Embracing My 52nd Year: A Journey of Rebirth and Transformation

Today, I celebrate my 52nd birthday—a milestone that feels like more than just another year. It feels like the beginning of a new chapter in my journey toward self-love, growth, and balance. As I enter this second chapter of my second book, life has presented me with challenges, most notably a recent diagnosis of vertigo, a condition that couldn’t have been more symbolic for this month’s theme: balance. In my birth month, the month of the scales, I’m learning even more about the importance of physical, emotional, and spiritual equilibrium.

The Significance of This Birthday

Turning 52 holds a deeper significance for me this year. Vertigo has given me a physical reminder of the importance of balance—something I’ve always sought in my personal and professional life, but now, I’m living it daily. Vertigo is a condition where you experience a spinning sensation or dizziness, often triggered by changes in head movement or standing up too quickly. It’s like feeling the world tilt beneath your feet, which can be disorienting, frustrating, and sometimes frightening. However, this diagnosis has taught me that just as I learn to find physical balance, I must also find balance within every area of my life—health, relationships, self-care, and growth.

Committing to the 75 Hard Program

This year, something kept calling me to take on the 75 Hard program by Andy Frisella—a mental and physical toughness challenge that spans 75 days. It’s more than just a fitness program; it’s a test of resilience, discipline, and transformation. Each day consists of two workouts, following a nutrition plan, drinking a gallon of water, reading 10 pages of non-fiction, and taking a progress photo. These habits align perfectly with my goals of pushing myself further and taking control of my health. On the 17th of this month, I’ll be starting the program, aiming not only for personal transformation but also to incorporate the lessons learned into my podcast, my coaching program, and my own journey of self-discovery.

Understanding Vertigo and Managing It

Vertigo is often caused by problems in the inner ear, which controls balance, but it can also be linked to other health conditions like migraines, head injuries, or infections. For me, this diagnosis brought a deeper understanding of how crucial balance is—not just physically, but in life as a whole. Managing vertigo often requires a combination of treatments and lifestyle adjustments. Here are a few steps I’ve learned that can help manage this condition:

1. Physical Therapy (Vestibular Rehab): This involves exercises that help your brain adjust to the signals from your inner ear and improve your balance.

2. Hydration: Staying well-hydrated can help reduce dizziness, especially when associated with migraines or dehydration.

3. Avoiding Triggers: Some activities, like quick head movements or standing up too fast, can worsen vertigo. Learning your triggers and modifying movement can help.

4. Stress Management: Stress can exacerbate vertigo symptoms. Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and mindful movement (yoga) can help reduce anxiety and stress.

5. Proper Rest: Ensuring you get enough rest helps your body recalibrate and recover.

These strategies are not just for managing vertigo; they’ve also become part of my daily practice for finding overall balance in my life.

Incorporating Lessons into The Season of Self Love

As I navigate this diagnosis and embark on the 75 Hard challenge, I’ve found that balance—both literal and metaphorical—will play a key role in this month’s series, The Act of Balancing Life. Expect to hear episodes exploring how to balance physical challenges like vertigo with emotional well-being. I’ll be sharing insights from my own experience, as well as inviting experts in health and wellness to discuss how we can all find balance in the face of adversity. Together, we’ll learn how to manage life’s spins and stay grounded.

Conclusion

This birthday, I’m committing to a journey of growth, resilience, and balance. As I begin the 75 Hard challenge, I’m excited to transform on a new level and bring you, my podcast listeners, along for the ride. Thank you for being a part of my journey. Let’s continue seeking balance, learning, and growing together.

I encourage you to reflect on what balance looks like in your life right now. Are you managing to stay centered, or are you feeling a little off-kilter? Join me in this journey, and let’s explore ways to find equilibrium in our lives. Tune in to The Season of Self Love for more discussions on this topic. Together, we can balance the scales.