Let’s talk about stress baby, let’s talk about you and me, let’s talk about all the chaos and mass destruction that can be!
Stress – what a fickle beast. An unwanted wave of tension that stakes claim over our entire being if we let it. But what’s the big deal? Our bodies were built to endure stress as a survival method right? As with all things in life, our bodies can only handle stress in limited quantities, like when we’re being chased by a bear or waiting in line for sold out Justin Beiber tickets.
It’s only when this tension builds to a point of chronic daily disruption that things go awry, the scary part is most of us don’t even know we’re stressed until it’s too late. Stress is a silent killer if left unnoticed, and I encourage each of you reading this to evaluate your stress levels. If you’re unsure of what this might feel like do some reading. It took me over three years to realize I was living in a hyper-stressed state.
Brace yourselves, things are about to get slightly personal.
In Jan 2014 I lost my period. In all honesty I didn’t think much of it and I felt fine. After months of ignoring it, I went to a doctor. One doctor led to five, all of them trying to give me a magic pill to jump start the red sea of life. “Nahh man I want to know why I lost this, not put a bandaid on the problem.” I hopped from doctor to doctor trying to get an answer. All the while the underlying stress was building.
After all these doctors, zero answers, and a change in position at work (that I never really wanted) my stress levels were so high that I was having physical reactions. Rashes on my skin, inflammation, anxiety, food intolerance’s, all of which I thought were solely related to what I was eating. To an extent this was true, but in hindsight I now know it was stress that started it. I then went to see a naturopath hoping his naturalistic mindset would align with mine, but when he prescribed me a “seed rotation” (where he had me eating specific seeds to follow the moon) I pulled the plug.
I confess I followed his moon dance ritual for two weeks before calling it quits. I believe in the pulls of the moon, and the universe, but this was where I drew the line. He also told me to start eating animal products and run less. I was desperate to know what was going on, so I obliged. Then shit really hit the fan. The mental stress of eating a way I didn’t feel right about sent me into a spiral that resulted in a year and half long eating disorder, something I’ve only recently gained a grasp on.
I don’t feel any shame about this, it’s life and it opened my eyes to some destructive thoughts and behaviors.
The final straw this past October after seeing both a GI doctor and a Rheumatologist (putting my doctor tally at seven) was the diagnosis of an autoimmune disorder – one year and a handful of months after obsessing about what was wrong with me. I went from healthy and vibrant, to mentally and physically broken. Despite the wild ride I know this was a valuable time in my life. Without these moments of darkness we cannot truly know the light. Each dark path looks different for all, and this just happened to be mine.
Protip: Eating a whole foods, plant based diet almost always prevents whatever ails you.
Truth be told, if I follow this complex line all the way back to the beginning it tells me a story. A story of a girl that was letting small things get to her. The stress of running, the stress of being a perfectionist, the stress of “what am I going to do with my life,” the stress of an educational path I didn’t truly want, and ultimately the residual stress of a tumultuous relationship. The universe has a powerful way of slapping us in the face until we get it. Keep playing a broken record time and time again and you’ll get the same annoying loop, but change the record for a new one and you’ll hear a new song.
Change your path and you’ll get a new result.
It’s my three year anniversary of losing my period, and I’m back where I started. I’m back in a state of calm, and trusting that my body will balance itself out with a little help from me. (I had two normal slaps from aunt flo last year, one in September and one in December. So..things are happening.) The outside voices only caused more chaos in my body. Do I think that this kind of hormonal imbalance is normal? No. What I do think is that our bodies are amazing and will tell us when something is wrong. For me, stress has caused a whole heap of trouble and it’s time I focus on fixing this, my way. No magic pills.
Disclaimer: I’ve had many, MANY tests run to ensure I’m not dying or void of any vital nutrients. My body is 100% healthy on paper, which made this all the more of a mystery, and all the more obvious that my body was trying to tell me something. I also tried it their way – I gained the weight, I ate the meat, I quit the running, but still no resolution. It wasn’t my diet or my running, but rather my attitude towards them and life in general. #stresslife.
