at times, I have failed. But I am remembering my women’s shortcomings and if I can forgive them I should do the same for me. I am in awe with my biggest achievements, my children. My beautiful boy, who brings sunshine to my life and admiration. My beautiful daughter that has shown me that resiliency is a word in our vocabulary. Whose existence brought meaning to mine. What a life, I say to myself. What a life. And there is so much more coming.

For now I am practicing gratitude in my empty nest. Walking through the quiet corners that were once filled with little screams and laughter. With Legos and Calico Critters. How blessed to have a clean house now. How blessed for these days with peace and quiet. Knowing that life is an ebb and flow. Knowing that I can find the peace I need within me. My most valuable tool. My peace. Supported forever by a higher power. My own spirituality that resides in me. Whatever comes my way I know I can. I will surrender to my destiny. I will embrace change. I am a firm believer though that gratitude, on a daily basis has been transforming past pain into blessings. I am manifesting on a conscious level the happiness I deserve. And as I once read in a little sign on the beach: 'This is the best place I need to be. Now.'