Along with adding more stress relieving activities to my life (yoga, walking, sitting in a coffee shop typing on my compute as I am now, making meals in the kitchen) the most important activities are the ones I need to remove. I’ve decided it’s time for me to stop running. Not completely, and not forever, but until I no longer dread the idea of it. A few posts ago I declared I was going to be training for my seventh half marathon. This was yet another attempt for me to get on track with exercise when in reality I don’t enjoy running anymore (unless it’s under 4 miles.) A 5k is still an accomplishment, it’s taken me years to accept this.
Protip: Take a piece of wood, paint it, add hooks and you’ve got a cheap way to showcase your medals.
There are so many other activities I would rather do, and I let running dictate my life for a long time, to the point of skipping out on these other activities because I “had to run.” Eventually I skipped out on exercise all together because I let my mind takeover. When you no longer want to do something and feel as though you have to do it, eventually everything will crumble. I’m so proud of my running accomplishments, and a solid 2-3 mile run still brings me joy, but anything more causes more stress than relief.
Exercise is supposed to be an outlet for stress, not a cause.
Self sabotage and overthinking what I’m doing with my life has been a struggle of mine for years. Self acceptance and confidence is my biggest point of focus right now. Confidence in my choices, and in how I present myself. I preach about doing what you love, yet haven’t followed my own advice. I’ve had a lot of revelations the past year, and plan to make some solid changes this year. Finishing college is my main focus, and once that’s done I’ll do whatever I want. I live a minimalist life already and I don’t need a lot to get by.
Protip: “Need” less things. This…is my wallet. A few months ago my wallet was stolen and I never bought a new one. I love how simple this rubber band cluster of cards fits into a small cloth bag.
Surrounding myself with people that support my choices in life, lift me up, and encourage me to be myself are key. I will come in contact with people that try to make me feel like less than them because of what I do for work, or how I choose to spend my time, but the beauty of being happy with your life is that these people don’t affect you. The truth is these people are the ones that are suffering on the inside.
The stress in my life helped catalyze a very negative mind space for longer than I would like to admit. This led to a poor attitude, of which I’m not proud, but I’m also not ashamed. I suppose you could say in this time I went full blown human, faults and all. If my attitude and negative head space could have taken on a physical persona I would say it looked an awful lot like Charlize Theron in the movie “Monster.” Not cute.
I’m not one for new years resolutions, and I didn’t want this post to be like one, but this has been on my mind and on my heart for months. Having these thoughts is one thing, but allowing yourself to submit to them is harder than it seems sometimes. It’s taken me a while to form my thoughts into coherent words, and the words can’t hold a flame to the magnitude of how I feel on the inside. This is a brief view into my world and putting fingers to keyboard means I’ve found my way out of the murky waters and am ready to talk about it.
I am thankful for the clarity, and living my truth is my resolution. My resolution for life.
Protip: Ride your bike. It’s an excellent stress relief.
I’m still experiencing umbrella symptoms that accompany an autoimmune disorder. The top offenders for me are chronic fatigue, inflammation, painfully dry eyes, an overall feeling of “unwell” (some days), and I struggle eating grains, sugars and drinking coffee in certain amounts. I have to be diligent with the intake of some of my favorite foods (as we all should.) My focus is putting these symptoms into remission and I’m already heaps and bounds better than I was in October. Baby steps will help me find my way back to where I was. I’m thankful my condition isn’t nearly as severe as others, but an eyeopener nonetheless.
If you’ve stuck with me through this post I commend you. It’s been a doozie to write and I’ve breached the 2050 word mark. It took me many months and even more drafts to finally hit publish, not because I was embarrassed, shameful, or worried what others thought, but simply because I didn’t quite have the right formation of thoughts. Sharing my thoughts is a therapeutic purge for me, and emphasizes my progress in life. The best part of this entire journey is that the solution can be simple, it just took a change in perspective, and some time for me to realize it.
I want to end this post by challenging you to take a look at your life. Are you living your truth? Do you do things based on how others think and feel, or are you unapologetically living in a way that makes you happy? These are hard questions to answer and even harder to ask ourselves. We only get one shot on this earth and too many of us make it to the end of life with a bucket of regret. I want my bucket to be filled with joy, adventures, and more importantly with pride. Pride in anything that I do (except things that are immoral or illegal of course), regardless of how I am perceived.
Protip: Care less what others think.
There’s so much more I want to say, but I’ll end it here. I’ve written a handful of similar posts this last year, but I plan for this to be the last “ah-ha moment” post for quite some time. Gaining control of my thoughts means more adventure and upbeat posts to come. Control your thoughts, control your life. Happy 2017 to all of us that have made it this far, new year resolutions aside it’s time to start living your truth. What are you waiting for?
How do you manage stress? I ask that you honor my thoughts and opinions should you choose to share your own. My approach and views may be different from yours when it comes to what is and is not healthy, but that’s what makes us each unique. 🙂 Thanks for reading. ❤
Blissfulbritt 
85 thoughts on “2017: Setting a Stress Free Tone”
darwinontherocks
Stress can do incredible things to our body, this is unbelievable. When we realise that we may affected, it’s almost too late. It takes months to get better. It’s important to live a life that makes you happy and not a life that would make the other happy. Thank you for sharing this post, good luck with your baby steps in 2017 and I hope you will enjoy running again, at one point, if not, it does not matter ! Happy New year !
Brittany
Thank you for this comment, it was so great and insightful. 2017 will be a GRAND year. 🙂
millerle77
Always, Always, Always, enjoy your posts. Your candidacy is refreshing and therapeutic! My sister was diagnosed with Lupus a few years back and she inspires me not to take my health for granted.
Thank you for your coherent words and bringing them to life. Being authentic to oneself always makes one whole again.
Brittany
Thank you so much for the kind comment. Sending love to you and your sister!
Anthony
I salute your honesty and I hope for the best for you in 2017.
Brittany
Thank you! It’s going to be a great year. 🙂
Melissa Widmaier
Thank you for sharing this. I’ve had similar experiences with stress–panic attacks and all! It really does hold us back in so many ways. I wish you all the best (and a giant bucket full of happiness). Now, I’m going to go do something true to myself: write. 🙂 Happy New Year!
Brittany
Writing is a GREAT outlet, precisely why it felt so good to publish this post!! Thank you for reading. 🙂
rootchopper
Great post. Thank you for writing it. I ran into the stress wall two years ago. It didn’t make me physically ill but I’ve seen it happen in other people. Not pretty. My stresszilla produced depression. After seven months and a multipronged attack (vitamin D, aggressive – for introverted me, anyway – socializing, meditation) I was still struggling. Then a long talk with a near stranger (I call this person Klarence) finally got through to me: Let it go. Move on. Fuck it. (Actually, “it” was a person who was adding needlessly to my stress.) You can care too much about things you can’t control. You can try to achieve too hard. Just back off. Be. Make time for yourself. Love this life. It’s the only one you got! Massive hugs to you.
Brittany
Thank YOU for sharing, and thank you for reading. We all have our own paths and I think a lot of us are more similar than we realize. The beauty of being human. 🙂
kathy @ more coffee, less talky
thank you for opening up and sharing your story. stress is one doozy on your body and i aim to live a stress free live. the benefits of being an old hag (i’m 41) is that you learn what’s important (life, health, happiness) and the rest is just noise. i’m glad that you’re finding your path towards a live of simplicity and happiness and eliminating things (temporarily) that no longer bring you joy.
just a suggestion — i do acupuncture to regulate my hormones and keep me balanced. it’s amazing and is great for overall health and balance.
Brittany
Learning what’s important is HUUGEE! I’m so happy to be living that out. I will have to look into acupuncture, I’ve been wanting to for a while! Thanks for the suggestion.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
I’m so proud of you for sharing this. You are 100% correct in having nothing to be ashamed of, and I’d be willing to bet pretty much everyone has stress in their lives. Learning how to manage it and make changes for the better versus just wading through is huge and hard and I’m so happy you’re doing it anyway. Love you.
Brittany
Aww, shucks. Thanks boo boo. Felt good to hit publish. 🙂
John Kraft
First of all: I wish you happiness and health. The two go together.
Stress can be a mean bastard. At age 30 I was on a gurney in the ER with chest pains from stress. Today I am 70 and my doctor thinks I’m doing great.
The older I get more and more becomes less and less important. I write. I love my wife and I laugh.
If I die tomorrow or if I live to be 100 it is no big deal. I tell my stories and enjoy my coffee. Stress be damned.
Smile and feel the sun on your face.
Brittany
I couldn’t agree more with your mindset, thank you for sharing! 🙂
pausesandclicks
Good luck to you, Brittany, as you follow your new path! I, too, used to be a runner and always stressed about when I was going to run, how long, always feeling like I had to go longer, faster, etc. but never really and truly loving it but always sort of dreading it while I was getting ready. Today I’m a dedicated walker and I love it. Not to mention I love the stress it took out of my life. Just before I read this post I hit the button to post my latest blog post, coincidentally it’s all about resilience. I hope you find yours and enjoy doing it! My best to you, my friend in the blogger world!
Brittany
Your journey sounds an awful lot like mine! I totally understand what you are saying. I’m off to read your post now! 🙂
pickyrunner
Wow. Thank you so so much for sharing. Since I don’t blog anymore I obviously don’t comment much, but this post brought me out of hiding.
I always forget how damaging stress can be on the body. I live a very high stress lifestyle. I put so much unnecessary pressure on myself to do all the things, and do each thing well. My mom actually did develop an autoimmune disorder (Addison’s disease- not fun, very dangerous if left untreated) as a result of putting stress on her body and through her career. Since her diagnosis, she gave up running, took a less stressful job, and looks at life entirely differently. Since making the changes (and taking medicine), her blood work has never come back healthier.
Reading this post really resonated with me. I know I have a much higher chance of causing my own autoimmune disorder thanks to genetics and a very high-strung personality, so it’s extra important to be mindful.
I think it’s easy to look at running as a stress-reliever at times, but when it becomes a stress point, it’s time to let go. I’ve finally reached a point where I don’t *need* to run all the time or all the miles, but I have a long way to go on actually letting myself rest, because the chronic fatigue I deal with just never goes away.
Anyways, the point of the longest comment ever is that I really appreciate your honesty and I hope you continue to feel better now that you’ve figured out what’s going on with your body.
Brittany
Girrrl I always love when you come out of hiding. Thank you for sharing your moms story, I am sending love her way. I don’t think I will ever need medication, and with proper diet (harder said than done for me at times HA!) my symptoms are easy to manage.
Always a good reminder to stop and smell the roses, so next time you’re out on a run appreciate the beauty around you. Thanks for commenting! ❤
helbergfarmstories
No questions just a bit of “old sage” advice (from one who was a stress eater turned into a nervous breakdown)…this is from my experience 1) Change what you can (the easy one), 2) Accept the things you cannot change/control (getting harder) 3) LET GO! The last was my hardest. I have written personal journals since I was in high school. Attempted suicide over a stupid guy I liked that hurt me real bad (and laughed about it – jerk). My Shrink told me I keep too many things inside cuz I am a control freak (she was right – still I am some what). The journal became my life saver. I could write it down on paper thereby letting it out of my head. If I really needed to remember, then just flip back to that page – took a huge load off. Then, just 2-1/2 years ago we had a house fire – took every thing along with my 4 yr old grandson and my journals. Depression, devastation, fear, anger you name it – I felt it. Oh and during the rebuild of our lives I had to have 6 major joint surgeries (found out I have osteoarthritis, oh well)…most of this mess happened within a 12 month period.
I finally figured out something. I was working in our gardens early summer 2015 and I took a moment to watch a butterfly. Nothing special, just took a moment to look at it. I thought, isn’t it funny how life will go on no matter what happens to any of us? I ended up sitting there pondering the little things in life and I found myself at peace – it was the weirdest thing. I was finally able to internally understand that there is a ton of things that I can control without stressing over them, but that there are other things that I cannot control and I needed to just let go. Found myself crying, but not in sadness – it was relief.
So, my share with you is exercise is good – but not if it makes you stress over it. Goals are great – but only if they give you a true feeling of accomplishment (I know people that set them then get all bent if they don’t reach them – wrong!). Life should be enjoyed – every precious moment of it.
So – be you, but be content being you. Relax there is always another day. Pick stair-step goals…you know, the kind that will help you work up to that huge one you have dreamed of reaching. From one stress freak (used to be) to another – breathe in deep, step back, let it out slow and think hard about where you are in that exact moment. Then ask yourself – are you happy or does doing this make you happy? If yes – then charge full speed ahead into it! Enjoy!!
(sorry I got so long but I was you about 35 years ago..please do not wait and take as long as I did to stop and enjoy what really matters!)
Brittany
Wow, just wow. This comment is so thorough and raw, thank you so much for sharing your experience and opening up about your own struggles with stress. I will absolutely take this advice and run with it. I’m already doing so much better, I’m thankful it only took a few years to realize I was letting too many little things affect me. Life is much too short, thank you!
Becca
GIRL. This post is spot on in so many ways; every 2050+ word of it. So many things I want to type. But “Yes” and “Thank you” and “Preach” all seem to pretty much sum it up. 🙂 ❤
Brittany
HAA, love this comment. Your words are perfect! Thank you. 🙂
Becca
Not going to lie it inspired me to start writing a post I’ve been on the fence about writing, (is that weird to admit? Oh well, just did. Lol) so double thank you!!
Brittany
NO! I love that, THANK YOU for sharing that with me. ❤
Kajsa's and Cecilia's world.
I am happy more and more people talk and write about stress and things like that. I write about my depression and anxiety sometimes and it needs to be dealt with. Many of those that suffer from mental disorders, whatever it may be, are ashamed of it. It’s nothing to be ashamed off!
I know all too well what you mean when you write about doctors. I laughed though when I read about the moon doctor because I have thought about seeing an alternative doctor like that.
Brittany
YES, there is nothing to be ashamed of at all, so many of us struggle with similar things in life. It’s those of us that can bond together that come out on top. Shameless and hopefully stress free. 🙂 I do think naturopaths have some credibility, but that was just too much ahaa.
Jessica @ Fit Talker
I know it’s so cliche, but the whole phrase of “you do you” really rings true.
Thanks for sharing this post and for your honesty. I have no doubt that 2017 is going to be a wonderful year for you!
I’ve been stressed in a few different areas for quite some time now and am going to try to take this post as a reminder to fix that. So thanks! 🙂
Brittany
“You do you.” LOVE it. So true, and once we realize that life opens up. YAHOO! Thank you. 🙂
Rach @ This Italian Family
Stress really can wreck havoc on our bodies! I’m so glad you are getting to the root of the issues. Seeing multiple doctors and trying multiple remedies is so exhausting. You are a champ for putting up with it. I’m so glad you have some answers and that you have even seen aunt flo twice now (hooray!). I hope 2017 is full of stress free moments for you, friend!
Brittany
Oh man, the doctor adventure was awful. It was mainly for my parents peace of mind, but I really wanted nothing to do with it all! HA.
simranthewanderess
Hi Brittany,
Thank you for such an honest post. It’s brave to share personal stories in such detail. And I can relate. Wishing you good recovery and a wonderful 2017! 🙂
Simran
Brittany
Thank you so much, and thank you for reading. 🙂
Ellie
Woah. These words, all 2050 of them are so emotionally raw. I haven’t had a period in a while and have started working with a sports nutritionist, both for my running and to find some way to get it back. I don’t feel bad, and know that it sometimes doesn’t happen for people, but it is something I am mindful of.
You and I have a lot in common in our jobs and life and I know what you mean about stress. If running isn’t your thing, don’t do it. Hiking seems to be what you love, so why stop that? Biking gives you purpose, do that. Whatever makes you happy to be moving your body is a beautiful thing ❤
Brittany
I truly believe some women loose them, and that’s ok. If we’ve had the tests that indicate nothing is immediately wrong then I am ok with accepting this is where my body wants to be right now. Stressing about it only caused more problems. So yes, being aware that sometimes it just happens while being mindful of it is great! I love hiking, it’s harder in the winter because I don’t have a winter mountain car, and going solo gets old and scary sometimes. I need to find good hiking partners lol!
Bradley on the Run
Thanks for sharing. Less stress is a good thing. Onward! 🙂
Brittany
Amen, onward! 🙂
Amy
SO proud of you for publishing this Brittany!! I know how hard the past few years have been on you (right there on this crazy train with you!). Just this morning, I had that seed in my brain asking, “Is this entirely from stress?” As well ask, “Is it possible to be addicted to doubts and fear and worry? Or is that just the semi-constant mental state that I’ve allowed to enter my brain?” Either way, I really do think you’re onto something with stress = all of our shared troubles, and I’m trying to take the steps to alleviate that (and the perfectionism). Hit me up if you ever want to talk about any of it! 😘
Brittany
Thank you x 20473. You were already with me on a lot of this journey, some of it I might not have shared, but some I wasn’t even aware of yet. Your realization of “is that just the semi constant mental state I’ve entered” is HUGE. That’s one of the biggest offenders IMO, when we just think our state of living is normal so we don’t know any better! You work hard, treat yourself to some relaxation.
Amy
Thanks sweetie!! I’m totally trying to relax more… I’ve been working on a huge jigsaw puzzle with my mom a lot since New Year’s Eve, and I’ve been letting myself get more sleep. I want to work on the meditation thing next — I think that’s going to be instrumental in getting back to where I/we was/were. 2017 is our year — I can just feel it!!!
wanderwolf
Thanks for posting! A lot of honesty here that encourages me to look more honestly at my own life. I hope getting it out is useful for you, and that 2017 brings a year’s when you can benefit from these changes.
Also, props to you for telling the doctor and his magic pill to FO… and going after the source of the problem.
Have a great January!
Brittany
It was great to hit publish on this. 2017 is already off to a great start.
mmpalepale
Thanks for this post! I really needed this at a time when I’ve been letting little things stress me out and it’s been leading to bigger, unnecessary arguments in my personal life. Realize the priorities, change the perspective, and stress less. Again, thanks for the inspiration!
Brittany
Those arguments can lead to so much devastation (I’ve had them myself!) and finding better ways to cope is huge! Life’s too short right!? Sending you hugs.
Angie
Thanks for sharing. I wish you all the best. Health can be a tricky thing to deal with for some of us, and stress definitely doesn’t make things better. I think everyone struggles with it to some extent or another. I deal with stress by adjusting my attitude. I tend to have a positive and optimistic outlook and just go with the flow. I’m not saying I don’t flip out sometimes, but I generally just deal with it and let it go. This works and I really don’t have that much stress in my life. Things happen and we just have to take it for what it is and it’s up to you on how you want to better that situation. I think it’s better to act on it and look forward to a positive outcome instead of focusing on the bad and dwelling on it. Nevertheless, I wish I was in Seattle so we could chat in person! I’d love to help take some of that stress away for you. 🙂
Brittany
Thank you! Im already is such a better mental space with this simple realization and putting relaxation techniques into practice. Attitude adjustments are huge, I’m glad you mentioned that, it’s a good constant reminder!
Angie
Glad to hear it. Relaxation is key. I’m a huge fan of it!
Atheria
Yep, stress is the cause of MANY health issues. I have dealt with exercise routines that actually cause stress (and running IS a major cause of lost periods) where if I didn’t go to gym every day or whatever, I obsessed and worried about it. If you have an autoimmune issue, I hope you are still off gluten. You may need to check for other food intolerances too. My too limited vegan diet was also causing stress so now I’m much happier back on a well rounded vegan diet. I just found this guy and he’s awesome! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v90C6QK-cnk His addiction is tahini, though, as opposed to peanut butter. LOL
Brittany
Hahaha I monitor my gluten, but not 100% off of it. I know it’s advised for autoimmune problems, so I monitor my intake. Right now my focus is healing the disordered eating, so I can’t restrict too much or I binge. It’s a slow process, but it’s working for now. I’m so glad you’ve found some balance with your eating. I’ll give tahini a shot, but I love me my peanut butter! 😝
Atheria
You have always seemed like the LEAST likely food disordered person. I have a history. I was attacked/mugged today and lost ALL my ID, all my access to money, and put up a fight so I’m injured! I am despondent!
Brittany
Oh my goodness!! I am so sorry, I hope you’re not too injured and were able to cancel your cards asap. Sending you love. ❤
Atheria
He got my license, SS card, passport, all access to money….a cop had to give me gas money. And I’m in severe pain. I’m so tired of nonstop hell!
Brittany
Ugh. Sending love and prayers your way. ❤
Atheria
Thank you, Brittany….
fionajarrett
I loved this post Brittany, not about your stress but just how well you articulated it all. I’ve had similar issues in the last yr going around all the doctors (albeit for diff reasons) and it really is enough to make you crazy. With so many big changes -work, running, health, it can be very disruptive to your identity & life balance. Then, just like you say, you have other people constantly commenting & adding pressure about what they think you should be doing which is plain exhausting! As ever, you’re like my life coach on here 😉 …thanks for reassurance 🙂
Brittany
Oh girl, this comment made me smile. Thank you! We’re all in much similar boats than we realize at times. ❤
stateeats
Hi Britt – this is such a heartfelt post that I know must have been difficult to write.You go girl. I hope your 2017 continues to bring you joy and peace and the wisdom to know when to drop the stuff that is making you crazy. -Kat
Brittany
Thank you! I think this will be a great year! Felt good to publish this one.
P
Thanks for opening up and being so brave to share something so personal ❤
It's so interesting how the body can be so sensitive to physical, mental, and emotional stress that it affects biological processes with such immediacy! I lost my period when I was significantly underweight. It would come and go intermittently, but no more than twice a year…once I got to a healthier weight, it came back on a regular cycle.
I can't imagine how frustrating it must be to try to find a doctor or health practitioner who knows what they are talking about!!
Brittany
Thanks for reading and sharing your experience! . ❤❤
Brittany
Also, thought of you today. Walked by Plum bistro in Seattle! 🤗
Sophie33
A great post & very inspiring too! Happy 2017! xxx
Brittany
Thank you friend, happy 2017 to you as well! ❤
An Unrefined Vegan
Oh, hon. Stress blows. I’m so sorry your body and mind have been suffering. I hope that sharing this with all of us helped. I KNOW writing it down helped. I’d share some pearls of wisdom if I handled my own stress well, but know that I think you’re a beautiful, amazing woman. I’m certain the life of your dreams will become a reality.
Brittany
I wrote a similar post many times and never published, all of which was so helpful. I’m thankful for this space to grow and share my joys and struggles equally! I’m already feeling so much calmer and I know what needs to be done to progress! Thank you for all your love. ❤
Allie Zottola
I love your last protip so much. YES.
Thank you for sharing everything, Brittany. Seriously. It takes a lot of courage to share your truth and your life, but I feel like you help so. many. people. with your honesty <3. Keep it up!
Brittany
This comment made me smile, thank you! It always feels good to hit publish on these types of posts! ❤
Angela
YOU. ARE. AWESOME!
Brittany
Daaawww, thank you friend. You are too!
Christine @ Swallows from my Kitchen Window
Wow, this post is timely! I pretty much do the “right thing” with my body 99% of the time, eating healthy, exercising, being mindful to not get overwhelmed by life, but still… I keep having all these oddities happening in my body. In my quest to figure it out, I never considered it might actually be full-blown stress. I thought I was doing the anti-stress thing by all of the above, but this post has opened my eyes. Thank you! I’m glad you hit publish!
Brittany
Stress is so good at hiding! I hope you find whatever is providing problems for you!
Heather
I love your open honest posts and I love this blogging community. Through sharing your hard times and asking us to look at our own stress, it ends up helping us! I care about what people think a bit too much and Todd often reminds me that it doesn’t matter- and he’s write. Who cares? If you don’t like the way I do this or that, then fine. Stress SUCKS and is hard to dissolve, but I know you can do it and seems like you are already on the way. As for the running, girl, 5ks are just an accomplishment. I’d rather read about an awesome 2 miler you did (where you found $50 on the ground 😉 ) than a sucky 10 miler you had. You do you!!!
Brittany
Ohhh girrrrl, you know how to make me feel good about running 2miles. Now I will be on the lookout for $50, and you will be the FIRST TO HEAR of it! Thank you for the love and the comment, to hell with all the others thoughts!
Ellen & Seth
Such an inspiring post! I hope things are looking up for you and 2017 has started well! Stress is so hard – I’ve been there this past year, too, though mine manifests differently. So thanks for sharing this!
Don’t want to add to your stress, so feel free not to accept, but I’ve nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger Award if you’re interested. Details here: http://gonefloatabout.com/2017/01/16/sunshine-blogger-award/ Be fun to read your responses if you decide to do it, but no worries if not!
All the best,
Ellen
Brittany
Thank you! For the comment and the award, so kind of you!
Rachael @ Catch Me If You Can
I always love reading your posts that are honest and open. We dont have the same views on everything but i think “live your truth” is universal and something we all struggle with. Im not surprised we wont be running a half marathon anytime soon, you seem much more of a hiker to me. if i ever make it to seattle i hope you can take me on one of your amazing hikes!
Im so sorry you have been going through so much physical mess! I know stress does crazy things to my body but never as severe as that. you will come out on the other side of thishealthier stronger and wiser!
Brittany
Thank you friend! I would love to take you into the mountains! It would be a blast.
dave379
I love that you shared this, and speaking of stress, reading the power and possibility all throughout it made me smile and also feel a peaceful sense of calm (except a little at the part where you challenged us to ask the questions and look at ourselves…I know I’m on my journey too). Thanks so much for sharing. It makes me think I should add more reading to the how I manage stress list. Movement is also key for me, be it on bike or foot, and also music and creating.
Brittany
I love this comment, thank you. 🙏🏻
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ecardinate
Sorry I’m a bit late here, but I just discovered your blog and came across this post, and WOW is all I can say! Thank-you so much for sharing with such integrity and honesty; it is so inspiring. What you wrote about living unashamed and unapologetically really spoke to me, as this is something I too find difficult. I’m going to write down your words as a permanent reminder, and I just want to thank-you so truly and deeply. I feel like this is a sign to begin living the life I should be living. I hope you have had a beautiful January so far xoxo
Brittany
Oh my, what a comment. Thank YOU for sharing that this helped you, I feel a pull to be so open and authentic for this very reason. And because it’s cathartic for me 😝 Life is too short not to live authentically right!? Cheers to a thriving 2017!
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